Why Study Computer Science in the Age of AI? 

You’ve seen the headlines and the news articles – and noticed that the areas where AI is being used are changing nearly every day. This has led people to assume that AI coding tools can replace humans – and that the value of a computer science degree is dwindling. However, the evidence supports a different conclusion. 

Employment in computer science is not shrinking. It still pays very well. The field is changing in a direction that rewards the kind of education that Ball State Computer Science provides. What employers are expecting of a new hire is changing, and we are ensuring that our graduates have what they need to be prepared. 

Projected Job Growth is Still Strong

Objective measures of employment show that the predicted demise of the computing profession is overblown. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the jobs that our graduates are prepared for are still growing, at 2.9x to 10x the average ten-year growth rate of 3.5% for all occupations from 2025 to 2035: 

Software Developers/Quality Assurance Analysts/Testers

  • Job Outlook 2025-2035: 10% (much faster than average)
  • Median Pay: $134,040 per year 

Information Security Analysts 

  • Job Outlook 2025-2035: 21% (much faster than average)
  • Median Pay: $129,180 per year 

Data Scientists 

  • Job Outlook 2025-2035: 35% (much faster than average) 
  • Median Pay: $120,230 per year 

Computer and Information Systems Managers

  • Job Outlook 2025-2035: 16% (much faster than average)
  • Median Pay: $175,140 per year 

Additionally, the Winter 2026 Salary Survey of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) projects that 2026 computer science graduates will earn a starting salary of $81,535, up nearly 7% from last year. NACE also ranks computer science the third most in-demand bachelor’s degree, behind only finance and mechanical engineering. 

Entry-level Job Expectations are Changing

What you will do in your first job is changing – much of the rote typing part of development is being accelerated through AI tools – which means that a more thorough understanding of computer science is even more important. Just like accounting software changed how much time a tax accountant spent using the adding machine – new AI-assisted tools are changing the day-to-day work of a software engineer. This allows developers to spend more time focusing on the exciting parts of designing the system, deciding what should be built, and judging if the solution is correct, secure, and optimal.

How a Ball State Computer Science Degree Prepares You

Employers are looking for new graduates with:

  1. An understanding of software that sees the connection between systems, not just stepping from one line to the next
  2. Familiarity with modern AI tools in the software development environment
  3. Demonstrated ability to deliver real work to real clients and solve real problems
  4. Ability to innovate and think deeply about challenging topics 

As a Ball State computer science student, you’ll build and demonstrate these abilities through these opportunities: 

  1. Our curriculum is continually updated, adding relevant techniques and technologies while maintaining a commitment to building a strong understanding of computer science, software system design, and the foundational principles that are critical for using modern software development techniques, including AI tools. Recently launched courses include Agentic Software Engineering and New Trends in AI, which teach how to use AI tools plus the critical skill of evaluating AI output for correctness, security, and alignment with business purpose. In particular, our two concentrations in Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics and Cybersecurity & Secure Software Design are closely aligned with the areas of largest BLS-predicted growth over the next 10 years.

  2. All students complete a two-semester software engineering capstone sequence, where students work on structured teams shipping real solutions for real-world clients. Over the last 10 years, our department has delivered over 200 projects to more than 100 community partners, including local businesses, startups, nonprofits, and larger corporations.

  3. Students can also gain paid experience without leaving campus. In our Cardinal Academy of Digital Security and Education (CADSE), outside employers hire Ball State students to work real cybersecurity cases in a dedicated campus lab, supervised by our faculty. And at the Digital Corps, students from all majors work together to design the best solutions for University partners.

  4. Our faculty mentor students through research projects, from freshman to senior experiences, and regularly publish research papers in the top conferences with students as coauthors. For example, in fall 2026, three Ball State computer science undergraduates published AI research that began as a classroom exercise.

  5. Students also compete in hackathons and capture-the-flag competitions, contribute to humanitarian free and open-source software projects, and meet industry leaders through our weekly TechTalk series. 

Ready to see it for yourself? Explore our programs or schedule a campus visit.