It can be a funny question right – and to be honest not an easy one to answer. I am in the programming field – and yah -it’s demanding – but more than anything – the most critical traits required are determination and being patient with yourself as you learn. If you can do that – in my world you are smart and yes you can do computer science.
Many people hesitate to pursue computer science because they worry it’s only for “geniuses.” As said earlier – success in CS depends more on persistence and problem-solving than innate genius. While the field can be challenging, structured learning from platforms like Coursera and Udemy makes it accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort.
What Really Matters in Computer Science?
Logical Thinking > Raw Intelligence: Coding is about breaking problems into smaller steps—something anyone can learn with practice. “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python” (Udemy) is a great starter course.
Math Skills Can Be Learned: Basic algebra is useful, but advanced math (like calculus) is only needed for specialized areas (AI, graphics). Khan Academy’s free math courses can help fill gaps.
Consistency Beats “Smarts”: Regular practice (even 30 mins/day) builds skills faster than sporadic bursts of studying. Codecademy’s interactive lessons (https://www.codecademy.com/) reinforce learning.
Problem-Solving Improves Over Time: Struggling with bugs is normal—even senior developers Google solutions! LeetCode’s easy problems help build confidence.
Community Support Helps: Online forums (Stack Overflow, Reddit’s r/learnprogramming) and guided courses (Coursera’s CS Fundamentals) provide help when stuck.
FAQs
1. Can I study computer science if I’m bad at math?
Yes! Many coding jobs (web dev, UX) require minimal math. For math-heavy fields (data science), you can learn as you go via edX’s math for CS courses.
2. Do you need a high IQ to be a programmer?
No—programming rewards patience and debugging skills over IQ. Many successful developers started with zero experience.
3. How hard is computer science compared to other degrees?
It’s rigorous but manageable with proper resources. Self-paced options (Udacity’s Intro to Programming Nanodegree) ease the learning curve.
4. What if I’m a slow learner? Can I still succeed?
Absolutely! Many slow learners thrive because they build deeper understanding. Harvard’s CS50 offers free, beginner-friendly lectures.
Final Takeaway
Computer science isn’t about being “naturally smart”—it’s about willingness to learn, problem-solve, and persist. Start small with beginner-friendly courses (Udemy’s “Complete Python Bootcamp” or Coursera’s “Computer Science 101”), practice regularly, and don’t fear mistakes. The field rewards effort over innate talent.
Recommended Next Steps:
Coursera’s “Learning How to Learn” – Master study techniques for CS.
Udemy’s top-rated beginner courses – Affordable, project-based learning.