CS Was the Best Major… What Is It Now?
For the last decade, Computer Science (CS) has been the major—high salaries, booming demand, and infinite job options.
But in 2025?
The landscape is shifting.
The question students keep asking me is:
“Is CS still the best major… or is something else rising?”
Let’s break it down Hank-Green-style: clear, honest, a little nerdy, and a lot helpful.
💻 1. CS Isn’t “Over”—But It Is Saturated
The truth is: we’re not running out of CS jobs.
We’re running out of entry-level CS jobs.
Why?
More students are majoring in CS than ever.
Bootcamps exploded during the pandemic.
Companies cut junior roles first in layoffs.
CS is still valuable, but the days of “learn Python for 6 months and start at $120k” are gone for most people.
BUT—here’s the twist:
The skills of CS are more valuable than ever…
They’re just packaged differently now.
🚀 2. So What Is the New “Best Major”?
There isn’t one.
Instead, the future belongs to specialized, tech-adjacent majors that combine CS skills with something else.
The job market is moving toward:
➤ Applied Tech Majors
Majors that mix coding + real-world industries.
Here are the front runners:
🔥 3. Data Science — The New Power Major
If CS is the engine, data is the fuel.
Data Science majors learn:
Python
Machine learning
Statistics
Data visualization
Predictive modeling
Why it’s booming:
Every company wants to understand data, predict trends, and automate decisions.
Average Salary: $100k+
Demand: Sky-high and growing
If you love CS but want a clearer career path, Data Science is the upgrade.
🔐 4. Cybersecurity — The “Untouchable” Major
Cyber jobs didn’t decline.
They doubled.
Hospitals, schools, banks, social media platforms—everyone is being hacked constantly.
Students learn:
Digital forensics
Network security
Ethical hacking
Cloud architecture
Risk analysis
Why it’s exploding:
Cybercrime is estimated to cost $10.5 trillion globally by 2025.
Average Starting Salary: $80k–$105k
Job Security: Basically unshakeable
CS built the internet.
Cybersecurity protects it.
⚙️ 5. Engineering Technology & Automation
Robotics, manufacturing, and AI-powered automation are expanding so fast that companies are begging for graduates.
Majors include:
Mechatronics
Industrial Engineering
Electrical Engineering Tech
Automation Robotics
Think “CS + hardware + problem solving.”
Perfect for students who like hands-on energy instead of just coding.
🧠 6. AI & Machine Learning — The Fastest Growing Major
AI exploded so fast that colleges had to create whole departments just to keep up.
AI majors study:
Deep learning
Neural networks
Natural language processing
Computer vision
Why it’s huge:
AI isn’t the future—it’s the present, woven into every industry already.
Warning: This is not an easy major.
It’s math-heavy and research-focused—but insanely rewarding.
🌿 7. Health Science + Tech Majors
Healthcare needs tech more than ever, creating new hybrid degrees like:
Health Informatics
Bioinformatics
Biomedical Engineering
Public Health Data Analytics
Why this combo works:
AI + medical data + aging population = unlimited job growth.
This is the major for students who like tech and want to help people.
💼 8. Business Analytics & Information Systems (BEST for Jobs)
This is the sleeper major.
Not as intense as CS…
Not as saturated…
But incredibly employable.
Students learn:
SQL
Data analysis
Business intelligence
Cloud systems
Project management
Think: “CS but more flexible and people-oriented.”
Starting salaries? $75k–$95k—without needing hardcore math or advanced computing.
📊 9. So… Is CS Still Worth It?
Absolutely—if you love it.
Students who genuinely enjoy coding still thrive in:
Software engineering
Full-stack development
App development
Game design
But if you're choosing CS only for the money?
There are now smarter, less crowded majors with just as much upside—and more stability.
🧭 Final Thoughts from College Refocus
The era of “CS is the automatic best major” is fading.
But the new era is even better:
Tech majors that combine CS with human problems, engineering, business, or data.
These hybrid majors are easier to break into, more flexible, and unbelievably in demand.
The question isn’t:
“Should I major in CS?”
It’s:
“What do I want to do with technology?”
Your major should support your mission—not just your paycheck.
🎯 Call to Action
Want help choosing a future-proof major that fits your strengths and leads to real job opportunities?
📅 Book a Major Selection Strategy Session with College Refocus and we’ll help you pick the strongest path for 2025 and beyond.