Computer and Digital Technology

Do you enjoy learning new things? Are you a detail-oriented problem solver? Do you have strong communication and teaching skills? If so, then the computer and digital technology industries are waiting for you. Computer and digital technology has already revolutionized business, education, healthcare, and media. Tomorrow's generation of computer scientists will develop technology that will change our lives in ways we can't even imagine today.

You can prepare for a successful and exciting career in technology at one of the nation's top research universities. The University of Minnesota offers you great academics, great opportunities, and a great location.

Great Academics

Join a thriving research community, where faculty and students make breakthroughs and advancements in software engineering, computer graphics, robotics, artificial intelligence, Internet technologies, computer networks, and system software. Learn in state-of-the-art facilities and apply your knowledge in hands-on projects.

You will enter the U of M through one of seven freshman-admitting colleges. Each college contains a range of majors. Academic programs in computer and digital technology are primarily based in the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), the College of Design (CDes), the Institute of Technology (IT), and the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). Choose from the following world-class programs:

• Business and Marketing Education (CEHD)
• Computer Engineering (IT)
• Computer Science (IT & CLA)
• Electrical Engineering (IT)
• Graphic Design (CDes)

Professor leads team to save lives U of M computer science and engineering professor, Nikolaos Papanikolopoulos, along with his students and colleagues, has developed "the Scout"--a cylindrical robot about the size of a soda can. The robot is currently being tested for search and rescue missions and military reconnaissance deployments. The Scout is equipped with a video camera that transmits video in real time to the human operator. Built to be extremely rugged, the Scout can withstand heat, gravity, sun and difficult terrain. It can go under cars and into tight spaces--all in an effort to safely find where people are trapped or where danger lurks. Papanikolopoulos says he's thrilled by the opportunities that come from robotics. "You can sense the impact that your work has on individual lives," he says. "And that's rewarding." But he couldn't do it alone. Papanikolopoulos credits his students and colleagues. "You have all these brains around you pushing you harder to rethink your solution. That's how research moves forward." Click here to watch video of the Scout robots.

Careers and Internships

There are great opportunities for you to find a career in computer and digital technology. In the past, U of M graduates have found internships and jobs with 3M, General Mills, IBM, Medtronic, Microsoft, Qwest, Silicon Graphics, and other prominent companies.

Popular computer and digital technology careers include:

• Circuit Design Engineer
• Computer Systems Engineer
• Computer Programmer
• Control System Specialist
• Electronics Engineer
• Game Designer and Programmer
• Flash MX Developer
• Graphic Designer
• Multimedia Developer
• Production Artist
• Reliability Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Web Developer

The Computer Science Department offers a co-op program which enables you to work full-time for Twin Cities technical companies while you complete your degree. Students in the program rotate semesters of work or class.

The Computer Science and Engineering Department's Industrial Partners Program builds connections between the University of Minnesota and technical companies in the Twin Cities. The companies visit campus, giving you the opportunity to build relationships with professionals, and get recruited for a full-time job or internship. Partner companies include Architecture Technology Corporation, Honeywell, Intel, Microsoft, Minnesota Technology, Net Perceptions, and Unisys.

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

Study Abroad

Dreaming about studying the computer graphics and software industry in Hong Kong or China? To help you prepare for life in a global society, the U of M actively encourages studying abroad. Learning or working in a foreign country will build your skills, cultural awareness, and confidence. Contact the Learning Abroad Center to check out any of the nearly 300 programs in over 60 countries.

The IAESTE exchange program offers students technical internships abroad. You might develop software in Japan or research human interfaces in Norway. IAESTE works closely with 100,000 companies in 85 countries to find an exciting, challenging, and fulfilling placement for each student.

Freshman Seminars

Designed to enhance your first-year experience, Freshman Seminars are an incredible introduction to academics at the University of Minnesota. Study with distinguished faculty and get to know first-year students who share your interests. Recent topics include What's in That Cool Gadget? and Printing for Designers.

Mentor Program

Mentor programs at the University give you the opportunity to explore career options, meet experienced professionals, and gain helpful information for making academic and career decisions. You are matched with a volunteer mentor who is a friend or alumnus of the University. After orientation and training, you and your mentor meet regularly during the academic year and participate in various activities sponsored by the University and your college's mentor program.

Research Opportunities

Imagine conducting research alongside world-class experts and getting paid for your work! As a student in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program you'll conduct paid research or pursue a special project beyond your regular courses. A recent project involved video game research with the U of M's Institute for New Media Studies and Digital Technology Center.

Campus Involvement

You'll find more than 600 student organizations at the University of Minnesota. Connect with multicultural groups like the Hindu Student Society or Black Student Union. Share your passions with interest-based groups like the Entrepreneurship Club or Cricket Club.

Whatever your interest, there's likely a club. Check out the following technology-related organizations:

• The Academic Program for Excellence in Engineering and Science (APEXES) promotes academic excellence in engineering, physical science, and math for students of African American, Chicano/Latino, and Native American decent.
• The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the largest and oldest international scientific and educational computer society. Members strive to maintain quality instruction in computer science, as well as to increase the quality, form and function of computer use.
• The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) works to support and encourage women in the science and engineering fields. The group provides support, leadership opportunities, outreach experiences, community involvement, teamwork skills, and personal/professional development for females in science and engineering.

GREAT LOCATION

The Twin Cities campus is located just minutes from the Minneapolis and St. Paul city centers. Combining the action and sophistication of the coasts with the welcoming ambiance of the Midwest, the Twin Cities attract some of the nation's fastest-growing corporations and the world's brightest employees. In fact, Popular Science magazine reported in 2005 that Minneapolis is the top U.S. city for technology.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are centers for commerce and industry, especially in computer technology, medical devices, consumer products, and other areas of high-technology design, development, and manufacturing. In fact, the Twin Cities metro is one of the nation's top 10 locations for the software industry.

Meet us in person!

Like what you see so far? Come meet us in person! There's no better way to learn about the University of Minnesota. As you tour our breathtaking Twin Cities campus and meet our friendly staff and students, you'll see for yourself why the U of M is the perfect place to launch your career in computer or digital technology. We'd be happy to customize your visit to your interests. Contact us to schedule your visit today!