Difficulty
Workload
Enjoyment
Career Prospects
Math Required
Writing Analysis
About this major
Computer Science delves into the theory, development, and application of software and systems. Students learn programming, algorithms, data structures, and the principles of hardware design to solve complex problems.
STEMTechnologyInnovationAnalyticalProblem-solving
Student Experience
Satisfaction
Career outlook
78%
Recommendation
83%
Plan grad school
Academic Balance
Math intensity
Writing intensity
WorkloadHard
DifficultyHard
Filters
“shit school with trash cs program, fake rich kids pretending to have learned sth. of course with high pressure tho”
7/14/2025
“Overall, I think Computer Science is a great fit if you're aiming for a high‑paying career. But what you learn in school alone — theory, algorithms, and systems — isn’t enough for today's market. Employers expect practical coding skills from day one. That’s why CS majors must be proactive—building side projects, mastering version control and DevOps tools, and studying new languages and frameworks beyond coursework.”
7/13/2025
“- In my observation, the difficulties of CS courses in UIUC could be reached at least TOP 10 throughout all colleges in the US. These courses are designed to those who are proficient in CS basis. So, be hard-working, be confident! - The elementary-level CS courses in UIUC are usually difficult and project-based, since they also work on filtering the candidates who can transfer to CS-related majors. Yet, these courses will be much easier in 400-levels. So don't worry about any of your graduation problems - Just roll on. - Please think about your specific future directions after graduation. Most people like to choose one of the following: becoming a software engineer, finding for a PhD in AI/Algorithms/Discrete Math (aka Theoretical CS)/etc., or doing some Quant Finance if he/she is also strong in math. Please find the relative summer research programs or internships starting from your Freshman year. Once you get a job, you don’t need to worry about money (theoretically)!”
7/13/2025
“USC offers a comprehensive CS curriculum with strong core coverage (algorithms, systems, AI, machine learning, databases) and numerous electives across areas like machine learning (CS 467), cybersecurity, data science, and robotics (CS 499).”
7/12/2025
“CS at USC has been pretty good so far. I have been able to learn more about the behind the scenes of computers and programming in C++. The clases are very theoretical so I hope to learn more projects and applications soonZ”
10/2/2025
“I’m specifically a Computer Science Games major, so I have more projects and less math, which could be why I find it more manageable. The projects are more time-demanding, and there are especially a lot more group projects.”
10/2/2025
“The major is a lot of fun, and you learn a lot of interesting stuff. Good fit if you like problem solving!”
10/2/2025
“I think that computer science is a very high earning field but the bar of entry is getting progressively higher which makes it harder to break in but also makes it easier once you do.”
9/26/2025
“Computer science is one of the most popular majors with high learning potential, but the workload is also higher than most majors.”
7/14/2025
“At first you think it’s very to make a game yeah! Using photon or what but when u comes to pointer ok not that good. When finally reach to data structure maybe you will start crying . But project is pretty important and self leaning a lot just be prepared”
10/10/2025
“If you are passionate and motivated and actually interested in CS, then only you can make it far. CS can’t just be taken for good jobs right now.”
10/10/2025
“Being a CS major has its ups and downs. The impostor syndrome is crazy when everyone is so cracked and good luck trying to get into clubs. The ratio in class is also horrible. But if you manage to land a job it will be a very lucrative career.”
10/10/2025
“Being a CS major has its ups and downs. There is a horrendous ratio in you classes but if you stick through it you can get paid a lot if you can actually find a job.”
10/10/2025
“Saturated major, good opportunities if you work hard and work early, good technical skills to have no matter what job you go into. Not great for socializing”
10/2/2025
“It’s very exciting to study computer science at the university of Southern California, totally recommend”
10/2/2025
“It’s a really great and challenging major but it is very fulfilling. After taking classes, making projects, being able to see all you’ve don’t is satisfying!”
10/2/2025
“I really enjoyed the major it is challenging but at the end of the day really worth it and i recommend”
10/2/2025
“Definitely takes a lot of mental energy when learning how to work out problems, but rewarding when you figure out new ways of thinking!”
10/2/2025
“It is math heavy and workload may feel heavy sometimes. Algorithms and Data structures are the best part of the course.”
10/2/2025
“Im going to switch my major hahaha I think we shouldnt startw with c++. I like computer science over all.”
9/26/2025
“It's difficult but it will be worthwhile in the end. You get to learn a lot of different concepts that you can apply to the real world.”
9/26/2025
“The reason why I chose computer science is because I was in the robotics team back in high school, that was the time I found how interesting was computer science. So when I got in college, I chose this as my major and continued to explore this area. All the faculties I met at my school is professional and kind and I think it is worth my tuition. However, I am not sure if I want still recommend computer science as a major for high schoolers to pursuit because the incur of AI is serious, meaning you may not find a job after you graduate!”
7/13/2025
“There are a few profs that are not good. But as long as you bypass those profs, this major should be alright.”
7/13/2025