Has BTech Computer Science Lost Its Value Because of AI?

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically affected many industries, including the technology sector in the last few years. The shift has given rise to concerns about how jobs are affected in the tech industry, especially regarding jobs by computer science students. AI is changing reality including having more influence on the daily work of numerous employees, among them programmers.

This Story also Contains

1. The Current Scenario of Tech Industry Employment
2. AI's Role in Shaping the Future of Computer Science
3. AI Challenges and Opportunities for BTech Computer Science Graduates

A recent study by MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) has shown that some 23% of wages associated with vision-related tasks would be automated by AI. The study also states, suggesting the replacement of jobs by AI, particularly in computer vision, will take place at a slower rate. A recent Cognizant study discovered that "occupations that include credit analysis, computer programming, Web development, database administration, and graphic design already have a theoretical maximum exposure score of approximately 50%. By 2032, as technology continues to evolve, some occupations' exposure scores will reach up to 80%." And while a study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded that 40% of all jobs in the world are already being affected by AI, that percentage rises to 60% of jobs in high-income economies.

The Current Scenario of Tech Industry Employment

In 2024 & 2025, the US technology sector has seen significant layoffs. This has affected students studying in USA as well as several people including the prospective BTech Computer Science graduates.

1. US Layoffs

In 2024, at least 95,667 employees were laid off from US based tech firms, and 161 layoffs that affected 34,403 employees occurred as of February 28, 2025, as per the reports by Crunchbase.

The reason for the layoffs can not be only due to the emergence of AI. Other reasons include mass hiring during the Covid-19 pandemic which resulted in over-employment. Some big tech firms also mentioned slowing sales and recession anxiety as justification for cutting back.

2. Major Companies That Laid Off

• Phoenix-based Onsemi Intelligent Technology estimated 2,400 employees at risk of job losses, equivalent to roughly 9% of its workforce.

• San Francisco-based design software company Autodesk is also laying off around 9% of its employees, or 1,350 positions.

• Intel Corp. laid off the most individuals among US tech companies in 2024. They have laid off over 15,000 workers in the last year.

• Tesla, the electric car manufacturer, laid off over 14,000 positions. Networking firm Cisco, with over 10,000 total positions eliminated.

• Amazon layoffs 16,000 jobs.

• Alphabet layoff totals comprised around 12,000 jobs.

• Microsoft laid off around 10,000 employees.

AI's Role in Shaping the Future of Computer Science

Instead of losing its worth, computer science has only evolved in terms of what it requires. AI has changed the demand for specific skill sets but also opened up new areas of employment. Computer science students of today would find themselves more interested in pursuing subjects such as AI, machine learning, data science, and deep learning, all of which include the BTech course fundamentals.

In addition, the core of computer science is still a must-have

• Comprehending algorithms

• Data structures

• Problem-solving

Without a good foundation in computer science, knowing how to develop or enhance AI models would be much harder. Also, AI itself is a product designed by computer scientists. Therefore, the need for experts who can construct, enhance, and comprehend these intricate systems is probably going to grow in the future, not diminish. AI is expected to generate around 97 million new roles, resulting in a net increase of 12 million jobs.

Explore: Best Universities in the UK for Masters in Artificial Intelligence

AI Challenges and Opportunities for BTech Computer Science Graduates

Let us now explore the challenges and opportunities for BTech Computer Science graduates when AI is concerned.

AI Challenges for BTech Computer Science Graduates

AI Opportunities for BTech Computer Science Graduates

Conclusion:

The value of BTech Computer Science is not lost instead, it is a required qualification to excel in the field of AI. This is because AI requires expertise and skills that can be acquired through a degree in BTech Computer Science. The core skills of programming, problem-solving, and algorithm design are more important than ever, and those who can adapt to the changing landscape by integrating AI into their skill set will remain valuable contributors to the tech industry. So, rather than losing its value, a BTech in Computer Science is one of the most relevant and futuristic degrees in the current tech-savvy world.

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