IP: COLLEGES FACE A SHORTAGE OF FACULTY MEMBERS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE: Edupage, March 28, 2001

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> The number of computer-science doctoral graduates continues to
> fall, according to a new report from the Computer Research
> Association. About 880 computer-science doctoral degrees were
> awarded last year, a decline from the previous year's total of
> about 950. In 1992, over 1,100 computer-science doctoral degrees
> were given. The main reason for the decline, said Penn State
> University computer-science professor and report co-author Mary
> Jane Irwin, is the number of potential doctoral students who
> instead choose to enter industry because the salaries are so
> attractive. Irwin has noticed this trend is especially strong
> among foreign nationals coming to U.S. institutions. She said
> foreign students "apply to a Ph.D. program, come to the U.S.,
> and find out that there are jobs for them even with just a
> master's degree. So they change to a master's, complete the
> program, and then go out and get a job." The Computer Research
> Association report reveals that the popularity of computer science
> degrees below the doctoral level continues to rise. Last year saw
> a 20 percent rise in the number of computer-science bachelor and
> master's degrees awarded.
> (Chronicle of Higher Education Online, 27 March 2001)



For archives see: http://www.interesting-people.org/