University of Arizona Computer Science Degree Programs Available
The University of Arizona appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degree Programs..
There is a wide range of positions available for those who obtain degrees in computer science and many of them have higher than average salaries. Computer and information research specialists can earn an average of $118,000 per year while information security analysts can earn an average of $98,000 per year. The University of Arizona offers several degrees that are designed to prepare individuals who wish to move into the computer science industry.
The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts programs at the University of Arizona are designed to prepare students to enter the field of computers. The Bachelor of Arts program requires students to complete additional courses in a foreign language while the Bachelor of Science focuses on science and math courses. Students gain an understanding of system programming, analysis of discrete structures and object-oriented programming. The degree requires 120-credit hours to complete which include 42 credits in upper-division classes, 30 in university classes, 18 in the major and the remaining credits in electives.
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations is available in either an engineering or defense and forensics track. The engineering track is highly technical, interdisciplinary and focused on the security of computer programs. The defense and forensics track is interdisciplinary and focuses on protecting systems from cyberattack. Both tracks are available on campus, online or in a hybrid format. Courses may include Cyber Law, Ethics & Policy, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Malware Threats & Analysis, and Cyber Warfare.
The Master of Science in Computer Science may be completed in either a thesis or non-thesis format. The non-thesis format is designed for students who wish to develop stronger programming, theoretical and applied knowledge of the industry. The thesis format is designed for those who prefer research-based careers. Students gain an understanding of the design and development of computer systems as well as analysis of algorithms, cloud computing, compilers, computational biology, database systems, and embedded systems.
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that draws from Management Information Systems, Electrical & Computer Engineering as well as Systems & Industrial Engineering. The program is 33 credit hours and designed for those working in IT, engineering or other professions with three years of work experience. The program focuses on applying analytical and critical thinking in order to plan and execute security measures designed to protect computer systems, networks, and devices from cyberattack. Courses may include Business Intelligence Data Mining, Information Security, Risk Management, Systems Security Management, Penetration Testing, Network Security, System Cybersecurity Engineering and Cyber Warfare.
About the University of Arizona
Established in 1885 by the territorial Arizona legislation, the University of Arizona was built on land donated by W.S. “Billy” Read, E.B. Gifford, and Ben C. Parker. The three men, who initially resisted donating the land, were encouraged to od so by Jacob S. Manfield, the new leader of the Board of Regents for the school.
When the school opened initially, only six enrolled students met the criteria for college-level study. This led the school to open a preparatory school as there were very few high schools in the Arizona territory. For the next 17 years, the preparatory school had more students enrolled than the college.
Today, the University of Arizona receives more than $580 in research investment each year and has been ranked in the top 20 for employability of graduates. US News & World Report ranks the school as one of the top 50 public universities as well as one of the top 30 for online bachelor’s degrees. The Princeton Review ranks the school as one of the top best value schools while The National Science Foundation ranks the school 25th among public research institutions.
University of Arizona Accreditation Details
The University of Arizona is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Regional accreditation indicates that the school agrees to evaluations on a periodic basis to confirm they continue to offer the highest level of academics. In addition to regional accreditation, the University of Arizona is accredited by the following accrediting agencies:
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
- Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
- Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
- Advisory Committee for International Scholars
- Air Force Institute of Technology
- American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business
- American Association of Museums
- American Association of Poison Control Centers
- American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians
- American Chemical Society
- American Council on Pharmaceutical Education
- American Dietetic Association
- American Library Association
- American Meteorological Society
- American Planning Association
- American Psychological Association
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists for Residency Accreditation
- American Society of Landscape Architects
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International
- Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and visually Impaired
- Association of American Law Schools and American Bar Association
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission on Rehabilitation Education
- Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
- Council for Education on the Deaf
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
- Council on Rehabilitation Education
- International Association for Management Education
- International Association of Counseling Services
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Services
- National Architectural Accrediting Board
- National Association of Schools of Art & Design
- National Association of Schools of Dance
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service
- Planning Accreditation Board
- Society for Range Management
University of Arizona Application 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 have earned 12 or more credits after high school graduation must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. If they are under the age of 22, they must also provide official high school transcripts.
The Cyber Operations program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, a current resume and a goal statement. Students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. The program is designed for those transferring approximately 60 units into the University. Students may enroll in the program after they have completed their lower-division credits.
Applicants to the Master of Science in Computer Science must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2. They must also provide official GRE scores. Letters of recommendation, a current resume and goal statement is also required.
In order to apply for the Master of Science in Cybersecurity, applicants must have three years of technical work experience not including internships. They must hold a relevant industry certification such as CISSP, CISM or CRISC. They must have earned an undergraduate degree in MIS, ECE, CS, SIE or related field within one year of applying. Applicants must provide three letters of recommendation, a current resume and a purpose of graduate study. They must also provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time undergraduate tuition is $11,400 for Arizona residents and $32,800 for non-residents. Full-time graduate tuition is $12,000 for Arizona residents and $30,400 for non-residents.
More than 86 percent of undergraduate students receive financial aid at the University of Arizona. In order to qualify, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the form must be renewed annually. Undergraduate students may receive grants, scholarships, work-study or loans while graduate students may be offered fellowships, assistantships or loans.
The University of Arizona believes that the school is defined by its people and that their “people” were born to challenge others. The school existed before Arizona became a state and, over the years, have learned that people work better together. The University of Arizona strives to reach across backgrounds, skills, and perspectives to create graduates who are leaders in their field.
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