For years, parents of high-school students have heard the same advice over and over: “If your kid likes math and technology, they should major in computer science. The jobs will always be there.” That advice wasn’t wrong—it’s just outdated. The academic and career landscape is shifting fast, and nowhere is that more visible than in computer science. While tech jobs still pay well on paper, the path from a CS degree to a stable, well-paying job has become far less predictable, According to federal labor data, computer and math-related jobs still report a median salary north of $100,000—well above the national average. Early-career computer science graduates often see starting salaries in the $70,000–$85,000 range. On the surface, that looks fantastic.
But in the last few years, major tech companies have laid off tens of thousands of workers. Entry-level software roles—the ones new graduates rely on—are more competitive than ever. At the same time, AI tools are rapidly automating the kinds of routine coding tasks that used to be done by junior engineers. Fewer openings. More applicants. Higher expectations. This doesn’t mean your child shouldn’t study computer science. It does mean that simply “majoring in CS” is no longer enough to guarantee strong job prospects. Interestingly, many of the most durable career paths are rooted in fundamental quantitative disciplines: mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, and applied sciences. These fields teach students how to reason abstractly, model complex systems, and solve problems that don’t come with step-by-step instructions. Those skills are not easily automated—and they’re in demand across many industries.
This is why careers for mathematicians and statisticians are projected to grow faster than the average job market, with tens of thousands of openings each year. Physics majors—despite modest direct job growth—often move into engineering, energy, defense, finance, or advanced analytics roles. Many of these careers offer salaries that rival or exceed traditional tech jobs, with far less volatility.
Another important point parents often overlook is that a student who succeeds in applied math, physics, or engineering sends a strong signal about discipline, resilience, and intellectual capacity. That signal travels well—to graduate schools, employers, and even tech companies hiring for advanced roles. In summary, the goal isn’t to steer students away from technology—it’s to steer them toward adaptability.
The “safe majors” of yesterday aren’t guaranteed anymore. The students who will thrive are the ones with deep, transferable skills and the ability to pivot as industries evolve. In a world changing this quickly, fundamentals such as math, science, and engineering skills beat simple computer programming in a landslide.
