March 18th, 2009
Is computer science the one smart major in a recession?
A number of outlets are reporting on the rise in computer science majors at American universities. For years, the number of graduates with a computer science degree has been falling as the comp sci boom of the 90s left some pretty poor job prospects for graduates.
Now, however, the recession has made one thing clear. No matter how much the economy stinks, we need computers and we need them to work better, more efficiently, and in ways that make people more productive. There is no doubt that the tech sector is getting hit by the recession. Everyone from Sun to Microsoft seems to be laying off workers are avoiding contract renewals.
On the other hand, as an article on VNUNet points out,
Figures released by the US Department of Labor predict that IT jobs will see some of the strongest growth of any profession in the US by 2010. Demand for applications programmers is expected to grow by more than 100 per cent, and overall the IT sector is forecast to expand by over a third.
Essentially, once the recovery begins, IT will be the first to flourish and computer science grads will be the first to benefit.
“Competitive advantage, driven by innovation, has never been more important, ” said Daniel Reed, current chairman of the CRA [Computing Research Association].
Follow Chris Dawson on Twitter! Christopher Dawson is the technology director for the Athol-Royalston School District in northern Massachusetts and a member of the Internet Press Guild. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations, but always keep in mind that the opinions expressed here are his own and not those of his daytime employer, even if he talks incessantly about his day job.
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