Is Computer Science Hard?

Computer science remains a popular major, especially for students who enjoy solving complex problems. During the 2021–2022 school year, US institutions awarded 108,503 bachelor’s degrees in computer science, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). That’s more than education majors (89,410), physical science majors (28,301), and mathematics majors (26,212) [1]. 

Computer science has a reputation for being a challenging yet worthwhile bachelor’s degree because it involves learning how to program and combines a wide variety of theoretical and practical subjects.

Review what makes computer science a challenging major, how to prepare yourself for the unique challenges of earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and alternatives to consider if a four-year degree is not the best option for your needs.

Is computer science hard?

Earning a computer science degree has been known to entail a more intense workload than you might experience with other majors because you have many foundational concepts about computer software, hardware, and theory to learn. Part of that learning may involve a lot of practice, typically completed on your own time. Review two of the biggest reasons why some students find computer science hard.

Is computer programming hard?

As a computer science major, you’ll likely learn how to program, which means learning a new language. You can choose from many popular programming languages in use today, but the top computer science programs in the US tend to teach Python and Java. 

Take Python as an example: it takes between two and six months on average to learn the fundamentals of Python, and mastering the language can take years. While you may learn about Python in class, you’ll likely need to dedicate extra time to become more proficient. Fortunately, learning one language can make it easier to learn others—and you’ll notice that many professional programmers know more than one.

How hard is computer science?

Although the specific courses you’re required to take for your computer science major will differ by department, you can expect to take a mix of programming and mathematics courses. Some institutions also require a handful of science courses, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or electronics.

You’ll encounter advanced calculus or linear algebra concepts, but don’t let that deter you from majoring in computer science. As part of your electives, consider taking classes like precalculus (or precalc) to help prepare you for the more rigorous math classes you’ll take for your major. If you’d like extra help with math, many colleges and universities offer free tutoring services for students. It’s also a good idea to speak with a college advisor about your concerns and see if they can recommend a strategy to help you successfully complete the major of your choice.

Why are computers so hard to learn?

Sometimes learners are eager to explore the computer science field but struggle while studying. In many cases, gaining skills in math, science, and problem-solving can give you a head start when you want to learn computer science. 

How to make your computer science degree more manageable

You can make studying computer science and earning your bachelor's degree in the subject more manageable in several ways. Explore some of your options.

1. Get a head start.

An introductory computer science course may help you grasp important concepts and feel better prepared for more advanced courses once you begin your major. Review your college or university’s course catalog to see what’s offered and if you can enroll during the first or second semester of your first year.

You can also look into online tutorials or programming courses, such as those offered on Coursera. While most computer science departments don’t expect students to have any prior programming knowledge, you may feel more comfortable—and confident—with a bit of extra preparation.

If you’d like to become more familiar with programming, Princeton University’s Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose course will introduce you to many programming fundamentals and key computer science concepts.

2. Manage your time.

Especially in the early days of your computer science degree, it may feel like you have a lot to tackle. Get specific and create a schedule or routine to help you block off your time for your different responsibilities. Make sure you include time for classes, homework, programming practice, social activities, and rest. Check out these other eleven study habits worth developing.

3. Refine your attention to detail.

Programming involves looking at code and catching minute errors buried deep within long lines of it. By improving your focus, you can improve your attention to detail (a key skill for a career in computer science). Use external tools, like lists, to stay organized and on task. Or look for games, like chess or Sudoku, to hone your focus. Programs like Lumosity and Elevate also offer several digital games designed to improve focus.

4. Seek out support.

Remember that you don’t have to go it alone when learning new subject matter. Research whether you can access tutoring resources, partner with a classmate, form a study group, or connect with your professor or instructor during office hours to review tricky concepts. Asking questions along the way can make a big difference while also helping you network with your peers and faculty members.

Computer science degrees: Return on investment

Studying computer science can be demanding, but earning your bachelor’s degree in computer science has personal and professional rewards.

Skills development

Beyond the core education you should receive as part of your computer science bachelor’s degree, you may also develop important workplace and technical skills to apply to your career. Some of the biggest skills those working in computer science use are [2]:

• Reading comprehension

• Critical thinking skills

• Judgment and decision-making

• Problem-solving skills

• Mathematics

Moreover, many of these skills—such as critical thinking and judgment—are highly valued transferable skills, meaning they can be applied to a number of jobs.

In-demand tech industry

Computer science is a growing industry with many opportunities, thanks to the increasingly digital nature of people’s lives. Currently, 2.32 million people in the US work as computer science professionals [2]. Occupations within the field are expected to grow much faster than average in the next decade [3].

Versatility

A computer science degree can be quite versatile, thanks to the technical know-how you develop during your time in a program. You can pursue roles like computer systems analyst or software developer, or a number of related professions in robotics, web development, video game design, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Learn more about what you can do with your computer science degree.

Higher salaries

Computer science professions tend to pay well. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for all occupations in the US is $48,060. Still, the median annual US salary for occupations in computer and information technology is $104,420 [3]. All of the jobs listed below require a bachelor’s degree, according to the BLS.

Alternatives to a computer science degree

Dedicating four years to earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science can be a worthwhile pursuit, but it may not always be the best option to achieve your short- and long-term goals, especially if you’ve already earned your degree in another subject and you’re interested in pivoting to a career in computer science. In that case, consider these three alternatives:

Computer science boot camps

Attending an intensive program like a boot camp can help you learn an aspect of computer science, typically in a much shorter timeframe than a bachelor’s degree. You can attend more general programming boot camps, where you learn a language, or you can focus on an area like web development, cybersecurity, or data science. Many boot camps are designed to prepare you for a career in the area of your choice and may feature job placement support.  

Certifications

Beginner-level certifications are industry-approved training programs that show your competency in several areas: IT, a programming language, network administration, and more. While you can find more advanced certifications, if you’re looking for a foundation in an area of computer science, taking and passing a certification can be a faster way to gain important skills than a bachelor’s degree.

Read more: Are IT Certifications Worth It? When to Get Certified in Your IT Career

Professional Certificates

Whether you’re looking to change careers and have no prior computer science knowledge, or to advance in your career and want to develop specific skills in new areas, a Professional Certificate can help—and add to your resume credentials. Explore a number of computer science Professional Certificates on Coursera, including beginner-friendly IT Automation with Python from Google and Full Stack Cloud Developer from IBM.

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