Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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Computer Science Degree Programs at Virginia Tech

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.

An industry that is growing rapidly is the computer science and information technology. As daily life continues to incorporate computer programs, whether it is a mobile app used for a recipe, financial software used to balance a checkbook or a computer program designed to diagnose an illness. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that jobs in computer science and information technology are expected to increase by 12 percent by 2029. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, better known as Virginia Tech, offers several degree programs designed to prepare individuals for careers in this growing industry.

Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology is designed to provide students with expertise in the development of computer systems designed to solve business problems and assist with managerial decisions. Students gain an understanding of information technology as well as computer skills to resolve issues that face businesses today. Students may concentrate their studies in:

  • Cybersecurity Management and Analytics
  • Decision Support Systems
  • Operations Supply Chain Management

Courses that may be required for the program may include Computer Modeling and Decision Analysis, Advanced Management Science, Web-Based Decision Support Systems as well as Enterprise Planning & Control Systems.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science gain a strong foundation in algorithms, problem-solving and software development. Through electives, students develop an understanding of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, data mining, graphics, human-computer interaction and more. Students are prepared for graduate study as well as careers in information technology, business, and law. Courses that may be required for the program include Data Structures, Problem Solving in Computer Science, Introduction to Discrete Math and Computer Systems.

Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science is offered in both a thesis and non-thesis option. The non-thesis option is designed for Ph.D. students who are seeking a master’s degree in addition to their doctorate degree. The thesis option requires 30 credit hours while the coursework only option requires 33 credits. The degree is also available as an accelerated degree that allows students to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. Students may concentrate their studies in Bioinformatics. Courses required may include Ethics and Professionalism in Computer Science, Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis, Object-oriented Programming with Java as well as Computation for the Data Sciences.

Ph.D. in Computer Science

The Ph.D. in Computer Science degree is designed for those who already have comprehensive knowledge of the computer science discipline and can contribute significant new knowledge to the industry. The program requires 90 credit hours with 33 required from classes. Students may enter the program with a bachelor’s degree if they have strong computer science knowledge. Courses required for the program may include Research Methods in Computer Science, Computation for Data Sciences, Computability and Formal Language, Finite Difference Methods for Partial Differential Equations and Numerical Analysis and Software. Students must also research, present and defend a dissertation.

About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, now more commonly known as Virginia Tech, began in 1872 as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. The school was created as part of the Morrill Act of 1862, an act that had the federal government giving states federal land they could use to build a campus or sell to purchase land for a school of higher learning. With the funds provided under the Morrill Act, the Virginia General Assembly purchased the facilities of Preston and Olin Institute, a Methodist school for boys, as well as the Solitude Farm which adjoined the school. The land, a house, and several farm buildings were purchased for $21,250. The first student, Addison “Add” Caldwell walked more than 25 miles from his home in Craig County, Virginia, to enroll. His journey is commemorated every year by first-year cadets, a tradition known as the Caldwell March.

In 1896, the name of the school was changed to the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute. The name was difficult to say and, almost from the beginning, the school was known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute, or VPI. In 1923, the school reduced the Corps of Cadet’s requirement from four years to two. In 1943, the school merged with Radford State Teachers College, creating a woman’s division. The two colleges separated in 1964 and Radford University is now a co-educational research university.

In 1970, the school gained university status and the name was changed to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and, in the 1990s, the administration gave the authorization to use the name Virginia Tech.

Today, the school is ranked in the top 100 national universities by US News & World Report and the Wall Street Journal ranks the school as 105th among the nation’s colleges.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Accreditation Details

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits Virginia Tech. Regional accreditation is a voluntary process in which schools are periodically reviewed to confirm they continue to offer programs that meet or exceed the criteria put forth by the Commission that indicate students are receiving the highest level of education possible. In addition, specific programs are accredited by the following organizations or agencies:

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Council for Construction Education
  • American Dietetic Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • American Veterinary Medical Association
  • Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
  • Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards
  • Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
  • Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board
  • National Architectural Accreditation Board
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design
  • National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • Planning Accreditation Board
  • Public Relations Society of America
  • Society of American Foresters
  • Society of Wood Science and Technology
  • U.S. Army Cadet Command

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Application Requirements

Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology or the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science are admitted to the program after completing freshman-level courses. Those who have not earned college credit after high school graduation must provide official high school transcripts. Official SAT or ACT scores are also required. Applicants must provide information on academic interests and letters of recommendation. Applicants who have earned college credit after high school graduation must also provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Applicants to graduate programs must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Tuition & Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition for Virginia residents is $475.75 per credit hour and for non-residents is $1,248.25 per credit hour. Graduate tuition is $761.25 per credit hour for residents and $1,534 for non-residents.

Financial aid is available and all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. Undergraduate students may be offered grants, scholarships or loans to cover the cost of tuition. On-campus students may be offered work-study programs.

Graduate students in the computer science degree program may be offered teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. There may also be scholarships available and some students may qualify for Computer Science Scholars and Pratt Fellowships.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is reimagining the way that education and technology intersect, transforming the way they teach, research and engage with communities locally, regionally and globally.

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