The New York Times reports in "Hollywood spurs surge in college computer science majors" that geek is chic on campus with the success of "The Social Network" and the iconic status of Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Apple's Steve Jobs.
At least students are picking "The Social Network" versus "The Hangover" franchise for its youthful role models - just in time as the US looks to hand off the tech baton to its Asian counterparts.
Never mind that Mr. Zuckerberg, like other tech titans, did not major in computer science — or even finish college. Enrollment in computer science programs, and degrees from them, are rising after a decade of decreases, despite much handwringing about the decline of American competitiveness in technology and innovation from President Obama on down. And educators and technologists say the inspiration is partly Hollywood’s portrayal of the tech world, as well as celebrity entrepreneurs like Steven P. Jobs of Apple and Mr. Zuckerberg who make products that students use every day.
