The technology industry is on a steady rebound, and the demand for qualified IT professionals has gone up over the last several years. Unfortunately, many students have given up computer related majors in reactions to the dot com bust and outsourcing. Industry professionals foresee a serious shortage of qualified people to fill tech jobs if this trend continues.

Computer science majors make some of the highest starting salaries for college graduates in the country, at about $50,000 a year. Computer science and computer engineering jobs are some of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

This fall, Vanderbilt University’s computer science department is less than half the size it was in 2001. This year, enrollment fell again, to 61 students from 78 a year ago. Computer engineering has dropped as well. At universities across the country, the picture has been similar. Fewer and fewer people are enrolling in university computer science programs, just at a time when employers say they can’t find enough qualified employees.

Students with a love of technology should consider earning a degree in computer science, as opportunities in this field will be great. Computers and information technology will continue to be part of our daily lives. Qualified personnel in the tech sector are needed to help expand new computer software systems and new technologies and applications.