#1. UND Computer Science graduates put their skills to work developing systems and software that help humans perform tasks that are either too complex or too repetitive in nature to be done by humans. For example, computer scientists develop systems for:

• Avionics
• Business applications
• Computer networks
• Computer security
• Educational applications
• Embedded systems
• Financial applications
• Multimedia & Games
• Operating Systems
• Scientific applications
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
• Telecommunications

#2. As a result of the world-wide demand for software in all industries, UND Computer Science graduates have gone on to careers all over the world and in all types of industries:

• High-tech and communication companies such as: Intel, Microsoft, IBM, Digi-Key, Unisys, Electronic Data Systems, Echelon, Qwest, U.S. West, Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, Hitachi, Nokia, LSI Logic, Motorola, Verizon, Bull Worldwide, Meridian Environmental Technology, and Lucent Technologies.


• Defense contractors such as: BAE Systems, Rockwell Collins, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, United Defense, Siemens, Honeywell, Goodrich, Hughes Aircraft, General Dynamics, Boeing, Northrop-Grumman, and United Space Alliance.


• Airlines and Aviation companies such as: the FAA, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Federal Express.


• Financial companies such as: JP Morgan Chase Bank, TIAA-CREF, The Federal Reserve, Deutsche Bank, Principle Financial Group, Wells Fargo Bank, American Express, Alerus Financial, Eide Bailly, Accenture, and U.S. Bank.


• Energy companies such as: Exxon, Shell, Xcel Energy, and Bently Nevada.


• Multi-nationals companies such as: Dow, Cargill, GE, Trane, Kimberly-Clark, 3M, and General Motors.


• Entertainment/media companies such as: Forum Communications, ABC Radio, Progress Casting Group, Amazon, Bally Gaming & Systems, and Game Stop.


• Colleges and universities such as: Mayville State University, North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota, Concordia College, Jamestown College, Minot State University, and University of Texas.


• Governments and National labs such as: State of North Dakota, Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs, Naval Air Warfare Center, USGS/Eros Data Center, NASA, and the USDA.


• Medical companies and hospitals such as: Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Medtronic, CIGNA Health, Altru Hospital, MeritCare Health Care, Mayo Clinic and Veterans Affairs.


• Mercantile companies such as: Schwan's, Pamida, and Monaco Enterprises.


• And many have gone on to graduate programs throughout the U.S.

#3. Computer Science graduates are among the highest paid and have high levels of job satisfaction. Growth rates for computer scientists have solidly exceeded the outsourcing rate and employment has exceeded the dot-com boom, yet students listing computer science as a probable major have dropped by 70% because they perceive outsourcing as a threat. In fact, the shortage of computer science graduates is becoming severe which promises excellent opportunities for graduates. Consider the following facts:

• Software engineers top the list of best jobs according to a Money Magazine and a Salary.com survey based on the following criteria: strong growth prospects, average pay of $80,500 and potential for creativity.


• Five computing jobs are in the top ten salary jobs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics'  list of the 30 fastest growing jobs through 2014: #1 is computer systems software engineer at $81,140; #2 is computer applications software engineer at $76,310; #6 is computer systems analyst at $67,520; #7 is database administrator at $61,950; and #9 is network systems and data communication analyst at $61,250.


• In April 2006 more Americans were employed in information technology (IT) than at any time in the nation's history (Chabrow, Eric. InformationWeek.com. April 2006.).


• According to the National Science Foundation, the need for science and engineering graduates (including computer science) will grow 26%, or 1.25 million, between now and 2012. The number of jobs requiring technical training is growing at five times the rate of other occupations. And, according to multiple studies (Deagon, Brian. Investor's Business Daily. May 2006.), U.S. schools are nowhere near meeting the demand.


• What about "outsourcing?" Truth is, only 2-3% of all computer science jobs are being outsourced overseas and these tend to be the dull menial jobs. And that number is more than offset by the number of new positions opening up here in the U.S.


• Computer Science powers the computers that drive the modern world. Computer Scientists create new technology and improve old new technology. They design hardware and software for everything from computers to cellphones to ipods to game consoles. They create algorithms for computer animated movies and special effects, they make it possible for the Mars rovers to safely navigate across a hostile planet, they design the next generation of aircraft avionics, they drive innovation in the sciences, and they are part of just about everything that touches our lives.


• Computer scientists are not lone wolves. It's about being part of a team that requires people with many skills.


• Computer scientists do not have to be nerds. Computer scientists have lives, friends, relationships and families. We even like cars and ride Harleys.