career advice: Where?s the bottom?

Computer Science in the traditional sense has always meant programming and little to nothing with networking or operating systems. I don't know how much "networking" you will get from a CS degree considering it is designed to train developers, not systems admins or engineers, but if you are seriously considering doing networking and not programming, then you should spend the time and money on taking professional IT courses at a technical training center and prepare yourself for certification. You won't start making a big salary at first, even with a cert because you lack work experience, but it will open doors for you and give you the opportunity to learn and advance. If I were you, I would start as a PC tech or helpdesk person and work your way up to junior admin, then senior admin. It took me close to 10 years to achieve the level of senior engineer, so don't rush, learn all you can, and take things step by step. Also, it's not what you know, but who you know. Network with people and get yourself known to people in IT with the potential to help you in your career. We all started from nothing and were all helped by someone who gave us a hand.

Location means alot. If you're willing to relocate, then you have many more options. My son is graduating this year with a computer engineering degree. He has several companies flying him all over the country for interviews. But he hasn't gotten a single response from any company within 500 miles of home.