You have an interesting idea of failure. I anticipate CS will become a more narrow discipline, just as math has (remember that almost all of theoretical comput

You have an interesting idea of failure. I anticipate CS will become a more narrow discipline, just as math has (remember that almost all of theoretical computer science and much of theoretical physics and theoretical economics was once considered part of applied mathematics...). I would not consider that a failur though. Those who wish to focus on the theory will stay with CS and those who wish to focus on the application will drift into the field of its application, again much as math, and much as you described. I would hardly call that either a failure nor would I think CS would be reduced to teaching intro classes. First, remember that in the parallel of mathematics, people in math heavy disciplines will continue taking math classes throughout their undergrad. Again, there is a real demand for people with math degrees both working in applied mathematics for the industry and because it makes a good basis to branch out to other fields (I am getting a masters in math and work as a DBA...) So, I would hardly call that a failure, just a narrowing of focus, which can be a good thing. Those who want that focus will stay with it with less baggage in the applied side, and those who want the applied focus can target that with less baggage on the theoretical side.