Do Computer Science Degrees Still Have Value?

The short answer? Yes. A computer science degree teaches you how computers work and how to design and code software to solve real-world problems. In your classes, you’ll learn practical skills like:

• Coding in different programming languages
• Writing algorithms for computer learning
• Managing computer and network systems 
• Designing websites and apps

What makes this major exciting today is the number of cutting-edge topics available to study, like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain. Most colleges let you focus on areas that interest you, whether you’re into robots, cybersecurity and digital forensics, or video game creation. Many college programs allow you to chart a course to gain the knowledge and experience you need for your target industry.

The skills you learn include more than technical knowledge. You’ll develop problem-solving and creative thinking abilities to help you approach challenges from multiple angles. With a computer science (CS) degree, you might become a software developer, data analyst, system designer, or database administrator. As technology evolves and remains an important part of our lives, understanding how it works gives you a significant advantage, regardless of your ultimate career path. 

But what about AI?

While artificial intelligence (AI) has become quite a disrupter in the STEM space, it won’t render CS careers obsolete. AI is becoming a powerful collaborative tool, with computer scientists using it to handle repetitive coding tasks while they design architectures, ensure data security, and find innovative solutions to difficult problems AI can’t solve alone.

AI programming assistants are impressive but still relatively new. They can sometimes produce code that looks correct at first glance but contains subtle logical errors or security vulnerabilities. These mistakes might only become apparent when a program crashes or customer data is compromised. 

A CS education teaches you how computers work at their core. You learn how to organize information efficiently using data structures like arrays, linked lists, and trees. Modern AI tools can generate basic code snippets, but they lack the deeper understanding human programmers develop through comprehensive education.

Companies rely on computer scientists to create reliable software to power everything from banking systems and healthcare networks to social media platforms and city infrastructure — and everything in between. The foundation you build prepares you to adapt to changing technologies throughout your career — not just to use today’s popular programming languages and tools. This long-term adaptability makes computer science graduates valuable employees who can grow with an organization as technology evolves.

Advantages of a BS in Computer Science

Earning a CS degree offers several benefits you might not get from taking a DIY approach to learning coding or programming.

Learning that makes sense

These degrees provide a carefully planned journey through technology concepts. College programs build your knowledge step-by-step, starting with basic programming before advancing to more complex ideas so you understand how everything connects. For example, you may learn the mathematical principles behind encryption before implementing security features in your code.  

Phenomenal resources at your fingertips

Universities invest in technology and research that most people can’t access alone. You may work with specialized equipment, computing clusters, or VR labs. You’ll also connect with professors who are leaders in their fields. These mentors can guide your learning and introduce you to research opportunities. Plus, many schools partner with tech companies that offer internships exclusively to their students, giving you real work experience before graduation.

Opening doors in your career

While skills matter most, having a degree often gets your foot in the door. Many tech companies use degree requirements as their first filter when reviewing job applications. Even if you’re incredibly talented, lacking that credential might disqualify you from consideration.

A CS degree shows employers you’ve gained industry knowledge, worked on team projects, met deadlines, and mastered difficult concepts. These skills become especially valuable when you apply to competitive positions or companies with thousands of applicants.

Solid earning potential

These careers typically pay above average. Recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that people working in math and computer fields earn over six figures. A strong starting salary can help offset education costs.

Skills that last

While specific languages might come and go (Goodbye, Perl. Hello, Python.), the fundamental concepts you learn remain valuable throughout your career. These core skills help you adapt when technology changes.

In-demand expertise

Businesses in nearly every industry need tech talent. CS programs increasingly focus on high-growth areas like AI and data analysis, preparing you for roles that companies hope to fill now and in the future.

Growing specialized fields

Some tech specialties are experiencing explosive growth. For example, data science positions are projected to grow by 35% and cybersecurity jobs by 32% over the next decade.

International job opportunities

Tech skills are valuable everywhere. A CS degree creates the potential for you to work at different companies worldwide — or even work remotely while traveling.

Potential drawbacks of a CS degree

It’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons. College isn’t cheap, and you may find that coding boot camps and certificate programs give you the skills for the job you want and cost much less to earn.

Rapid technology evolution

The tech world changes incredibly fast. Some specific technologies you study may become less relevant by graduation or require continuous learning throughout your career.

Time investment

A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete. In an industry where practical skills matter as much as credentials, consider whether this time investment makes sense for your goals.

Competition for entry-level jobs

CS programs are popular, creating significant competition for entry-level positions. Many new graduates have similar basic skills, making it challenging to stand out without specialized knowledge.

Declining programming jobs

While tech is growing overall, some general computer programming jobs are projected to decline in the next decade. The industry increasingly values specialized expertise over general programming skills.

Before deciding, think about your specific interests, learning style, and career goals. A traditional degree provides the perfect foundation for some students, while others might benefit from alternative education paths. 

The knowledge and connections you gain through a comprehensive CS program create a foundation that will serve you well throughout your career, not just your first job.

Top schools offering CS degrees

A recent U.S. News article ranked colleges and universities with the best undergraduate program rankings. The top schools were:

• Stanford University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of California, Berkeley
• Princeton University
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Specializations to pair with a computer science degree

Many colleges offer specialized computer science programs focusing on areas like software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and database systems. You’ll gain deeper knowledge in specific areas of technology in these tracks.

Adding a second major — or minor — in one of the following areas is another way to increase your marketability to future employers:

• Business
• Data science
• Economics
• Game development
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Political science
• Psychology
• Statistics

If you also love the arts, consider adding these specialties as a second major or minor:

• Animation
• Digital art
• Game design
• Graphic design
• Industrial design
• Interactive design
• Multimedia arts
• Visual communication

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to Your Future In STEM here.