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AI Didn’t Kill Computer Science. It Amplified It.

Why studying computer science in the age of AI might be the smartest move you can make — even if you never write a line of code again

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studying computer science in the age of AI

When NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang stood on stage and said, “Kids shouldn't learn to code,” the internet predictably lost its mind. Why invest years in studying syntax and algorithms, he argued, when AI can now generate software from plain English? According to Huang, “the programming language is human.” Just tell the machine what you want, and it builds it.

On the surface, this sounds like the end of computer science as we know it. Why study loops and logic when ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot can do it for you?

But look deeper, and you’ll see something far more exciting: computer science isn’t dying — it’s evolving. And it's evolving fast.

Programming Is Shifting — and That’s the Point

Here’s the reality: yes, AI is making it easier to write code. But no, that doesn’t mean you can skip learning how systems work. Think of AI like a calculator — just because you can use one doesn’t mean you never need to understand math.

In fact, Huang’s real message wasn’t about ditching Computer Science — it was about changing how we teach it.

Tomorrow’s programmers won’t spend hours fixing commas in code. They’ll spend time solving real problems, designing smarter systems, and figuring out what to build — while AI takes care of how to build it.

Rethinking What It Means to “Learn to Code”

For years, “learn to code” was the rallying cry of the digital age — a promise of job security, innovation, and endless opportunity. But as AI tools grow more powerful, many are asking a new question: Do we still need to?

The answer, surprisingly, might be yes — just not in the way you think.

Learning computer science today isn’t about memorizing syntax or competing with machines. It’s about understanding how systems work, how to think algorithmically, and how to design technology that solves real human problems. Whether you're building the next great app or leading a team of AI tools to optimize global supply chains, the mindset of a computer scientist is more valuable than ever.

At Bar-Ilan University, our computer science students don’t just learn to code — they learn to ask better questions, build smarter solutions, and work at the intersection of logic, creativity, and ethics. In short, they learn to lead in a world increasingly powered by AI.

Computer Science Is the New Superpower

Computer science is no longer just about writing code. It’s about knowing how to think. CS graduates are trained to:

  • Break down problems logically
  • Design efficient systems
  • Think critically about how technology impacts people
  • Adapt to rapidly changing tools and frameworks

Those are the exact skills that employers are desperate for — especially in a world where everyone’s racing to figure out how to use AI safely and effectively.

A recent HackerRank survey found that 73% of developers believe core computer science skills will become more important in an AI-driven future. Why? Because even if an AI writes your code, you need to make sure it’s solving the right problem, using the right logic, and not crashing a hospital database.

Still Worth Studying Computer Science? Let’s Talk

Q: If AI can write code, why should anyone study computer science?

A: Great question. AI can write code — but it doesn't understand the problems it's solving. It doesn’t know if it's building a great app or a disaster waiting to happen. Computer science teaches you to think, not just type. It’s like saying, “Why learn architecture if AI can draw blueprints?” Because someone still has to know how to design the building.

Q: So are we just going to prompt our way through the future?
A: In some ways, yes — prompting is the new literacy. But effective prompting requires deep understanding. You still need to know what to ask, how to evaluate the results, and how to guide AI toward real-world solutions. That’s exactly what a CS education gives you.

Q: Will I still need to know how to code?
A: Yes, but not in the same way. You might not spend your days writing every line by hand, but you’ll absolutely need to understand what good code looks like, how systems interact, and how to debug when things (inevitably) go wrong. Coding is becoming more about designing systems, collaborating with AI, and building trust in technology.

Q: What kinds of careers can I pursue with a CS degree today?
A: The list keeps growing: AI researcher, data scientist, cybersecurity expert, systems architect, product designer, ethical tech strategist, robotics engineer, and dozens more. Bottom line: CS doesn’t limit your options — it multiplies them.

It’s Not the End. It’s the Upgrade.

Computer science isn’t becoming irrelevant — it’s becoming integrated into every field. Whether you want to design smarter cities, cure diseases with data, build ethical tech, or revolutionize education, Computer Science is the passport.

So go ahead — learn to code, or don’t. But if you want to build the future, understand how code works, why systems fail, and what questions are worth solving. That’s what we teach here.

And in the age of AI, it might just be the most human skill of all.