The number of undergraduate computer science majors has tripled since 2005, driven by both intellectual interest and career prospects in the tech sector. This surge has created administrative strains and competition for prestige at universities.
Universities are responding in various ways:
The historical context of CS's placement within either engineering or liberal arts schools shaped its values and aspirations. Engineering schools emphasize applied problem-solving, while liberal arts focuses on theory. The ideal structure balances these aspects.
There are concerns that independent colleges of computing might further isolate computer scientists from ethical considerations and the broader societal impact of technology. Some argue that embedding CS within engineering or liberal arts offers valuable cross-disciplinary perspectives. The article highlights various viewpoints from deans and faculty at leading universities.
The organizational structure of computer science education mirrors the challenges within the tech sector itself. The article concludes by highlighting the need for computer scientists to broaden their focus beyond purely technical concerns and engage with the societal implications of their work.