Studying Computer Science at NC State
North Carolina State University appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.
Positions in the field of computer science and information technology are expected to grow by 12 percent over the next ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With an average salary of more than $80,000 per year, the industry can be very lucrative but most positions require a college degree. North Carolina State University offers several degree options in computer science that can help individuals move into this growing field.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at North Carolina State University provides students with a basic understanding of how computer systems and software are designed. Students use innovation, design, analysis, and engineering to address complicated problems using computers. They learn how computers are used in design, financial institutions, management, communications, utilities and more. The program is offered with a concentration in Game Development. The concentration includes instruction in creating video games used for entertainment as well as those used for training, education, visualization, and social interaction. Courses required for the computer science program may include Programming Concepts, Computer Organization and Assembly Language, Discrete Math, Data Structures and Software Engineering.
Master of Science in Computer Science
The Master of Science in Computer Science is a research-oriented degree requiring completion of a thesis. Students gain an understanding of computational applied logic, algorithms and construction of computer systems. They are also provided instruction in graph theory, the theory of computation and numerical analysis. There is a non-thesis option for students who wish to advance to the doctorate program in the field. Some of the courses required for the program include Parallel Architecture, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Networks.
Master of Computer Science
The Master of Computer Science is a terminal degree and is designed for those who do not wish to advance to doctorate studies. There is no research, thesis or comprehensive examination required. Students gain an understanding of graph theory, numerical analysis, operating systems and software engineering. The program requires 31 credit hours and most students attend part-time. They may choose from the following concentrations:
- Data Science
- Security
- Software Engineering
Courses required for the program may include Computational Applied Logic, Algorithms, Compiler Construction, Graph Theory, Theory of Computation and Graphics. Students may complete the degree online or on campus.
Master of Science in Computer Networking
The Master of Science in Computer Networking degree is a joint program offered by the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering in conjunction with the College of Engineering and the College of Management. It is designed for those with computer science, computer engineering or electrical engineering undergraduate degrees. The program provides an understanding of the networking industry and is available in either a thesis or non-thesis option. The program covers subjects such as networking design, hardware, software, services and the internet of things. It is available both online and on campus.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
The Ph.D. in Computer Science is a terminal professional degree program. Students work closely with a research advisor and an advisory committee. They are responsible for publishing papers based on their own research and may collaborate with researchers around the world. Students are able to travel to conferences and many find internships in government or other agencies performing groundbreaking research. Students must research, write and defend a dissertation. Courses required may include Compiler Construction, Theory of Computation, Operating Systems, and Networks.
About North Carolina State University
The North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts opened in 1887 as part of the Morrill Act of 1862. Initially, the school was designed to provide instruction in agriculture, engineering and mechanical arts. Students were also required to participate in military drills which as another requirement of the Morrill Act.
The school became the North Carolina State College of Architecture and Engineering in 1917. Like many institutes of higher learning, the school suffered financially during the Great Depression, remaining open only due to additional funding from the state legislature. The school joined the University of North Carolina System and became the University of North Carolina. Programs in extension and engineering grew rapidly but the outbreak of World War II led to a significant drop in enrollment. When the war ended, however, enrollment again grew rapidly as soldiers returned to take advantage of the GI Bill.
Unofficially, the school was called State College for many years. In 1963, the name changed to North Carolina State College of the University of North Carolina at Raleigh. This name was extremely unpopular and it was changed again in 1965 to North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
Today, there are more than 34,000 students enrolled and publications like the Princeton Review and US News & World Report rank the school highly.
North Carolina State University Accreditation Details
North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accreditation indicates that the school meets or exceeds criteria that the Association has determined indicate excellence in higher education. Programs throughout the school are accredited by:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
North Carolina State University Admission Requirements
Applicants who have not earned college credit after high school must provide official high school transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT scores. Applicants who are over the age of 21 or who have 30 or more transferrable credits must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended but do not need to provide high school transcripts or test scores.
Graduate students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Official GRE or GMAT scores must be provided along with a resume, letters of recommendation and an essay. Before acceptance into the Ph.D. in Computer Science Program, applicants must pass an oral and written preliminary examination.
North Carolina State University Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time undergraduate tuition is $9,100 per semester for North Carolina residents and $29,220 for non-residents. Graduate tuition is $1,061.50 per credit hour for North Carolina residents and $2,995.88 for non-residents. Graduate online tuition rates are $416 per credit hour for residents and $1,132 for non-residents.
According to US News & World Report, North Carolina State University students graduate with 28 percent less student debt than similar schools in the country. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and work-study programs as well as loans. All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order to receive any financial assistance and the form must be renewed each year. Students must also complete PackASSIST in order to qualify for additional scholarships.,
North Carolina State University creates prosperity at the local, regional, national and global levels. The school began as a land-grant institution that was grounded in agriculture and engineering but has grown to become a preeminent research enterprise. The University still leads in agriculture, education, textiles, business, and natural resources management. At North Carolina State University, students pursue original research, are noted entrepreneurs, forge connections with top employers and serve communities on a global level.
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