Pledge of the Computing Professional
The Pledge of the Computing Professional promotes the notion of computing as a recognized profession at the time of graduation
for students in Computing Science and related programs. The Pledge is modeled after
the Order of the Engineer – a long-standing rite-of-passage for graduates from engineering
programs. The Pledge of the Computing Professional is solely intended to promote and
recognize the ethical and moral behavior of graduates of computing-related degree
programs as they transition to careers of service to society.
In 2007, inspired by the example of the Order of the Engineer, individuals at Ohio Northern University and the University of South Florida created similar organizations for graduates of their respective computing programs. After interest in such an organization grew at other institutions, The Pledge of the Computing Professional was developed by an international team of 17 computing professionals. The Pledge of the Computing Professional held its first induction ceremonies at Ohio Northern University, University of South Florida, and McNeese State University in May 2011.
The symbol of The Pledge of the Computing Professional is a matrix with the word “Honor” encoded in ASCII. The background of the matrix is black, the digits are in gold. The purpose of the symbol is to remind the inductee to always honor their profession through their actions.
Anyone graduating from a Computing Science, Computing Engineering, or closely related program with an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degree is eligible for membership.
The Oath recited by an inductee of The Pledge of the Computing Professional is:
I am a Computing Professional.
My work as a Computing Professional affects people's lives, both now and into the future.
As a result, I bear moral and ethical responsibilities to society.
As a Computing Professional, I pledge to practice my profession with the highest level of integrity and competence.
I shall always use my skills for the public good.
I shall be honest about my limitations, continuously seeking to improve my skills through life-long learning.
I shall engage only in honorable and upstanding endeavors.
By my actions, I pledge to honor my chosen profession.
