[roymurdock]

The image of the computer scientist/programmer/data scientist is changing pretty rapidly within the younger generation. STEM degrees garner a lot of respect, especially CS degrees, because everyone has suddenly become obsessed with "intelligence" as an indicator of future success and wealth, to the detriment of professionalism and altruism.

Programming is now cool and desirable - you can see the shifts everywhere in pop culture. Being a nerd or a geek is a badge of pride for many.

[jazzyk]

Perhaps it is cool - but it is still not a popular major to study. Very, very few of my kids' friends in high school picked a STEM major, even fewer CS. Top 10 high school in Massachusetts (which is No. 1 in the US)

[kelukelugames]

And the influx of MBAs and tech-related MBA programs!