, Google's head of Android, believes the computer science degree needs a fresh “rebrand,” according to a report by Business Insider.

He explained that many people see it simply as learning to do Java coding, adding, "If that's what you want to do, you don't need a degree."

Samat, who studied computer science at UC San Diego, disagrees with this narrow view. He said, "It's definitely not learning to code. It is the science, in my opinion, of solving problems."

While coding is a part of the curriculum, the main focus lies in analysing problems, designing systems, and working collaboratively, he noted.

With AI increasingly replacing the role of software engineers, many are beginning to question the value of a computer science degree. Automation is making it more difficult for graduates to land full-time roles and internships in the space.

Recently, several tech leaders admitted to AI being used to generate 30% to 50% of work, especially coding, in companies such as Google and Salesforce, among others.

However, reflecting on his own experience, Samat recalled learning to code during a time when Assembly language was being phased out. He said studying Assembly was valuable because it helped him understand how machines work at a deeper level.

He believes that programming will always involve higher-level, more abstract languages. "Maybe someday it'll be natural language, where we're just talking about what we want, and something is building the underlying software for you," he said. But he added that this future is "not for a while."

Samat also cautioned students against choosing computer science simply because it seems attractive to employers. He said, "I think it's really important that it be something that you're really excited about going deep in and really becoming a 5% top expert in the field."