The Impact of AI on Computer Science Careers

Some of the most in-demand computer science jobs for 2025 include data engineers, senior software engineers, software developers, network/cloud architects, and systems engineers. Data engineers manage and process massive amounts of data, while senior software engineers and developers design and build applications. Network/cloud architects create and maintain cloud-based systems, and systems engineers ensure that different technologies work together efficiently.

As AI becomes more advanced, it is important to understand what impact it will have on programming jobs. According to an article in Forbes, “coding as we know it is indeed facing disruption,” but the problem-solving and creative side of programming will remain a human skill.

AI-powered coding tools are already widely used and a GitHub survey of 500 U.S.-based developers found that 92% use AI tools both at work and in their personal projects. These tools can generate code quickly, but they don’t always produce high-quality results. As Forbes points out, AI might increase the volume of code written, but someone still has to review and maintain it to prevent unstructured, low-quality software. Thus, AI will likely replace some lower-level coding jobs, but experts will still be in high demand. Forbes explains that “code generation models may indeed take over the jobs of low-skilled coders, but experts will likely become even more important, providing architectural vision and direction.” In other words, while AI can assist in coding, skilled programmers will still need to design systems, make key decisions, and ensure software functions as intended. 

Computer science education is also changing due to AI. According to the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), AI won’t make computer science education obsolete. Instead, it will change the focus. Students will still need to learn core skills like problem-solving, statistics, and system design, even if AI handles some coding tasks. One expert quoted by ACM explains that jobs won’t disappear, but individual tasks within those jobs will become automated. Just as word processors replaced manual typing but didn’t eliminate writing, AI will streamline programming but won’t remove the need for developers.

If you are a student interested in computer science, the key is to adapt and learn how to work with AI. While AI has made coding easy, it is still important to spend time and learn the fundamentals of programming, even if you won’t be manually coding on a day-to-day basis.  The demand for software solutions is only growing, and if you have a strong foundation in how to use AI effectively, you will be in the best position to succeed in the future.