Question 1

Do I need to already code to major in this?

Accepted Answer

No. Most programs assume zero. The first two semesters will be a slog if you've never written a line — but everyone catches up by sophomore year if they put the hours in.

Question 2

Is CS still worth it if AI writes code?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a caveat. AI is very good at syntax and boilerplate, which is what juniors used to spend their first year doing. The juniors who will thrive are the ones who can read, review, and redirect AI output — not fight it.

Question 3

Do I need to go to MIT to get a good CS job?

Accepted Answer

No. Most hiring managers screen for projects on GitHub, internships, and being able to talk through a bug — not the badge on your hoodie. Cal Poly, GT, and UVA grads crush interviews.

Question 4

CS vs. software engineering vs. computer engineering — what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

CS is the broadest — theory, algorithms, languages. SE is CS with more process (testing, lifecycle, teams). Computer engineering pulls in hardware. For most software jobs, the three are nearly interchangeable.

Question 5

Can I minor in CS and still get a software job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially if you pair it with a quantitative major (physics, stats, econ) and ship a couple of real projects. You'll be slower on algorithms trivia but faster on domain problems.

Question 6

What's the actual first job like?

Accepted Answer

You'll spend 3–6 months reading the existing codebase, fixing small bugs, and building a reputation for not breaking things. Code reviews are where you learn most. Expect a mentor, expect imposter syndrome, and expect it to get much better by year two.

Computer Science in 90 seconds — before you read the full brief.

Computer Science

Software Developers

Information Security Analysts

Data Scientists

Brown University vs. Carnegie Mellon University

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You like building things. You like fixing things. You like seeing a machine do what you told it to. This major pays you for that.

What we'd tell a younger sibling.

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