Computer and Computer Technology Degree Programs at The University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Nebraska – Lincoln appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln has a great history of agricultural programs, but it also offers technology and computer degrees. For instance, the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science are 120-credit-hour programs that begin, as all degrees do at this school, with a liberal arts component called distributive studies that ensures graduates have great breadth in their educations. This program requires 16 to 32 hours in these courses. Additionally, students in the BS program take 60 credit hours in the scientific base. That consists of mathematics, physics and natural sciences. The program also requires two years in a foreign language. Some of the focus areas in the degree are artificial intelligence, foundations, informatics, networking and high-end computing. There is a minor in computer science as well, which comprises 18 credits.
The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering is a 124 credit-hour program. Students apply to the program at the end of their sophomore years, or after they have completed 16 units. The program stresses hands-on learning in its integrated computer science and software engineering core. Students in this program work in multidisciplinary teams.
The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies, concentration in Information Technology is actually listed with the University of Nebraska-Omaha programs, but it is an online University of Nebraska program. It contains 120 credit hours and focuses on programming, data management, and networking.
The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies, Concentration in Cybersecurity, is a 120 credit-hour program. It features courses such as Information Technology Ethics, Introduction to C Programming and Information Security, Policy and Awareness. This program is offered online.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is a 126 credit-hour program. It focuses on embedded systems and robotics, signal processing and communications VLSI ( Very Large Scale Integration) Design and high performance computing.
There are also undergraduate and graduate certificates such as the 15-credit Cyber and Cyber Security Law Executive Certificate and the 14-credit Information Technology Administration certificate. Most of the certificate programs are presented online.
The Master of Science in Computer Science contains 30-to-36 credits. It is available traditionally or online, in a thesis or non-thesis format. The thesis occupies six-to-ten credits and the program may include an optional minor. Half of the credits, including the thesis, must be in the same subject. The non-thesis program allows no minors. Options include an Accountancy MPA, a concentration in Bioinformatics or one in Computer Engineering.
There are also two PhD programs: the PhD in Computer Engineering and the PhD in Engineering with a concentration in Computer Engineering-Computer Science. Both programs contain 90 credit hours.
About the University of Nebraska at Lincoln
This school, also known as UNL, was founded in 1869 under the Morrill Land Grant law that gave land to institutions allowing them to sell it to gain funds for establishing schools of higher learning. Two years after its founding, the school opened its doors.
There are ten colleges at UNL including the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Sciences, Engineering, Hixon-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, Graduate Studies, Journalism and Mass Communications and the Law School. The university also offers programs through the UNO College of Community Affairs and Community Service and the UNMC Dentistry and Nursing Colleges. Altogether, there are more than 150 majors. The University of Nebraska at Lincoln undergraduate population is 20,830 and its total population is 25,820.
The US News and World Report ranks UNL as # 139 of National Universities. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 and a 43 percent four-year graduation rate. The university is known for having several notable graduates, among which are Warren Buffett and Johnny Carson.
University of Nebraska at Lincoln Accreditation Details
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools of the Higher Learning Commission
- The Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
University of Nebraska at Lincoln Application Requirements
The school uses a shared application that extends to all University of Nebraska institutions, but there are several specific versions that should be used by the appropriate applicant. For instance, first-time freshmen should apply through the portal designated for them, and complete all requirements listed. They should self-report their high school grades (official transcripts will be needed if they are accepted). There is a $45 non-refundable application fee as well. Students should arrange for the agency which administered the SAT or ACT, whichever they took, to send those official scores to the university. They must also complete a 500-word essay if they wish to be considered for the Diversity Scholarship.
Students applying as graduates complete an online application as well. They will need to arrange for the submission of their official undergraduate transcripts and GRE or GMAT tests. Additionally, they will need to write a “statement of purpose” essay of one page or less and a cover letter with their resume along with three letters of recommendation and a $50 non-refundable application fee. Departments or programs may require additional documents, so it is wise to check the degree program webpage before completing an application.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The undergraduate resident tuition and fees for UNL is $9,242. Room and board add another $11,430. With books and supplies and personal expenditures, undergraduate cost of attendance is estimated in excess of $25,000 per year.
Graduate student cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, housing and meals, books and supplies and personal expenditures is estimated at $24,040.
Online students will pay an average $238 per credit hour plus fees and other charges for undergraduate courses and $313 per credit hour for graduate courses.
Most students at UNL receive assistance to pay their college bills. The first step is completing the FAFSA form to apply for federal help. The government awards grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans and work-study opportunities through the program based on financial need. After receiving their FAFSA awards letter, students will have a better idea of their actual financial need, and can apply for other help.
In addition to FAFSA and other federal programs like the TEACH Grant, Nebraska has many forms of aid for students including Access College Early, the BBB Student of Integrity Award, the Governor’s Merit-Based Scholarship, the Nebraska Opportunity Grant and many privately funded grants and scholarships administered by the state.
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln also offers scholarships and loans like the Chancellors and Regents Scholarships as well as departmental and activity-based awards. Plus, there are many private endowments that are overseen by the school. All of these can be found on the school website. Many private scholarships, as well as those funded by service organizations and commercial entities, can be found through an Internet search.
Students can also apply for student loans and parent loans. A resource used as a last resort or even overlooked is the part-time job or work-study. These opportunities not only help pay school bills, but the experience gained can flesh out a resume. Only in a dire emergency should a student ever consider using a credit card to pay for his degree program pay the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Related Resources:
