Chicago, Illinois
June 18, 2006
June 18, 2006
June 21, 2006
2153-5965
Minorities in Engineering
16
11.344.1 - 11.344.16
10.18260/1-2--970
https://peer.asee.org/970
367
Mrs. Tedford is an Instructor of Computer Science in the Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. She worked as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist for over 20 years before earning her Master's Degree in Computer Science. She is interested in developing successful methods of recruitment, retention, and placement of students majoring in computer science.
Dr. Fernandez is Assistant Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. Having served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and 10 years in private industry, Dr. Fernandez brings real-world experiences into the classroom for his students. His research interests are in HCI, information assurance, and software engineering.
Computer Science Recruiting and Retention of Undergraduates to Meet the Needs of the Business Community
INTRODUCTION
Available information from a variety of governmental and private sources indicate an increase in the demand for computer science (CS) and information technology (IT) professionals in the coming years.1, 2, 3, 4 As can be seen in figure 1, all thirteen of the
2004 2014 Projected
4,500 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0
Network systems and data Computer software engineers
Computer system analysts
Network and computer systems Computer software engineers,
Computer software engineers,
Computer specialists, all other Computer specialists
Computer support specialists
Database administrators Computer and math science
Computer programmers Computer and information scientists,
communications analysts systems software occupations
administrators applications research
Figure 1. Computer-related Jobs in the U.S.: 2004 and 2014
computer-related careers listed are projected to show an increase in demand by the year 2014.5 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and mathematical science occupations are projected to increase by almost 30% by the year 2014.6 When compared to other science and engineering occupations, the projected employment growth for CS professionals is even more startling. Figure 2 shows the projected increase in employment for computer and mathematical scientists compared to other science and engineering occupations.7
Unfortunately, other recent studies and surveys show a decline in the number of undergraduate students who are declaring computer science as a major.8, 9, 10 Figure 3 shows the trends from 1971 through 2004 of incoming freshman who listed computer science as their probable major upon entering college.8 This gap between supply and
Tedford, P., & Fernandez, J. (2006, June), Computer Science Recruiting And Retention Of Undergraduates To Meet The Needs Of The Business Community Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--970
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