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Some heartening news on the tech front: Enrollment in undergraduate computer science and engineering programs is up in the U.S. and Canada for the first time since the dot-com bust.

The number of students majoring in computer science was up 8 percent in the 2007-2008 academic year over the previous one, according to data collected by the Computing Research Association (CRA) from departments at 192 universities. The trend marks the first time total enrollment increased in six years.

"The upward surge of student interest is real and bigger than anyone expected" Peter Lee, the industry group’s incoming chair, told the association's Computing Research Policy Blog. "The fact that computer science graduates usually find themselves in high-paying jobs accounts for part of the reversal. Increasingly students also are attracted to the intellectual depth and societal benefits of computing technology."

Citing Department of Labor figures, CRA’s blog notes that comp sci grads on average earn 13 percent more than other science graduates (at the bachelor's degree level in 2006, engineers made a median $52,000 annually, and computer scientists $45,000, compared to $39,000 for other science fields). Computer software engineering is projected to be the fourth-fastest growing occupation through 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"The perception that IT jobs are hard to come by is over, and the field is now considered an interesting place to be," Peter Harsha, director of government affairs for CRA, told USA Today. He added that the iPhone and YouTube, which are popular among teens, will probably help push up enrollment figures next year, as well.

We noted in January that 85 percent of teens and tweens say they’re interested in science, tech, engineering and math, according to the Lemelson-MIT Invention Index, an annual survey. Still, two-thirds said they’d pursue other professions.

CRA says that computer science is still dominated by white men: about two-thirds of U.S. bachelor's degrees in the field were awarded to whites in the 2007-2008 academic year and just 12 percent to women.

Image © iStockphoto/Andrey Prokhorov

5 Comments

1. 1. tlavelle 01:54 PM 5/13/09

   "The fact that computer science graduates usually find themselves in high-paying jobs accounts for part of the reversal. Increasingly students also are attracted to the intellectual depth and societal benefits of computing technology." - I agree with the FIRST sentence there! I was shocked when I found out how easy it is to enroll in an online program too- I'm getting my BSCS with American Sentinel University (www.americansentinel.edu). Still got two years to go, but so far it's been great! I strongly urge anyone else interested in computer science, or really in computers and IT in general, to look for an accredited online program, the convenience is unmatched- I'm working full time and taking classes around my schedule!

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2. 2. cloudjobs001 05:59 AM 9/22/09

   Nice post. Good infomation has been given. Most of the people do not get a fine job as they expect. Computing is also one of the best type of job. One of my friend suggessted me to visit the cloudjobs.net they provide a good service to the job seekers and the job providers. They helped me a lot in finding a job for me. Their main function is for computing job. They place the employees in the comutin jobs who are eligible for it.
   
   http://cloudjobs.net

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3. 3. Babette 09:40 AM 10/2/09

   Thanks for sharing this useful information. I found that <a href="http://cloudjobs.net">http://cloudjobs.net</a> very useful for both the applicants and the recruiters. They are really a good job site. I would suggest my friends also to visit that it will be very useful for their career.

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4. 4. HansalJani 08:04 PM 11/2/09

   My major is also Computer science. I am doing all the possible hardwork to succeed in Computer science major. Almighty God, please help me to get through in the computer science major with a very good grade.

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5. 5. ali0482 01:09 PM 8/14/10

   We noted in January that 85 percent of teens and tweens say theyre interested in science, tech, engineering and math, according to the Lemelson-MIT Invention Index, an annual survey. Still, two-thirds said theyd pursue other professions.

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this