Students who love problem-solving should consider the best computer science schools. With the importance of technology in everyday business, jobs in this industry are steadily increasing. A computer science degree can help you acquire high-paying careers ranging from web development to network systems administration.
In Texas, there are several excellent computer science schools for students to enroll in. Each program contains an assortment of introductory courses to help prepare you for your future in the tech sector. For this guide, we compiled a list of ten computer science schools in the state.
Accredited Computer Science Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.For your convenience, every school has been ranked using the following criteria:
- Average annual costs below $26,000
- A median starting salary of no less than $20,000 (depending on specialty)
- Accredited programs by recognized institutions
10 Best Computer Science Schools in Texas
1. Collin County Community College District
2 to 4 Year; McKinney, TX
Average Annual Cost: $7,040
Collin County Community College District offers a single certificate option for computer science students. You’ll work towards a Computer Science & Information Technology Field of Study Certificate. The entire premise of the program is to provide students with the fundamentals needed before transferring to a four-year program.
If you think you’re interested in computer science but are looking for a great place to test your skills, this program is ideal. You’ll work through an ample number of foundational skills, and you can use your certificate to apply to your desired four-year college. During your studies, you’ll have access to the skills needed for a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Computer Software Engineering.
Collin County Community College District is a well-rounded institution with an assortment of degree programs. They’re most notable for their health science degree options but also offer general education classes. As an added benefit, they recently renovated the McKinney Campus in 2010 to offer more modernized science labs and classrooms.
2. Lamar Institute of Technology
2 to 4 Year; Beaumont, TX
Average Annual Cost: $8,484
60% of enrolled students return after their first year at Lamar Institute of Technology. With a 25% graduation rate, they have a well-rounded computer science program to take advantage of. As a school specializing in arts and sciences, you’ll gather all of the essentials to pursue your future career.
Lamar Institute of Technology’s program is unique because it’s accredited by the ABET (Accreditation Board of Electronics and Technology). All of the concepts you’ll explore in your classes are industry-approved and required for entry and experienced-level career opportunities. Within the computer science department, there are four primary degrees and programs.
Students will be able to enroll in Game Development, Information Sciences, Cybersecurity, or Computer Science. There is also a graduate program available if you want to further your undergraduate degree. Upon completion of the graduate program, you’ll receive an M.S. Degree in Computer Science.
Regardless of the degree and program you choose, students will explore standard technologies, including medical imaging, artificial intelligence, and mobile phones. You’ll also use your math skills, technical proficiency, and imagination to develop products to give you a competitive edge in business. With a good ratio of students to faculty members, class sizes are average and open the door for many learning opportunities.
3. University of Houston – Victoria
4 Year; Victoria, TX
Average Annual Cost: $9,262
University of Houston – Victoria has a very successful computer science degree program, with 59% of students returning after their first year. Also, you’ll be a part of the 51% of students that graduate with their desired degree. When it comes to computer science, this degree program is very in-depth. Students have two primary objectives to complete during their program. They will need to develop professional computer science skills to contribute to their community and support their commitment to lifelong learning. You’ll also acquire several phenomenal skills to assist you in your future career.
You’ll learn the written, visual, and verbal communication skills to work in a team, as well as explore the math and skills behind computer science. Students will work independently and in groups to create computer-based solutions for industrial, scientific, and commercial problems. Also, upon graduation, you’ll have the necessary skills to find employment at reputable organizations.
4. San Jacinto Community College
2 to 4 Year; Pasadena, TX
Average Annual Cost: $9,638
San Jacinto Community College is a fantastic solution for students searching for a way to get into the tech industry. Whether you want to figure out how computers work or are fascinated by what they can do, this program is diverse. With the help of the Associate’s degree, you can then continue your education at your desired four-year university.
When you graduate from San Jacinto Community College, you’ll receive an Associate of Science. All of the courses in the program are designed to prepare you for entering a four-year bachelor’s program. It’s most likely you’ll receive entry to a computer science or computer information system program.
Multiple career opportunities are awaiting you in this avenue of study, including:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Security
- Scientific Computing
- Computer Architecture & Engineering
- Graphics Systems
- Operating Systems & Networking
If you’ve decided that computer science is an industry you want to work in, you’ll want to consider the school’s other programs. They also offer a certificate of technology or an Associate of Applied Science in Application Programming. Established professionals can also brush up on their skills by enrolling in the occupational certificate program.
5. Texas Woman’s University
4 Year; Denton, TX
Average Annual Cost: $9,684
Staying on top of the ever-changing world of computer science is of the utmost importance for all students. Texas Woman’s University offers a contemporary computer science degree program designed to assist all students. You’ll build a strong foundation in the technical field while also improving upper-level computer science knowledge.
Students will work through many program offerings, including:
- Software Development
- Web and Mobile Application Development
- Networking & Data Communications
- Hardware and Robotics
- Interface and Information Architecture
What makes this program unique compared to others is that you’ll graduate with more marketable skills. Along with your degree, you’ll know how to work in groups effectively to coordinate projects. Also, graduates will learn how to use data management, storage, security, and analysis procedures.
You will need to take 120 semester credit hours to obtain your degree, with 44 in your major and 18 in a required minor. Some of the most common courses you’ll experience at Texas Woman’s University include:
- Algorithm Analysis and Design
- Data Structures
- Software Engineering
- Database Management
- Programming Fundamentals
- Applied Computational Thinking
- Computer Organization and Machine Language
6. University of Houston – Downtown
4 Year; Houston, TX
Average Annual Cost: $12,044
Pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston is a great way to get your foot into fantastic career opportunities. The school has a graduation rate of 43% across all disciplines with a 72% retention rate. When it comes to computer science, you’ll find their program has plenty of great features.
Students will be able to gather a strong foundation in computer science paired with modern practical training. You’ll learn how to apply computing in business and other industries, helping to prepare you for your desired career path. Students find themselves working in an assortment of tech sectors, including:
- Visualization
- Data Mining
- Web Development
- Computer Networks and Security
- Database Systems
- Computer Graphics and Gaming
There are four primary tenets that all graduates will have upon receiving their degree. First, you’ll be able to understand computing environments, programming languages, operating systems, and hardware organizations. You’ll also have mastery of data models, control structures, algorithmic thinking, and debugging.
You can also apply many skills to your future careers, such as general computer science proficiency and oral or written communication. Undoubtedly, you’ll also be able to sharpen your teamwork skills.
7. Angelo State University
4 Year; San Angelo, TX
Average Annual Cost: $13,184
Angelo State University understands the growing need for computer science majors, and they have a well-rounded program to offer. 68% of their students return after their first year and 41% graduate with their desired degree. For computer science majors, you’ll receive a specialized education about the world of technology. Students will gather fundamental skills to apply computer science in an assortment of industries and careers. The computer science program also blends hands-on experience with in-class discussions to give you a good foundation for employability. Currently, there are four different program options for students.
The most popular is the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, an undergraduate degree. You can then continue onto a Master of Science in Computer Science if you want a graduate education. Students can also choose from two minors: Computer Science and Cybersecurity Systems. During your studies, you’ll have access to flexible courses, allowing you to specialize in the areas that most interest you. Students also have the option to take four-course blocks within each degree plan to acquire a specialty. For example, your B.S. in Computer Science could focus primarily on:
- Computer Game Development
- Cybersecurity Technologies
- Web and Mobile Development
Angelo State University helps make studying computer science simpler with their several scholarship programs. Also, there are on-campus student jobs that you can apply for to help tutor or assist in the computer labs. Not to mention many students also find employment at the IT Department. One of the most notable benefits of this school is the state-of-the-art lab facilities they offer. Multiple computer labs feature the latest graphics, high-speed hardware, development software, video equipment, and more. You’ll experience contemporary technology during your studies, ideal for any computer science major.
8. Blinn College
2 to 4 Year; Brenham, TX
Average Annual Cost: $14,917
The computer science degree from Blinn College is different than others, as it’s not a Bachelor’s program. Instead, students will acquire an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science. With this program, you can use your fundamental skills to enter a four-year college or university. One of the largest benefits of taking computer science at Blinn College is that it’s relatively flexible. Students have full control over their schedule and only need to take 42 credit hours to receive their Associate’s degree. Upon graduation, they can then apply to their desired four-year program to earn a bachelor’s.
There are many reasons to consider pursuing a degree in this field, especially in the state of Texas. Higher numbers of computer-proficient individuals are being hired within the state, and the job field is set to increase over time. With the help of Blinn College’s computer science program, you can either find entry-level work or continue to further your education. You’ll be able to work in an assortment of industries with your degree, with some of the most popular job titles being:
- Computer System Project Manager
- Computer System Analyst
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Scientist
- Cybersecurity Professional
9. Strayer University – Texas
4 Year; Austin, TX
Average Annual Cost: Tuition and Fees
Strayer University – Texas’ program is slightly unique as it’s not a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. Instead, students can acquire a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. You can work with emerging modern tech to maintain networks, create websites, build apps, and more.
Undoubtedly, there are multiple tenets you’ll explore, allowing you to find gainful employment after graduation. Also, many courses are online, on-campus, or a blend of both, adding to the program’s versatility. Many students find themselves working with mobile programming tech, cybersecurity, digital forensics, and other essential industries. One of the biggest advantages of the program is the hands-on experience you’ll receive. Strayer University – Texas offers plenty of lab-based instruction for all of its courses. Upon graduation, you’ll feel more than capable of handling modern technological demands across several industries.
