The state of Florida has several universities that offer computer science degrees, and obtaining a degree in this area is a smart move for students who want knowledge of a growing and valuable industry. For many students, a computer science degree may be paired with other majors or coursework so as to provide students with the opportunity to enter almost any industry. There are very few industries at work today that aren’t depend upon computers or which aren’t otherwise influenced by technology development. In addition to working on cutting edge research in technology, computer science graduates are all but assured a short job hunt after graduation since CS skills are so highly in demand in today’s economy.
Herzing University Orlando
Software Development
Herzing University considers itself a career-focused institution and awards a variety of diplomas. Students may earn associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees in many different areas. The college was established in 1965 and began as a school for computer programming. The first campus of this non-profit university was built in Milwaukee, but the popularity of the programs offered by the school led to its expansion into many states over the next several decades. The school eventually added more programs beyond computer programming to include programs in healthcare, design, and public safety. The school also features campuses in Canada in Montreal, Ottawa, and other cities. Herzing takes 36 months to complete and requires students to complete 121 credits. Herzing University admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
Bachelor of Science in Software Development With a Concentration in Computer Programming
The Computer Programming option at Herzing takes 36 months to complete and requires students to complete 121 credits. Students who wish to enter the computer industry with a broad level of knowledge of the industry will benefit from this program. Students acquire the necessary technical information as well as the important technical details required to operate within many areas of the computer industry. The curriculum features classes on designing and implementing computer applications, as well as developing solutions to problems. Some of the industries who use the skills of software developers and computer programmers include business, security, and healthcare. Students must demonstrate mastery of a number of different industry standards like design, documentation, and testing of software systems. In addition, students must be able to solve problems when they arise and operate with ethical, legal, and economic considerations in mind. Classes students take include Programming Logic, Computer Networks, and Object-Oriented Programming.
Contact
Herzing University Orlando
1865 SR 436
Winter Park, FL 32792
Phone: 407.478.0500
orinfo@herzing.edu
Website
Nova Southeastern University
Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences
A private university in Broward County, Nova Southeastern University is a large university with over 28,000 students attending classes. In addition to the home campus, the school also operates several Student Educational Centers around the state of Florida. The university was founded in 1964 and was originally called the Nova University of Advanced Technology. The school focused upon offering graduate degrees in areas like the social sciences, as well as the physical sciences. The school was able to expand and grow due to a donation from a man named Leo Goodwin, Sr., who left the school $16 million in his will for the school to improve facilities for students.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The computer science major at Nova Southeastern is designed upon a curriculum supported by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Students receive significant instruction in laboratory settings and learn from theory and abstraction, as well as design in the industry as it relates to software versus hardware. There are nine areas of computer science identified by ACM which are focused on by the program at Nova Southeastern. The curriculum of the program isn’t static and is updated on a regular basis by the faculty and school to ensure students are receiving the most updated and comprehensive education possible. Students who wish to study in a program that strives to offer a “real world” experience will enjoy the program at Nova Southeastern. Students may also take this major during the day or during an evening program on campus. Additionally, if students are interested in continuing on into one of the graduate programs at the school, Nova Southeastern offers a special program that helps students apply for and transition into graduate study at the school.
Master of Science in Computer Science
Students must complete 36 credit hours to receive a Master of Science in Computer Science from the Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences. The program offers concentrations in several areas including software engineering, theory, computer systems, real-world computing, and security. Students take classes that relay advanced lessons in the field and are also taught valuable skills that help students solve real-world problems in computer science fields. Students who decide to study within the security concentration benefit from a curriculum recognized by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), as well as the Department of Homeland Security. Students who aren’t interested in obtaining a full degree may also register for courses via special programs and partnerships with these government entities. Some of the classes students may expect to take include Programming Languages, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, and Operating Systems. Students may also choose to complete a thesis, which entails replacing two elective courses with thesis work.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Students must complete 64 credits to receive their Doctor of Philosophy degree in Computer Science. The curriculum is a combination of online instruction and traditional format classes which allows working adults to complete their degree while maintaining a current position in the workforce. The program caters to individuals already working in areas of computer science and information technology. Students are expected to have prior knowledge in several major areas of computer science and must be able to engage in successful problem solving for complex real-world issues. Students will complete eight standard core courses, a pair of research courses, and a dissertation. Some of the classes students will take include Theory and Principles of Programming, Operating Systems, and Data Communications and Computer Networking. Of the 64 credits required, students will devote eight of those credits to research before they are made eligible for Ph.D. candidacy. Students will receive mentorship from one member of the faculty during these research sessions.
Contact
Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL 33314
Phone: 800.541.6682
ois@nova.edu
Website
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Palm Beach Atlantic is an interdenominational university and focuses upon cultivating strong character within students from a Christian perspective. Located in West Palm Beach, the school has around 2,500 undergraduate students and offers students a low student-to-faculty ratio of around 13 to 1. The university was founded by a Baptist pastor in 1968. In the early 1980s, the school went through a period of significant expansion. After the turn of the century, several brand new buildings were constructed including a large library and a small satellite campus in Wellington. Additionally, students were given new athletic facilities with the acquisition of additional land to the campus.
Computer Science Major
The curriculum in computer science at Palm Beach Atlantic is a varied one that includes theory of the industry, as well as current programming techniques, and thoughts on the future of the computer science realm. Students cultivate knowledge in three areas of computer science including the design and implementation of software and problem solving skills for common issues. Students also receive training on the challenges present in new areas of information technology and computers like robotics, digital forensics, and computer vision. Some of the careers that PBA suggests are available to students after graduation include computer programmers, legacy systems converters, and information systems security experts. Over the course of study, students are also expected to cultivate the ability to conduct efficient research on an independent basis. Some of the computer science classes that students should expect to take include Programming, Algorithm Design and Analysis, and Database Systems. Students also take several general courses in social sciences and global studies.
Contact
Palm Beach Atlantic University
901 S. Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: 888.468.6722
admit@pba.edu
Website
St. Thomas University
School of Science, Technology, & Engineering Management
Established in 1961, St. Thomas University is a private, Roman Catholic institution located in Miami Gardens. The school was established in 1961 in Florida but was originally a university in Cuba. After the Cuban Revolution, the government expelled the group of Augustinians who had founded the school and they relocated to Florida. The small college would grow for several decades until it became a university in the mid-1980s. The school has around 4,100 students enrolled, and also features a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Bobcats and the university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Computer Science Bachelor Degree
Students receive a well-rounded education in the computer science program that helps students enter many industries with the knowledge required for success in computer science. Some of the careers that students may consider after graduation include gaming, engineering, information systems, and business communications. In addition, students can enter various jobs requiring design or planning knowledge within computer science. Students build upon critical thinking skills required for problem-solving in computer science and may enter a variety of fields that require the skills of computer science majors. A recently installed cloud computing program offers students additional ways to learn. Students will be able to discuss advanced topics in mobile banking, scientific research, sports administration, and electronic medical recordkeeping. With news of the new computer lab published in 2013, St. Thomas University saw a dramatic increase in the number of applicants interested in using the new facility. Students from outside the computer science program will also benefit from this new installation.
Contact
St. Thomas University
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Phone; 305.474.6971
cjalvarez@stu.edu
Website
Stetson University
College of Arts and Sciences
As a private, nonprofit school, Stetson University has about 3,000 students attending and is located in DeLand. The school was established in 1883 and landed on the 2014 “U.S. News & World Report” guide to America’s Best Colleges. Stetson received high ranking on the “Top 5 Best Colleges in the South,” and the college’s law school also ranks highly in trial advocacy. According to the school’s history, a philanthropist from New York originally founded the school in the 1800s as DeLand Academy. After just a few years, the Florida state legislature created a charter to transform the school into a university.
Bachelor of Science – Computer Science
The computer science program at Stetson University offers a broad foundation of computer science fundamentals, as well as a deep understanding of software development processes and software engineering. Students who would like to enter the workforce after graduation will find they’re well-prepared for a variety of careers in computer science. Students interested in attending graduate school after receiving a diploma will also find they’re prepared for university study at that level. Stetson’s program recognizes that computer science fundamentals are essential for successful development of software. The school ensures that those core concepts are included in the program. Students are also meant to complete several projects over the course of their study, as well as many research opportunities that enhance a student’s problem-solving abilities. Some of the careers appropriate for graduates include artificial intelligence, computer graphics, animation, and wireless technologies. Some of the interesting work engaged in by students has included automated music competition, investigation of memetic algorithms, and fuzzy logic for network performance boosts.
Contact
Stetson University
421 N. Woodland Blvd.
DeLand, FL 32723
Phone: 386.822.7100
admissions@stetson.edu
Website
University of Florida
Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering
The University of Florida is a large institution located in Gainesville. Established in 1853, the university gained several accolades in recent years from major research groups and publishing bodies. Just after the turn of the century, the school was dubbed a “public ivy,” meaning the education received at the school was comparable to the education one might receive at an actual “ivy league” school. In addition, “U.S. News & World Report” gave the school a 14th place ranking in its 2013 list of public universities. With around 50,000 students attending classes, the university also received “preeminent” status from the state legislature.
Computer Science (CSE)
The University of Florida’s Computer Science Engineering program includes a significant level of engineering-oriented study alongside flexible class design that allows students to focus upon a particular area of interest. The school suggests that a flexible degree program is important because of the widening set of skills required for the average worker in a computer science position. Students in the computer science program share many classes with students in the engineering computer science program including several classes in mathematics and science. Students also take several technical electives designed to provide students with deeper understanding of vital areas within the industry. Students are offered the freedom to take extra classes in a minor area of study, a predefined track designed by the university, or a program designed in cooperation with an advisor. Some of the classes students should expect to take during study include Analytic Geometry and Calculus, Physics with Calculus, and Programming Fundamentals.
Computer Science (CSC)
UF’s computer science degree offers students appreciable freedom in choosing classes for study and is a less technical degree than the Computer Science Engineering option. Students who wish to study computer science alongside another major in a double major style will usually pick this degree. Students must take a variety of general education courses in areas like composition, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities. In addition, the major requires several math courses like Analytic Geometry & Calculus, as well as computer science courses like Programming Fundamentals and Data Structure and Algorithms. Students must complete all courses with a grade of C or better. To graduate with honors, students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 for all upper division classes. Additionally, if a student wishes to graduate summa cum laude the student must take additional classes as suggested by a school advisor. The school also recommends that students don’t overload their course load near the end of their degree program.
Combined BS/MS Program
Many students who already know they want to enter graduate school will consider the combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program at the University of Florida. Students must meet a variety of requirements to attain eligibility for the program including reaching junior status in the bachelor’s degree program, maintaining an overall GPA of at least 3.3, and successful completion of several vital courses including Advanced Programming Fundamentals and Introduction to Computer Organization. Students must also complete Data Structures and Algorithms and Applications of Discrete Structures. Students must also take the standard graduate entrance exam, the GRE, and achieve a score of at least 300 under the new grading system. One of the helpful aspects of this option is that students may apply up to 12 of their graduate curriculum to satisfying the class requirements of the bachelor’s degree program. Students are encouraged to speak with a school advisor to see about applying to the program.
Contact
University of Florida
Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering
E301 CSE Building
PO Box 116120
Gainesville, FL 32611
Phone: 352.392.1200
admissions@ufl.edu
Website
University of Miami
Department of Computer Science
The University of Miami was established in 1925 in Coral Gables. The university has over 15,000 students enrolled today and features at least 115 undergraduate degrees and 114 master’s degrees. The school is involved in a heavy level of research and also offers students an extensive library with over 3.1 million books available to students. There is also a large selection of Cuban history volumes in the school’s library. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Hurricanes and the teams compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The university was originally founded by a group of citizens in Miami who wanted to further study in the arts and letters.
Bachelor of Science (BS) Computer Science
Students must complete a hefty core program of computer science and mathematics courses including Computer Programming, Data Structures, and Calculus. In addition, students must also complete several electives and advanced courses like Principles of Computer Operating Systems. The classes were designed with the Association of Computing Machinery curriculum in mind, as well as the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission. Additionally, students may enroll in a variety of tracks to specialize in areas like computational science or cryptography. Students may also focus on graphics and games or science & ethics. Some of the electives approved for the program include Combinatorics, Introduction to Mathematics Statistics, and Data Mining. Students may also choose to pair computer science as a double major with any number of other majors at the university. Choices for double majoring include Marine Science, Ecosystem Science and Policy, and Communications. Students may also want to consider pairing Computer Science with Computer Engineering or Software Engineering.
Master of Science (MS) Computer Science
Students must complete a variety of courses before gaining full acceptance into the Master of Science program, but if a student is deficient in any course area temporary admission may be granted while the student works on completing prerequisite requirements. The program offers students the choice of completing a thesis option or a coursework option. If a student chooses to go with a thesis option, he or she will need to complete 24 credits of graduate coursework and 6 credits of thesis work. If the student wishes to graduate under the coursework option, he or she must complete at least 36 credits. Each track requires students to master a variety of theoretical and experimental topics within computer science. By the time students graduate, they will have in-depth knowledge in areas like Programming Languages, Algorithm Design, and Theory of Computing. The school allows for a certain degree of tailoring for each program to best suit the needs and goals of each student.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Computer Science
To gain full entry into the program, students must complete a variety of advanced courses, as well as pass a three-hour written exam that will test the student’s knowledge on relevant topics. Some of the topics students are expected to understand include algorithm analysis, programming skills, and computer architecture knowledge. Students will take a total of 24 credits in the first two years of study, which equals eight classes. Courses must be chosen from a predetermined list of classes from areas like Analysis, Systems, and Applications. Students will also be directed to choose an advisor at the close of their second semester. Upon entering his or her third semester, a student will start work on a research project. Each year thereafter, students must make a public oral presentation to the Computer Science department. At least one of the presentations must be on the student’s chosen thesis proposal and another presentation will be on the student’s thesis defense.
Contact
Department of Computer Science
University of Miami
P.O. Box 248154
Coral Gables, FL 33124
Phone: 305.284.2268
cs@cs.miami.edu
Website
With some schools counting a history that stretches back almost 200 years, the state of Florida is an exciting and dynamic state in which to attend college for computer science. Students who enjoy technology and computers will thrive in the math-infused environment of computer science. Just like healthcare, computer science and anything having to do with technology is a surefire way to enter the workforce with a valuable and in-demand degree. Computer science degrees are available at any level of study in Florida from undergraduate to doctoral programs.
Related Resources:
- Top 10 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs
- Top 10 Computer Science Degrees Online
- Is a Computer Science Degree Right For Me?
- What Minors Go Well With a Computer Science Degree?
- What Type of Companies Hire Someone with a Computer Science Degree?
For more Computer Science degrees in Florida, visit Computer Science Degrees in Florida (A-F).
