Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?

If working with software, technology and a systems mindset interests you, computer science could be the right fit. It’s a field that offers many opportunities to work in cutting-edge technology and can lead to a variety of career paths.

What is a Computer Science Degree?

A computer science degree gives you an "under the hood" view of how software works, according to Dr. Swapnil Chhabra, an assistant professor of computer science at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with 25 years of experience in the field.

Computer science degrees teach core topics that can prepare you for a range of careers. Chhabra said these topics include:

• Algorithms
• Data structures
• Databases
• Operating systems
• Software design

"This baseline enables you not only to write programs, but to understand how to make them scalable, efficient and maintainable," said Chhabra, who has worked within a variety of settings — from research and education to labs and global corporations.

Whether you're interested in an associate, bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, know that a degree in this field can help support you in an evolving field.

“With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, we’re entering a transformative era — one where computer science is reshaping everything from medicine and education to sustainability and space exploration," Chhabra said. "It’s a remarkable time to be in this field, with the potential to make a lasting impact across science, engineering and society.”

What Are the Benefits of Studying Computer Science?

Computer science is a diverse field grounded in technology, combining elements of project planning, software development, data analysis and more, said Dr. Gary Savard, a senior associate dean within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs at SNHU.

It's also a field that's enjoying exponential growth, both with traditional companies and with cutting-edge start-ups, he said.* According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information technology roles are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with 317,700 openings projected annually through 2034.*

Earning a degree in computer science can help you demonstrate your ability to work in a team as well as your aptitude for learning new technological skills and programming languages. You can also gain a lot of experience with hands-on learning and collaboration, according to Nicholas LeBoeuf '23.

Since earning his bachelor's degree in computer science from SNHU, LeBoeuf has put his technological skills to work at his job in web development. To be successful in this role, he needs strong design skills coupled with the ability to put himself in the end-user's shoes.

LeBoeuf enjoys working in a profession that challenges him to keep his skills sharp. “What I love most about the computer science field is that you are constantly learning,” he said. “Technology is ever-evolving, and in computer science, we are (on) the front lines of this ever-changing field, trying to ... adapt our existing applications to new standards.”

How Hard is a Computer Science Degree?

While computer science is no doubt a challenging major for many due to its highly technical and mathematical nature, it’s a field that can be very rewarding for the right person, said Savard.

“It takes some time to develop the skills required (to be successful), but grit and persistence pay off,” he said.

Each computer science degree level presents new challenges. The master's degree, in particular, requires students to be proficient in several areas of mathematics, such as statistics, single variable calculus and linear algebra.

Just like with any degree program, there are likely some individual classes you might not want to take. But these classes may help you later on in your schooling and career. For LeBoeuf, "Data Structures and Algorithms" was a challenge.

"When I was taking the class my sophomore year, it was definitely not my favorite class," he said. "But I stuck with it because I knew it was important."

Two years later, LeBoeuf was able to apply what he learned in this class by serving as a Lead Peer Educator at SNHU for the computer science program. Through this role, he was able to teach other computer science majors the material and help them along in their own schooling. Today, working in front-end development, LeBoeuf continues to apply the concepts he learned in that class every day.

As a recent graduate, LeBoeuf said, “I do think computer science (may) require more effort than other degrees ... but if you put in that effort and really enjoy what you do, it doesn’t seem hard."

What Are 5 Jobs You Can Get With Computer Science?

If you're wondering what you can do with a computer science degree, your options depend on your degree level and experience. Here are five to consider, along with their median salaries and job outlooks:

Computer Network Architect

In this role, you could develop different types of data communication networks, according to BLS.

Computer network architects earned a median salary of $130,390 in 2024, BLS noted, and positions are projected to grow 12% by 2034 — that's four times faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.*

Computer Systems Analyst

Working with their organization's computer system(s), you could find ways to increase efficiency as a computer systems analyst, according to BLS.

BLS reports that computer systems analysts earned a median salary of $103,790 in 2024, with a faster-than-average 9% growth projected through 2034*.

Database Administrator or Architect

In the name of data, you could create and/or organize systems intended for data storage and security, should you work in this role, BLS noted.

Database administrators and architects earned a median salary of $123,000, BLS said, and the role is projected to grow at an average rate of 4% through 2034.*

Information Security Analyst

In this role, your mission would be to plan and implement security measures to protect the digital data that belongs to your organization, according to BLS.

Jobs for information security analysts are projected to grow 29% through 2034, BLS reports — that's almost 10 times the average projected growth for all professions.* BLS noted that this role earned a median salary of $124,910 in 2024.*

Software Developer

As a software developer, you could take your problem-solving skills to the next level, determining a user's needs and creating solutions within software applications or systems, BLS said.

Software developers earned a median salary of $133,080 in 2024, according to BLS, with a 16% growth rate projected by 2034 — more than five times as fast as the average projected growth rate for all occupations.*

Other roles you can pursue with a computer science background include computer programmer, quality assurance (QA) analyst and web developer, among others.

What Computer Science Skills Do You Need?

There are several skills for success in computer science, according to Savard, who has three decades of experience in the field — ranging from classified Department of Defense projects to software engineering, artificial intelligence, medical imaging, large-scale database systems and web development.

Those skills include:

• Communication, which includes teamwork, oral and written communication and creative thinking. "Soft skills are critical," said Savard. You need the ability to speak to technical and non-technical stakeholders in an effective way, he added.
• Database management, which includes an understanding of systems thinking, software design and software testing.
• Math, which includes both applied and theoretical mathematical concepts such as algebra, calculus, discrete math and statistics, all of which are necessary to excel in this heavily technology-based career field.

You'll also need a passion for learning, Savard said. That includes a desire to work in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment, working on technology that could be involved in many areas of life.

A few other skills to master, according to Chhabra, include:

• Coding
• Data analysis
• System design

He noted the importance of being able to problem-solve with the business or research question in mind, too.

"The ability to break down complex challenges, connect solutions to real-world impact and articulate ideas clearly — whether to peers, stakeholders or interdisciplinary teams — is what truly sets computer science professionals apart," Chhabra said.

Will Computer Science Get Replaced By AI?

Understandably, it may sound as though artificial intelligence could take over the industry and result in computer scientists losing their jobs. However, it’s important to remember that AI was originally developed by computer scientists. Because of this, Savard said he feels confident that computer science as a discipline isn’t going anywhere.

Instead, "AI will help us to progress more quickly in developing new technologies as well as automate some of the more tedious tasks that can consume part of our day,” he said.

After all, computer scientists are the ones who implement AI into websites and applications for people to use, LeBoeuf said.

“AI can revolutionize various industries by improving efficiency and decision-making,” he said. “Through the tons of data you give it, (AI) also might discover new patterns or insights that humans might overlook.”

Dr. Albanie Bolton, an adjunct instructor and academic partner at SNHU with two graduate degrees in computer science, agreed. She noted that AI is constantly evolving. Through working in computer science, you could help steer its evolution.

"When it comes to working on cutting-edge AI interfaces — even in the areas of aerospace, defense, even scientific research — you are the ones that are going to make that impact and help to mold our future use and to continue to help to make this computer science arena what it is today," she said.

Keep reading: AI and Computer Science: How a Computer Science Degree Prepares You

Should You Consider a Master’s Degree?

While there are many computer science roles you could pursue with a bachelor's degree, a master's in computer science could present even more possibilities.

"When you go into your master's, the keyword here is investment," said Bolton. In addition to her roles at SNHU, Bolton is a Moon to Mars technical lead at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama.

She said a master's degree requires time and resources, but it can pay off — letting you further your knowledge, specialize and build connections in the field.

"It also allows for those enhanced opportunities in the career and access to specific roles that you may not have had opportunities for," she said.

And if you have a bachelor's degree in a different subject, you can still pursue a master's in computer science to break into the field. At SNHU, you'll complete foundational courses to get you up to speed. If you have a computer science background, however, you can move straight ahead to the advanced coursework.

Is It Worth It to Get a Computer Science Degree?

Everyone has their own motivation for choosing a career field. You may find computer science to be a good path for you, said Savard, if you have an interest in one or more of the following areas:

• Continual learning
• Entrepreneurship
• Opportunities to make a positive impact on society
• Teamwork
• Technology and problem-solving

Savard recognizes the unique skill set of computer scientists. He said that the ability to do things that seem like magic to those not in the field is very rewarding. Working first in the military and now in academia, he enjoys being able to put his skills to use educating others.

LeBoeuf's work is with a civil engineering firm. He likes the public involvement aspect of the field in particular. “Putting yourself in the users’ shoes, and understanding where they would look for certain items on a website," is important and useful, he said.

The quickly expanding nature of the computer science field and the many avenues for learning and applying your skills are top benefits of a career in computer science. Taking advantage of opportunities for collaboration and learning while in school can help prepare you for a career in the field.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Dr. Marie Morganelli is a career educator and writer, as well as a former higher education administrator. She has taught and tutored composition, literature, and writing at all levels from middle school through graduate school. With two graduate degrees in English language and literature, her focus — whether teaching or writing — is in helping to raise the voices of others through the power of storytelling. Connect with her on LinkedIn.