Decline in the Computer Job Market

Melissa Steele, EducationGuys.com Writer --

Enrollment in college computer programs is on the decline. Even though college students spend...

...most of their time in front of a computer, fewer are interested in a Computer Careers- regardless of the fact that technology firms are rebounding from the dot-com bust. The number of newly declared computer science and computer engineering majors in the USA and Canada fell 23% vs. the year before according to the Computing Research Association (http://www.cra.org/) which is a college trade group. The figures aren't anticipated to get better. Students are now gravitating toward other majors such as business administration, biology and nursing. The allure of high paying computer jobs has diminished with the tech job market. Earning a Computer Degree no longer guarantees a high paying, secure job.

Many companies are already experiencing difficulty finding qualified programmers and technicians. The USA grants only about 6% of the world's engineering degrees, behind China, the European Union, Japan, Russia and India, according to the latest figures from the National Science Foundation (http://www.nsf.gov/). This trend showing a decline in interest in computer science majors comes at a time when companies and groups representing U.S. technology professionals continue to debate whether there is an IT skills shortage requiring foreign workers to fill industry needs.

Graduate programs have not yet experienced the decline of computer science majors. Many U.S. graduate programs are dependant on foreign students who come here for Computer Training. Approximately 45% of computer engineering students are non-resident aliens. Enhanced security regulations in regards to student visa's may account for the lack of students applying for computer programs.

When the industry does rebound, there will most likely be a crippling shortage of qualified personnel to fill tech jobs. Student s with a love of technology should still continue to pursue a degree in computer science, as the need for these persons will continue to rise. The current shortage of qualified computer science engineers for hire in the United States is a problem that is reflective of a decline in Computer majors. Though the glamour of stock options and tech firm perks may be over, the need for qualified personnel is still present.

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