What makes the Computer Science major so hard?
It depends on the student. Even if the courses will be challenging for a computer science student, everything that is done well is challenging. Due to its reputation for having heavier workloads and a foundation in technical fields like math and coding, computer science is a difficult major. But all of that labor and energy can produce something amazing. It takes a special person to go an entire day without using any technology. The average person watches TV, uses a laptop, or uses a phone for about six hours a day. For better or worse, there is a significant need for experts in technology and computer science (Sanders, 2018).
Given the widespread use of technology, you should expect that a computer science major will be challenging. It takes a lot of work to learn how to make all those devices work properly. However, this in-demand job may be worthwhile if you have academic discipline, strong math skills, and technological expertise.
You’ll probably find that computer science is near the top of any list of possible majors because it is among the most difficult ones to master. Relatively speaking to other academic disciplines, a career in computer science requires both analytical as well as technical skill. Additionally, you will need to have excellent advanced math abilities in order to understand the computer programming languages algorithms, and systems necessary to be successful in this field of work.
However, computer science may be a rewarding and successful career path if you’re prepared to put in the effort and invest the time in learning. Additionally, there are several coding boot camp programs available to assist you in developing the skills necessary for a future profession in computer science.
How difficult is field of computer Science?
Computer and computer system study is known as computer science. You might create novel applications for computing systems or use computers to solve business issues as a computer scientist. To do this, computer scientists use new computing technology, evaluate algorithms, and create new computer program using their understanding of computer languages.
When seeking a career in field of computer science, there are numerous subfields to study. These subfields encompass computer programming as well as artificial intelligence, database management, developing internet technologies, and software design (Global, 2021).
The great news is that while computer science is a difficult and complex subject, success ultimately depends on amount of the time and effort you’re prepared to put into it. Even though learning fundamental computer science ideas requires time and effort, anyone can learn them. People that flourish in computer science frequently possess a deep curiosity about how things operate and love using trial-and-error problem-solving to unravel the various complexities the field can present.
There are multiple factors, not just one, and each one reduces our majors by a small percentage:
Having frustration with programming:
Negative feedback and a lot of trial-and-error are common in programming. It takes several weeks of practice before you begin to notice real, usable improvement. This naturally discourages students, who want to give up. Since the majority of K12 programs no longer emphasize the development of technical skills (and many pupils lack coping mechanisms).
Mathematics:
Calculus, statistics, and discrete math are typically needed for CS. In computer science, all the same issues that cause students to struggle also exists.
Judging a book by its cover:
Even though it makes just a minor portion of computer science, programming is taught initially. Many students erroneously believe that a CS BS degree is entirely about programming, assuming that if they really do not like programming, they might drop out before they reach the areas of the curriculum that they do find valuable.
Threat of culture and stereotype:
Media inaccurately portrays CS as being populated by uncomfortable nerds who are only male, East Asian or white. Even though all of their peers are also facing setbacks, students who don’t think they meet those stereotypes often perceive them as proof that they do not really fit and withdraw.
Availability of class:
The need for CS courses has been increasing quickly. A robust economy makes it more challenging to find suitable instructors because software development pays significantly more. Students thus encounter overcrowded classes and may experience semester-long waits for classes.
Duration of degree:
Many mandatory courses in CS majors have rigid precondition hierarchies that are time-consuming to complete. Students who are in their second or third year of college and have had to repeat a few semesters often estimate that they will be in school for another three to four years. When they realize, they cannot afford to continue, they change their major to one that would allow them to graduate sooner.
Lack of intrinsic motivation:
Since it is frequently known that software engineers make good money, some students major in computer science merely for the money or because their parents forced them to. Extrinsic motivation is frequently insufficient to persist. They frequently try to get by with the least amount of work possible, that isn’t a success formula.
Problem solving and abstract thinking:
And finally, the topic does include a number of these unusual skills. These skills can be learnt; if a student who has little prior knowledge in these areas really engages in the learning process, completes the required reading and assignments, studies, attends office hours, etc., they can improve sufficiently to be successful in the major. These students’ subsequent success has been the source of some of my proudest moments. But doing so requires a lot of time and effort, which many students lack.
There are undoubtedly difficulties involved with pursuing a profession in computer science. You’ll need to pick up new programming languages, devote time to studying the fundamentals and methods, and learn most of the time by making mistakes. However, if you’re prepared to put in the time and effort required to acquire the information you need, a degree in computer science can lead to a wide range of rewarding professions in the technology industry (Peter, 2020).
CS has a reputation for being a difficult major. Students are put to the test when pursuing a computer science degree. Majors require excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, solid technical knowledge, and the capacity to learn numerous programming languages.
Undergraduates should think about how to excel in a computer science program before declaring a CS major. They must also take into account whether computer science fits well with their skill set and professional objectives. Undergraduates who major in computer science study multiple computer science courses. These courses cover both fundamental and advanced computer science ideas.
Programming:
If you have some programming expertise prior to entering the field of computer science, it will surely be simpler for you. the positive news In order to begin your computer science study with a benefit, coding boot camps make it simple to enter the world of coding. Although it is still possible to study computer science if you have never programmed, you will need to be ready to master programming abilities in addition to your fundamental computer science courses.
For students new to the discipline, most computer science programs provide introductory programming classes. Prospective computer science majors can learn a programming language on their own or take free classes before college. Programming is also taught in bootcamps.
You’ll probably learn how to program as a computer science major, which requires learning a new language. Despite the fact that there is other widely used programming languages nowadays, Python and Java are frequently taught at the best computer science programs in the US. If we Python as an example: learning the basics of the language typically takes between two and six months, and mastering it can take years. Even if you might learn Python at school, you’ll probably need to put in more effort to advance your skills. Fortunately, knowing one language can make learning others easier—and you’ll note that most experienced programmers are literate in multiple languages.
Computer systems:
The organization and structure of computer systems are examined by learners. Students analyze how computer systems process data, create programs, and interact with users using their programming knowledge. Training in minimal programming languages, memory organization, and processor organization are all potential course topics.
Mathematics:
Of course, to work in the field of computer science, one must be proficient in complicated mathematics. If math isn’t your favorite topic, you’ll be glad to know that many computer science careers don’t typically involve difficult arithmetic on a regular basis. However, you will encounter a significant amount of hard math when studying computer science, including discrete mathematics, statistics, calculus, and algebra.
Mathematics courses are frequently taken by CS majors. These courses emphasize logic, discrete math, and proving strategies. Calculus, number theory, and probability may all be covered in math classes. The connection between mathematics and programming languages is emphasized in course material. College-level math classes can be difficult for certain people (Imm, 2021).
Artificial intelligence:
Students learn about Natural language processing, neural networks, pattern and recognition in artificial intelligence courses. Learners look at fundamental ideas and approaches in AI research. The course frequently incorporates novel results and challenging content because of cutting-edge advancements.
References
Global, C. (2021). How Hard is a Computer Science Degree? CSU Global.
How Hard is a Computer Science Degree? (2021). CSU Global.
Imm, J. (2021). Is Computer Science Hard? North Central College.
Peter. (2020). Is Computer Science Hard? What to Expect and How to Succeed. Texas.
Sanders, A. (2018). How Hard is Computer Science? Thinkful.
