Is Computer Science Hard?
Is computer science hard? Short answer—it depends on the student. Everything done well is hard, but for a computer science student, the challenge will be exciting!
Known for heavier workloads and a foundation in technical subjects like math and coding, computer science can be a difficult major. But all that time and effort can lead to something amazing.
Think about this—it’s rare to find a person who can go an entire day technology-free. Whether it’s smartphones, laptops, or TV’s, the average American spends about 6 hours per day in front of screens. For better or for worse, technology and computer science experts are in high demand.
Because of tech’s popularity, you should expect a computer science major to be a challenge. It takes a lot of work to learn how to make all those devices run properly. But with academic discipline and sharp math and technical skills on your side, this high-demand field might be worth your time.
Why Choose Computer Science?
Every form of technology you use has been created by people with serious computer science skills. From scrolling Instagram to typing a midterm essay, complex computer science innovations are at the heart of almost everything you do in a day.
However, computer science degrees offer more than the chance to read and write code for a living--though if that’s your thing, you can certainly do it with a computer science degree. Growing opportunities across education, research, and data industries are turning computer science into a highly desirable field.
Jobs That Love C.S. Degrees
Despite the name, computer science (C.S.) degrees are useful across many fields you might not associate with computers. While tech sectors certainly attract C.S. majors, many other companies also need programmers and computer-savvy workers.
Here are a range of employment opportunities for C.S. majors:
Jobs in Software/Technology
- Software Developer
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- IT Project Manager
- Website Designer
- Database Administrator
- A.I. Researcher or Developer
Jobs in Other Fields
- Professor or Teacher
- Financial Analyst
- Mathematician
- Technical Writer
- Mechanical Engineering
- Product Manager
Having trouble figuring out what’s different about computer science vs. computer engineering? Follow the provided link for more information!
High Demand for C.S. Majors
Just a year ago, only 72,000 computer science grads were available to fill more than 665,000 computing jobs. And from 2019 to 2029, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts an 11% growth for computer and IT fields—a speed “much faster than the average for all other occupations.”
In other words, computer science majors are a hot commodity. With rising needs for IT and cloud software experts, that demand isn’t going down anytime soon.
What Do I Need to Succeed in Computer Science?
Choosing a college major means following your strengths and interests as a scholar. And computer science is no exception.
If you’re more of a “right-brained” student, meaning you’re interested most in languages, writing, the arts and a more creative thinker, becoming a computer scientist may not necessarily interest you. But if STEM classes are your bread and butter, then computer science is an excellent major to consider.
Let’s dive into some of the skills that best fit a bachelor's degree in computer science.
Best Computer Science Skills
Problem-solvers, step to the front. Computer science is built for meticulous detectives, those who enjoy detailed work and analytical thinking. If your strengths lie in the following categories, C.S. may be up your alley:
- Mathematics
- Computer knowledge
- Scientific approach to problem-solving
- Organization
- Logic
- Creativity
- Resilience
Other Suggestions (but not requirements!)
Anyone can be successful when jumping into the world of coding. There are no prerequisites or experience needed! What a future computer scientist needs most to have is a great attitude and motivation to learn.
Below we outline a few suggestions for those interested in dabbling in computer science before committing to a full-time degree. Whether you’re still in high school, post-grad, or simply interested in exploring the world of coding, there are tons of options to help you get a first taste of what computer science is all about––before ever stepping into a college classroom.
- Summer Camps – Check out your local college, recreational center, or other educational facility for computer science summer camps. Some national programs, like the Google Computer Science Institute’s coding camp, even offer scholarships and financial aid.
- Take Extra Math & Computing Classes – Math will be first and foremost in your computer science program, so make sure you load up your course schedule with math classes. Even if your high school algebra course won’t count for college credit, it’ll be worth the extra practice.
- Programming Practice – Get a jump start in computer programming by hitting up free resources. Online courses, YouTube tutorials, and library books hold almost all the basic coding information that you could want. For detailed help, read on below for more programming practice tips.
- Courses for College Credit – Whether it’s Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, earning college credit in high school is a major boost. Pick courses that could apply to C.S. degree requirements, such as calculus, statistics, or even computer science itself.
