Iowa State University is the best college to consider if you’re looking for accredited computer science degree programs in Iowa. ISU has a range of degree programs that strive to prepare students for lucrative careers in this fast-growing field. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science qualifies you for a range of positions, including network architect, programmer, systems analyst, database administrator, software developer, web developer, and more. What’s more, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), computer science has the second highest starting salary of any bachelor’s degree at approximately $60,000. Read on to learn more about the accredited computer science degree programs available at Iowa State University.

Iowa State University

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University prides itself on being an academically diverse learning community as well as one of the region’s preeminent centers for research and career preparation. The college is home to approximately 7,800 students who study in more than 22 different programs. Since its founding in 1959 as the College of Sciences and Humanities, the college has been a cornerstone of the university’s mission to support global learning initiatives featuring award-winning faculty in a supportive learning environment. Within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Computer Science Department strives to provide undergraduate and graduate students with a solid foundation in research, discovery, creativity, and public service. The department boasts 26 tenured faculty who teach more than 350 undergraduate and 120 graduate students.

Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science

This program is designed for students who are preparing for careers as computer scientists and software developers. Even if you have no previous experience with programming, this major will completely ready you to become a professional computer scientist, whether you choose a career in industry, government, or the nonprofit world. In addition, it offers a broad base of fundamental knowledge for students who are not yet set on which area of computing they’d like to focus on for a career. Some flexibility is available as far as the science base from which students start their major program; physics, chemistry, or biology are all considered effective science prerequisites for the computer science bachelor’s degree. Internship opportunities, including a study abroad option, are an important part of this course of study, with students required to take an internship after their freshman year at Iowa State.

Minor in Computer Science

Minoring in computer science at Iowa State University is a great option for students who are majoring in another discipline but want to augment their marketability to potential employers in this fast-changing technological landscape. To complete the computer science minor, students who are enrolled in a different major program at Iowa State must complete an additional 19 computer science credits, including Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming, Introduction to Data Structures, Advanced Programming Techniques, and three additional courses in the department in the 300 level.

Master of Science in Computer Science

For students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in computer science, the Master’s in Computer Science at Iowa State University is an ideal stepping stone to the next career phase, particularly for those who are interested in research. To complete the master’s program in computer science, students must complete 31 to 36 course credits, including Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Theory of Computation, and at least three other graduate courses from two separate areas of study within the computer science department from at least two different breadth areas (of which there are nine to choose from). Master’s students can then choose from either a thesis or creative component as a capstone to their degree to be completed in conjunction with a research advisor from the department.

Ph.D. in Computer Science

If you’re interested in conducting research or teaching at the university level within the computer science realm, consider a Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Upon completing the doctoral program in computer science, students will be qualified to conduct original research in the field at an international level. In addition to the research component, 72 credit hours of coursework must be completed; 36 of these may be transferred from the University’s master’s degree program, and 36 credits are comprised of original research. Upon defending his or her dissertation, the student earns a Ph.D. in computer science.

Accreditation

  • ABET

Contact
Department of Computer Science
226 Atanasoff Hall
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-4377
csdept@iastate.edu
https://www.cs.iastate.edu/

Whether you are a seasoned computer science professional who is striving to become a world-renowned researcher or a high school student who is considering computer science as as a career, a degree from a college or university accredited by ABET is your first step to success. Contact Iowa State University if you are interested in more information about accredited computer science degree programs in Iowa.