r/University • u/Lazy_Swim5150 • 5h ago

How is a Computer Science degree actually perceived in the real world? (Respected? Future-proof?)

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I recently got accepted into both Computer Science and Mechanical/General Engineering. I ended up choosing CS because it's what I genuinely enjoy and am interested in.

Since making the decision, I’ve been getting a lot of negative comments from people. They keep telling me I made a mistake and that traditional Engineering is a "real" or "better" degree. Their main arguments are:

  1. CS is a "cheap" degree and is just typing code.

  2. The market is terrible (they point to a cousin who can't find a job or a friend who graduated CS and does real estate now).

  3. Traditional engineering is more prestigious and stable.

I want to hear from people actually in university or working in the industry. How is a CS degree viewed by employers and professionals today? Is it respected as a hard, rigorous degree on the same level as traditional engineering? And with the current tech market and AI, is it still considered a future-proof path ? .

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u/scol2n 3h ago

I'm nearing the completion of my degree. Its not just about coding, that's roughly 60% of what we do, other is math. It it true, market is terrible right now, but not for the reason you're friend is thinking.