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 rewarding career paths.

So, What is 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 of computer science at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

In addition to working at SNHU, Savard has extensive experience working in the computer science field in other ways. He served in the United States Air Force as an officer, both active and reserve, for more than 30 years. He also worked as a software engineer for many companies and owned a software company himself.

His experience in the field ranges from classified Department of Defense projects to maintenance workflow software, artificial intelligence, medical imaging, large-scale database systems, web development and many other types of software development.

At SNHU, Savard oversees the team responsible for computer science course development and management, among many other responsibilities with both faculty and students.

What Are the Benefits of Studying Computer Science?

Computer science is highly in demand across all types of industry, Savard said.* In fact, the field is enjoying exponential growth, both with traditional companies and with cutting-edge start-ups, he said.*

Earning a degree in computer science demonstrates your ability to work in a team as well as your aptitude for learning new technological skills and programming languages. You will 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.”

What Are the Disadvantages of a Computer Science Degree?

There are likely some individual classes you might not want to take, just like with any degree program, 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 the field as a front-end developer, LeBoeuf continues to apply the concepts he learned in that class every day.

How Hard is a Computer Science Degree?

Any degree can be hard if it’s the wrong fit. 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 pays off,” he said.

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."

Several skills for success in computer science, per Savard, are:

• Communication skills, which include 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 said.
  
  
• Database management skills, which include an understanding of systems thinking, software design and software testing.
  
  
• Math skills, which include 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.

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

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 Dr. Albanie Bolton, an adjunct instructor and academic partner at SNHU with an MA and a PhD in Computer Science.

In addition to her roles at SNHU, Bolton is a safety and mission assurance integration 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. SNHU's program offers foundational courses at the beginning of the program to get you up to speed. If you have a computer science background, however, you can move straight ahead to the advanced coursework.

Learn more about how to get a master's in computer science without a CS undergrad.

Do Computer Science Majors Make a Lot of Money?

Roles in computer and information technology had a median annual salary of $105,990 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — much higher than the average median salary for all occupations, $49,500.*

Here are some roles you could pursue with a bachelor's in computer science, along with their median salaries and job outlooks:

Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects earned a median salary of $130,390 in 2024, according to the BLS, and positions are projected to grow 13% by 2033 — that's more than three times faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.*

Computer Systems Analyst

The BLS reports that computer systems analysts earned a median salary of $103,790 in 2024, with a faster-than-average 11% growth projected by 2033*.

Database Administrator or Architect

Database administrators and architects earned a median salary of $123,000, the BLS said, and the role is projected to grow 9% by 2033, compared to the 4% growth rate projected for all professions.*

Information Security Analyst

Jobs for information security analysts are projected to grow 33% by 2033, the BLS reports — that's more than eight times the average projected growth for all professions.* The BLS noted that this role earned a median salary of $124,910 in 2024.*

Web Developer or Digital Designer

Web developers and digital designers earned a median salary of $95,380 in 2024, according to the BLS, with an 8% growth rate projected by 2033 — twice as fast as the average projected growth rate for all occupations.*

Read more about what you can do with a computer science degree.

Is Computer Science Going to Be Replaced by AI?

Understandably, it may sound as though artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI, could take over the industry and result in computer scientists losing their jobs. However, the overall career outlook for the field is positive — the BLS reports that computer and information technology roles are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations by 2033.*

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.”

Bolton agreed, noting 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.

Learn more about the future of AI.

Is a Degree in Computer Science Right for Me?

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

• 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 enjoys 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, LeBoeuf said.

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

"The information is out there, and knowledge is power," Bolton said.

*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.

A former higher education administrator, Dr. Marie Morganelli is a career educator and writer. 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.