The fastest growing jobs today center on technological aptitude and innovation, and students interested in jumping on board the high-tech bandwagon will find ample opportunity in any number of computer science degrees in Arizona. The TechAmerica Foundation reported that Arizona ranked 19th in the nation for computer systems design jobs in 2012, and employees in the technological sector in general earned an average salary of $89,300. Computer science encompasses a broad range of occupations, and those who pursue jobs in this field can expect lucrative opportunities in Arizona. The following programs are designed to help students advance their careers in the ever-changing technical field of computer science.
Arizona State University
School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering
Arizona State University boasts a number of prestigious rankings in categories such as research and innovation, and the Center for World University Rankings places the school at number 73 among a list of more than 16,000 schools worldwide. Housed under Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, the School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering offers students searching for computer science degrees in Arizona several choices for pursuing academic study in this field. The school encourages students to engage in several educational objectives including the development of computer systems and software, improvement of existing computer information systems and the invention of next-generation technological improvements.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program is designed to prepare students for advancement in the competitive field of computer science. As such, the university requires strict adherence to a rigorous admissions policy and places great importance on a math-intensive focus. While the program is selective and demanding, students searching for computer science degrees in Arizona will appreciate the school’s commitment to top-notch education standards. The program requires 120 credit hours to be divided among general studies, core courses and electives, and students need to maintain a 2.0 grade point average or GPA in order to complete the program. In addition to earning a B.S. in Computer Science, students have the option to earn a “4+1” degree that combines a bachelor program with select graduate-level coursework. This program enables students to bypass the Graduate Record Exam and move straight into a master’s program with the university which can save time and money overall.
Master of Science in Computer Science
In order to earn a Master of Science in Computer Science from Arizona State University, students need to complete 30 credit hours as well as a thesis relevant to the research they have undertaken during the program. The master’s program is specifically designed for students with a strong background or interest in computational science and research. Students may study in-depth topics related to computer science such as artificial intelligence, database systems, information assurance or software engineering. Regardless of the research topic chosen, students need to complete nine hours in their specified sub-field and complete a research thesis under the guidance of a faculty adviser. At the end of the program, students will defend their thesis project in order to successfully obtain a master’s degree. To apply for the program, students must documents such as GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, official transcripts and any other relevant degree information.
Master of Computer Science
Students looking for choices when it comes to computer science degrees in Arizona will appreciate Arizona State University’s many offerings. Like the Master of Science in Computer Science program, the Master of Computer Science program prepares students at the graduate level for a career in a technically advanced field. The difference between the two degree programs lies in focus. The MCS program is designed for people with a general background who want to advance their careers as it combines a theoretical approach to key concepts in computer science with practical application in the real world. Students will focus on a topic such as database concepts, digital systems design and computer architecture in order to create a portfolio of projects that they present at the end of the program. In total, students need to complete the required portfolio as well as 30 credit hours in order to be awarded a Master of Computer Science degree.
Computer Science, Ph.D.
For students who wish to take their education to the next level, Arizona State University offers an advanced degree in computer science. In addition to rigorous coursework on core computer science topics, students can choose a concentration that may help advance not only their knowledge in the field but their viability in the workforce. Concentrations for the Ph.D. program include Arts, Media and Engineering as well as Information Assurance. The Arts, Media and Engineering focus combines an engineering application with computer science design to help students understand the way that humans evolve with and use technology and digital media. The Information Assurance concentration enables students to study the dissemination of information via computer systems as well as topics related to computer forensics. Students must complete 84 hours for the doctoral program of which 36 are concentration specific. Additional requirements include a written exam, an oral exam, a prospectus and a dissertation.
Accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Contact
Brickyard Engineering (BYENG) 553
699 S Mill Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-965-3190
cidse@asu.edu
Website
Chandler Gilbert Community College
Division of Business and Computing Studies
Established in 1985, Chandler Gilbert Community College boasts a 59.4 percent increase in student enrollment over the past 10 years and offers a variety of degrees and certificate programs for more than 19,000 students. Because the school is part of the Maricopa Community College system, the Division of Business and Computing Studies offers a unique Maricopa-ASU Pathways Program or MAPP for students seeking computer science degrees in Arizona. Rather than conferring a degree on graduates of this program, the school instead enables students to transfer coursework completed at the community college directly to Arizona State University so that they can then pursue a bachelor’s degree at ASU.
Computer Science MAPP
The Computer Science MAPP program offered by Chandler Gilbert Community College allows students to gain the necessary basic skills and educational requirements needed to pursue a bachelor’s program at Arizona State University. Courses range on a variety of subjects related to the ever-changing field of computer science such as Linux administration, virtualization, hardware maintenance and the implementation of programming languages. Students who successfully complete the program will be guaranteed admission into ASU along with their transferred credit. While this program does not guarantee a degree, the preliminary education saves time and money versus pursuing a more straightforward track at a typical state university. In addition, students who are unfamiliar with computer science topics and education will gain better familiarity with the processes involved so that they can take their education to the next level upon completion. The MAPP program allows students to develop their skills while getting ready for advanced degrees at four-year universities.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Estrella Hall 118
2626 East Pecos Road
Chandler, AZ 85225-2499
480-732-7043
Brenda.Whillock@cgc.edu
Website
Cochise College
Business and Technology Department
As a technical two-year school founded in 1964, Cochise College claims to be “big enough to explore and small enough to care,” and the substantial course offerings emphasize the school’s commitment to learning. Cochise College’s Business and Technology Department offers a number of degrees and programs in the computer science realm, and students seeking computer science degrees in Arizona will appreciate the school’s willingness to cooperate with local universities when it comes to transferring credits and preparing students for a bachelor’s program. The school’s associate’s programs enable students to transition easily into a four-year program provided that students work closely with an adviser.
Computer Science Associate of Science
Like the MAPP program offered by Chandler Gilbert Community College, the Computer Science Associate of Science degree program allows students to work toward credits that will transfer directly to one of Arizona’s four-year universities. However, the program offered by Cochise College differs from CGCC’s program in that this program awards an associate’s degree upon completion. Additionally, students may choose any Arizona university as long as they work with an adviser to ensure that their program reflects the university’s transfer policy on credits. Students who undertake a computer science program here will gain valuable insight into the growing demand for technologically sound jobs while honing their computer science skills and developing key skills needed for an undergraduate degree. The Computer Science Associate of Science program requires 64 credit hours divided into 39 general education hours and 25 major specific hours on topics such as Java programming, digital logic and discrete mathematics.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
4190 Arizona 80
Douglas, AZ 85607
800-966-7943
namuoc@cochise.edu
Website
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Prescott Campus
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Located about two hours north of Phoenix, Arizona, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Prescott Campus is a primarily engineering school designed to prepare students for careers in various aeronautical industries. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of the Prescott College of Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering that will adequately satisfy students seeking computer science degrees in Arizona. Because of the school’s reputation for strong technical and engineering education, students who pursue degrees at Embry-Riddle will enjoy a top-notch education founded on the following educational objectives: demonstration of achievements, willingness to advance the profession, contribution to the betterment of society, and professional growth.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Students who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program at Embry-Riddle will not only gain access to rigorous academic instruction but will also enjoy small class sizes and the chance to participate in hands-on learning techniques. Courses cover a broad range of topics with an emphasis on software engineering, computer design and real-time embedded control systems. Students who complete the program will be able to pursue careers in traditional computer science roles as well as enter positions related to the fields of security, defense and aerospace. The bachelor’s program encourages team cooperation, and students will spend a significant portion of their academic careers completing team projects designed to foster better understanding of the core material. Along with core classes on engineering and computer science, students will be given the opportunity to work as part of a co-op or internship in order to gain real-world experience in the field.
Accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Contact
3700 Willow Creek Road
Prescott, AZ 86301-3720
928-777-6600
precords@erau.edu
Website
Estrella Mountain Community College
Computer Applications Technology Program
For the past 20 years, Estrella Mountain Community College has encouraged students to explore a diverse range of careers by offering a wide variety of options when it comes to degrees, certificate programs and transfer options. More than 15,000 students attend the community college annually, and the Computer Applications Technology Program remains one of the best ways for students to engage in applicable instruction for real-world careers. Offered under the Computer Applications Technology Program, the Associate in Applied Science Computer Applications Technology degree enables students to develop the skills needed for careers in computer science while preparing them for academic studies at traditional four-year universities in the state.
Associate in Applied Science Computer Applications Technology
Students looking to pursue academic programs in computer science may want to start with an Associate in Applied Science program at a technical school like Estrella Mountain Community College. The program is built to be self-paced so that students can explore computer concepts on their own schedule, but the program requires 64 total credits regardless of pacing. Students will engage in course topics such as operating systems, desktop publishing, word processing software and spreadsheets in order to create a foundation on which they can build subsequent academic studies. Designed to help students eventually undertake a bachelor’s program at a four-year school, the program awards students with an applicable degree while enhancing their understanding of computer science concepts. Estrella Mountain is part of the Maricopa system, and students may choose to transfer their degree credits to a university with guaranteed admission provided they work closely with an academic adviser to ensure appropriate transfers.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
3000 North Dysart Road
Avondale, AZ 85392
623-935-8888
askadvisor@estrellamountain.edu
Website
GateWay Community College
Information Technology Program
As one of the 10 community colleges networked under Maricopa, GateWay Community College offers those interested in computer science degrees in Arizona the chance to earn an associate’s degree while building transferable credits to a four-year state university. Students who wish to develop their skills as computer scientists as well as gain hands-on instruction in the field will appreciate the school’s Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems. The goal of the program and the school in general is to enhance current job skills while providing a basis for further academic study in the field of computer science.
Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
An Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from GateWay Community College will prepare students for a career in the ever-changing world of computer systems and related fields. Students who pursue this program enjoy greater flexibility in scheduling as the program can be self-paced through day or evening classes, on-campus courses, distance learning work and even some online programs. For those interested in pursuing additional coursework at four-year schools, the CIS degree programs enable students to transfer coursework to an approved school and continue to earn a bachelor’s in the field. The program requires 64 credits and a consistent GPA of 2.0 for completion, and topics for the courses include basic visual programming, Microsoft networking essentials, various programming languages and general education subjects. Upon completion of the program, students should be able to utilize a variety of database systems to enhance their career objectives as determined by the department.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Administrative Building AF112
108 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-286-8594
obong@gatewaycc.edu
Website
Glendale Community College
Business & Information Technology Department
For nearly 50 years, Glendale Community College in Arizona has been preparing students for careers in a wide variety of fields, and today the school offers a combination of 125 degrees and certifications designed to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. The Business & Information Technology Department offers several degrees and certificate programs related to computer science that provide a basic understanding of broad computational concepts in the modern world. Students seeking computer science degrees in Arizona will appreciate Glendale Community College’s commitment to academic excellence and relevant hands-on coursework as well as the school’s transfer relationship with the Maricola network of community colleges.
Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
Whether students want to pursue a career directly out of school or enter a four-year institution as a transfer student to pursue a bachelor’s degree, the Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems enables candidates to complete their goals. The Maricola network of community colleges allows students to transfer credits over to a bachelor’s program at an approved four-year university, but even students who don’t choose this route will still gain valuable instruction from the community college. Designed to enhance students’ working knowledge of database systems and computer technology, the program requires 28 credits in core classes that cover topics such as computer programming language, basic programming, Cisco networking and business communication. Students will be required to take certain prerequisite courses depending on educational background, and those interested in the transfer option should work closely with an adviser to ensure that all courses meet transfer eligibility at the student’s chosen university.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
6000 West Olive Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85302
623-845-3250
bill.stewart@gccaz.edu
Website
Computer science jobs will continue to climb as the demand for new technology and software design rises. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer programmers earned an average of $74,280 per year in 2012, and more than 24,000 jobs will be added over the next decade. For students interested in computer science degrees in Arizona, the aforementioned programs offer a wide range of educational and practical training designed to encourage innovation in the field.
