Should You Pursue a Degree in Computer Science? Insights from a Current CS Student

With tech layoffs in the headlines and AI tools evolving faster than ever, it’s natural to wonder: is a computer science degree still worth it?

The short answer: yes—but it depends on how you approach it.

CS isn’t just about learning to code. It’s about solving real-world problems, thinking logically, and using technology to drive innovation across industries. Whether you’re interested in AI, cybersecurity, climate tech, or app development, computer science remains one of the most powerful ways to build a future-ready career.

In this guide, we’ll help you:

• Understand what computer science really is (and isn’t)
• Explore how the CS career landscape is evolving
• Reflect on whether it’s the right fit for your interests and skills
• Discover hands-on ways to try CS before college
• Learn how mentorship can help you grow faster and deeper

Understanding Computer Science: More Than Just Coding

When many people hear “computer science,” they picture lines of code scrolling across a screen. While programming is a central tool in the field, computer science is much broader—and far more intellectually dynamic—than just writing code. At its core, computer science is the study of computation: how information is processed, how problems are solved systematically, and how machines can be designed to automate and extend human capabilities.

It’s a discipline rooted in logic, abstraction, and systems thinking. Students studying computer science learn how to take massive, messy real-world problems—whether it's optimizing a transportation network or securing personal data online—and break them down into discrete, solvable parts. These challenges are approached through the lens of algorithms, data structures, theory of computation, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction, among many other subfields.

This process requires a specific type of mindset. Think of it like solving a giant, multi-layered puzzle: one piece might involve modeling user behavior, another optimizing performance, and yet another addressing ethical questions about fairness or bias in automated systems. The field rewards persistence, curiosity, and creativity—traits that can be developed through exploration and practice.

Consider the act of debugging, which is often seen as a tedious task by newcomers. In reality, it’s one of the most intellectually stimulating aspects of computing. Debugging requires tracing through your logic, revisiting your assumptions, and sometimes even reinventing your approach. It’s about asking: Why isn’t this working? and learning to answer that through observation, deduction, and experimentation. This is why many students compare it to detective work—and why the skills honed in computer science are applicable to disciplines far beyond technology.

For instance:

• In business, computer science logic helps in modeling consumer behavior and optimizing logistics.
• In healthcare, it powers diagnostic systems and predictive analytics.
• In law, it supports legal informatics and regulatory technology.
• In academia, it enables powerful tools for data analysis and simulation.

Ultimately, the true value of studying computer science lies in how it teaches you to think—systematically, critically, and efficiently. It’s not just a technical discipline. It’s a cognitive one.

The Rapid Evolution of Computer Science Careers

Computer science is one of the few academic fields where what’s relevant today might shift entirely in five years. The career landscape is not only growing—it’s transforming in real time.

A striking example is the meteoric rise of generative artificial intelligence. Just a few years ago, most people had never heard of large language models. Today, tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Midjourney, and DALL·E are reshaping how we write, design, brainstorm, and even program. These technologies, developed and refined by computer scientists, are now embedded in industries from education and publishing to finance and game development.

Major tech companies such as Nvidia, Google, Apple, and Amazon are investing heavily in areas like quantum computing, natural language processing, and edge AI, continually redefining what’s possible. At the same time, smaller startups and non-traditional tech companies are emerging in fields like blockchain, climate informatics, telehealth, and edtech, expanding the demand for people who can innovate using digital tools.

This explosive growth also means the tools of the trade change quickly. A language you learn as a freshman—like Python or JavaScript—may still be in use when you graduate, but new frameworks, paradigms, and architectures will likely emerge. That’s why adaptability is one of the most critical traits for long-term success in computer science.

Yet while the specifics shift, the foundational skills remain solid. Knowing how to write efficient algorithms, manage complexity, and collaborate on large-scale systems will continue to be vital, no matter how the technology evolves. In fact, these “evergreen” skills are what distinguish strong computer science professionals from those who simply keep up with the latest trend.

Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of modern tech careers means that computer science can serve as a launchpad into virtually any sector:

• Interested in sustainability? CS can help you model climate change or design energy-efficient systems.
• Fascinated by finance? Algorithms drive trading platforms and fraud detection.
• Passionate about art or design? Interactive media, VR, and generative art all rely on computational tools.
• Concerned about public policy? Data privacy and algorithmic ethics are key issues in modern governance.

So is computer science a good career? It is—especially for those excited by change, driven by curiosity, and eager to solve meaningful problems. Whether you dream of building the next big app, modeling the behavior of cancer cells, or improving access to education through AI, a degree in computer science can help you get there.

Is Computer Science Right for You? Self-Assessment and Exploration

Before diving headfirst into a computer science degree or even an intensive programming bootcamp, it’s essential to reflect on whether the field genuinely aligns with your interests, strengths, and learning preferences. The most successful computer science students aren’t necessarily the ones with the most prior experience—they’re the ones who enjoy the process of solving problems and thinking logically.

Here are a few key questions to consider:

• Do you enjoy solving logical problems, puzzles, or math challenges?
• Are you naturally curious about how things work—especially behind the scenes of technology?
• Do you find satisfaction in building or creating things from scratch, such as apps, games, or websites?
• Are you persistent when something doesn’t work the first time and willing to troubleshoot or try a new approach?

If you answered “yes” to several of these, you may find computer science to be an intellectually rewarding field. But the only way to truly know is to explore it for yourself.

Start with Accessible, High-Quality Resources

Fortunately, exploring computer science has never been easier—or more affordable. Some of the best introductory resources are entirely free and available online. One of the most highly recommended starting points is Harvard’s CS50, an entry-level course that demystifies foundational concepts through hands-on projects and engaging lectures. It’s available on platforms like edX and YouTube, making it accessible no matter where you are.

In addition, platforms such as:

• Codecademy
• FreeCodeCamp
• Khan Academy
• W3Schools

…offer interactive, beginner-friendly lessons that allow you to code in real-time. These platforms introduce students to essential programming languages (Python, Java, JavaScript) and concepts like variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and object-oriented design. You can also explore web development basics (HTML, CSS) or even dive into more complex topics like SQL and APIs.

Move from Learning to Building

As you begin to feel more confident with syntax and logic, the next step is applying what you’ve learned in creative, real-world ways. Try building:

• A personal portfolio website to showcase your work and interests
• A simple game, like a quiz app or tic-tac-toe, using JavaScript or Python
• A time-saving script, such as a budgeting calculator or an email reminder system

Platforms like Replit and GitHub offer collaborative environments where you can write, test, and share your code with others. You’ll also start building a digital portfolio—something that becomes incredibly useful when applying for internships, research opportunities, or competitive college programs.

Participate in Hackathons and Open-Source Communities

Another powerful (and fun) way to develop your computer science skills is by joining a hackathon. These fast-paced, team-based coding events challenge participants to create a functioning project—often within 24 to 72 hours. Whether you’re solving a real-world problem, building a mobile app, or crafting an interactive game, hackathons offer invaluable experience in working collaboratively under pressure.

Even if you're just getting started, you can contribute to open-source projects on GitHub—many communities welcome beginners and offer issues labeled “good first issue” to help you get involved.

Harnessing Mentorship and Personalized Learning

While independent exploration is a fantastic starting point, one of the most transformative elements in a student’s computer science journey is mentorship. Having someone to guide you, challenge you, and provide feedback can dramatically accelerate your learning—especially when you're ready to move beyond beginner-level tutorials.

At Nova Scholar Education, we’ve seen firsthand how personalized mentorship empowers students to achieve breakthroughs in understanding and innovation. Our mentors—who come exclusively from Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton—bring academic excellence, real-world experience, and a passion for teaching. They don’t just assign tasks; they help students ask deeper questions, explore cutting-edge fields, and execute meaningful research or innovation projects.

Here are three distinct programs tailored to students at different stages:

1. Nova Fundamentals (1 month)

Ideal for middle school students just starting to explore STEM and computer science. This program introduces core concepts in a fun, structured environment, helping younger students build curiosity and foundational skills early on.

2. Nova Research (2.5–5 months)

Designed for middle and high school students interested in academic research. Students work one-on-one with a mentor to explore a chosen topic in depth—often culminating in a publishable research paper or submission to a national science competition. Imagine exploring machine learning for image recognition or evaluating the ethics of facial recognition systems.

3. Nova Patent (2–4 months)

Geared toward high school students with an interest in entrepreneurship or innovation. Students design a novel invention or software product with guidance from technical mentors and gain experience in intellectual property, prototyping, and pitching solutions. Past projects include wearable hydration monitors and AI-driven nutrition planners.

Each program emphasizes not only technical rigor, but also communication skills, academic writing, and project ownership. Students leave with more than just a project—they develop a research portfolio, an understanding of how to frame their work for academic and public audiences, and a deeper sense of confidence in their technical and analytical abilities.

These opportunities are especially valuable for students aiming to apply to competitive STEM programs or top universities, where demonstrated initiative and intellectual maturity can set an application apart.

Building a Network and a Future in Computer Science

Computer science may begin with individual curiosity, but it thrives in community. One of the most overlooked yet powerful aspects of a computer science education is the collaborative environment it fosters. While coding can often be a solitary activity, the broader field is inherently team-oriented—whether you're debugging with classmates, working on group research, or collaborating on large-scale tech products in the professional world.

Joining a school-based computer science club, robotics team, or competitive programming group is a great place to start. These environments allow students to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and build together—often while learning leadership, project management, and communication skills that are just as valuable as technical fluency.

Outside of school, online communities like Stack Overflow, GitHub, Dev.to, and Discord-based coding servers provide platforms for sharing projects, receiving feedback, and engaging in open-source collaboration. Many of these spaces include channels specifically for beginners, making it easy to ask questions, get help, and stay motivated.

And for students seeking more structured, immersive experiences, internships, hackathons, and summer research programs are essential. These bridge the gap between academic learning and industry reality, introducing students to workflows such as:

• Agile development
• User-centered design
• Version control systems like Git
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration with designers, analysts, and researchers

Programs like those at Nova Scholar Education bring an additional layer of support. Whether through Nova Research or Nova Patent, students are mentored by top-tier professionals from Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton—people who not only understand the theory, but also how it's applied in real-world contexts.

Perhaps one of the most important takeaways is this: even if you don’t end up majoring in computer science, building a foundational understanding of computing gives you a competitive advantage in virtually any field. Today’s professionals—whether in biology, finance, education, media, or law—increasingly need to interface with data systems, automation tools, and digital platforms.

Knowing how to think computationally, automate tasks, analyze data, or build digital tools makes you more effective and adaptable in any career. In many ways, coding has become the new literacy, and computer science is the framework that helps you speak the language of the modern world.

Final Thoughts: Charting Your Path in Tech

So—is a computer science degree worth it?

For students who are intellectually curious, persistent in the face of failure, and energized by the challenge of solving complex problems, the answer is a resounding yes. But success in this field doesn’t stem from talent alone. It grows through exploration, trial and error, mentorship, and a genuine willingness to keep learning.

If you're just getting started, begin with free, accessible resources. Explore platforms like CS50, FreeCodeCamp, or Khan Academy to get a feel for what coding and problem-solving look like. Start a personal project—even something small. Break it. Rebuild it. Learn from it.

Then, seek out mentors—whether through a school club, a local university, or a formal program like Nova Scholar Education’s research mentorship offerings. These relationships can help you identify new pathways, connect you with resources, and challenge you to grow.

Most importantly, surround yourself with a community that values learning and collaboration. Whether it’s classmates, online peers, or educators, being part of a network will expand your perspective and help you stay motivated during difficult moments.

Whether you pursue a computer science degree full-time or choose to blend it with another discipline, the skills you develop will position you as a problem solver, a creator, and a future-ready thinker.

At Nova Scholar Education, we’re here to help make that journey intentional, personalized, and meaningful. Through structured mentorship, real-world research, and expert guidance, our programs don’t just teach students to code—they empower them to lead.