CSci 1901 lab video

Frame from a CSci 1901 lab video showing an AIBO dog

Work supported in part by NSF under grant DUE-0511304 and by the Bush foundation grant for Promoting Student Learning in Large Classes

Prospective Students

Top Five Reasons to go into Computer Science

  1. In 2007, Computer Science and Computer Engineering jobs ranked in the top five for average starting salary offers among college graduates, with offers ranging from $53,051 - $55,920.
  2. Salaries in Computer Science and Engineering related fields increased between 4.5-5.3% from 2006-2007 and from 1990-2007 offers to CS majors rose 15 percent.
  3. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the IT workforce to grow at more than twice the rate of the overall workforce from 2006-2016.
  4. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that of the top six fastest growing occupations, three are computer science-related jobs, such as computer software engineers, systems analysts, and network systems and data communication analysts.
  5. Computer Science grads work in a variety of different areas, such as healthcare, Internet development, homeland and military security, space exploration, transportation, robotics, virtual reality, gaming, and more!

* Sources include: CRA Bulletin – “Starting Salary Offers to CS Majors 1990-2007,” from the NACE Salary Survey and The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Monthly Labor Review, “Occupational Outlook 2006-2016,” Nov. 2007, www.bls.gov.

Why choose the U of M over other universities?

  • The University of Minnesota is a large university with many opportunities for interdisciplinary study, classes to choose from, and possible minors.
  • The University is located in the thriving Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. One benefit of this is that many students get jobs with local tech companies, such as Honeywell, Unisys, and Medtronic.
  • The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department is large and there are many class choices and specialties to explore. The department is also proud to have a number of award winning teachers.
  • CSE offers computer science bachelors degrees through both the Institute of Technology and the College of Liberal Arts. For more information, see Admissions.
  • The University has a number of special programs including a vibrant study abroad program, opportunities for undergraduates to be involved in research projects, and active student organizations such as ACM and IEEE groups, as well as a women’s group and the Computer Science Graduate Student Organization.
  • The University is also a top research university, meaning that undergraduates have opportunities to learn about cutting-edge research in some of their classes, or to work on undergraduate research projects.