Computer Science Degrees Offered at Purdue University
Purdue University appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that computer and information technology positions will grow by about 13 percent over the next decade, faster than other occupations. In fact, it is expected that over a half million jobs will be added in the industry by 2029 with a median salary of $86,320. Purdue University offers an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and, at the graduate level, options range from Computer and Information Technology to Computer Science with an Information Security for Computing Professionals concentration. In addition, Purdue offers an online associates degree in Information Technology and six certificates related to computer science.
The Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology is designed for those with a passion for software applications, databases and troubleshooting IT problems. The program offers a solid technical foundation in those skills as well as developing websites, installing and maintaining networks as well as troubleshooting hardware and software. Students learn to use technical skills and methods to solve problems as well as how to analyze the technical needs of users. They develop an understanding of how to construct IT solutions and develop skills in absorbing trends, practices, and products. The degree can be concentrated in IT General, Programming and Software Development or Networking.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is designed for those who wish to enter the ever-changing world of computers. Students are immediately submerged in the industry as the first six courses taken lay a strong foundation for computer science. Before their junior year, students choose a track that includes six advanced courses. All Computer Science students must complete Problem Solving and Object-Oriented Programming; Foundations of Computer Science; Programming in C; Computer Architecture; Data Structures and Algorithms; and Systems Programming. Tracks include:
- Computational Science and Engineering
- Computer Graphics and Visualization
- Database and Information Systems
- Foundations of Computer Science
- Machine Intelligence
- Programming Language
- Security
- Software Engineering
- Systems Programming
In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Purdue University also offers a degree in Data Science. Students may also choose a Dual Bachelor of Science/Master of Science Computer Science program.
Post-bachelor students can customize their degree after graduation with several certificate programs. The Cisco Networks Certificate focuses on network administration, TCP/IP protocols as well as network routers and switches. The certificate prepares students for Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. The Computer Forensics Certificate provides an understanding of intrusion detection systems, strategies for incidence response, computer forensics and techniques used in forensics. The certificate prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ CompTIA Security+ and the EnCase Certified Examiner certification examination.
Other certificates available include the Information Security Certificate, Microsoft Operating Systems Certificate and Programming and Software Certificate. All certificates qualify students to sit for their respective certification examinations. There is also a graduate certificate in Information Security.
The Master of Science in Computer Science is available consists of 10 three-credit courses or 8-three credit courses with a thesis. The program prepares students for leadership roles in the field of computer science. Courses include C Programming, Programming with Data Engineering I and II, Foundations of CS, Foundations of Decision Making and more. The non-thesis option requires students to complete a research project while the thesis option requires students to research and defend a thesis.
About Purdue University
Purdue University was the first land-grant institution in Indiana, created as part of the Morrill Act. In 1869, Lafayette was chosen as the location for the University and John Purdue, a wealthy businessman, donated $150,000 toward the creation of the school. The state legislature named the school in his honor.
Initially, the school focused solely on industrial arts and liberal arts were not part of the curriculum. Instead, students were taught citizenship and the importance of family. By 1925, the largest undergraduate engineering enrollment in the country was at Purdue. Purdue was also home to the first university-run airport, leading Amelia Earhart to join the faculty in 1935.
U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university as one of the top universities in the world and Forbes ranks it as one of America’s best colleges. Kiplinger Report named the school as one of the best values in public colleges, both in-state and out-of-state. Today, the school has an enrollment of over 40,000.
Purdue University Accreditation Details
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Regional accreditation indicates that the University meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the Commission. In addition, the school undergoes periodic review to confirm they continue to meet those criteria and that they have the resources necessary to meet their goals. Programs throughout the university are accredited by the following specialized agencies, organizations or associations:
- ABET
- Accreditation and Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
- American Council for Construction Education
- American Psychology Association
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering
- Aviation Accreditation Board International
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs
- Institute of Food Technologists
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Society of American Foresters
Purdue University Application Requirements
Freshmen must complete either the Common or Coalition Application and submit required documentation. They must also provide official high school transcripts as well as ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students who have less than 24 college credits must also provide an official high school transcript. Applicants with less than 12 transfer credits must follow freshman application requirements. All applicants with transfer credit must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
In order to apply for graduate programs in Computer Science, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. They must submit the CS supplementary form with the application along with a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and official transcripts from all college and universities attended.
Purdue University Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time tuition for Indiana residents is $9,992 per year and for non-residents it is $28,794 per year. Graduate tuition is $329.05 per credit hour.
Financial aid is available in the form of grants and scholarships which are considered gift aid and do not need to be repaid. Loans may be federally subsidized or private and must be repaid upon graduation. The Department of Education requires anyone who accepts loans to undergo financial counseling in their freshman year to be sure they understand the financial responsibility of loans. On-campus students may be offered work-study programs while graduate on-campus students may be offered fellowships or assistantships.
Purdue University understands that computer scientists are in high demand and their programs are designed to meet that high demand. Purdue University has a placement rate that is nearly 100 percent and their Computer Science undergraduate students have the highest starting salary of all undergraduates at the school.
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