35 Best Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Located in Berkeley, CA, the University of California, Berkeley offers an outstanding degree in computer science that serves as a wonderful first step for individuals seeking professional careers as well as those in research. In fact, the degree is the perfect starting place for students seeking eventual admission into UC Berekely’s graduate programs in computer science.

You’ll cover all kinds of core concepts in this program, from the theory of computation to the basics of major programming languages to artificial intelligence and more. You’ll take 59 credits that are specific to computer science in addition to a series of prerequisites.

One of the most unique features of this degree is its Accel Scholarship Program. This program serves as a partnership between the major Silicon Valley venture capital firm Accel and the Computer Science department at Berkeley. You’ll be able to partner with a large network of industry professionals and learn in a cohort-based setting. Not only that, but this program makes it possible for you to study abroad, if you choose, in places like China, Chile, Singapore, New Zealand, Taiwan, and England.

Located in College Station, TX, Texas A&M University offers a highly marketable and nationally recognized Bachelor of Science in computer science. The curriculum of this program was designed based on consideration of the recommendations from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Computer Society as well as the Association for Computing Machinery.

A highly competitive program, the computer science degree at Texas A&M University includes a rigorous curriculum that is identical to that followed by the school’s engineering programs. You’ll be required to apply for the major after completing your core prerequisites in statistics, mathematics, English, and science. Then, you’ll be able to choose another 12-hour area of concentration in a related department. 

Not only that, but this program makes it possible for you to pursue a minor in game design and development, a unique credential that you won’t find at most other schools. You can also choose to fast-track your studies by pursuing a 4+1 master’s plus bachelor’s program that will enable you to earn both degrees in just five years.

Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University offers a bachelor’s in computer science that is not only affordable, with tuition that’s less than $20,000 per year, but is also well-regarded by top-ranking publications. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranks this program as the 20th best college in the country for computer science.

The Bachelor of Science in computer science at Purdue University consistently ranks as one of the best degrees in the nation. Complete this program, and you’ll become an expert in all kinds of core computer science topics, including robotics, graphics, animation, web programming, cryptography, and more. You’ll be able to focus your studies in a variety of tracks, like machine intelligence, computer graphics and visualization, security, and more.

Regardless of the track you choose, you’ll take six core courses, each of which is taught by world-renowned faculty. There’s also a fast-track program that will enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s in just five years.

As one of the oldest colleges on the West Coast, the University of Washington was founded in 1861 and is home to a computer science and engineering department that is easily one of the best in the country. 

Here, you’ll have two options to choose from if you wish to major in computer science. There are both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees available. While the Bachelor of Science includes courses that are more heavily focused in the engineering field, the Bachelor of Arts will enable you to take additional electives to join your passion in computer science with other areas that interest you the most.

This project-focused degree will provide you with the skills you need for in-demand careers at companies like Amazon and Microsoft. In addition to the lessons you’ll learn inside the classroom, you’ll also have access to a number of clubs and organizations, including the Undergraduate projects Lab, The Hub, and Women in Computing.

Located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is ranked as one of the best schools for computer science by a wide variety of publications, including ARWU, Times Higher Education, and U.S. News & World Report. 

The Bachelor of Science in computer science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides students with a solid foundation in just about every aspect of computer science, including algorithms, communications in computing, computer design, ethical issues, and more. You’ll be able to take integrative electives like Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, and even Video Game Design and Development. 

You’ll also be required to complete a series of liberal arts requirements, such as English, mathematics, and social sciences. However, there’s no senior thesis or final project required to complete this immersive degree. 

Not totally decided about which major you’d like to pursue? Then the computer science degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a smart choice. That’s because there are multiple double major options you can choose from, including those in advertising, chemistry, economics, crop sciences, anthropology, and more.

The computer science degree at Georgia Institute of Technology was created to help prepare students for a wide assortment of careers. It’s a wonderful pathway for candidates interested in earning a graduate degree, too, as the university offers a BS/MS program in which you can earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s in just five years.

The degree is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. You’ll take 68 credits of core courses and computer science-specific coursework. Course topics cover things like modeling and simulation, systems and architecture, and computer theoryIn fact, the degree contains multiple “threads,” or concentrations, that you can integrate seamlessly into your degree for added customization.

In addition to the core topics listed above, you might also choose to specialize in areas like media, theory, or info internetworks. Ranked as one of the best schools for computer science by U.S. News & World Report, Georgia Tech is also highly regarded by publications like Forbes, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education.

Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin, Madison is the oldest university in the state of Wisconsin. Located in the state capital, it offers learners a prime location in which to learn more about computer science—and to network with influential industry partners.

The Bachelor of Science in computer science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is highly interdisciplinary, preparing students for careers with computers as well as those in other fields like medicine, business, law, and more. However, it’s important to note that there is also a Bachelor of Arts degree, which will enable you to pursue a more interdisciplinary pathway that will help you build skills in a variety of fields.

You’ll graduate with the skills you need to pursue employment at some of the country’s leading companies, including Yahoo, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and more. Before you leave campus, you’ll create a balanced portfolio that will help you showcase your skills and credentials to employers.

Often referred to simply as UMN, the University of Minnesota is a public research university that was established in 1851. As the sixth-largest school in the United States, this school is home to faculty who are highly productive in their areas of research. In fact, nearly two dozen instructors in the computer science and engineering department have received the NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award, the highest accolade for computer science instructors. 

As a student in the Bachelor of Science in computer science, you’ll benefit from instruction that is uniquely tailored to your career goals. In addition to the Bachelor of Science, the school also has a Bachelor of Arts that will allow you to combine courses in computing with those in other topics, like psychology, economics, and mathematics. 

Regardless of the pathway you choose, you’ll benefit from instruction that is second to none as well as plenty of opportunities to network with esteemed industry partners and alumni. In fact, the school is home to alumni from all over the country who have gone on to create hundreds of different companies in business, technology, and other industries.

Sometimes referred to simply as UT Austin, the University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest public research universities in the entire world. First established in 1833, this school is home to a department of computer science that is included in most national rankings as one of the best of its kind. 

The Bachelor of Science in computer science at the University of Texas at Austin was designed to prepare students for highly competitive, lucrative careers upon graduation. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from, including an integrated program that will allow you to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s at the same time. There’s also an honors program available as well as an additional Bachelor of Arts that’s more interdisciplinary in nature. 
Regardless of the pathway you select, you’ll take core classes in classes like programming, systems, and theory. A total of 120 credits are required for completion of this program, which is ranked as one of the best in the country by the U.S. News & World Report. It is also one of the most affordable, with numerous programs available to help students fund their degrees. In fact, INFOSEC, a public service cybersecurity program,  is one such opportunity.

A public research university established in 1853, the University of Florida is located in Gainesville, FL. A land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution, it is also home to a truly exceptional college of engineering.

The college of engineering offers a computer science program in partnership with the college of liberal arts and sciences. This partnership lends itself well in creating a degree that is both theoretical and practical in nature. It will prepare you well for a career in computer programming, web development, information security analysis, and much more. 

You’ll graduate with the skills you need not only to create, analyze, and manage computer systems of all kinds, but also the ability to communicate those solutions effectively with stakeholders in all areas. 

In fact, this program was ranked as one of the best in the country by the U.S. News & World Report. This ranking is a testament to the affordability as well as the quality of the program as a whole.

Often referred to simply as UCLA, the University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university located in Los Angeles, CA. With early origins as the California State Normal School, this university was once dedicated primarily to teacher education. Today, however, the school offers more than 337 different graduate and undergraduate degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines. 

Of these programs, the Bachelor of Science in computer science is one of the most popular. This program is offered by the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and is an excellent pathway for students who are interested in eventual graduate or doctoral study. You’ll graduate with the technical and interpersonal skills you need to make a major difference in the world of computer science. 

The curriculum of this program covers core subjects in areas like programming languages, computer networks, information and data management, and computer vision and graphics, just to name a few. It is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission and the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

With a main campus in Ames, IA, Iowa State University offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science that is ideal both for students looking to enter directly into the workforce as well as those who wish to pursue postgraduate studies. A full-time, on-campus program, the degree includes core liberal arts courses in subjects like English, calculus, and world languages. 

Then, you’ll move on to core computer science classes that cover topics like programming languages, operating systems, philosophy of technology, and more. You’ll learn among an esteemed cohort of peers and complete a comprehensive senior project before you graduate, too. You’ll take valuable computer science courses such as Construction of User Interfaces, Distributed Development of Software, Software Requirements of Engineering, and more.

This program is currently ranked as one of the best in the country by the U.S. News & World Report. The degree is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, too, a testament to the program’s quality and ability to meet rigorous industry standards.

Ranked as a top public national university by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Maryland is home to more than 41,000 students spread out among 12 distinct colleges and schools. The university has more than 200 different majors to choose from, but if you’re interested in studying in one of the country’s most in-demand programs, you have to consider the computer science program.

The computer science major includes core classes like Organization of Programming Languages, Object-Oriented Programming, and Discrete Structures. You can also choose to specialize in various concentration areas like cybersecurity, machine learning, or data science. 

Home to 3,000 undergraduates, the department of computer science provides plenty of opportunities for students to get involved. You’ll be able to participate in research, participate in the honors program, or study abroad. You can even participate in internships to help improve your technical skills. As a result of these interdisciplinary, hands-on experiences, graduates go on to some of the best graduate programs in the world or join the ranks of major tech companies, government organizations, and consulting firms.

Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is frequently regarded as one of the most innovative schools in the country by the U.S. News & World Report.

True to that ranking, you’ll find that the bachelor’s in computer science here is equally as groundbreaking. This degree, accredited by ABET, requires 120 credit hours of rigorous, hands-on work. 

The Bachelor of Science in computer science at Arizona State is offered by the school of computing, informatics, and decision systems engineering. You’ll be able to choose from focus areas like cybersecurity or software engineering, though core classes in subjects like calculus, sociology, and engineering are required for all students regardless of the pathway. You’ll also take major coursework like Computer Organization, Programming Languages, and Computing Ethics, along with a final computer science capstone project. 

In addition, you can pursue a 4+1 program that will enable you to complete a bachelor’s and a master’s in just five short years of study.

Located in Charlottesville, VA, the University of Virginia is ranked as one of the best universities by U.S. News & World Report. The school has received top marks overall as well as accolades for its computer science programs in particular. 

The Bachelor of Science in computer science at the University of Virginia is best for students who wish to enter directly into the workforce upon graduation. You’ll be able to pursue careers in fields like entertainment, business, healthcare, technology, and more.

The in-depth curriculum of this program will provide you with vital foundational and theoretical training in the major methodologies of computer science, but you’ll also learn the prerequisite skills you need to be successful in any field. 

Core classes include Computer Architecture, Probability, Operating Systems, and Theory of Computation. You will also be required to complete a final senior capstone project. Overall, you will complete about 127 credit hours of coursework. The degree comes with an optional track in cybersecurity along with choices of either a final research or a practicum project. 

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to succeed outside of the classroom, too. You can get involved with all kinds of student organizations, including various programming contest teams, PARFAIT, a mobile app club, ACM on Women in Computing, and Student Game Developers.

Located in Tucson, AZ, the University of Arizona offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in computer science. Regardless of the pathway you choose, you’ll complete 122 credit hours of coursework, though the Bachelor of Science will require more work in mathematics. There is also an accelerated bachelor’s plus master’s program that will enable you to earn both degrees in just five years.

You’ll be able to take part in a large assortment of clubs and activities, including the Hack Arizona hackathon and plenty of research-oriented organizations. In fact, undergraduate research is highly encouraged here, with opportunities including directed research, honors independent study courses, and more.

At the University of Arizona, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you work toward your degree. The program is highly affordable, with some of the lowest tuition in the state, and offers numerous scholarships specifically for computer science students. You’ll also have access to resources like career counseling, the CS Tutor Center, and IdeaLab.

Enroll in the Bachelor of Science or the Bachelor of Arts in computer science at the University of Iowa, and you’ll take classes that cover the theoretical, mathematical, logical, and statistical aspects of computing. When you graduate, you’ll have the skills you need to pursue a career in software development, information management, or other related areas. This degree is also a great option for students who want to pursue a second major, something that is actively encouraged by faculty heads. 

With a main campus in Des Moines, IA, the University of Iowa requires that computer science majors complete 120 hours of coursework. Although the Bachelor of Science requires more coursework in science and mathematics, both programs are equally rigorous. The Bachelor of Science can also be completed as part of the accelerated pathway to earn a bachelor’s and master’s in five years.

You’ll be able to choose from multiple ventures that will allow you to enhance your degree and make yourself more marketable. For example, you can complete an additional certificate in Large Data Analysis or Public Digital Arts, or you can engage in student organizations like Women in Computing Science or the Association for Computing Machinery. The university is even home to a hands-on Big Data Summer School that will enable you to gain more experience and network with industry partners.

A public research university in Houston, TX, the University of Houston was founded in 1927 and remains the third-largest university in the entire state of Texas. Despite having a population of more than 46,000 students, however, this school maintains a commitment to individual student success and a small student-to-faculty ratio.

From the oil industry to the world of banking, consulting to software, the Bachelor of Science in computer science at the University of Houston prepares students for just about every career pathway imaginable. It’s a heavily research-oriented degree, providing undergraduate learners with plenty of opportunities to expand their knowledge base through hands-on investigation and laboratory work. 

The degree can be completed as a stand-alone program or as an accelerated BS/MS program that will enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s in just five years of study. You’ll take core classes like Automata and Computability, Design of File and Database Systems, and Software Design.

The bachelor’s degree in computer science at Indiana University, Bloomington can help prepare you for a lucrative career with a top employer upon graduation. In fact, graduates have gone on to receive offers of employment with corporations like GM and Amazon—positions that allow them to earn up to $72,600 per year, in fact!

With numerous specialization options available, including those in programming languages, data science, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and more, this program is one of the most research-focused of its kind. You’ll be able to engage in research facilities that are nationally recognized and funded, with core research areas including algorithms and theoretical computer science, machine learning, and security and privacy. 

One hundred twenty total credit hours are required for graduation. In addition to the experiences you’ll have inside the classroom, you’ll also b able to participate in a wide array of activities, like the student organization Programmatic that helps prepare students for interviews in the computer science niche.

A public research university located in San Diego, CA, the University of California, San Diego was established in 1960 and is one of the ten major campuses of the University of California system. With more than 200 degree programs for you to choose from, the computer science major here is a clear winner. 

The Bachelor of Science in computer science includes core courses that cover exciting and integral topics like algorithms, computer vision and graphics, databases, computer architecture, machine learning, and more. You can pursue a hardware emphasis by adding a computer engineering major, too, as this program allows enough flexibility for you to pursue up to three majors. 

The department is regularly ranked within the top ten among public universities around the country and is dedicated to education and research in the field. Enroll in this program, and you’ll be able to work closely with world-class research centers and departments, including the Institute for Neural Computation, the Center for Wireless Communications, the Center for Networked Systems, and more.

With a main campus in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public research institution that first opened in 1957. Despite its relatively young history, the school is classified as one of the top doctoral universities for its research activity in the entire country.

That reputation extends to its undergraduate programs as well. In fact, George Mason offers a superior bachelor’s in computer science that will provide you with the hands-on experience you need to become proficient in this demanding discipline. You’ll work with a faculty mentor to conduct research on a variety of topics, including evolutionary computation, robotics, and more. 

The Bachelor of Science in computer science at George Mason is a 120-credit hour program that includes core classes that cover the methodologies, applications, and foundations of computer science. In addition to an accelerated 4+1 bachelor’s and master’s program, the school also offers an honors program for undergraduate students. You can even participate in a ten-week summer program that focuses on educational data mining!

Established in 1967, the Department of Computer Science at North Carolina State University is one of the oldest in the country. You’ll be able to pursue your degree under the guidance of 48 tenured and tenure-track faculty, joining a cohort of 1600 other undergraduate students.

Although the university’s key areas of expertise are in systems, theory, artificial intelligence, networks, software engineering, security, and computer-based education, this program will enable you to study any aspect of computer science that you believe will best help you meet your career goals. In fact, the department has a number of research laboratories, centers, and other facilities that will help you meet these goals. 

You’ll take core classes like Automato, Grammars, and Computability, Ethics in Computing, Networking Projects, and Computer Security. Though you’ll be required to complete a basic set of core courses, you’ll also have the flexibility necessary to take electives that interest you most.

The school has multiple ties with other universities, industry partners, and more. The school even has faculty members that are affiliated with the Oakridge National Laboratory and Duke University, just to name a couple.

A public land grant research university located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University was first founded in 1870. Today, it is home to more than 50,000 students and is one of the largest universities in the country.

The Bachelor of Science in computer and information science provides learners with a solid education in mathematics, the physical sciences, and the humanities along with extensive technical training in the core disciplines of computer science. You’ll take classes such as Software Engineering; Applications: AI or Graphics; and Social, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Computing. 

You will also be required to select a specialization option. There are many options you can choose from, but some of the most popular include computer graphics and game design, database systems, and artificial intelligence. While you are enrolled, you’ll have access to all kinds of student services, including tutoring, computing services, and one-on-one faculty mentoring.

Often referred to simply as UMass Amherst, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst is a public land-grant and research university located in Amherst, MA. The flagship campus of the state university system, this school offers more than 200 different undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for you to choose from.

The computer science degree at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst is offered as both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. The Bachelor of Arts will enable you to take more courses in the liberal arts as well as a foreign language, while the bachelor of science will allow you to take more core computer science courses. Both degrees require 120 credits of coursework. 

A highly competitive program, it has exceptional outcomes with graduates going on to careers at Google, EMC, TripAdvisor, Boeing, Cisco Systems, and more. When you enroll in this program, you’ll be able to take classes at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst as well as partner institutions like Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke, Smith College, and more. 

You’ll also enjoy access to numerous extracurricular activities like the CS Women’s Group, the Association for Computer Machinery, CICS Pride, and a 36-hour hackathon known as HackUMass.

A state-funded public research university in Pittsburgh, PA, the University of Pittsburgh comprises 17 different graduate and undergraduate schools and colleges. 

The Bachelor of Science in computer science at the University of Pittsburgh is offered by the school of computing and information. The computer science department in this school is one of the oldest in the world, established in 1966. 

The computer science degree is a 40-credit hour program that focuses on systems, programming, and discrete mathematics and theory. You will be able to complete a wide variety of hands-on learning opportunities, with options including directed research, a capstone project, two cooperative learning rotations, or an internship. The program is heavily funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, and other national grant-awarding organizations. 

In addition to this decision, you’ll have plenty of other opportunities when it comes to how you direct your studies. You can complete the degree with honors, pursue a concentration, or even work toward a double major in an unrelated field. You can even take a few graduate-level courses as an undergraduate here!

Referred to by many as simply Virginia Tech, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public land-grant research university located in Blacksburg, VA. In addition to this main campus, the school also has regional facilities in six locations around the state along with study-abroad programs in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland.

One of six senior military colleges, Virginia Tech has one of the best bachelor’s in computer science. This program awards degrees to 300 students each year, offering learners a comprehensive foundation that’s vital for all kinds of computing careers.

The curriculum of this program is under constant review, with updates being made on a regular basis to improve the quality and industry relevance of the degree. In fact, as a student here in 2021 and beyond, you’ll be able to choose between majors in Data-Centric Computing, Secure Computing, or just regular Computer Science. There is also an accelerated bachelor’s plus master’s pathway available.

Regardless of the pathway you select, you’ll take core classes like Introduction to Media Computation, Data Structures and Algorithms, and Comparative Languages. You will also be able to choose among minors in relevant fields like biology, business, math, and cybersecurity.

Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is the one school on this list that probably everybody in the entire world has heard of. A premier Ivy League institution, Harvard is the oldest university in the United States and traces its origins back to 1636. 

Today, the school educates about 36,000 students per year, with undergraduate and graduate degrees spread out among 11 major academic units. The John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers an integrated Bachelor of Arts in computer science. This program has multiple tracks you can pursue, including those in basic, joint, honors, and mind, brain, and behavior computer science 

Regardless of the option you choose, you will likely take around 40 to 48 credit hours of study. While there are several core classes required for graduation, you’ll also be given a great deal of choice and flexibility in designing your program of study. You may choose to study abroad for a semester, engaging in computer science coursework in places like Budapest, or you can participate in extracurricular clubs and organizations like the Robotics Club, the Harvard Computer Society, or Women in Computer Science.

Located in Richardson, TX, the University of Texas at Dallas offers an affordable program in computer science that will prepare you for a wide assortment of carers, including those in unique fields like digital forensics, robotics, and computer vision. 

You’ll be able to take classes in the extensive computer science department, a massive school with more than 2,800 students and a 150,000 square foot building with some of the country’s most advanced laboratories and facilities. You’ll take core classes that cover things like analysis of algorithms, operating systems, programming methodologies, and data structures. 

This program will enable you to take classes that complement your personal interests and culminate in a final project-based course. You’ll be able to participate in a fast track program, too, if you choose, earning both a master’s and a bachelor’s in just five years. Regardless of the pathway you select, you’ll enjoy connections with a variety of companies, including Lockheed Martin, IBM, Intel, State Farm, and more.

California Polytechnic State University, located in San Luis Obispo, CA, is one of two of the major polytechnics located in the California State University system. With six separate colleges, the school combines technical and professional programs with the humanities and the arts.

California Polytechnic offers a degree in computer science that will teach you not only the technical skills you need to be a successful practitioner, but also the “soft” skills that will help you be successful in any discipline. For example, you’ll learn great problem-solving skills as well as those necessary for communication, collaboration, and leadership.

You’ll build these skills through core computer science classes like Operating Systems, Project-Based Object-Oriented Programming and Design, and Professional Responsibilities. One hundred eighty-one units of coursework are required, with graduates going on to work for reputable companies like Apple, Microsoft, EA Games, Disney, and more. 

Don’t want to stop with just the bachelor’s degree? California Polytechnic also has a 4+1 program so you can complete a blended bachelor’s plus a master’s in just five years of study.

A public research university with campuses all around the state of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University is a major research institution that dedicates itself to teaching, public service, and of course, research. As a designated space-grant, sea-grant, and sun-grant university, it’s also one of the best places to major in computer science.

Offered by the college of engineering and the department of electrical engineering and computer science, this program consists of two major phases. The first phase introduces core concepts of modern computer science, like structured programming and productive programming. The second goes more in depth with features like data structures and computer systems. 

The program presents students with countless opportunities to engage in research, mentoring, and even study abroad. Extensive scholarships and other forms of financial aid are also available. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure which courses or extracurriculars are right for you, either—you’ll be paired with a faculty mentor as soon as you enroll.

Often referred to simply as “Carolina,” the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (or UNC, as it’s best known) is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, NC. Founded in 1789, the school is considered a Public Ivy, revered for its academic quality and many courses of study. There are more than 70 different majors to choose from here, each of which can be found within one of 13 separate professional schools.

The computer science major stands out among the competition as one of the best for individuals interested in eventual graduate study. However, it’s also a great choice for students who wish to pursue professional employment in traditional computer industries as well as ancillary fields like financial services and consulting. 

You’ll have the option to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s within five years, or you can just complete the bachelor’s as a stand-alone degree. The choice is yours! Available as both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts, this program has an honors pathway and plenty of opportunities for experiential education. 

From assistantships to internships—opportunities that many universities reserve for graduate students—you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved as a student at UNC. There are even study abroad programs in places like Dublin, Singapore, New South Wales, and Seoul.

A public research university in Irvine, CA, the University of California, Irvine is one of ten campuses in the University of California system. The school offers more than 200 different majors to nearly 40,000 students from all around the world.

UCI’s master’s in computer science is a “full-time, 15-month professionally-oriented degree” that includes three core classes, three capstone courses, and six electives that total 50 units. Each course has a lab/project component to ensure hands-on practical learning to prepare students for the workforce. UCI’s program also includes a professional writing and communication course, as well as a capstone showcase event where students will present their projects to companies and industry partners. 

As a student, you will receive a myriad of career services, including mock interviews, workshops, and career/employer events. UCI reports that 89% of its MCS graduates are employed within three months. Potential applicants should complete prerequisites in programming in C++, Java, Python, or C, and an algorithms or data structures course, and have at least one year of relevant professional experience.

You can choose from nine different specializations as you earn your degree, with options including algorithms, bioinformatics, general computer science, information, architecture and embedded systems, networked systems, visual computing, intelligent systems, and systems and software. To apply, you will need to have a high school diploma as well as ACT or SAT test scores. In most cases, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is also required.

If you want to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in all aspects of computer science, from writing software to creating your own applications, you may want to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in computer science at the University of Nebraska. 

The degree has customization areas in topics like Networking & High-End Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Foundations, Informatics, and more. Not only that, but you can earn a bonus minor in mathematics by taking just one extra course.

This program is one of the best when it comes to producing high-performing graduates. In fact, 100% of graduates who pursue careers in computer science found full-time jobs upon graduation, with graduates reporting an average starting salary of $60,000. This is due in part to the program’s high level of personalization, but it also is a testament to the program’s emphasis on collaboration.  You’ll learn from a diverse group of peers as you move through your courses and participate in student organizations like the Society of Women Engineers.

Accredited by ABET, this degree includes 120 credit hours of coursework. You’ll likely complete an internship, too—more than  75% of all University of Nebraska students will ultimately choose to do so.

A major public research university located in Salt Lake City, UT, the University of Utah is the flagship university of the Utah state university system. First Established in 1850, the school is home to more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, making it the second-largest public school in the state.

The computer science major is offered as a joint endeavor between the school of computing and the college of engineering. You’ll take courses in crucial topics like algorithms and data structures, computer organization, discrete mathematics, and artificial intelligence. You’ll also complete a capstone that can take the form of a research project or a thesis. For students interested in careers in gaming and animation, the program also has an optional emphasis in entertainment arts and engineering.

You’ll find plenty of ways to enhance your degree here, with the option for you to gain work experience as a teaching assistant or to get involved with undergraduate research or internships. There are also plenty of extracurriculars you can join, including the Association for Computing Machinery, Robo-Utes, and Women in Computing. 

Because of these countless opportunities to enhance your experience, you’ll likely have no trouble in finding employment as a graduate from the University of Utah. Most alumni find work as software engineers, mobile software and application developers, java programmers, and in other rewarding career paths.

A public research university, Michigan Technological University was founded in 1885 as the first college in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was originally developed to provide mining engineers with the training they needed to operate local copper mines.

With a main campus in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University now offers one of the best bachelor’s in computer science. You’ll be able to focus on all aspects of the discipline, from engineering design to computer theory and even experimentation. You can also choose a concentration area, with options including game development, computer systems, applications, and general computer science. 

A 123-credit hour program, the degree prepares graduates for rewarding careers with companies like Google, Adobe Systems, Apple, IBM, and more. As a student here, you’ll have 24/7 access to campus labs, meaning you’ll be able to study and work whenever it fits best with your schedule. You can also participate in the Husky Game Development enterprise, an opportunity that makes it possible for undergraduates to work together to design new games.