Abstract:

The use of technology by businesses and individuals has grown exponentially over the past decade. Technology is embedded in practically everything we use from the smart phones to the washing machines to the cars we drive. It would therefore seem that it is in the best interest of any country to have its citizens of all ages, genders, and ethnicity not only embrace technology but also become a huge part of the development of new innovations. Individuals of all ages are utilizing technology from the use of gaming machines to tablets and on the internet with social media sites such as Facebook and e-business activities such as online banking and online shopping. The research question being explored here is has this huge engagement of computer technology in society seen a matching engagement in increased enrollment in computer technology education programs in undergraduate 4–year programs in Universities in the United States? These programs are typically the ones offered in the College of Computer Science and Engineering and the Management Information Systems (MIS) programs offered in College of Business Information Technology and Operations Management Departments. Has the number of students majoring in these programs increased over time? What are the profile characteristics of the students who are majoring in technology based programs in Universities? Now that computer technology has gotten to be more affordable and is so prevalent throughout society do we see a more widespread engagement in computer technology education across ethnicity, genders and age groups? Traditionally this was seen to be a male dominated field, have more female students selected to major in computer technology in Universities? Are more minority groups becoming engaged in computer technology education? This paper seeks to examine these questions and analyze trends in the number and profile of students who have majored in computer technology programs over the last 5 years at a 4-year degree granting University.