Student perceptions of computing and computing majors

The growth in Computer Science (CS) program enrollments over the past decade, combined with an increased recognition of the importance of computing skills in the global economy, means that educational institutions have an opportunity to attract an increasingly diverse set of students. Despite robust enrollments, students may be entering university with misconceptions about computing, computing majors, and computing career prospects, potentially limiting long-term growth in computing programs. This paper updates the author’s previously published work by describing a study to elicit perceptions of computing and computing majors among a set of incoming students. The results suggest that while students have positive feelings towards computing, computing majors, and computing-related careers, significant differences exist for socioeconomic and gender groups.