Reasons for considering CS at UW Oshkosh

There are many good reasons for choosing a Computer Science major.   The present employment outlook is excellent: 

• CareerCast, a nation-wide job service recently conducted a study and reached the conclusion that software engineer is the best job of 2011.   According to the study, their selection of software engineer for this title "can be attributed to two emerging industries: web applications and cloud computing. A proliferation of companies making applications for smartphones and tablets, along with the push to develop cloud software hosted entirely online, has made the job market for Software Engineers broader and more diverse. And a diverse job market brings improvements in stress factors such as Growth Potential and Competitiveness, as workers become less beholden to employers or vulnerable to outsourcing."
• What's it like to be a computer scientist?   The perspective of Marissa Mayer, vice president of consumer products at Google may surprise you.

• According to the "Recruiting Trends 2010—2011" report that is published by the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University, "Students graduating at all degree levels in computer science and related IT fields will have a favorable job market. Already in short supply, these students will see expanded opportunities due to the investments companies are making in technology".  The report projects that employment opportunities for Computer Science graduates will increase by 18%
• According to the recently released 2010 Taulbee Report from the Computing Research Association:
• "Computing careers are projected to be the fastest growing professional occupations over the next decade. They are among the tops in salary and ranked as some of the best jobs in America. And they’re filled with tremendous intellectual challenges, excitement ,and the opportunity to change the world."
  
• According to a 2010 survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers Computer Science earn the fourth highest average starting salary among all majors.
• A recent article at Yahoo's "Hot Jobs" forum indicates that "as a group, 2010 graduates earning computer-related degrees saw their average salary offers soar in comparison with the other disciplines".
• A wide variety of career paths in Computer Science offer an opportunity to work with others to solve interesting problems while making a meaningful contribution to science, business, and society.
  
• Computer Science graduates are in high demand, and, according to a recent report posted at CNN, careers in computing are among the best-paid of the fastest-growing jobs in the economy.
• According to the national Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of computer scientists is expected to grow by 24 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations."

And why is UW - Oshkosh the place to prepare yourself for such a career?

• The UW Oshkosh Computer Science emphasis is nationally accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 150, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700.  Only three Computer Science programs in the University of Wisconsin system presently have this distinction.
• We have an Advisory Board composed of alumni and employers.   What are they saying about our program?   Read excerpts from their 2005 report and their 2009 report.   We'll be happy to send you more information about the Advisory Board and complete copies of all of their reports.   Just contact the department chair, Tom Naps.
• UW Oshkosh Computer Science majors land internship positions at companies in the Fox Valley and beyond.  Through these opportunities students gain valuable job experience, earn college credit, and build practical knowledge and teamwork skills.
• UW Oshkosh Computer Science graduates have been hired by:  IBM, Oracle, Intel, Google, Kimberly Clark, American Family Insurance, Thrivent, Miles Kimball, Epic Systems, Quadgraphics, and Oracular Systems, just to name but a few.
• Our undergraduate majors have the opportunity to work with Computer Science faculty on their research projects, and also develop and conduct their own research with faculty guidance.  In 2009 we were awarded a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates grant that allows to fund up eight students each summer in collaborative research projects.   Read more about this REU site award.
  
• Our Computer Science students gain valuable hands-on experience with Java, C++ , Microsoft Windows, Visual Studio.NET, Linux, and Oracle.
• UW Oshkosh has excellent computing facilities with over 400 PC’s in student labs – including a Wintel lab and a Linux lab dedicated to Computer Science students.  High-speed Internet access is available in dorm rooms, and wireless access is widely available in campus buildings.