Not Enough Money
The report is the latest in a string of studies and calls to action to bring computer science education to the forefront of U.S. K-12 and postsecondary classrooms.
A report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) found that though interest in computer science education, and access to it, is growing, not enough students are taking high-quality computer science classes at high school and university levels.
That lag might be due to financial barriers associated with continued state funding cuts, along with additional costs universities often incur when they offer STEM-focused degrees. [Read: “STEM crisis quickly becoming an IT problem.“]
Despite the barriers, the ITIF report notes that strategies such as allowing computer science to count as a math or science requirement instead of an elective in high school could prompt more students to pursue the field at the postsecondary level.
Going Online to Find Success
Though higher education does face its share of difficulties moving students into computer science degree paths, a number of institutions have been heralded for their computer science degree programs.
College Choice, an independent college search and rankings website, recently ranked the top 50 online bachelor’s degrees in computer science.
“An undergrad degree in computer science combines the allure of a top salary in a growing field with the draw of a job which gives unlimited space for creative problem solving with computers,” said Sonja Soderlund, associate editor of the ranking, in a statement. “Of course, there are many would-be students convinced of the benefits of an undergrad degree in computer science, who are unable or unwilling to interrupt their careers to achieve it. With the advent of the online Bachelor in Computer Science, it is possible to access a high-quality education and a competitive degree without quitting a job or moving across the country.”
The College Choice 2016 Ranking of the Best Schools for a Computer Science Degree takes into account several key factors, including academic reputation, student satisfaction, net cost, average financial aid package, and average first-year salary.
University of Florida tops the list, followed by Fort Hays State University and Oregon State University. Other schools include Cal State Online, University of Maryland University College, and Colorado Technical University.
“With our ranking of Best Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degrees, we have aimed to help students desiring to start and build a solid career in burgeoning field of computer science find a school that is not only a great fit but is a solid return on investment,” said Christian Amondson, managing editor of College Choice in a statement.
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