California is known for its magnificent Pacific Ocean coastline, giant redwood trees, Hollywood and an amazingly diverse population. Along with English, it’s not at all uncommon to hear Spanish, Chinese and Taglog spoken in many parts of the state. When it comes to outdoor activities, California can’t be beat. There are the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains that always beckon skiers and hikers. The sun soaked beaches are just the place for people looking to bronze themselves a bit. California is also an excellent place for education, and some of its colleges offer the best programs for computer science degrees in the country.
Biola University
School of Arts and Sciences
Biola University offers students a Bible-centered education at a campus that borders on Orange and Los Angeles counties. The campus is just 25 minutes away from the beaches, and a half hour from Los Angeles where it is easy for students to catch television show tapings, live music, stunning art and a wide variety of professional sports. There is also a large water park near the campus that has pools, water slides, hot tubs and lap pools. In addition, nearby shopping and entertainment is plentiful.
U.S.News & World Report ranks Biola University as a top-tier national university and an up and coming national university. The beautiful tree-lined campus is residential and covers 95 acres in the charming town of La Mirada. The School of Arts and Sciences is one of the driving forces of the school’s academic programs, and the computer science program boasts graduates who have gone on to high paying jobs.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The computer science program at Biola follows the curriculum recommended by the Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula of the IEEE Computer Society and the Association for Computing Machinery. Students can earn this degree by completing the university baccalaureate and the 53 unit concentration in computer science or the 57 unit concentration in information systems. There is no specific criteria needed to enter either of these programs, but it is recommended that students have at least a score of 500 on the math portion of the SAT.
Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact Information
Biola University
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639
(562) 903-4741
shieu-hong.lin@biola.edu
Link
This small Bible-centered college offers a safe and welcoming environment to those wishing to combine their college education with the ability to share their faith with the world. There are many opportunities for mission trips and faith-centered activities.
California College-San Diego
Information Technology
This campus is located in beautiful San Diego and offers its students the opportunity to complete their degrees quickly and enter the work force. California College is a career- oriented school, so it doesn’t have on-campus housing, clubs or an athletics program. It caters to working adults who wish to train for a new career and recent high school graduates seeking a marketable skill that minimizes their unemployment risk.
California College offers two bachelor level programs in computer science. One places an emphasis on networking and information and the other deals with the development of software and mobile applications. Both programs require 180 hours of classes, and it can be completed in approximately 30 to 36 months. The course can also be done completely online.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Network and Information System Security emphasis
This degree program offer students the opportunity to learn skills that will protect their employer’s computer systems from cyber criminals and hackers. During the course of the program, students will learn about server administration, information storage, security measures, computer network communications and database programing.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Software and Mobile Applications Development emphasis
This program is designed to help students take advantage of the fast growing market for app designs. Students who complete the program will be prepared for jobs in the software engineering and development fields. It is also useful for the student who wishes to develop software for mobile apps.
Accreditation
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Contact information
California College
6602 Convoy Court, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92111
1-800-293-0190
Link
There is an online form information by email.
Students wishing to enter a program that quickly trains them for the working world may find a good fit at this institution. The primary focus is the classes needed in the working world, but the bachelor programs also includes standard courses such as English, history and writing.
California Institute of Technology
Division of Engineering and Applied Science
Department of Computing + Mathematical Science
The California Institute of Technology, commonly known as CalTech, is a 124 acre residential campus in Pasadena with a world-wide reputation for excellence. It’s about 30 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and right at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. Los Angeles is about a ten minute drive from campus, so it’s easy to experience all the activities and cultural events the area has to offer. There are over 150 clubs on campus, so it’s easy to get involved with students who share common interests.
The computer science department is part of the division that covers engineering and applied science. In the undergrad studies, it introduces the students to the mathematical and engineering foundations that are the core of the discipline. Candidates for the Master’s program are encouraged from all undergrad disciplines, but they should be aware that CalTech’s program is very scientifically and mathematically based.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
This degree allows students a range of options in course selection, and there are many opportunities for research and summer fellowships. The student also has an independent capstone project, that, with the assistance of an advisor, helps the student choose an area of concentrated study. The first year student typically takes all the required core classes and then moves onto study tracks that include graphics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and algorithmic economics.
Master of Science in Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Evaluations for applications for admission to this program begin on December 15th. GRE scores are required, and a subject test is strongly recommended. Students with degrees other than computer science and applied mathematics are encouraged to apply, but they should be caught up on the core of the their field of study by the end of the first year.
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact Information
California Institute of Technology
Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
1200 E. California Blvd., MS 305-16
Pasadena, California 91125-2100
(626) 395-4560
mlopex@cms.caltech.edu
Link
Students should make special note of the fact that the computer science program is math intensive as well as selective, and there may be additional requirements beyond the regular application process.
California Lutheran University
Department of Technology
Cal Lutheran is perfectly located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara in the town of Thousand Oaks. It’s 20 minutes to the beach and 90 minutes to ski some of California’s best hubs. Most of the learning at Cal Lutheran happens outside the classroom with a huge variety of research options.
The computer science program is part of the technology department. The world of computer science is always changing, but a degree from Cal Lutheran will give a student the fundamental knowledge needed to stay on top of the tech world. Students completing the program can expect to qualify for admission to a Master’s program or work in jobs such as programing, software engineering and information systems.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The program requires 48 hours of credit in addition to the required programs for an undergrad degree. Graduates often find careers in software and hardware development, engineering and education. The computer science facility contains PC labs, electronic classrooms, large screen projection for lectures and private study areas. Small class sizes allow for individual attention from the instructors.
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact Information
California Lutheran University
60 West Olsen Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2700
(805)493-3321
mklassen@clunet.edu
Link
Small classes and individual attention makes this a special school. Students who feel that a small community might best suit their educational and social needs should consider Cal Lutheran.
California Polytechnic State University- San Luis Obispo
College of Engineering
Cal Poly is a selective university located in San Luis Obispo, which is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It’s a coastal town just minutes from the beach, state parks and wine country. San Luis Obispo is historic and has a fully restored downtown with shops, galleries and restaurants.
The computer science program is well-regarded nationwide and is part of the College of Engineering. Like all programs at Cal Poly, admissions are competitive, and there is a strong core requirement for math and science. Students completing this program can expect to find jobs in computer security systems, programming, systems management and software programming. Students who wish to continue their education may be able to gain admission to a graduate level program at a competitive university.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
At Cal Poly, computer science is an interdisciplinary program that has its foundations in computer science and electrical engineering. Software development is combined with hardware development to create a comprehensive course of study. There is sound theoretical background that helps root the students in the practical aspects of engineering for a degree that opens doors to jobs in software development, programming, security and hardware design.
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact Information
Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology
California Polytechnic State University
Building 20A, Room 215
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Phone: 805-756-1229 | Fax: 805-756-1458
Link
joliver@calpoly.edu
Students should make special note of the fact that the computer science program is math intensive as well as selective, and there may be additional requirements beyond the regular application process.
California Polytechnic State University-Pomona
Department of Science
Cal Poly Pomona is a 1,438 acre campus located on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County. It’s easy for students to swim in the ocean one day and go ski in mountains the next day. The school has a learn by doing philosophy, so there are many projects that take place outside the classroom.
Computer Science is considered to be an impacted program, meaning that more students apply than can be accommodated by the school. Students are ranked by their Eligibility Index and are encouraged to pick an alternative major on their applications.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The computer science program is dynamic and has a strong emphasis on designing software. A major in this program requires 58 hours of core work along with the other general education requirements. Work is project-based and students can expect to find jobs in network security, wireless communication networks and 3D game programming.
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Computer Science Accreditation Commission of ABE
Contact Information
Computer Science Department
Cal Poly Pomona
Building 8 – Room 49
3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona CA 91768
Tel: (909) 869-3440 Fax: (909) 869-4733
Email: cs@csupomona.edu
Link
Students should make special note of the fact that the computer science program is math intensive as well as selective, and there may be additional requirements beyond the regular application process.
California State University
This is the largest collection of campuses in the state system, and it prides itself on being accessible and student-focused. Some 447,000 students attend 23 campuses that are spread through out the state. California State University also takes pride in being one of the most affordable schools in the United States. Admissions in many of its programs are selective, so students are advised to check with the campus they plan to attend for detailed departmental information and requirements.
California State University has 13 locations that offer a Bachelor and Masters in Computer Science. These locations are: Channel Islands, San Marco, East Bay, Bakerside, Northridge, Fullerton, Sacramento, Chico, San Bernardino, Dominguez Hills, Fresno, Los Angeles, and Stanislaus. Two examples of the school locations are listed below.
California State University, East Bay
Department of Math and Computer Science
Cal State East Bay consider a “best of the West” school and is located on the east side of San Francisco Bay. It is very accessible to all the exciting activities in the Bay Area because the campus is close to major freeways and BART.
The intention of the computer science program is to prepare students for jobs or advanced study. The workload will include a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience with hardware and software applications. Students considering a degree in computer science at Cal State East Bay should strive to take as much math as possible in high school or while attending community college.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Students who graduate with a B.S. in Computer Science will be able to apply their knowledge of math and computational theory to jobs such as a graphics specialist, programmer, teacher, technical writer or scientific applications programer. They will also be able to recognize components and mechanisms of computing systems as well as understand ethical, legal and security issues.
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact Information
California State University, East Bay
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
College of Science
Office: North Science 335
Phone: (510) 885-3414
mathcs@csueastbay.edu
Link
Phone: (510) 885-4011
Students should make special note of the fact that the computer science program is math intensive as well as selective, and there may be additional requirements beyond the regular application process.
California State University, Los Angeles
College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology
Cal State LA is in the heart of everything that’s great about SoCal. It’s close to beaches, museums, and a number of major sporting teams. The students are taught by a staff in of internationally recognized scholars who urge students to do their best work.
The computer science degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in their chosen fields that can include programing, systems information and software and hardware maintenance. The programs are structured with enough flexibility to allow students the opportunity to direct their own studies. The program is competitive and students wishing to enter it should take as much math as possible including calculus, linear algebra and trig.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Students with a degree in computer science will be able to apply concepts in math to practical problems and demonstrate fluency in at least one programming language and will be well versed in at least three more. Students will also become effective communicators and will be able to analyze the global and local impact of computing on society at large. The major requires 63 core credits and a letter grade of “C” or better is necessary in all prerequisite coursework.
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact Information
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032(323) 343-6690
Link
Students should make special note of the fact that the computer science program is math intensive as well as selective, and there may be additional requirements beyond the regular application process.
Chapman University
Schmid College of Science & Technology
School of Computational Sciences
Chapman University is a selective private school located in Orange in SoCal. It’s religiously linked to the Disciples of Christ and affirms the integrity of all the student’s spiritual paths. The location of the school makes it easy for students to enjoy all the activities available in the area. The beaches are close and it’s easy to access some of the area’s best skiing hubs in the nearby mountains. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Chapman as a top-tier Western comprehensive college for the last 17 years.
The faculty in the computer science department are top-tier and have ties to NASA, the National Science Foundation and other high-tech industries in Southern California. These relationships ensure that students receive a good balance between theoretical learning and real world experience.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
This program has 27 core hours of requirements that include multi-variable calculus and linear algebra, so all students should have a firm foundation in mathematics. Graduates of the program will have a solid ability to problem solve and be to utilize design and implementation practices. Graduates from the computer science program have gone on to work for Google, Boeing and Smith Micro Software. Others have been accepted to top graduate programs.
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact Information
Chapman University
One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866
Hashinger Science Center 130
(714) 744-7644
dacier@chapman.edu
Link
Students should note that this program is math intensive, so it’s recommended that high school students take as much math as possible including calculus if it’s available. Community college students should take a calculus sequence before applying to transfer.
Other California Schools that Offer a Computer Science Degree:
- Computer Science Degrees in California (D-P)
- Computer Science Degrees in California (Q-T)
- Computer Science Degrees in California (U-Z)
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