Computer science graduates are some of the most in-demand members of Virginia\u2019s labor force. And with a growing tech industry, this demand is not slowing anytime soon. However, to join in on this trend of computation, a solid education in computer science is imperative. Considering this, what are the best computer science schools in Virginia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several factors that contribute to a university being a good choice for a particular degree, especially within a broad field like computer science. This article not only lists the best computer science schools in Virginia for you to peruse but also explains all the various factors that go into Virginia\u2019s computer science school rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To choose the best computer science schools in Virginia for you, you should consider graduation rate, the reputation of the school, specialization\/concentration options, cost, career services, etc. These factors are very important when selecting schools, as they help you identify what aspects of your education and subsequent career your school can help support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is calculated as the percentage of students that graduated from a cohort out of the total number enrolled. It is a pointer to the difficulty level in the course of study, the students\u2019 motivation studying the course in the faculty, and the extent of transparency in the course curriculum, the lack of which could cause underprepared students to drop out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A school\u2019s reputation is often based on the quality of education it provides. Thus, admission into a highly reputed university often guarantees education that keeps up with the most novel industrial developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, the reputation of a school goes a long way in opening doors for its degree holders; doors like higher education admissions and career opportunities in reputable companies, in both private and corporate settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on their faculty and research facilities, schools often have specific fields that they specialize in. When choosing a school, it\u2019s important to ensure that it offers competent instruction in your niche of interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because a degree depends on its coursework, it may mean different things in two different schools, even if it superficially appears the same. Specializations can help you identify the focus of that school\u2019s education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For any course or school, cost is a crucial factor as it confirms whether a prospective student can afford to attend. Expensive tuition is not necessarily a negative factor, especially if you will be studying computer science from a school well-known for its success in the field. When deciding, the available opportunities after graduation and their subsequent pay potential are key factors to balance against tuition and other attendance costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The availability of career services such as co-op or internship opportunities helps place the students on a positive career trajectory early on. Amassing experience while in school makes their foray into the corporate world much easier. Moreover, if the school is involved in multiple partnerships with corporations or institutions within the industry, students can make impressive connections using their alma mater\u2019s networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several other factors that confirm the position of each school on the ranking table, which will be highlighted as you progress through the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
| Computer Science School<\/th>\n | Top Undergrad Program<\/th>\n | Top Grad Program<\/th>\n | US News Ranking<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia<\/td>\n | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | Master of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | #25<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| College of William and Mary<\/td>\n | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | Master of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | #38<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| George Mason University<\/td>\n | Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science<\/td>\n | Master of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | #148<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Virginia Commonwealth University<\/td>\n | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | Master of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | #172<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Hampton University<\/td>\n | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | Master of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | #202<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Old Dominion University<\/td>\n | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology (Computer Science)<\/td>\n | #263<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Liberty University<\/td>\n | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | Master of Science in Information Technology<\/td>\n | #299-391<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| James Madison University<\/td>\n | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | Master of Science in Computer Science \u2013 Information Security<\/td>\n | #3 (regionally)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Christopher Newport University<\/td>\n | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | Master of Science in Applied Physics and Computer Science<\/td>\n | #6 (regionally)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Virginia State University<\/td>\n | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | Master of Science in Computer Science<\/td>\n | #84 (regionally)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Virginia Computer Science Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Computer Science Schools in Virginia<\/h2>\n\n\n\nTo rank the best computer science schools in Virginia, we used US News & World Report\u2019s breakdown of the best computer science program as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best Computer Science Schools in Virginia Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\nTo help you make a college decision, below is a list of STEM schools offering the best undergraduate and graduate programs, based on Virginia computer science school rankings. We also included brief descriptions of each school\u2019s best academic programs in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n \r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n |