Is Computer Science Hard?

Computer science remains a popular discipline, especially for students who enjoy solving complex problems. In 2022, Computer Science Engineering (CSE) was the most popular engineering undergraduate programme in India, with over 1.29 million students enroling in the academic year [1]. 

While popular for its exciting career options and opportunities for professional growth, computer science engineering has gotten a reputation for being a difficult bachelor’s degree because it involves learning how to program and combines a wide variety of theoretical and practical subjects.

Explore what makes computer science a challenging discipline, how you can prepare yourself to enter an undergraduate programme in this field, and alternatives to consider if a formal degree is not the best option for your needs. 

Why is computer science considered such a challenging discipline? 

Earning a computer science degree has been known to entail a more intense workload than you might experience with other disciplines because you are required to master foundational concepts in computer software, hardware, and theory. Part of that learning may involve a lot of practice, which you may need to complete on your own time. When people refer to computer science as challenging, they may be referring to two separate aspects: 

Learning a programming language

When you study computer science, you’ll likely learn how to program, which means learning a new language. While many popular programming languages are in use today, the top computer science degrees in India tend to teach Python, C++, and Java. 

Learning a programming language can take time, especially as you get into more complex topics. For example, it might take you one to three months on average to learn the fundamentals of Python, while mastering the language can take a year or more. 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. 

Advanced technical coursework

Although the specific courses you’re required to take for your computer science degree will differ depending on your programme and institution, you can expect to take a mix of programming and mathematics courses, in addition to elective courses in areas such as machine learning and data science. Some institutions also require a handful of science courses, such as chemistry, physics, or electronics.

The advanced concepts you’ll encounter in calculus or linear algebra may feel daunting. But don’t let that deter you from pursuing computer science. As part of your electives, consider taking introductory courses in mathematics to prepare you for the more rigorous maths classes you’ll take in your programme. If you’d like extra help with maths or another subject, your faculty advisor may be able to provide assistance or make additional provisions to help you succeed. It’s also a good idea to speak with a faculty advisor about your concerns and see if they can recommend a strategy to help you successfully complete the degree of your choice.  

Some programmes allow you to choose specialisations, which can help you tailor your coursework to your interests. Being interested in your coursework and passionate about your studies might make it easier to push through challenging segments and stay motivated to master complex topics.

How to make your computer science degree more manageable 

When entering a computer science programme, you can take a few steps to prepare yourself for the advanced coursework and make your studies more manageable. 

1. Get a head start.

Taking 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 catalogue to see what’s offered and if you can enrol 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 learn and little time to do so. 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. 

3. Refine your attention to detail. 

Programming involves looking at code—a lot of code—and catching minute errors buried deep within a long line of it. Improve your attention to detail (a key skill for a career in computer science) by improving your focus. Use external tools, like lists, to stay organised and on task, or look for games, like chess or Sudoku, to hone your focus. Apps like Lumosity and Elevate also offer a number of digital games designed to improve focus.  

4. Seek out support.

You might encounter times when the subject matter you’re learning may seem confusing or difficult. You don’t have to go it alone. Research whether your institution provides or recommends tutoring resources you can take advantage of, partner with a classmate or form a study group, speak with your faculty advisor, 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 rewards—both personal and professional. 

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. Examples of skills you’ll likely build during your computer science degree include the following:

• Communication skills 

• Critical thinking skills

• Collaboration

• Time management

• Problem-solving skills

• Software development 

• Programming languages

• Data structures and algorithms

Moreover, many of these skills—such as critical thinking and judgement—are highly valued transferable skills, meaning you can apply them to a number of jobs. 

In-demand tech industry

Computer science is a growing industry with lots of opportunities thanks to the increasingly digital nature of people’s lives. The IT industry in India is projected to reach 360 billion USD by 2026, which signifies the great demand for skilled computer science professionals [2]. This growth in job opportunities has led to an increase in students choosing to pursue computer science and related courses.

Versatility 

A computer science degree can be quite versatile thanks to the technical know-how you develop as a result of your time in a programme. You can pursue roles like system analyst or software developer, or you can take specialised coursework to prepare you to pursue a number of related professions in robotics, deep learning, cryptography, cybersecurity, and data analysis. 

Higher salaries

Computer science professions tend to pay well. The exact salary varies depending on your qualifications and expertise, but most roles in this field offer attractive salaries due to their technical requirements. According to Indeed, some of the highest-paying computer science jobs in India and their average annual salaries are as follows [3]:

*Data collected from Indeed India (October 2024)

Alternatives to a computer science degree

Dedicating three to 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 the following alternatives: 

Computer science boot camps

Attending an intensive programme like a boot camp can help you learn a particular 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 offer a more flexible learning environment to focus on building specific professional skills. 

Certifications

Beginner-level certifications are industry-approved training programmes that show your competency in a number of areas: software development, a programming language, data science, and more. If you’re looking for a foundation in an area of computer science, taking and passing a certification can be a faster way of gaining important skills than a bachelor’s degree. You can often find many available options on learning platforms like Coursera, which allow you to tailor your coursework to your background, schedule, and interests. Additionally, certifications can enhance your resume and show recruiters that you have valuable skills to contribute to their organisation. 

If you already have an undergraduate degree or you want to upskill within your current profession, you can also opt for a Post Graduate Certificate in Computer Science & Engineering, which is a six-month course designed for working professionals to upgrade their skill set and learn how to utilise the latest technology within their industry.

Explore computer science on Coursera 

While one of the most popular disciplines, computer science can be considered a challenging subject due to its advanced technical curriculum and programming requirements. By planning ahead and taking advantage of helpful resources, you can maximise your chances of success and explore what this exciting and innovative course path has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to change careers and have no prior computer science knowledge, or you’re looking 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 certificates on Coursera, including beginner-friendly IT Automation with Python from Google and Full Stack Cloud Developer from IBM. 

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