Howdy Greenhorn!
Both SCJA and
SCJP are extremely highly regarded certifications in the industry.
Which one should you get? Why not set a long term goal to get both?
SCJA is a much broader look at Java and Java related technologies, probably very similar to your degree, where you were exposed to many technologies, but didn't necessarily know all of the nuts an bolts about any single one. So, you need to know some server stuff, some client stuff, some UML and a bit of Java for SCJA.
SCJP is very Java focussed. You need to know the language inside and out, and all of the little intricacies of the language. That's the hardest part of SCJP - just knowing all the little quirks that you might not be expecting. SCJA just tests you on your basic syntax knowledge - not really any questions that try to trip you up.
Best of luck! And keep posting!
-Cameron McKenzie