High-Tech Degrees Being Granted Less Than Ever

  • 06/01/99

The American Electronics Association (AEA) recently released a rather sobering report titled CyberEducation. The report looks at the state of technology education in K-12 and higher education. Although we've reported on these trends in the past (T.H.E. Journal, 9-98, p. 32) it's worthwhile pointing them out again. The report uses a uniform definition permitting real comparability of technology education data among all 50 states and the District of Columbia by providing one-page state overviews detailing K-12 performance, high-tech degrees awarded since 1990 and the top degree awarding states.

Some of the findings include:

  • high-tech degrees declined 5 percent between 1990 and 1996
  • of the decreasing number of degrees awarded, a significant portion went to foreign nationals
  • California had the greatest decline, awarding 1,600 fewer degrees in 1996 than in 1990

For the complete report, call the AEA at (800) 284-4232. AEA members can purchase the report for $95; non-members for $190. American Electronics Association, Washington, DC, www.aeanet.org.

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