Computer Science enrollment making a comeback
By Dave Jeyes
Enrollment in University Computer Science programs is on the rebound for the first time since the technology bubble burst in 2001. This time students are less likely to be seeking startup riches as secure and available jobs in Computer Science.
Overall enrollment in collegiate Computer Science programs in the US grew 6.2 percent in 2008 from the previous year. Many in the field had been concerned about the dramatic decrease in students after the dot com bust.
In fact, the programs lost nearly as many students after the Internet bubble burst as the bubble had brought. Program administrators are hoping that interest in Computer Science has turned the corner this year.
“This could be a sign that we are beginning to make headway as well as increased attention, increased interest and increased investment,” hopes Intel Director of Research Andrew A. Chien. He may be right: new undergraduate majors in computer science increased 9.5 percent.
This growth is also helping to lift the number of graduate students in Computer Science programs as well. The total number of PhDs to graduate in 2008 increased 5.7 percent to 1,877.
One Stanford Computer Scientist noted that financial opportunity is a major portion of what is driving these decisions. With financial firms tanking right and left, the opportunity to make a fortune in investment banking doesn’t look nearly as promising.
Meanwhile there are still Cinderella stories of Internet Entrepreneurs raking in millions of dollars while still in their twenties. While that’s still possible, it’s not nearly the goldmine that graduates were finding upon leaving Computer Science programs in 1999.
If new graduates can’t find Internet fame and glory, at least they can find a steady supply of well-paying jobs upon their graduation. Even sloshing through code reviews at a mid-sized software house is better than being an economist forced to build financial projections based on your remaining supply of Ramen noodles.
Related:
Entry was posted
on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 at 10:16 am
under
Read more entries by Dave Jeyes.
Stumble It!
