As the world prepares to step into the era of AI, Yann LeCun—the Turing Award winner often called one of the “Godfathers of AI”—has a sobering warning for Computer Science (CS) students. In an interaction with a publication house, LeCun stated that a traditional Computer Science degree might not be enough to survive the next technological shift.
Speaking to Business Insider and on The Information Bottleneck” podcast, LeCun argued that the secret to being “future-proof” isn’t learning the latest trending programming language, but rather doubling down on foundational mathematics and physics.
The “Calculus 1” trap
LeCun, who currently teaches at NYU and formerly served as the Chief Scientist at Meta AI, pointed out a significant weakness in modern computer science curricula compared to traditional engineering disciplines.
“If you are a CS major and take the minimum required math courses for a typical CS curriculum, you might find yourself unable to adapt to major technological shifts,” LeCun warned.
He noted that while many CS programs allow students to graduate with just Calculus 1, engineering students typically master Calculus 1, 2, and 3. He argued that this deeper mathematical rigour—including subjects like control theory and signal processing—is actually what is “really useful for things like AI.”
Focus on foundations, not trends
LeCun clarified that he isn’t advising against a CS major, but rather against a “trendy” one. He urged students to prioritise:
Mathematical modelling: Connect abstract concepts to physical reality.
Physics and EE: Draw inspiration from Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, which offer a more robust understanding of how systems work.
Avoid the “Du Jour”: Skip the tech of the day in favour of the principles that will still be true in 20 years.
Is programming still relevant?
Despite the heavy emphasis on math, LeCun was quick to note that coding isn’t dead. Even with AI assistants making programming more efficient, he insists that core programming skills remain essential. “You still need to know how to do this,” he said, emphasising that AI should be seen as a tool for efficiency, not a total replacement for human logic.
LeCun’s advice arrives at a tricky time for the tech industry. Giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have conducted massive layoffs throughout 2024 and 2025 as they pivot toward AI integration. Meanwhile, figures like Elon Musk have predicted that AI will eventually perform “all jobs,” creating a world of “universal high income.”
By mastering the basics that connect with reality, LeCun believes students can move beyond being mere users of technology to being the architects of the next revolution.
