As a state that’s known for the extensive Rocky Mountains and a populace who enjoys the outdoors, there are several computer science degrees in Colorado that are available to students who want to enter a growing field while learning about the industry in a beautiful locale. The state’s geographical area was first visited by Westerners from Spain in the 1500s and was claimed for Spain by Juan de Ulibarri in 1706. Before that time the state had also been home to several Indian tribes. Overall, Colorado is the state with the highest mean elevation anywhere and geologists have counted over 1,000 mountains within the state with peaks sitting above 10,000 feet. Incredibly, there are also 14 mountains that reach over 14,000 feet. The state was once a center for mining and agriculture, but in the past few decades high tech firms and service industries have flooded the state. Boulder has become one of the most popular cities in the nation for computer high tech firms outside of Silicon Valley and Boston.
Colorado College
Department of Mathematics & Computer Science
Often referred to as “CC,” Colorado College is a private liberal arts school located in Colorado Springs. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado College was originally founded in 1874 by a man named Henry Nelson Haskell. The college is a small, urban environment that offers classes to around 2,000 students each year. One of the interesting features of attending school at Colorado College is the way in which the school arranges its classes. The school uses a block format where each year is divided into eight small terms called “blocks,” where a single class is taken during each short session.
BA Degree in Computer Science
The curriculum at Colorado College for the Computer Science degree covers all of the expected areas for the industry like algorithm design and computer organization. Students also learn about data structures, operating systems, and investigate programming languages like JAVA. Students benefit from classes on Linux and Windows operating systems and are able to investigate other programming languages like C and C++. As is not surprising for a degree in computer science, students also take several math classes and the college suggests that students fare best in computer science when they have an aptitude for mathematics or enjoy that subject. Once students arrive at their upper division classes, additional work on topics like database systems, artificial intelligence, and computer graphics is required. Students have access to a variety of classes to suit their specific interest in computer science and are also required to take advanced classes on algorithms and important theories. The school also features a fascinating class on robotics.
Contact
Mathematics and Computer Science
Colorado College
14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Tutt Science #208
Phone: 719.389.6535
Fax: 719.389.6841
marita.beckert@coloradocollege.edu
Website
Colorado State University
College of Natural Science
As a large university located in Fort Collins, Colorado State University offers education to almost 32,000 students and is part of the state’s land grant university system. The school is also the flagship university for the state system and spends more on important research than almost any other school in the country. As of 2012, the school boasted $340 million in research spending, which placed it at the number two spot in the nation for research school expenditures. The school was officially established in 1870 as part of the Morrill Act, but the actual school wasn’t built immediately and it wasn’t until a few years later than 30 acres for the campus was chosen for new buildings.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science
The computer science degree at Colorado State teaches students to understand important algorithms and analyze those mathematical relationships as they relate to the industry. Students are taught the best methods to recognize common problems and how to provide swift solutions to those issues. The school’s program focuses upon the idea that the field isn’t just a bunch of students sitting at computers with programming languages. Rather, the Colorado State program teaches a variety of important subjects including logic, theory, and mathematics. In addition, students learn classic computer science subjects like operating systems, networking, and programming languages. The school suggests that the major requires a significant level of mathematical prowess and as such, is a major best suited for those with math skills or a love of numbers. Students who major in computer science at Colorado State will find they are well-prepared for careers in a number of different industries like law, accounting, or even medicine. Students may also choose to go onto graduate school in computer science after earning a bachelor’s degree.
Contact
Computer Science Department
1873 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Phone: 970.491.5792
Fax: 970.491.2466
info@cs.colostate.edu
Website
Colorado Technical University
Engineering & Computer Science
Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University sits on an urban campus in Colorado Springs and also has campuses in Denver and Pueblo. The college initially focused upon training former military personnel in various useful areas of vocational and technical subjects, but expanded over time to provide educational opportunities to anyone interested in technical careers. The school has a significant online program and has gained national recognition for its education and academics as a “Best of the Best” for online, virtual campuses. The college was ranked first place for online and non-traditional universities by “Military Times” magazine. The university was also recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a center of academic excellence in Information Assurance Education.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The bachelor’s degree program at Colorado Tech helps students study the most up-to-date areas of the industry and classes are continuously updated with attention paid to new and exciting developments in computers. The school suggests that graduates are not only prepared for work in computer science, but may also be employed to help businesses develop software, programs, and networks. Some of the jobs the college suggests are available to students after graduation include work as a systems engineer, network engineer, web developer, or security engineer. The program requires 183 credits to graduate and is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school estimates that students will take 48 months to complete the program and overall, about half of students manage to graduate in that timeframe. Students may enroll in this program online or take classes at the Colorado Springs campus or at the Denver campus. The college suggests this degree leads to job opportunities in a highly competitive field.
Master of Science in Computer Science – Database Systems
Colorado Technical University offers a variety of graduate level degrees in computer science and its data base systems concentration requires 48 credits to graduate and the college estimates students will take about a year and a half to complete the program. The purpose of the program is to provide an education to students interested in database systems, which requires the ability to manage high-performance databases. Students receive instruction in specialized skills such as configuration, design, and management of data warehouses. The concentration in database systems at Colorado Tech offers students the advanced skills necessary to work with complex business data systems. Graduates will be able to analyze problems that exist in database systems, design solutions for ideas or problems, and optimize complex data repositories to provide businesses with efficient database systems. Students may complete this program online or at the Colorado Springs or Denver campus, so students living anywhere may take advantage of this graduate program.
Master of Science in Computer Science – General
Computer science graduates who wish to learn more in-depth about the industry are advised to consider the Master of Science degree with a general specialization in the field at Colorado Tech. The school suggests that a general concentration is designed for current professionals who wish to learn about industry-relevant technologies and how those new developments impact today’s businesses and organizations. The school provides a challenging curriculum with coursework designed to help students master a variety of topics on operating systems and networking. Some of the jobs graduates may consider after receiving a master’s degree include work with database systems, software engineering, and computer systems security. Anyone who wants to be at the helm of a software engineering company or who wishes to find employment as a team manager will benefit from a graduate degree. Students may complete this degree through the college’s online study option or they may attend classes at the Colorado Springs or Denver campus.
Master of Science in Computer Science – Computer Systems Security
If the recent computer breaches at major retailers are any indication, companies must beef up their online and computer security systems, and this means that graduates with a degree in computer systems security will likely find their knowledge and talents in high demand after graduation. The Master of Science in Computer Science degree with a specialization in Computer Systems Security helps students build upon an undergraduate knowledge base with advanced knowledge of systems security. According to the university, the role of security experts in computer science is to protect the enterprise computer systems which pay a vital role in today’s business communications and transactions. Students learn how to develop security systems that will eliminate threats such as unauthorized access, changes to the system, information theft, and financial theft related to the internet. Students obtain competencies in planning, design, and implementation of vital security measures and policies as related to computer systems security.
Master of Science in Computer Science – Software Engineering
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science, some students may wish to study further in a concentration like software engineering. The Master of Science in Computer Science with an emphasis in Software Engineering offers students advanced information on the design and development of computer systems. The curriculum offers information on new technologies and also provides comprehensive instruction on existing technology. One of the primary values of this engineering option is the opportunity to lead teams of people working on software engineering projects. Students who wish to work at the managerial level will benefit greatly from a master’s degree in this field. Some of the types of employment where a software engineering degree might come in useful include applications engineer, firmware engineer, Java developer, data analyst, and solutions architect. Graduates will be able to perform at a high level in each of these positions as well as guide teams of people in such projects.
Contact
CTU Colorado Springs
4435 North Chestnut Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: 855.230.0555
admissions@colorado.edu
Website
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Located in Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public university and locals often refer to the school as “Metro State.” The school has a large number of undergraduate students and is one of the most popular colleges in the state. There are 56 majors and 82 minors available to students in a vast array of liberal arts and sciences concentrations. Metro State was designated a college until 2012 when it attained university status. The state’s governor approved the name change in July of that year. The university sits in one of the historic, older areas of Denver.
Computer Science, B.S.
Metro State’s program in Computer Science requires students to master a series of standard competencies associated with computer science jobs. Upon graduation, students are prepared to apply computer science and software engineering principles and practices in a variety of job environments. Additionally, students may enroll in graduate programs that offer degrees in computer science. Students are also taught that they should become “life-long learners” who will strive to continue their study and education after graduation by keeping abreast of various developments, theories, and inventions related to the industry. Students will graduate as innovators who can work with new technology and adapt to the expected changes and challenges of the field. As is to be expected, the program includes a focus on mathematics and many of the theories and principles taught in the program revolve around advanced mathematical concepts. The program features a specific set of performance criteria which guide the program and ensure that each student graduates as a highly capable worker in computer science.
Contact
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Mathematical and Computer Sciences
P.O. Box 173362, Campus Box 38
Phone: 303.556.3208
Website
Regis University
School of Computer & Information Sciences
Established in 1877, Regis University is a Roman Catholic, Jesuit University and is one of 28 fellow institution within the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The Denver-based school offers students a very historic campus with a variety of beautiful buildings and green spaces. Interestingly, the school was once located in Las Vegas and was called “Las Vegas College.” It was started by a dozen Italian Jesuits and eventually made its way to Denver years later. The school is currently an NCAA Division II school and offers students 12 different varsity sports teams. Members of those teams are known as Rangers and the school’s mascot is a Coyote.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Regis University offers students a solid background in computer science by creating a comprehensive curriculum that features many different important lessons within information systems. Students learn about the planning, design, implementation, and management of those systems based upon classes that feature a broad range of topics. For example, graduates understand important areas of computer architecture, various areas of analysis and design, and the intricacies of software systems and engineering. The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, which is a non-profit accreditation organization. One of the best features of the program is that it’s accredited and may also be obtained through complete online study. As such, the program is the only one of its kind in the nation. The school also offers students the opportunity to combine a bachelor’s and master’s degree into one study program. This allows students to complete two degrees at a faster pace and also makes the degrees more affordable.
Contact
Regis University
3333 Regis Boulevard
Denver, Colorado 80221-1099
Phone: 800.388.2355
RUadmissions@regis.edu
Website
University of Colorado Boulder
Department of Computer Science
With a large student body of nearly 32,000 students, the University of Colorado’s Boulder branch is the flagship university of the system. The school’s founding actually predates the official joining of Colorado into the United States and the respected academics at the school have led to its designation as one of thirty “Public Ivy League” schools. The school has churned out several lauded academics over the years including 11 Nobel Laureates and nine MacArthur Fellows. Also, a dozen and a half astronauts also began their tutelage at the university. The university has had a strong connection to the aerospace industry and recently received a hefty grant to sponsor research and fund programs such as the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
Students who wish to study at the doctoral level in computer science are required to develop an official plan of study with an advisor which will help the student define his or her goals for the program. First-year students must complete this outline before they can enroll in classes for their second semester of study. Students are required to complete their PhD within six years of starting the program and will need to pass a preliminary exam and comprehensive exam to graduate. The college suggests that students need to develop an agenda for study as quickly as possible and also recommends that students attend professional conferences to further research. Students are also encouraged to complete in-depth research and submit research papers through major publications. After conducting research for several years, students are meant to begin a dissertation and will need to defend that research to a committee during their sixth year in residence.
Contact
College of Engineering and Applied Science
University of Colorado Boulder
1045 Regent Drive
ECOT 717, 430 USB
Boulder, CO 80309-0430
Phone: 303.492.7514
Fax: 303.492.2844
jacqueline.deboard@colorado.edu
Website
University of Colorado – Colorado Springs
Department of Computer Science
With around 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students taking classes, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs was established in 1965 and has a motto of “Let Your Light Shine.” The college has a strong College of Engineering and Applied Sciences which has routinely ranked near the top of a list by “U.S. News & World Report.” The university was also ranked sixth by U.S. News for universities in the west. One of the interesting features of the school is that it actually began as a sanatorium, which is a place meant to treat people with mental diseases. The sanatorium underwent some financial issues during the depression and after the war, but the location started offering some classes as early as the 1940s before it was officially designated a college campus in the 1960s.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The university’s bachelor of science in computer science is a traditional, four-year program and offers students a strong foundation in hardware and software systems. Not only do students learn about the theoretical concepts associated with computer science, but they also get to develop knowledge through practical experience in many vital areas. Additionally, students are required to take several classes in humanities and other areas which helps provide students with a well-rounded education from which to launch a career after graduation. The university designs its program to provide a broad curriculum so as to ensure students have the opportunity to apply for jobs in a variety of industries after graduation beyond just computer science. The school expects that students who pass their classes and complete a degree will be able to enter the work force immediately as a learned and knowledgeable student of computer science. The program is also accredited by the Computing Accreditation of Commission of ABET.
Bachelor of Innovation
The university says that computer science is a vital and growing field and that computers are part of just about every major industry today. A degree in computer science helps students pursue many career paths. In addition, the school cites the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as suggesting that the industry is one of the fastest growing areas for jobs in the economy outside of healthcare. One of the reasons why students might want to consider a bachelor of innovation instead of a bachelor of science is because the innovation side of study offers instruction in a variety of areas related to business. In today’s competitive job market, this business-centric degree may open up some interesting job opportunities after graduation. Students within the program are taught to consider the industry from a broad perspective and can solve common computer technology problems. In addition, students learn about a variety of business, societal, and legal issues impacting the industry today.
Bachelor of Innovation in Computer Security
Often referred to as “cyber-security,” this field is a rapidly growing segment of computer science and is often an area on the leading edge of new technology and innovation. UCCS says that the school’s proximity to important security installations like NORAD and several military bases means that opportunities for jobs in the security industry after graduation are immediately possible. Students who obtain this degree will be exposed to a curriculum that helps build team skills and practical experience as well as a variety of classes on the business side of security and computer science. Students may find ample opportunity for entering the workforce directly after graduation or they may decide to go further into graduate study. UCCS says that five of the top ten fastest growing fields are related to computers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A student could choose no better industry for virtually guaranteed employment after graduation.
Bachelor of Innovation in Game Design & Development
A recently developed degree whose curriculum was designed in 2005, the BI in Game Design & Development at UCCS helps students enter an incredibly competitive segment of computer sciences. The field of game design is such that candidates who hold bachelor’s degree aren’t guaranteed entry into the field unless they have some internship experience in the industry as well as connections to companies that develop games. However, obtaining a degree with the specialization in game design offers an incredible boost to job applicants after graduation. Additionally, the portion of the school’s curriculum that deals with the business side of the industry is amazingly valuable for entering game design since marketing and business are the lifeblood of any game developer. Whether a student wants to obtain a job at a large, established game developer or whether he or she wants to build a new business from the ground up, the Bachelor of Innovation in Game Design & Development offers the perfect springboard for those goals.
Master of Science in Computer Science
Holders of bachelor’s degrees in computer science are able to enter the work force and find work without tremendous effort, but sometimes a graduate level degree in this field might be valuable. During study for the Master of Science in Computer Science at UCCS, students are meant to participate in a variety of professional activities that are sponsored by the department such as seminars and colloquiums. The university has designed a program that’s meant to go further than the single focus of academic research and classroom work. Graduates are even encouraged to make suggestions on how to improve the curriculum for future students during and after graduation. Students are able to work with advanced computer hardware and software systems at the university which they are able to enhance and improve during study. After graduation, students are able to perform independent research related to the field as well as communicate effectively and professionally in the field.
Master of Science in Computer Science – Games and Media Integration
Students who wish to work within fields like filmmaking, animation, or gaming will want to consider advanced study at the graduate level with a degree of Master of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Games and Media Integration. Students are taught how to research and develop within these industries as well as areas like complex systems, wearable computing, and VR/HCI. One of the valuable aspects of this program is that students are able to complete a portfolio before graduation, which will help tremendously during the job hunt after a degree has been obtained. The school provides up to six credit hours in portfolio development that will ensure a student has a high quality portfolio to show prospective employers after graduation. Students are also encouraged to audit classes in other schools like those in the College of Business and within Letters, Arts and Sciences so as to have a broad set of skills to bring to the workforce after graduation.
PhD in Engineering – Concentration in Computer Science
Students who come to UCCS to study computer science at the doctoral level often come to the program with a high degree of knowledge in broad areas of the field and are able to narrow their knowledge during doctoral research. Before the school admits students into the program, applicants must demonstrate a high degree of critical thinking and evaluation. Students must also be able to work independently and make “original contributions” to the field. The degree requires a significant amount of personal study and research as well as a standard curriculum of advanced courses. In order to be awarded a Doctor of Philosophy, students must demonstrate a broad amount of knowledge in the areas of math, engineering, and science. Students must also show that they have in-depth knowledge within their focus of study. Students are required to learn how to write technical reports as well as be able to speak intelligently on important topics. Students must already hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science as well as a master’s degree in computer science, or a closely related field.
Contact
University of Colorado – Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: 719.255.8227
Website
University of Denver
Department of Computer Science
Established in 1864, the University of Denver is the oldest private university in the state. Known as “DU” by locals, the university has around 11,500 students enrolled and provides degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Located about seven miles south of Downtown Denver, the university was originally designed as a seminary school by a one-time governor of the Colorado Territory. The school was meant to help “civilize” Denver by bringing religion to the area because the town was not much more than a rugged mining camp in the 1860s. There are several historic buildings on campus which provide an incredible setting for classes, and the campus also sits within view of Mount Evans, which stands an incredible 14,264 feet tall.
BS Computer Science
Students who enroll as undergraduates in computer science are taught a broad curriculum that encompasses the communication, transference, encoding, and storage of computer data and systems. Students will analyze the theories and practical concepts at work by studying algorithms, computer languages, and various facets of design. Students take classes like Introduction to Computer Science I & II as well as Discrete Structures in Computer Science and Introduction to Systems Programming. Students who study computer science as an undergraduate student are required to have a minor in mathematics in order to graduate. Students are even given the opportunity to study abroad and the University of Denver is well-known for its commitment to international learning. Students are encouraged to see if international study might benefit the student’s goals for future employment. The computer science industry is truly an international field today since the internet doesn’t have “borders” and business is so internationally focused with companies fielding offices in many different countries and on different continents.
Formal Dual Degree Program in Computer Science
Students who already know that they will want to enter graduate school after receiving a bachelor’s degree may want to consider studying under the formal dual degree program of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science alongside a Master of Science in Computer Science. The curriculum for this double-degree program is fully approved and help students graduate in less time than it would take to earn the degrees on separate tracts. Students who enroll in a dual degree program must complete the requirements for study on a concurrent basis rather than one after the other. The way the program works is that the student will officially enter the graduate program after having satisfied 50% of the undergraduate level work. Students may either complete both degrees at the same time or earn the bachelor’s degree and then the master’s degree a short time later. Students must complete the second degree within 18 months of receiving the first degree.
Contact
Department of Computer Science
University of Denver
2280 S. Vine St.
Denver, CO 80210
Phone: 303.871.2458
info@cs.du.edu
Website
Students who have an interest in computers and would like to enter a field that’s been growing tremendously in the past few years would do well to consider entering a computer science program. Students with an aptitude for mathematics are best suited for this type of study; however, anyone with the will to learn and enter a valuable industry will be able to succeed with hard work and study. For anyone wishing to live near the Rocky Mountains in a beautiful state for college, there are several terrific computer science degrees in Colorado from which to choose and which will help students in their professional and career development.
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