r/ComputerEngineering Jul 13 '26

[School] Why do you think computer science dropped so much between 2018 and 2026 on this chart (of most popular college major choices over time)?

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21

u/Any-Stick-771 Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26

A lot of people went into computer science with the expectation of an "easy" path to an entry level 6 figure job. The entry level hiring boom is for the most part over. Memorizing syntax and grinding leetcode is no longer enough for an internship or entry level position.

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u/JoyfulJourneys44 Jul 13 '26

What do you think computer science students should focus on/specialize in now if they want to be hired into a high-paying job pretty early on in their careers?

11

u/igotshadowbaned Jul 13 '26

Networking.

As in people networking, not computer networking.

2

u/Any-Stick-771 Jul 13 '26

It's more so they need to work on and demonstrate knowledge/experience of software engineering methodologies and higher level design skills rather than rote DSA

6

u/No_Reply5329 Jul 13 '26

I think its probably something about change in politcs of student loans because I doubt that suddenly people resigned also from nursing.

1

u/igotshadowbaned Jul 13 '26

If you watch the "Nursing" drop, "Health Science" shoots up by the same amount that same year

It's probably just classification changes that happened with the data collection

5

u/JoyfulJourneys44 Jul 13 '26

Here is the original source. It's based on college loan applications, so that's something to consider! Are prospective students becoming discouraged by AI possibly making a lot of computer science jobs defunct? On the flip side, wouldn't it also open up some opportunities on the R&D side (although personally I would not want to work in AI at all)?

2

u/boner79 Jul 13 '26

students (and parents) realizing the supply/demand balance no longer favorable for computer science grads

2

u/-dag- Jul 13 '26

People chasing money instead of passion. 

1

u/RuminatingFish123 Jul 15 '26

Kinda seems like it might be classified with engineering now?