I'm a junior in high school and really want to get into computer science, but everywhere I look I see people saying "computer science is the new phycology degree" and that the work force is "over saturated" I love coding and I really want to become a software developer but I'm worried I won't be able to get a job and that it will be a huge waste of time. Is this just people saying things just because or is it true that computer science degrees are becoming useless?

So I'm looking into degrees since I'll be starting college (hopefully) in the coming months. I really like computer science and, more specifically, cybersecurity. I don't know if it's just articles I've seen or people online freaking out about it, but is the job market for these degrees really bad? Too many workers with little to no experience and AI pushing out entry-level stuff is what I've heard. No place for a foothold. Obviously we can't see into the future, but do you guys think it's still worth it to pursue this sector or should I set my sights on something else?

EDIT: I just got off work so sorry I haven’t responded much, this got more replies than I counted on! Thanks everyone for the feedback and advice as well as testimonials. I appreciate it all!

Ive heard from friends and family that computer science is just a waste of a degree, time, and money. Memes consistently and constantly portray computer science majors as future McDonald workers. After expressing so much interest in the field and teaching myself python and Java to one day get a software engineering job, I just need some clarification and a straight answer if this path is a good path.

I am currently studying a computer science degree and I am in my third year. Just wanted to know what are the chances I get a good job after I finish my degree. When I was in secondary and college I heard that computer science paid a lot of money so I choose it over a maths degree. I would say that I am doing pretty well and am on the road to achieve a first class but just scared that I might not be guaranteed a good job. People were saying to do a masters to have a higher chance but how hard is it really to get a job after completing a computer science degree?

I’m currently in my 3rd year of college with 2 years left to finish my Computer Science degree. I’m transferring to Virginia Tech soon, and since it’s an expensive school, I want to make sure I’m pursuing something that’ll actually get me a stable job after graduation. I don’t even know if VT is considered a target school for tech anymore, which just adds to the uncertainty.

Here’s my issue. I genuinely enjoy computer science and coding, but I keep seeing mixed opinions online. Some people say CS is a dead degree and that AI will replace software engineers. Others (and even ChatGPT itself) say the field is changing, not dying.

But then I see all these massive tech layoffs and how good AI has already gotten. It can even write its own code now. That makes me wonder if AI keeps improving this fast, will there even be a real future for software engineers?

At the same time, I still see tons of students confidently pursuing CS like nothing’s wrong, which just makes me even more confused.

I’d really appreciate a genuine, professional opinion. Is it still worth it to pursue Computer Science for a stable job? Will AI actually replace software engineers, or just change what they do? Is CS really “dead,” or is that just an overreaction to current trends?

I’m not trying to stir debate. I just need real guidance before committing to a degree that’ll cost a lot.

What do y'all do at work? I guess more specifically what problems y'all solve, what you work on, and how you built your skills that made you able to do your job.

They can't possibly teach you every language and popular framework...or do they? What is expected of someone who has a CS degree? Do they have you learn your at your own pace a lot? Are you allowed to use whatever framework you want to complete your projects? Is it like a quota where you have to learn x new languages every month or something like that? In terms of knowledge of programming languages, what does everyone walk away from a CS degree with? Tell me what your class layout looks like over 4 years.

EDIT: A user has pointed out that maybe looking only at CS degrees isn't the necessarily the information I want. I am looking to learn how to program on a basic but employable level. Instead of just CS degrees, how about Software Development degrees as well? In fact any input as to what you walk away with from any programming based curriculums would be welcome.

Extra curious if you graduated after Covid during tech layoffs. What’s your experience been getting a job? And what kind of wages did you earn? Thanks!

I want to major in computer science but all I have seen are discouraging social media posts. Computers are my thing from hardware to software. I have about a year of IT experience from working at my high school which I think could help in finding a job. Is there another major I should be focusing on? I do not really know what specific career I would take on within the computer science field. I was thinking maybe cybersecurity or cloud computing. Would that be taken over by AI. I have many questions all answers are welcome. Thank you for any insight.

21, current CS major. i understand that the field is oversaturated and I understand that there are people with loads of experience failing to get jobs. But I have a genuine question: what else can I do with a CS degree? And isn’t this shortage only in SWE?

The reason Im asking is because technology is genuinely my only passion, I mean, in the sense that I enjoy learning about it, listening to podcasts, reading articles etc. i cannot, CANNOT do that with anything else and idk if that’s an issue or just how I see tech, but it’s true.

I don’t want to give up on this degree despite the doom posts and tons of data I’ve read up on, but is there any other field in which I can combine my love for technology/programming and still succeed. I do prefer the artistic side of programming (front end based projects) but I can work harder to understand the back end more.

What other stable options are there for technology based positions or computer science fields? I literally don’t know what else to do with my life soooo

Hello everyone!

I graduated with a computer science degree on November 2023 and unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a programming job from there till now. I did work as a Data Entry Tech in a small company, helped them with more tech related things, created automated scripts to make data entry faster, documented data entry techniques and standards, etc. I also worked as a Teaching Assistant during University and I really liked that type of work. I realized that Service Desk or even Help Desk jobs might have something similar to what I loved doing (correct me if I'm wrong here)

I was wondering, what steps should I take in order to get into the IT field? My degree focused on programming and programming techniques as well as knowledge on computers and networks. I also plan on getting a CCNA in the future as well. Is there anyone in my shoes that might be able help me piece things together?

Thanks for the help!

From the mid 2000's until pretty recently CS bachelor's degrees were enough to near-guarantee a high-paying job out of college. Before that, from the mid-80's to the housing bubble, finance degree's were the equivalent. Going forward, what will be the next degree that guarantees a 110k (100k with some inflation added) job right out of school, with near ever increasing hiring numbers. My guess is either robotics or maybe this trend is over

Hey you guys, I'm currently a senior (17m) looking at potentially pursuing computer science and curious about y'all's input. However, I do have some concerns.... the math. For context, math has been an uphill battle of Normandy proportions since 1st grade.

I've spent most of my time in school in self-containted classes on an IEP, and honestly, the most advanced class I've taken in high school is geometry. However, I've found that with the right teacher, I really enjoy math once I get it.

I've been on Kahn Academy studying up on their SAT math course with the intention of learning Algebra II and even pre-calc. It's gonna take work and probably some tutoring, but my relationship with math is definitely more positive than the one I had getting yelled at as a 2nd grader for not getting it.

I am a special education teacher with a masters degree and after working for 10 years in the field I want to transition into a career in ed tech.

I completed Harvard’s CS50 Introduction to a computer science via my local university for free and I fell in love with it. I am currently finishing some courses on Udemy for some fundamentals to prepare me for the next big step.

I am debating on getting a bootcamp cert or a formal computer science degree. I understand that experience is also valuable, but I want to increase my chances of being hired.

With today’s job market, what would increase my chances of breaking into the field?

Im 22 , finished uni at 21 and have absolutely no idea what i am doing, the past year has been spent mostly gaming and procrastinating, im interested in javascript i think. Any advice , and is it too late to start over on learning how to code ?? Also i think web programming suits me best, i spent my 3 years of uni slacking off due to personal and family issues , this feels like a useless vent post but i really feel directionless and pressured to secure an internship.