Is a CS degree still worth it?

Original post by rohanmo

With the capabilities of AI improving every day the landscape of jobs will be very different once I’ve finished my degree in 3 years. I have uni offers for Computer science and mathematics, Computer science(artificial intelligence) and Data science. Which course would you say is the least likely to be redundant in 3 years time?

Hey!

Absolutely, the landscape of jobs is evolving rapidly with the capabilities of AI improving every day, but rest assured that these fields you're considering are all valuable and unlikely to become redundant.

Think of it this way – technology is the backbone of almost every industry. From finance to healthcare to entertainment, businesses rely heavily on tech solutions to stay competitive and relevant. And who's at the forefront of creating these solutions? You guessed it – computer scientists, AI specialists, and data scientists.

A degree in Computer Science and Mathematics equips you with valuable skills like programming, data analysis, and problem-solving, which are in high demand across various sectors. Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence positions you at the cutting edge of technology, dealing with the latest advancements in AI. Data Science, on the other hand, is crucial for making sense of the vast amounts of data generated every day, turning it into actionable insights for businesses.

With the rise of AI, cybersecurity, big data, and machine learning, the need for expertise in these areas is only growing stronger. The skills you're honing in any of these programs are not only relevant but also highly valued in the modern business landscape. Try to get some extra experience with each particular discipline and find the niche that suits you best. There are many online resources as well as local meetups you can try to attend to get a better idea of the particular area you want to focus on.

If you have more questions or need further reassurance, feel free to reach out!

Cheers,
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Reply 2

rohanmo

OP

2

Thanks for the response I appreciate it. My concerns are just how future proof studying computer science is but you make a good point that these skills will always be needed in every industry. Are you a computer science graduate and if so, have you found it to be employable?

Reply 3

hotpud

18

Original post by rohanmo

Thanks for the response I appreciate it. My concerns are just how future proof studying computer science is but you make a good point that these skills will always be needed in every industry. Are you a computer science graduate and if so, have you found it to be employable?

I don't think you need to worry. There is a big stink about AI in academia because AI can solve the kind of Noddy problem academics love to set students. However AI is not very good at solving real world problems and even if you do use AI you need skills to know if what is produced hits the requirements. And even if you do move to AI, the skill moves from coding in code to prompting AI in a form of code that ensures it creates a tight algorithm fit for purpose.

Reply 4

jumpman123

17

I did straight CS from King's, I'd take CS&Maths since it'll probably be more helpful in breaking into data science, ml, AI, and quant roles while still keeping you open for the traditional CS roles such as software engineer.

Reply 5

Original post by rohanmo

Thanks for the response I appreciate it. My concerns are just how future proof studying computer science is but you make a good point that these skills will always be needed in every industry. Are you a computer science graduate and if so, have you found it to be employable?

Hey,

Thanks for your reply! I'm a second-year student studying Computer Science, and I totally understand your concerns about the future-proof aspect of the degree.

From my experience so far, there’s still a strong demand for CS skills. I’ve already secured a placement, showing significant interest in the software development industry and beyond. Employers are actively seeking out students with our skill set, and the opportunities span across various sectors, from tech to finance to healthcare.

It's hard to say what any industry will look like in 5,10,20 years. However, I feel the skills developed through my CS degree will position me well for any changes in the job market.

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!

Cheers,
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Reply 6

Instructor!

4

Original post by rohanmo

With the capabilities of AI improving every day the landscape of jobs will be very different once I’ve finished my degree in 3 years. I have uni offers for Computer science and mathematics, Computer science(artificial intelligence) and Data science. Which course would you say is the least likely to be redundant in 3 years time?

It’s awesome that you’re thinking ahead about how AI might impact job markets. Given how fast technology is evolving, all three courses you’ve mentioned, Computer Science, Computer Science (AI), and Data Science, are still highly relevant and will likely remain in demand in the coming years. That said, Computer Science (AI) might have an edge since AI is becoming more integrated into nearly every industry, and companies will continue to need experts who understand both the technical and theoretical aspects of AI. Data Science also has a strong future, especially with the explosion of data, so it’s unlikely to become redundant either. But if you're specifically looking at future-proofing, AI-focused courses could be a smart bet since the field is growing and expanding rapidly.

Reply 7

Orangey1

4

Original post by jumpman123

I did straight CS from King's, I'd take CS&Maths since it'll probably be more helpful in breaking into data science, ml, AI, and quant roles while still keeping you open for the traditional CS roles such as software engineer.

Would you say CS & Maths is better for ML and AI, for a career in research, thsn a CS & AI degree?

Reply 8

Original post by Orangey1

Would you say CS & Maths is better for ML and AI, for a career in research, thsn a CS & AI degree?

Hey,

This is a great question. It really depends on the specific focus of the degree and what aspect of ML/AI research you’re most interested in. A CS & Maths degree can be a strong choice because machine learning and AI research are heavily grounded in mathematical concepts like linear algebra, probability, statistics, and optimization. A strong mathematical foundation can be especially useful for theoretical AI research, algorithm development, and working with complex models.

That said, a CS & AI degree may offer more direct exposure to practical AI applications, deep learning frameworks, and current advancements in the field. If the course includes a solid amount of mathematical content alongside AI-specific topics, it could also be a great choice. However, some AI degrees may focus more on implementation rather than the deeper mathematical foundations behind ML models.

For a career in AI research, having strong mathematical skills is crucial, so if the CS & AI degree lacks rigorous math, the CS & Maths route might be better. However, if the AI course has enough depth in mathematics and theoretical ML, it could be just as good or even better in terms of direct relevance. You might want to check the course content for both options and see which aligns more with your research goals!

Best of luck!
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Reply 9

Orangey1

4

Original post by University of Salford Student Rep

Hey,
This is a great question. It really depends on the specific focus of the degree and what aspect of ML/AI research you’re most interested in. A CS & Maths degree can be a strong choice because machine learning and AI research are heavily grounded in mathematical concepts like linear algebra, probability, statistics, and optimization. A strong mathematical foundation can be especially useful for theoretical AI research, algorithm development, and working with complex models.
That said, a CS & AI degree may offer more direct exposure to practical AI applications, deep learning frameworks, and current advancements in the field. If the course includes a solid amount of mathematical content alongside AI-specific topics, it could also be a great choice. However, some AI degrees may focus more on implementation rather than the deeper mathematical foundations behind ML models.
For a career in AI research, having strong mathematical skills is crucial, so if the CS & AI degree lacks rigorous math, the CS & Maths route might be better. However, if the AI course has enough depth in mathematics and theoretical ML, it could be just as good or even better in terms of direct relevance. You might want to check the course content for both options and see which aligns more with your research goals!
Best of luck!
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Thanks a lot for this information.

I am interested in research within computational neuroscience and particularly brain-computer interfaces.

Would the same answer apply?

Reply 10