Computer geeks are cool again

A new study finds that computer science majors are on the rise again at colleges and universities across the country. The reason is simple: "It's the economy, stupid!" A Computing Research Association survey found that undergraduates majoring in the field rose eight percent in 2008. The student enrollment in computer science classes rose by six percent.

The survey documents a reversal of the trend that began after the dot-com bust when computer science majors at U.S. universities dropped sharply. There were 16,000 computer science majors in 2000 and only 8,000 in 2006, reports NetworkWorld.com. The tech industry, struggling with shortages for many kinds of IT positions, sees the survey at a positive sign.

"We're really excited to hear that the trend is going in the opposite direction," says Yvonne Agyei, director of talent and outreach programs in Google's People Operations Department.

The field is attracting more attention because IT skills are still in demand and there is growth in the field even during the economic slowdown, Peter Harsha, director of government affairs with the Computing Research Association told NetworkWorld.com. "When you compare the demand for jobs with the production of computer science undergrads, we're way short. It's clear there's an opportunity here," he said.
 
For more on IT's new popularity:
- check out this NetworkWorld.com article

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