A study of the relationship between job requirements and academic requirements in computer science

Abstract

In scrutinizing the 1981 Occupational Outlook Handbook, one cannot fail to recognize a strong positive connection between mathematical requirements in educational pre-requisites for occupational entry and the concomitant demand and remuneration of such employment. Very little research has been completed characterized by an intensive analysis of the mathematical competencies requisite for effective job functioning in specific occupations. Laws (1968) and Miller (1970) interviewed occupational representatives in technical areas and 44 occupational specializations in science. Both studies challenged the mathematical collegiate pre-requisites expected of the practitioner; Laws and Miller recommended a re-evaluation of pure mathematics requirements for employment. Saunders (1978) interviewed a single representative from each of 100 occupations and found that facility with whole numbers, decimals, use of calculators, and percentage as essential. Saunders' sample needs to be increased in order to obtain more reliable results.