Declining Enrollments: Data Betsy Bizot Computing Research Association CCSCE, October 11, 2008

Measuring the Decline Degrees granted are the bottom line, but slow to respond to changes Leading indicators  Interest in major before college  Intent to major when beginning college  Declaring a major Diversity an ongoing concern

Sources of Data - 1 Taulbee Survey, Computing Research Association  Plus: Specializes in CS/CE, now including IT/IS  Plus: enrollment and new students as well as degrees  Plus: quick publication gives advance look at trends  Minus (and it’s a big one): PhD-granting institutions only National Science Foundation  Plus: Comprehensive data on degrees in science & engineering and status of women / underrepresented minorities / persons with disabilities  Minus: “Computer and Information Sciences” lumped together  Minus: Comprehensive nature means delays in publication: up to 2006

Sources of Data - 2 NCES/IPEDS  Plus: Even more comprehensive than NSF  Plus and Minus: Comprehensive but complex data tools online  Minus: Not everything available by field Higher Education Research Institute (intent to major) College Board (interest in major)

Degrees are declining, but it has happened before

Degrees peaked in 2004, but interest in CS as a major started to decline in 2000

A closer look at degrees, last 10 years

Enrollments are still declining, but newly declared majors seem to be leveling off

Type of institution and diversity NCES 2004 data, undergraduates Type of institution %F%Black%Hispanic Public doctorate Private doctorate Public 4-year nondoctorate Private 4-year nondoctorate For-profit (often nontraditional students)