Should I switch from CS to CE?

Deciding between Computer Science (CS) and Computer Engineering (CE) depends on your interests: switch to CE if you love hardware, circuits, and the physical side of computing, as it offers broad hardware/software skills, but expect intense coursework. Stick with CS if you're passionate about pure software, algorithms, and theory, as it often leads to more high-paying roles, though you can still learn hardware via electives and projects. A key factor is your preference for building physical systems (CE) versus developing applications (CS).

Is CE better or CS?

Neither Computer Science (CS) nor Computer Engineering (CE) is inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your interests, as CS focuses more on software, algorithms, and theory, while CE blends software with hardware, electronics, and system design, though both offer strong, flexible career paths in tech, with CS often leading to pure software roles and CE to embedded systems, hardware, and the software-hardware interface. Choose CS if you love coding, AI, and software development; choose CE if you're fascinated by processors, embedded devices, and how hardware and software interact. 

Which degree pays more, CS or CE?

Generally Comparable Salaries: Entry-level salaries for CS and CE graduates are similar, typically in the 90,000 range. CS May Have Broader High-Paying Opportunities: Due to demand in AI, software development, and data science, CS might offer more high-paying roles overall, especially in software-heavy industries.

Is a CS degree still useful?

That's why so many families are asking a new question: Is computer science still worth majoring in? The short answer is yes — but with perspective. A CS degree remains a strong educational foundation for the future, as long as students approach it with strategy and adaptability.

Is CE more hands-on than CS?

Therefore, like other engineering fields, CE is more hands-on. Critical skills for computer engineers include: Software engineering (coding, testing, program design) In-depth knowledge and skills in computer hardware.

My Honest Advice for Computer Science Majors

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Yes, some electrical engineers can make $500k, but it's rare and typically requires high specialization in lucrative fields like top-tier tech (AI, silicon design) or critical infrastructure, often involving significant stock/bonuses in total compensation rather than just base salary, with many reaching this level through technical leadership or starting their own successful ventures.
 

Was Elon Musk a coder?

Yes, Elon Musk was a self-taught programmer who started coding as a child, creating his first video game, Blastar, at age 12 and selling its code, which laid the foundation for his tech ventures like Zip2 and X.com (PayPal). While he's known more as an entrepreneur and visionary now, programming was a fundamental skill that enabled his early success and remains crucial to his companies, with languages like C++, Python, and Java used at Tesla and SpaceX. 

Are CS grads screwed?

Computer science graduates are facing 6.1% unemployment in 2025 - nearly double the rate of philosophy majors. This completely flips what students were told about CS being a safe career choice.

Is 27 too late to start coding?

No, 27 is absolutely not too old to learn programming; many people successfully switch careers into tech at this age or older, proving age is less of a barrier than passion, dedication, and practical skill-building, though you might focus on leveraging existing experience (like data analysis) rather than expecting to become a top-tier software engineer by 30. Employers value what you can do, so build marketable skills, create a strong portfolio, and remember that persistence pays off, even if the learning curve feels steeper at times. 

Will CS get replaced by AI?

AI Is Transforming, Not Replacing, Computer Scientists

AI is reshaping the tech industry by automating repetitive coding tasks and amplifying human creativity. Rather than eliminating jobs, AI is shifting the focus of computer science toward designing smarter, more ethical, and human-centered systems.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Engineers making $500k/year are typically highly specialized, experienced professionals in tech (Software, AI, Cloud), Petroleum, Electrical, or Chemical fields, working at top tech firms (FAANG, startups), hedge funds, or in senior management/architect roles, often with significant stock/bonus components, not just base salary. Key roles include Principal/Distinguished Engineers, AI/ML Specialists, Data Scientists, and Directors, requiring advanced degrees and deep expertise in high-demand areas like distributed systems or high-frequency trading. 

What tech jobs pay $400,000 a year?

Tech jobs paying $400k+ are typically senior, specialized roles in high-demand fields like AI/Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Data Science, often at major companies or successful startups, including Principal/Staff Engineers, Engineering Directors, CTOs, AI/ML Scientists, Cloud Architects, Product Managers, and Security Leads, with compensation including base, bonuses, and stock. Roles at companies like OpenAI, Netflix, Google, Netflix, Google, and. 

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Yes, many engineers, especially in tech, AI, and senior or specialized roles, can earn $250k or more annually, often through total compensation (base + bonus + equity), though it usually requires significant experience (5-10+ years) or working for top companies in high-cost areas like Silicon Valley, with software and AI roles offering the most direct paths to this income level. 

Is CS the hardest degree?

Computer science is often regarded as one of the most challenging majors to pursue in college—but why is that? The field's complexity, rigorous mathematical foundations and emphasis on abstract thinking contribute to its perceived difficulty.

Is CS or CE better for AI?

Computer science graduates are typically more involved in software development, data analysis, and AI, while computer engineering graduates work more with hardware, embedded systems, and robotics.

What careers can you get with CE?

Careers Reported by Computer Engineering Majors on the American Community Survey

• Software Developers, Applications and Systems Software.
• Managers.
• Computer Programmers.
• Computer and Information Systems Managers.
• Computer Systems Analysts.
• Postsecondary Teachers.
• Management Analysts.
• Computer Hardware Engineers.

Did Joe Biden say "learn to code"?

Yes, Joe Biden famously told coal miners in a 2019 campaign speech in New Hampshire that they could learn to code, saying, "Anybody who can go down 300 to 3,000 feet in a mine, sure in hell can learn to program as well," as part of a larger discussion about transitioning workers to future jobs in a green economy, a comment that drew both criticism and defense. 

What is the 80 20 rule in programming?

The 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) in programming means 80% of outcomes come from 20% of effort, guiding focus on high-impact areas like core features, critical code modules, and essential learning concepts to maximize efficiency and results. In practice, this means 80% of users use 20% of features, 80% of bugs are in 20% of code, and beginners should master core fundamentals (like data types, loops, functions) before diving deep into obscure details to achieve 80% of results quickly.
 

Will AI replace coders by 2040?

Research from Oak Ridge National Laboratory maintains there's a high probability of AI replacing software developers by 2040. This aligns with survey data showing 30% of developers expect AI to replace their development work.

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

The most prominent "$400,000 job without a college degree" discussed in recent news is a Walmart Supercenter Store Manager, where compensation can reach that level through a combination of increased base pay (around $128k average), significant bonuses (up to 200% of base), and annual stock grants (up to $20k) for top performers, making the role lucrative for those rising from hourly work. Other paths to high income without a degree include skilled trades, tech sales, and specialized roles like power plant operators, often achieved through skills-based training, certificates, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year degree.
 

Is CS losing popularity?

According to a report by Oxford Economics, since 2022, employment among new graduates in computer science and mathematics has dropped by nearly 8 percent.

What is the #1 happiest profession?

There's no single #1 happiest job, as it varies by individual, but consistently high-ranking roles often involve helping others (firefighters, physical therapists, surgeons), working outdoors (logging, farming), or creative/technical fields (software developers, engineers, arts) with good balance, autonomy, and pay, with Construction sometimes topping industry lists for overall happiness and satisfaction. 

Is Jeff Bezos a programmer?

Also, Bezos was a Computer Science major and a developer for 4 years after graduation. Jeff's original request for S3 was, as I recall, along the lines of "We need malloc() for the Internet."

What is Elon Musk's 1 hour rule?

Elon Musk doesn't have a specific "1 Hour Rule," but he's associated with the "5-Hour Rule", which involves dedicating an hour daily to reading and learning, a habit shared with figures like Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey, focusing on self-improvement through focused learning, though he also uses a granular 5-minute time-blocking method for his own intense schedule, and emphasizes eliminating large, unproductive meetings. 

Was Zuckerberg a good coder?

College years

The New Yorker noted that by the time Zuckerberg began classes at Harvard in 2002, he had already achieved a "reputation as a programming prodigy".