FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
DATE:  June 3, 2005
CONTACT: Dr. John Fernandez, Assistant Professor for Computer and Mathematical Sciences, (361) 825-2474; Steve Paschal, Public Affairs, (361) 825-2336   

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi On-Line Survey to Query Employers on Technology Skills Needed in Workplace
The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (CAMS) will solicit the opinions of employers throughout Southeast Texas through an on-line survey beginning on Monday, June 6.

In order to improve the program and better serve the needs of the region, several CAMS faculty members, through state and federal grants, developed the survey to identify the technology skills needed by businesses, non-profit organizations, and other potential employers of graduating students.

The survey, which was created by Dr. John Fernandez and Instructor Phyllis Tedford, consists of 17 questions and takes only a short time to complete. The findings will assist A&M-Corpus Christi professors in preparing computer science and information technology students for the workforce.  It also provides a solid basis from which students can pursue more advanced studies, if they so desire.    

“Input from potential employers is very important,” said Fernandez. “The University wants to graduate professionals who are prepared to enter the real world and immediately begin contributing to the mission and goals of the organization.”

In 1996-1997, the University had 31 undergraduate students and four graduate students earn degrees in computer science. In 2003-2004, the last year for which records are available, the University graduated 53 students with computer science degrees while another 26 students obtained their master’s degrees. According to Tedford, those numbers are expected to increase even more as the demand for computer science and information technology people grows.

“Computers have become so prevalent in our lives that computer science and information technology people are needed in just about every field,” said Tedford. “Whether it’s in insurance, oil, retail or other fields, computer science graduates are in high demand.”

Any employer who would like to participate in this on-line survey may do so by going to www.sci.tamucc.edu/~cssurvey  before Aug. 1. The information provided by respondents will be submitted to trade journals for publication and sensitive information will be kept confidential. Employers who participate in the survey may receive a summary of the survey’s findings by contacting Tedford or Fernandez.

If you have questions or comments, contact Fernandez or Tedford at (361) 825-2474.