I've recently started University, studying Computing and IT. My Uni focuses on Java. My study will consist of mathematics, 'boring' IT related stuff and several Java units such as:
-Software development with Java,
-Object-oriented Java programming,
-Relational databases: theory and practice (using Java),
-Developing concurrent distributed systems (using Java),
-Software engineering with objects (using Java).

I'm trying to determine whenever I should focus on Java and self study it in my free time so that I can actually learn and become a competent Java programmer by the time I graduate, or, only do enough Java to get the degree but in my free time self study PHP and related web technologies.

Job market in my area appears to be balanced for the two, salary and availability wise. Regardless of which patch I'd take getting a job should not be a problem however Java does seem to pay almost insignificantly more.

In terms of my interest and career expectations, I don't have anything specific planned. I very much enjoy writing code but I don't really care what kind. So far I equally enjoyed writing C, AutoIT, vb.net, PHP and even Java. Basically, I'm happy as long as I get to type in code (be it low level programming or web back-end scripting).

So the question really is, would my Uni and their Java focus profit me should I choose PHP? Or should I buy what my university is selling and stick to Java like a fly sticks to poop...?

Apologies for cryptic writing, still learning English