Best Computer Programming Bachelor’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Florida Tech is a private, research-intensive university that was founded in 1958. This university is STEM-driven and offers over 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. The student population is nearly 7,000 and computer science graduates of this illustrious university have gone on to work for massive tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits Florida Tech’s undergraduate computer science program. Additionally, their faculty are internationally known researchers in computer security, intelligent systems, computer vision, complex networks, and distributed negotiations. Students of this program will have access to state-of-the-art high-tech facilities.

Beyond the classroom, students earning a computer science degree build leadership and professional experience through participation in academic organizations like Upsilon Pi Epsilon, a computer science honor society. You’ll need to finish all of the core courses in the program and complete the required 127 credits to get your degree. 

Graduates can find work as software design developers, computer support specialists, computer system analysts, computer programmers, and network administrators, to name a few. Those seeking further education can go on to graduate school at top universities like UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Florida. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $43,246 per academic year for all students
• Required Credits: 127 semester credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 60%

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: Not required
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT 
• Application Fee: $20
• Minimum Education: High school
• Other Requirements: Four years of math (including trigonometry, math analysis, geometry, and calculus) and fours years of science (including physics and chemistry)

Applying to Florida Tech

1. Complete Common App or Florida Tech application.
2. Send in high school transcripts.
3. Submit ACT or SAT scores.
4. Submit an optional personal essay.
5. Submit a personal letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or coach.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, better known as MIT, was founded in 1861. The student population is about 12,000 and MIT offers 39 distinct undergraduate degrees. MIT uses collaborative and hands-on learning in its classrooms and labs to encourage students to learn in a creative way with a curiosity-driven ethos.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering

MIT undergraduates learn various modeling and abstraction techniques that will equip them for successful careers in computer science and programming. Students have the opportunity to learn about high-tech subjects like robotics and discrete math. 

Students are encouraged to take classes in concentration fields such as artificial intelligence, computer systems graphics, and human-computer interfaces and must complete 180 to 183 units to graduate from this program. During their studies, students can take up to 66 units of unrestricted electives to explore multiple areas of interest within computer science. This degree is accredited by both the Engineering and Computing Accreditation Commissions.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition: $28,795 per academic year
• Required Credits: 180-183 units
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 96%

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering Admission Requirements

• GPA: Not required
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
• Application Fee: $75 
• Minimum Education: High school
• Other Requirements: None

Applying to Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1. Complete your application online.
2. Provide general information, personal essays, activities, and academic experience.
3. Submit two letters of recommendation, one from a math or science teacher and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher. 
4. Submit official transcripts.
5. Submit your mid-year grades.

North Carolina State University was founded in 1887 and is the largest university in North Carolina. The student population is more than 36,000 and this institution offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 200 master’s degrees and PhD programs. This university ranks in the top 1 percent of universities in the world according to the Center for World University Rankings. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

North Carolina State University offers a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Programming, an accelerated bachelor's/master's program, and an honors program. Students learn to understand, design, maintain, support, test, and deploy computer systems and software. Core courses cover programming languages, data structures, software engineering, program design, and the theory of computation. 

Students must complete a collaborative project in senior design. These projects will gain industrial sponsors to allow students real-world experience and an excellent addition to their technical portfolios. The program requires students to complete 121 credits to graduate.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $14,760 per academic year (in state), additional $31,026 tuition for out-of-state students
• Required Credits: 120 semester credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 94%

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.5
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
• Application Fee: $85
• Minimum Education: High school
• Other Requirements: Meet the A-G subject requirements of history or social science, English, math, science, language, college-preparatory elective, and visual and performing arts

Applying to North Carolina State University

1. Complete and submit a UC common or coalition application.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Select your major.
4. Submit your standardized test scores.
5. Answer the essay prompts.
6. Submit your transcript.

Princeton University was founded in 1746 and has a student population of close to 8,000. At Princeton, students may pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Each of these degrees has 37 different concentrations and over 50 certification programs. Computer Science can be taken as a major for both the BA and BSE degrees.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer Science Major

Princeton University undergraduates can design their own programming courses within a broad framework and develop a future graduate study plan. Additionally, the institution offers students an application for a computing certificate program. You’ll finish all of the core courses in the degree program in about four years. Subjects include an introduction to programming systems, principles of computing system design, and advanced programming techniques.

Students must complete 36 courses to complete their Bachelor of Science in Engineering and graduates can go on to work for major computing and IT companies, consulting firms, and financial companies. During a computer science major, students must work independently on one design or research project, which will be assigned to them. 

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Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer Science Major Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition and Fees: $79,540 for one academic year 
• Required Credits: 36 courses
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 98%

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer Science Major Admission Requirements

• GPA: Not required
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
• Application Fee: $70 
• Minimum Education: High school
• Other Requirements: Students should complete the following where possible: four years of English, four years of math, four years of a second language, two years of laboratory science, two years of history

Applying to Princeton University

1. Submit your common application or coalition application.
2. Submit the Princeton Supplement online.
3. Pay the $70 application fee.
4. Provide a graded written paper, preferably in history or English.
5. Request official transcripts.
6. Get a recommendation from a counselor.
7. Request two letters of recommendation from different teachers in core academic subjects. 
8. Provide a mid-year school report.
9. Attend an optional interview.

Purdue University offers a dynamic learning environment in which students can acquire core computer science skills that will enable them to grow and develop as professionals within an ever-evolving programming field. The university was founded in 1869 and has a student population of nearly 50,000. The university has over 200 different majors.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This program will teach students the fundamentals of computer science at the oldest existing computer science department. Graduates will have a wide knowledge of technical skills to allow them to easily adapt to the dynamic tech industry.

Graduates of this BA in Computer Science have a job placement rate of nearly 100 percent and work in industry, government, healthcare, and finance. Furthermore, Purdue partners with numerous tech companies, from Microsoft and Google to small startups. Students must complete 120 credits from a combination of major, science core, and elective classes.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition and Fees: $9,992 (in state), $28,794 (out of state)
• Required Credits: 120 semester credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 83%

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.5-3.9
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT 
• Application Fee: $60
• Minimum Education: High school or GED
• Other Requirements: Eight semesters of math, eight semesters of English, six semesters of lab science, six semesters of social studies, and four semesters of a world language.

Applying to Purdue University

1. Complete and submit an online application form.
2. Ensure you meet the application deadline.
3. Answer the Purdue-specific questions on the application form.
4. Submit your high school transcript.
5. Submit your ACT or SAT scores.
6. Provide a personal essay.
7. Meet the minimum high school requirements.

Founded in 1891, this large private research university is among the largest in the US. Stanford has a student population of nearly 17,000 and has nearly 200 different fields of study. This university has a five-to-one student-to-faculty ratio and the campus covers over 8,000 acres of land.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Stanford undergraduate computer science programming degree allows students to learn various topics in computer science, encompassing theory, abstraction, design, and implementation. You’ll need to finish all of the core courses and complete the required 96 units to get a bachelor’s degree. 

This program will prepare students to become computer architects, systems programmers, or AI specialists in government, law, or the corporate sector. Students may also use this degree to continue their education. Students can choose from several tracks, depending on their area of interest, such as the AI, computer engineering, graphics, theory, or systems track.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Overview

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Tuition: $1,233 per unit for all students
• Required Credits: 96 units
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 95%

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: Not required
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
• Application Fee: $90 
• Minimum Education: High school
• Other Requirements: Stanford recommends this curriculum: four years of English, four years of rigorous Math, three or more years of history or social studies, three or more years of laboratory science, and three or more years of a foreign language.

Applying to Stanford University 

1. Complete a coalition or common application.
2. Pay the non-refundable $90 application fee.
3. Submit your ACT or SAT scores.
4. Submit a school report and a letter of recommendation from a counselor
5. Send in your official transcripts.
6. Request additional letters of recommendation from two teachers.
7. Submit an optional arts portfolio.
8. Attend an optional interview.

University of California, Berkeley was established in 1868. It is California’s first land-grant university. The student population is just over 45,000 and this prestigious university offers over 350 degree programs. UC Berkeley has played a significant role in scientific advances and breakthroughs in computer science.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

The computer science department educates and prepares students for any facet of computer programming. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science program includes courses such as algorithms, architecture and logic design of computers, programming languages, operating systems, systems analysis, scientific analysis, computer graphics, and artificial intelligence. 

This program is designed for students interested in career paths such as software engineering, web development, data analytics, or consulting. This course will also prepare students for a master’s degree or a doctoral program. 

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science Overview

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $14,760 per academic year (in state), additional $31,026 tuition for out of state
• Required Credits: 120 semester credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 98%

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0 (in state); 3.4 (out of state)
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
• Application Fee: $70 
• Minimum Education: High school
• Other Requirements: Meet the A-G subject requirements, which are history or social science, English, math, science, language, a college-preparatory elective, and visual and performing arts.

Applying to University of California, Berkeley

1. Complete and submit a UC application.
2. Meet the A-G subject requirement.
3. Pass the Holistic review process, which includes academic and non-academic factors.

University of California, Irvine was founded in 1965 and is one of 10 universities in the University of California system. Students studying at the Irvine campus can choose from 87 undergraduate degrees and 129 graduate degrees. The student population is over 36,000 and in its history, this university has produced 5 Nobel laureates and is known for its innovative and high-quality education and research. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Students in the computer science major gain a foundational understanding of computing while preparing for a broad range of computing career options. Students can partake in a capstone project as their final course in the curriculum and take other architecture, middle-level infrastructure, algorithms, and math classes. 

This bachelor’s degree will prepare students for entry into the tech workforce or as preparation for grad school. Students will learn advanced techniques in object oriented computer languages such as Python, C++, and Java. Students are required to meet a minimum of 180 quarter units to graduate. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Overview

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Tuition: $11,442 per academic year for all students
• Required Credits: 180 quarter units
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 85%

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0 (in state); 3.4 (out of state)
• Standardized Tests: not required
• Application Fee: $70
• Minimum Education: High school 
• Other Requirements: Four years of high school math, one year of physics and chemistry, one year of computer programming (recommended), 15 year-long college preparatory classes of history, math, English, science, a foreign language, visual and performing arts, and college-preparatory elective.

Applying to University of California, Irvine

1. Apply to UCI online.
2. Pay the $70 application fee.
3. Answer the personal insight questions.
4. Meet the minimum GPA requirements.
5. Meet the A-G subject requirements.
6. Once admitted, submit your official transcripts.

The University of California, San Diego was founded in 1960 and has a student population of around 40,000. This university offers 125 bachelor’s degree programs across arts and humanities, math and physical sciences, engineering, social sciences, and biological sciences. This highly reputable university has been one of the top public universities in the US for more than 10 years.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Computer science majors receive expert training in computation and information processing. At the University of California, San Diego, you will learn essential programming concepts such as algorithms, computer architecture, and machine learning. You’ll need to finish all of the core courses and complete 124 credits to get your Bachelor of Science degree.

Students of this program will graduate with advanced foundational skills in math, programming concepts and methodology, computer organization, and physics. Students will also learn the theories and design principles of hardware and software to prepare them for mid-level programming-related tech jobs or advanced degree programs in a similar field, such as a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Overview

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $14,733 per academic year (in state), $44,487 per academic year (out of state)
• Required Credits: 124 semester credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 87%

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0 (in state); 3.4 (out of state)
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $70
• Minimum Education: High school
• Other Requirements: Personal insight questions and an average of a C grade in 11 of the following 15 courses: two years of history or social sciences, four years of English, three years of math, two years of laboratory science, two years of a second language, one year of visual and performing arts, and one year of a college-preparatory elective.

Applying to University of California, San Diego

1. Submit your application.
2. Log in to the applicant portal.
3. Fill out and submit your FAFSA.
4. Accept your offer of admission.
5. Submit your final high school transcripts.

The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson and today it boasts nationally ranked courses, a proud history, and a diverse and highly qualified faculty. The student population is more than 25,000 and the university offers 121 majors across its schools. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The computer science BS degree from the University of Virginia prepares students for career opportunities in computer and social sciences. Additionally, the college’s computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. 

Students must complete 126 credits for this bachelor’s degree. This includes an introduction to programming, foundation courses in data sets, computer systems, and software development, as well upper-level courses that include a capstone project.  

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $28,020 (in state), $64,504 (out of state)
• Required Credits: 126 semester credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 94%

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: Not required
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $70
• Minimum Education: High school
• Other Requirements: None

Applying to University of Virginia

1. Attend a pre-admission advisor review. 
2. Complete an online application.
3. Pay your application fee.
4. Submit optional standardized test scores.
5. Submit your high school transcripts.
6. Request a letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher.
7. Send in a mid-year report of your academic progress.
8. Upon admission, submit your official transcripts.

Using new and existing technology, research scientists come up with innovative applications. They assist in analyzing data, developing new techniques, and improving existing computer systems used in the finance, science, and medicine industries.

• Average Salary: $131,490
• Job Outlook: 22%
• Number of Jobs: 33,000
• Highest-Paying States: California, Virginia, Washington, New York

Computer hardware is designed by hardware engineers. Conceptualizing, prototyping, developing, and testing products are all part of their responsibilities. Proposing architecture and designing products are also tasks they regularly perform.

• Average Salary: $128,170
• Job Outlook: 2%
• Number of Jobs: 66,200
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Massachusetts, Maryland

Most senior software engineers have a background in computer science, web development, or engineering. Web coding skills are essential for a senior software engineer role. Another essential skill is being a confident and capable team leader.

• Average Salary: $119,651
• Job Outlook: 22%
• Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
• Highest-Paying States: Massachusetts, Washington, Maryland, New York

A video game programmer creates application code for a video game. Video game developers are responsible for creating complex algorithms and sequences for video games. They modify programming actions, come up with features, and test code.

• Average Salary: $101,644
• Job Outlook: 22%
• Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Hampshire, California, Vermont

A computer systems analyst studies a company's current computer system and brainstorms ways to improve it. They are also in charge of finding efficient solutions to technical problems that occur in these software systems. 

• Average Salary: $99,270
• Job Outlook: 7%
• Number of Jobs: 607,800
• Highest-Paying States: California, Virginia, New York, Washington

A database administrator creates or organizes systems to store and secure data. The role of the database administrator is crucial to the IT department of any company. Most database administrators find employment in data processing companies, but they also work in insurance companies, banks, universities, and healthcare facilities. 

• Average Salary: $98,860
• Job Outlook: 8%
• Number of Jobs: 168,000
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Washington, Washington DC, California

A database developer creates, implements, and maintains computer databases. Clients and companies hire database developers to collect, retrieve, and store information and ensure that data is stored and retrieved securely. Database developers must have in-depth practical knowledge of various computer languages, such as Java, HTML, CSS, SAS, and PHP.

• Average Salary: $95,066
• Job Outlook: 8%
• Number of Jobs: 168,000
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Washington, Washington DC, California

A front end developer creates and updates web pages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In addition, they ensure the technical feasibility of UI/UX prototypes and maintain websites and applications. You must have solid problem-solving and communication skills to be an effective front end developer.

• Average Salary: $94,639
• Job Outlook: 13%
• Number of Jobs: 199,400
• Highest-Paying States: Massachusetts, Alaska, Nevada, Washington

A computer programmer creates and tests the code needed to make computer applications and software programs work efficiently. In addition to knowing computer algorithms and application domains, computer programmers must cooperate with vendors to test and approve their products. Programmers are required to document their work through charts, layouts, diagrams, comments, and revisions.

• Average Salary: $93,000
• Job Outlook: -10%
• Number of Jobs: 185,700
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, Washington DC, California, Virginia

A software developer designs computer programs or applications. The best candidates often have Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a similar field. They must be familiar with multiple computer languages, such as C++, Python, Java, PHP, XML, HTML, and JavaScript.

• Average Salary: $73,583
• Job Outlook: 22%
• Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
• Highest-Paying States: New York, Illinois, Washington, Texas