Understanding Perceptions of Race Among Computer Science Undergraduates (2024-2025)
This team investigated how undergraduate computer science students in the U.S. and abroad conceptualize, perceive and experience race in their academic and professional environments. The study focused on how definitions of race and beliefs about biological differences shape perceptions of racial bias in computing spaces. Drawing on survey responses from more than 550 students across 50 institutions and 46 follow-up interviews, the team aimed to identify key patterns through both quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Findings revealed that students generally viewed professional computing environments as more racially biased than academic ones. Those who believed in biological differences between races were more likely to perceive both academic and professional spaces as racially neutral. Most students defined race in terms of physical attributes, while a smaller number described it using cultural or geographic frameworks. Across the board, students relied more on anecdotal experiences to describe academic settings and statistical evidence to describe professional spaces.
The team’s analysis underscores the importance of integrating nuanced conversations about race into computing curricula and departmental culture. These results suggest that addressing misconceptions about race and bias can help foster more equitable and inclusive learning and working environments. The research was presented at the 2025 Bass Connections Showcase and will be published by the American Society for Engineering Education and presented at its annual conference.
Learn more about this team’s work by reading their team profile.
Timing
Fall 2024 – Summer 2025
Team Outputs
Students Understanding of Race and Racial Bias in Computing Environments (Poster presentation at Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Showcase, April 16, 2025)
Future manuscript publication by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
Virtual presentation at the annual ASEE conference in Montreal, Canada, June 2025
How Do Students View Race in Computing Environments? (Team Profile)
See earlier related team, Understanding Undergraduate Computing Student Perceptions of Race (2023-2024).
Image: At the 2023 Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Showcase, by 2022-2023 project team