In conventional electronic devices, charge is controlled by potential difference and resistance (via phonons and/or unallowed states) that allows for individual functions to be accomplished. Such functions include rectification, amplification, and memory. In spin electronic or spintronic devices, charge and electron spin are controlled by potential difference and resistance, wherein additional mechanisms for resistance are available as well as unique functionality (i.e., non-volatility) through magnetic moment and a spin-polarized current. This talk will introduce, from an electronic structure point of view, the basis for the additional resistance mechanisms, the advantages and challenges spintronic devices hold relative to conventional devices, and the unique position NDSU holds in solving some of the fundamental questions that are outstanding in the spintronics community.