Students intrigued by the notion of a career in computer science or informational technology will find many first-rate options for earning their computer science degrees in Arizona. Several telecommunications and high-tech companies have sprung up in the state capitol of Phoenix, which Forbes recently listed at the 64th best place in the nation for businesses and careers. Highly regarded public universities like Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona offer top quality computer science programs. Many of Arizona’s vibrant community colleges, including Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Saldo College and South Mountain Community College, also have excellent computer science opportunities available.
Northern Arizona University
College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences
Established in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 1899, Northern Arizona University provides students with lots of choices. The university has seven colleges and 35 schools and departments that offer 78 undergraduate programs and 58 graduated degree programs. As part of the College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences, the Computer Science program works to prepare students to contribute effectively in the worlds of academics and industry by emphasizing realistic software development challenges. The department’s curriculum promotes design, innovation, and the exploration of the latest advances in computer science while teaching students the value of communication, teaming and project leadership.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program at Northern Arizona University is geared for students who hope to carve out a professional career in large-scale software engineering. It is also well suited for those who plan to continue their studies at the graduate level. To receive their bachelor’s degrees, students must complete a total of 120 credits. This should include at least 61 credits in major curriculum coursework as well as sufficient credits to fulfill the university’s liberal arts, pre-professional, and diversity requirements. These total credits must also contain at least 30 credits of upper level coursework and at least 30 credits taken at Northern Arizona University. Students who earn their bachelor’s degrees will be ready to work for businesses devoted to complex software systems like Microsoft, Google, IBM, Apple, and Intel. Suitable positions may be found in software consulting, graphics and game development, defense software analysis, and bio-informatics and data management. Students will also be able to continue their studies at the graduate level.
Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science
Northern Arizona University’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science degree program is specially designed for students who prefer to work in situations that demand smaller-scope software systems and applied programming. In order to complete their bachelor’s degrees, students must earn a total of 120 credits. This includes a minimum of 59 credits in major curriculum coursework, as well as sufficient credits to fulfill the university’s liberal arts, pre-professional, and diversity requirements. In addition, at least 30 credits of upper level coursework and at least 30 credits taken at Northern Arizona University are necessary. Students who earn their bachelor’s degrees will be prepared for professional positions that require applied programming to create, organize and manipulate data. This may include careers involving the development of bio-informatics and applied science tools, web development, software testing, information technology, and media and game development.
Contact
Building 21, Room 132
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Phone: 928-523-3842
cefnsacademic@nau.edu
Website
Paradise Valley Community College
Business and Information Technology Division
Dedicated to providing its students with affordable educational opportunities, Paradise Valley Community offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs with in traditional, online and hybrid formats. Small classes taught by expert faculty who are genuinely committed to student success allow the college’s students to build knowledge and skills while working with current technology in state-of-the-art facilities. Paradise Valley Community College’s Business and Information Technology Division strives to prepare students for careers in the competitive world of business and the rapidly changing field of computer science. The division offers associates degree programs in accounting, general business, retail management, office administration, computer information technology, and programming and systems analysis.
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology
Intended to ready students for entry-level technology positions, the Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology degree program at Paradise Valley Community College includes coursework on business communication, accounting, database management, Windows and networking. To complete the two-year program and receive their associates degrees, students must earn a total of at least 63 credits. This includes 23 credits in required computer technology coursework, 15 to 16 credits in restricted electives, and 25 to 27 credits in general education coursework. The college’s established partnerships with four-year universities make it simple for its graduates to transfer to larger schools if they wish to continue their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Graduates who prefer to join the workforce will find their career options may include positions in network administration, computer programming, web publishing, database administration, system analysis, and computer support staff.
Contact
18401 North 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 602-787-6500
information@paradisevalley.edu
Website
Phoenix College
Business Department
Phoenix College takes pride in being a comprehensive, learner-centered community college that offers affordable access to a quality education. With an incredibly diverse student body that counts students from more than 100 countries who speak over 50 languages, the college provides 150 programs that lead to certificates or associate degrees. Its Business Department allows students to take classes and pursue internships in several fields. Programs available include computer information systems, accounting, banking and finance, general business, management, computer applications, programming and system analysis, organizational leadership and management, office administration, fashion merchandising, retail management, human resources management, marketing, real estate, small business, and web design and development.
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
Students in Phoenix College’s Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems degree program train with the tools, programming languages, operating systems and technologies currently used by information technology businesses. They learn about basic accounting, business and business communication, internet communication, and information retrieval. In addition, students are taught to design simple algorithms, describe LAN topologies, and use both Visual Basic and C programming language. In order to receive their associates degrees, students must complete a total of at least 61 credits. This entails a minimum of 27 credits in required topical coursework, 12 credits in restricted electives, and 22 credits in general education courses. After completing their associates degrees, graduates will be prepared for a wide range of professional positions in the business, information technology and computer science fields. If they choose, they may also further their education by transferring to a four-year institution and earning a bachelor’s degree.
Contact
1202 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Phone: 602-285-7800
pc-info@phoenixcollege.edu
Website
Rio Saldo College
Computer Technology
Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Rio Salado College offers programs resulting in certificates and associates degrees in a variety of fields. With flexible schedules designed to make education accessible, the college presents online and hybrid classes in some 15 locations around Maricopa County. Rio Saldo College’s Computer Technology program provides students with knowledge and skills about the rapidly evolving application, use and technological development of computers. Students can earn certificates in digital design, web design, computer usage and applications, advanced computer usage and applications, and networking design and system support. Students also have the option of earning associates degrees in computer technology.
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Technology
The coursework for Rio Saldo College’s Associate of Applied Science in Computer Technology degree program is specifically targeted to help students develop the foundational knowledge and skills they need to flourish in either the personal or business computing arena. Classes cover pertinent topics like current trends in computer development, computer operating systems, word processing, graphical applications, databases, applications for business, and electronic spreadsheets. To receive their associates degrees, students must complete a total of at least 61 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0. These requirements include 22 to 25 credits in general education coursework and 32 to 36 credits in core computer coursework focused on digital design, web design, advanced computer usage and applications, or networking design and system support. Graduates earning their Associate of Applied Science in Computer Technology will be prepared for positions in the information technology field. They will also have the option of transferring to a four-year college to further their education and earn their bachelor’s degrees.
Contact
2323 W 14th St
Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: 480-517-8000
academic.advisement@riosalado.edu
Website
South Mountain Community College
Business and Information Technology Division
South Mountain Community College designs its courses around its core values of collaboration, community, excellence, integrity and wellbeing. Federally designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and a Minority Serving Institution, the college provides small, personalized classes that are conveniently offered online and at the college’s four campuses in Phoenix, Laveen, Guadalupe and Ahwatukee. Its Business and Information Technology Division encourages students to take advantage of opportunities for personal growth and professional preparation so that they will be ready to compete in the corporate world or even start their own business. The division offers students programs that lead to certificates or associates degrees in business, management and information technology.
Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Information Technology
The Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Information Technology degree program at South Mountain Community College allows students the flexibility to tailor the program so that it matches their own interests, talents and goals while remaining relevant to the ever evolving technology needs of business and industry. Topics covered include networks, computer fundamentals and programming basics, Windows and other administrative tools, and basic business concepts and functions. To complete their associates degree, students must earn a total of 60 to 64 credits. This is comprised of a minimum of 25 general education credits, 26 restricted electives credits and 10 core computer and information credits. Gradates earning their degree will have received the training and knowledge necessary to work as information technology support specialists. They may also choose to continue their education by transferring to a four-year college and pursuing their bachelor’s degrees.
Contact
7050 S 24th St
Phoenix, AZ 85042
Phone: 602-243-8000
students@southmountainccu@edu
Website
University of Arizona
College of Science
The University of Arizona is consistently listed among the nation’s best colleges by U.S. News and World Report. One of the world’s most prolific and well regarded research centers, the university’s College of Science is committed to providing novel teaching, encouraging groundbreaking research, and fostering economic opportunities for the community with innovative outreach programs. The college offers top quality bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree programs in mathematics and computational sciences, life sciences, physics and space sciences, earth sciences, and neural, cognitive and behavioral sciences. In fact, its Department of Computer Science was recently ranked 40th in the U.S. News and World Report’s list of best graduate schools.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Combining math, science and cutting edge research challenges that allow undergraduates, graduates and professors to work side by side on hot new projects, the University of Arizona’s Department of Computer Sciences provides students with the tools needed to make the most of their inspirations by emphasizing both excellent teaching by respected faculty and experiential learning through top quality research. To receive their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degrees, students must complete a minimum of 79 credits. This includes 30 credits of general education, eight credits of supporting sciences, 25 to 26 credits from the computer science core curriculum, and 16 credits in electives. Of the total credits required, at least 42 must be in upper level coursework and at least 30 must be competed at the University of Arizona. Students must also maintain a 2.0 GPA. Graduates who earn their bachelor’s degree will be ready to enter technology careers in business, government, education and the nonprofit sector. They may also continue their education at the graduate level.
Master of Science in Computer Science
With a superb reputation for academic excellence in the areas of software, systems, databases and theory, the Department of Computer Sciences provides students with the opportunity to learn more sophisticated applied, theoretical and programming skills. Students wishing to earn a Master of Science in Computer Science have their choice of two programs. The coursework master’s option is designed for students who plan to enter the corporate workforce. The thesis master’s option is geared toward students who are interested in research-based careers. In the coursework option, students must earn a total of 31 credits comprised of 18 credits in core curriculum, three credits of advanced topic electives, nine credits of electives and one credit of colloquium coursework. For the thesis option, students must complete a total of 30 credits that includes 18 credits in core curriculum, three credits of advanced topic electives, three credits of electives and six credit of thesis coursework. Graduates who earn their master’s degrees can enter higher positions in the technology field or continue their education at the doctorate level.
Contact
PO Box 210077
Tucson, AZ 85721-0077
Phone: 520-621-4632
advising@cs.arizona.edu
Website
With the increasing number of telecommunications and high-tech companies setting up shop in Arizona and the general growing demand for computer skills, many students are interested in attaining the knowledge and expertise needed in order to pursue a successful career in the fields of computer science or informational technology. Prospective college students exploring the possibility of earning their computer science degrees in Arizona will be able to choose among several excellent programs.
For more Computer Science Degrees in Arizona, visit Computer Science Degrees in Arizona (A-M).
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