Are You Constantly Saying ‘I Hate Computer Science’? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve stumbled upon this article with the sentiment “I hate computer science,” know that you’re not alone.

Many students in the midst of their computer science studies find themselves in a similar position. This article aims to help you understand why you might be feeling this way and what you can do about it.

Why Do You Dislike Computer Science?

Understanding why you dislike computer science is the first step to finding a solution. Here are a few common reasons:

Time: Computer science is a time-consuming degree program. It involves numerous hours of studying, programming, and project completion.

If time management is a significant issue, there are alternative study paths and career paths that could free up your time, and you might not have to abandon computer science entirely

Coding: “I hate computer science” – a phrase that’s often linked to the major role that coding plays in the course.

While computer science is about more than just coding, coding is still a significant part of the process. If coding doesn’t spark joy for you, know that there are areas of research and facets of computer science that require less coding.

Logic: Some students find that thinking like a computer is not fun at all. If the raw logical terms of computer science are exhausting for you, consider transitioning into other STEM fields that might not prove so frustrating. Math-related fields, or any of the major sciences, might be a better fit for you.

Other Aspects: Computer science delves deep into many complex topics. If these aspects of computer science do not deeply excite you, the field may prove exhausting.

If there’s something specific in computer science that you dislike, you might want to consider alternatives to a career in this field.

Considerations

When you’re at a point where “I hate computer science” becomes a recurring thought, it’s essential to assess the strength of your dedication to your computer science degree.

Reflect on the initial motivations that drew you to this discipline. If your dedication is profound enough, it might be justified to face some obstacles and hardship.

Conversely, if no such goal exists, there’s no necessity to persist in a field that doesn’t bring you satisfaction.

Examining Your Dedication to the Degree

The intensity of your personal dedication to your computer science degree plays a pivotal role. Reflect on the factors that inspired you to embark on this journey.

Are you propelled by your family’s expectations, prospective employment opportunities, or your own personal desires? Consider the personal significance of attaining this degree.

If your dedication is authentic, it might be worth confronting a few challenges on the way. Conversely, if your dedication is lacking, there’s no justification to endure in a field that incites discomfort.

How far along are you in your degree? 

Determining your stage in the computer science degree journey is crucial. If you’re in your first semester and already find yourself unhappy with it, you may want to reconsider your academic path.

However, if you’re halfway through your final semester, the practical choice might be to endure the discomfort and complete the degree.

A computer science degree can offer diverse opportunities for both continued education and alternative career paths, making it a potentially beneficial, though challenging, endeavor.

Financial Considerations

While happiness should be a priority, financial factors can’t be overlooked. Assess your financial situation and evaluate how abandoning the computer science degree might impact your circumstances.

If you have the means to switch paths without significant financial strain, it’s a viable option. However, if your finances are tightly linked to completing the degree, you’ll need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of sticking with a field you dislike versus financial stability.

Alternatives to Consider

If the thought “I hate computer science” frequently crosses your mind, exploring other majors can be a great starting point. Here are some alternatives along with resources for more information:

1. Data Science: This rapidly growing field combines statistics, mathematics, programming, and domain knowledge to extract insights from data. For an overview of data science as a career, BitDegree offers a guide on the best alternatives to a computer science degree, including data science.
2. Information Technology (IT): IT involves applying technology to solve business or organizational problems. The University of Washington provides information on computing-related majors, which can give you a broader view of IT and related fields.
3. Product Management: This role requires a mix of business, technology, and people skills to lead a team in developing and marketing products. Kaplan Pathways discusses alternatives to a master’s in Computer Science, which can be relevant for those considering product management.
4. Design: Fields like User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design are crucial in tech. These roles focus on creating user-friendly software interfaces. For those interested in design, Reddit’s discussion on alternative majors for Comp Sci can provide insights into transitioning from computer science to design fields.
5. Marketing: Tech companies need skilled marketers to promote their products. A background in computer science can be a significant asset in tech marketing roles. For more on transitioning to marketing from a technical background, explore Quora’s discussion on degrees alternative to computer science.

Each of these fields offers unique opportunities and challenges, and can be a great fit for someone looking to pivot away from computer science.

Exploring Alternatives to a Computer Science Degree

Feeling disillusioned with computer science is not uncommon, and there are several paths you can take if you decide it’s not for you. Here are some alternatives and resources to consider:

1. Seek Guidance from Your Advisor: Talk to your academic advisor about your concerns and aspirations. They can offer advice on alternative pathways, switching majors, or combining your current degree with a new field of study. Reddit’s discussion on alternative majors for Comp Sci can also provide some insights.
2. Consider Completing the Degree: If you’re close to graduation, think about the benefits of completing your degree. A computer science degree opens doors in various fields, not just coding or software development. For more on leveraging a computer science degree in different careers, check out Pluralsight’s guide on popular computer degrees for IT jobs.
3. Explore Non-Degree Paths: There are fulfilling career paths that don’t require a college degree. For those considering this route, BitDegree offers insights on the best alternatives to a computer science degree.
4. Alternative Fields and Majors: If you’re interested in fields related to technology but not exactly computer science, consider majors like Information Systems, Software Engineering, or Cybersecurity. Kaplan Pathways discusses 5 great alternatives to a master’s in Computer Science, which can be a good starting point for undergraduates too.
5. Skill Transferability: Remember, the skills you’ve gained in computer science are valuable in many other fields. Logical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills are highly sought after in various industries.
6. Mental Health and Well-being: Prioritizing your mental health is crucial. If you’re feeling stressed or demotivated, it’s important to seek support.
7. Networking and Mentorship: Seek mentors in your desired field. Networking can open up new opportunities and provide valuable insights.

Remember, it’s okay to change your path. The key is to find a career that aligns with your interests, skills, and long-term goals.