Previous research has found that girls and women are less likely to choose computing
careers based on aptitudes, interest, and experience regarding computers and also because of cultural stereotypes and perceptions that computing is mostly a masculine activity. This study hypothesizes that applied IT disciplines are more woman-friendly in part because they incorporate practical applications of theories and because they may be more oriented toward human relationships. Given that enrollment figures confirm that women are more likely to be attracted to applied IT disciplines than to computer science, what is it about the applied IT units that make them more attractive to women? Further, are these fields more women-friendly than Computer Science? The study considered the characteristics, attitudes and experiences
of women and men in the applied IT units and asked how they compare with those of students in computer science. These questions were explored through a web-based survey of undergraduate and graduate students at five research one institutions in several IT disciplines. Questions related to mentoring, stress and burnout, and work-life balance were also asked in the survey of 1516 students in 2004. Analysis of responses was made through a comparison of computer science students with students in all other IT disciplines.Funding for the research for this conference came from a National Science Foundation ITWF grant (no. 0305859), "Toward Gender Equitable Outcomes in Higher Education: Beyond Computer Science.Teachers (Professional Development)