Why study computer science or software engineering?

Build the technology, and the artificial intelligence, that shapes the future.

Every modern industry, from medicine and entertainment to finance and renewable energy, runs on software. Whether your goal is to work in artificial intelligence, build secure systems, design life-saving medical software, or launch a tech startup, a degree in Computer Science (CS) or Software Engineering (SE) gives you the foundation to find practical, real-world solutions to complex problems.

What About AI? 

If AI can write code, will we still need software engineers and computer scientists?

The answer is yes.  We need them even more than ever.

AI tools are transforming technology, but they aren’t replacing computer scientists.  Instead, they amplify what a single engineer can do. And who will build all those customized AI tools?

• Coding vs. Engineering: AI can write code, but it cannot design secure network architectures, solve complex business challenges, build new data structures or algorithms, or ensure data privacy. AI cannot innovate on its own. Computing is about problem-solving, human-centered design, and logical reasoning.  These are skills beyond the ability of AI.
• Developers as AI Builders & Directors: Instead of spending hours writing repetitive boilerplate code, today software engineers use AI tools to build software faster, allowing them to focus on big-picture architecture, innovation, and strategic oversight.
• Our Curriculum Keeps You Ahead: At Butler, we don’t just teach students how to write code.  We teach them foundational principles, systems design, data structures and algorithms design, and how to harness AI responsibly. Our graduates leave equipped to lead AI-driven teams, not compete against them.

Reasons to Choose a Degree in Tech

1. Strong Career Growth & Flexibility: Demand for tech leaders who understand system design, security, and AI integration continues to grow across all sectors. Graduates enjoy strong earning potential and flexible career pathways across the global economy.  See the tech job projections at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics site.

2. High Impact & Creative Problem-Solving: Software isn’t just about syntax or knowing a programming language. It’s about improving human lives. As a CS or SE major, you’ll learn how to analyze complex real-world problems, think critically, and design solutions that scale.

3. Versatility Across Every Industry: You don’t have to work at a traditional tech company. Healthcare, defense, aerospace, entertainment, finance, environmental science, and sports analytics all rely heavily on computer scientists and software engineers to build their digital infrastructure.  See our alumni page for some examples.

4. Direct the Next Generation of Tech: From machine learning and cybersecurity to robotics and cloud architecture, you won’t just react to technological change, you will help drive it.

You are ready to start! You do not need years of prior coding experience to thrive in our department. We are confident that you will do great in our programs if you:

• Enjoy puzzle-solving and logical thinking.
• Are curious about how digital platforms, apps, and AI systems actually work.
• Like building things and seeing your ideas come to life.
• Are persistent when working through challenging, open-ended problems.

And, we will help you along the way. You can do it!

Computer Science vs. Software Engineering: Which Path is Right for You?

Both majors share a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving, but they focus on different aspects of computing. See the table below.

Feature	Computer Science (CS)	Software Engineering (SE)
Core Focus	Theory, algorithms, computing systems, and new tech (like AI & ML)	Design, architecture, quality assurance, and building large software systems
Key Question	How do computers solve complex problems efficiently?	How do we build reliable, secure, and scalable software systems?
Great For Students Who…	Love math, logic, AI research, data science, and theoretical concepts	Enjoy teamwork, system architecture, project management, and product design
Common Roles	AI Specialist, Data Scientist, Systems Analyst, Security Researcher	Full-Stack Developer, DevOps Engineer, Software Architect, Tech Product Manager

For details on how these programs are similar and how they are different, see our academics page.

Are you ready to start your journey?

Explore our curriculum, meet our faculty, read about some student projects, or contact us to schedule a tour of our labs to see how we prepare students for the future of tech.