October 2006

Here're some observations:

The two attachments summarize ten-year projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for US job openings in the engineering occupations (including software engineering) that are covered by OSU programs, and in all computing occupations requiring a BS degree or better. Not mentioned in the attached figures is that the total number of computer science BS degrees awarded annually in the US peaked at about 43,000 in 2001 and has been dropping ever since. These data suggest a long-term imbalance between supply and demand. Note that the BLS projections account for the effects of off-shore outsourcing; in short, the bottom line is that computing is a good place to be for students to whom the job market is important.

Annual openings in ALL engineering except software: 114,000

Annual openings in software alone: 91,000

Annual openings in ALL computing occupations needing BS degree: 261,000

Engineering Jobs

Computing Jobs