UMD Computer Science Graduates Secure 96% Job Placement Rate

The University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science reported a 96% job placement rate for the class of 2023, according to a survey conducted by the University Career Center. The data, which includes graduates from August and December 2022 and May 2023, shows that most students entered the workforce with competitive salaries. 

The survey collected responses from 562 of 840 graduates, with 84.7% joining the workforce. Most secured full-time positions, while 11.2% opted to continue their education. Only 1.2% of graduates remained unplaced, and 2.7% were still seeking employment or finalizing plans during the survey.

Salaries for graduates entering full-time employment were competitive, with a median starting salary of $110,000. 

“These results reflect both the demand for our graduates and the comprehensive preparation they receive through our program,” said Department Chair Matthias Zwicker, who holds the Elizabeth Iribe Chair for Innovation and the Phillip H. and Catherine C. Horvitz Professorship. “We focus on equipping students with technical skills, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities essential in today’s job market. Our curriculum and hands-on internship opportunities ensure students are ready to make immediate contributions to their employers.”

Internships played a pivotal role in job placement, with 87% of graduates reporting completing at least one internship during their time at UMD. Many credited internships for securing their post-graduation jobs, with 60.7% stating that prior internship experience led to their job offers. 

Beyond internships, many graduates found jobs through UMD’s career fairs and online job platforms. Many graduates stayed local, with 55.9% of respondents employed in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. 

Not all graduates entered the workforce immediately. Some pursued further education, with 63 respondents continuing their studies in computer science and engineering. Most stayed at UMD for their advanced degrees.

Major employers of UMD graduates include technology giants such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google, as well as defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Common job titles among the graduates include software engineer, data analyst and systems developer.

“As we celebrate the success of our graduates, we are reminded of our mission to evolve and meet the needs of the tech industry continuously,” Zwicker added. “Our department’s commitment to fostering innovation and resilience has paved the way for these impressive outcomes, and we are excited to see how our alumni will shape the future of technology.”

—Story by Samuel Malede Zewdu, CS Communications