"Engineering is a really challenging curriculum, but it is rewarding because you're able to solve problems that could really impact the big picture," says Katie Passino, 22, from Albany, N.Y., who is graduating this year from Northeastern's chemical engineering program with a minor in business. "There are so many options for me. Even in this economy, I am getting a lot of calls and I can see myself doing so many things with this degree."

Passino, who is in the university's Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, participated in Northeastern's cooperative education program and already held intern positions at Proctor and Gamble and Gillette, where she helped develop new razor components. "I didn't realize until then -- and I don't think most people do -- how much work and effort goes into something as seemingly simple as a razor," Passino says.

Passino's exuberance for is not as uncommon as one might think, considering reports of a shortage of skilled high-tech workers in the U.S. and a waning interest in computer science and engineering studies across American universities.

Recent research shows that computer science is gaining popularity as a field of study and potential career path, and that math and science degrees aren't just for the geeks and nerds anymore. Rather, some view their science studies as a shield from the current economic crisis and a great foundation for a more entrepreneurial career.

"The economy doesn't scare me. I'm studying engineering with a background in business, because I know that engineers don't only work in R&D, they can become leaders of huge companies. I would definitely look into start-ups and brainstorming ideas," says Samir Mistry, 23, from Billerica, Mass., who will graduate this May with a degree in electrical engineering with a business minor. Currently employed part-time (following an internship) at iRobot, Mistry also plans to study electrical engineering in graduate school.