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Computer Science for All? The Impact of High School Computer Science Courses on College Majors and Earnings

Author

Listed:
  • Liu, Jing

    (University of Texas at Austin)

  • Conrad, Cameron

    (University of Maryland)

  • Blazar, David

    (University of Maryland)

Abstract

This study provides the first causal analysis of the impact of expanding Computer Science (CS) education in U.S. K-12 schools on students' choice of college major and early career outcomes. Utilizing rich longitudinal data from Maryland, we exploit variation from the staggered rollout of CS course offerings across high schools. Our findings suggest that taking a CS course increases students' likelihood of declaring a CS major by 10 percentage points and receiving a CS BA degree by 5 percentage points. Additionally, access to CS coursework raises students' likelihood of being employed and early career earnings. Notably, students who are female, low socioeconomic status, or Black experience larger benefits in terms of CS degree attainment and earnings. However, the lower take-up rates of these groups in CS courses highlight a pressing need for targeted efforts to enhance their participation as policymakers continue to expand CS curricula in K-12 education.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Jing & Conrad, Cameron & Blazar, David, 2024. "Computer Science for All? The Impact of High School Computer Science Courses on College Majors and Earnings," IZA Discussion Papers 16758, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16758
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Bottia, Martha Cecilia & Stearns, Elizabeth & Mickelson, Roslyn Arlin & Moller, Stephanie & Valentino, Lauren, 2015. "Growing the roots of STEM majors: Female math and science high school faculty and the participation of students in STEM," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 14-27.
    6. Eric J. Brunner & Shaun M. Dougherty & Stephen L. Ross, 2023. "The Effects of Career and Technical Education: Evidence from the Connecticut Technical High School System," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 105(4), pages 867-882, July.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education

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