The Case for Improving U.S. Computer Science Education

38 Pages Posted: 8 Nov 2017

See all articles by Adams Nager

Adams Nager

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Robert D. Atkinson

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Date Written: May 31, 2016

Abstract

Since computer science became an academic discipline in the late 1960s, the level of interest in the field and the number of students taking courses has grown in fits and starts. Currently in an upswing, computer science education in the United States looks poised for steady growth. However, there is the possibility that interest in the field could again wane like it did in 2003 following the burst of the tech bubble.

To maintain the field’s current momentum, the perception of computer science needs to shift from its being considered a fringe, elective offering or a skills-based course designed to teach basic computer literacy or coding alone. Instead, it is time for computer science to be seen as a core science on par with more traditional high school offerings such as biology, chemistry and physics, which have been the focus since the 1890s. Furthermore, universities should capitalize on the growing interest in computer science and expand their offerings to accommodate the growing demand for courses in the field.

Keywords: computer science, STEM, education, demographics, policy, workforce, skills

Suggested Citation

Nager, Adams and Atkinson, Robert D., The Case for Improving U.S. Computer Science Education (May 31, 2016). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3066335 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3066335

Adams Nager

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation ( email )

1101 K Street N.W.
Suite 610
Washington, DC 20005
United States

Robert D. Atkinson (Contact Author)

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation ( email )

1101 K Street N.W.
Suite 610
Washington, DC 20005
United States

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