CS Degrees Low in 2007 But Bouncing Back

An anonymous reader writes "The number of undergraduate computer science degrees awarded last year hit a new low with the Class of 2007. The degrees awarded, 8,000, as tracked by the Computing Research Association, is only half of what it was five years ago. In 2003-04 — the high point of this decade — 14,185 students were awarded bachelors degrees in computer science from the 170 PhD granting universities tracked by the CRA. That said, after a decade of severe declines, the number of students at top universities declaring themselves as computer science majors is finally seeing an increase. Though it's only a small increase, it's an increase nonetheless. Experts attribute the shift to changes in job market, and also to changes in curriculum and the marketing of comp sci programs."

FTA:

[Reverend528]

Our students are getting sexy jobs. Computer science is the new sexy.

How did this not make it in to the summary?

Re:FTA:

[Tackhead]

> > Our students are getting sexy jobs. Computer science is the new sexy.
>
> How did this not make it in to the summary?

Truth in Advertising laws. Consider this billboard [livejournal.com], for example. Much more accurate!

Re:Computer Science in HS

[Digi-John]

Back in my day we programmed on grid paper and were glad to have it! It was an upgrade from the wax tablets of the previous version. Kids these days and their fancy screen editors and automated compilers.

Re:FTA:

[SQLGuru]

There's a difference between "use a computer" and "strip a computer down to the bare hardware, rebuild it, install three obscure operating systems in a multi-boot scheme, and interface it to your toaster"......

People with a CS degree tend to fall into the second category.....which still isn't sexy. (But it sure is fun).

Layne

Re:Computer Science in HS

[jawtheshark]

I knew you'd be out there :-)

I hate people who want to make big bucks

[Travoltus]

God forbid people getting into a job so they can make enough money to become financially secure.

Golden careers? That's for people who want to retire comfortably and be able to support a family.

Real computer science people work for peanuts with a smile.

Re:FTA:

[Laxitive]

Do you know why I got into Computer Science?

That's right, for the pussy.