Students searching for accredited computer science degree programs in Nevada often hit the jackpot at local universities throughout the state that is known for its tourist attractions and distinctive desert vistas. Nevada is a relatively large state that uses its land for industries like tourism, mining, agriculture, and hydroelectric power. Another key industry that has gained ground in the state is information technology. Because of Nevada’s commitment to energy efficiency, low taxes, and its location away from storm and flood zone areas, both established and start-up technology companies have chosen the state over Silicon Valley. Here are some universities that offer computer science degree programs for students who want to participate in this exciting career field.

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering

Named after one of the most famous names in aeronautical engineering, the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ (UNLV) College of Engineering strives to provide comprehensive engineering and computer science degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels that promote the attitude of innovation demonstrated by Howard Hughes. The college’s academic departments are computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering and civil and environmental engineering. The school’s reputation for quality engineering and technical degree programs attract generous donors who allow the school to fund multiple scholarships for all qualifying students participating in its College of Engineering programs.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

UNLV’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science curriculum instructs students about introductory computer science and mathematics principles for the practical application of computing within industry or research related activities for the sciences. The 120 credit hour degree program provides students with an interdisciplinary perspective as it includes numerous liberal arts, humanities and social science courses within its curriculum in addition to standard computer science courses. For example, students pursuing a B.A. in Computer Science at UNLV must take certain general education requirements in English, mathematics and political science. Examples of computer science courses taken by these students include ones on topics like the social consequences of computing technology as well as introduction to system programming. B.A. Computer Science program participants benefit from modern, fully equipped computer laboratories for research, instructional and general use.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The UNLV Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science degree is a rigorous 120 credit hour program that places an emphasis on mathematics and computer engineering principles. The computer science coursework for the B.S. in Computer Science program delves into more advanced topics than the computer science coursework associated with its B.A. in Computer Science program. While students take the general course requirements and many of the same introductory computer science courses as students in the B.A. in Computer Science program, they are also introduced to topics like algorithm analysis, software design and compiler construction. Students enrolled in the B.S. in Computer Science degree program can opt to take electives on specialized topics like artificial intelligence, internet security and computer forensics.

Minor in Computer Science

For non computer science students who want to learn about how computers process data that helps to simplify business and research activities, UNLV offers a 27 credit hour Minor in Computer Science. The Minor in Computer Science includes introductory course topics like system programming, computer organization and data structures. A third of the program’s coursework must contain topics from upper level computer science courses. Some of these course topics could include operating systems, automated programming languages and big data associated with web databases. A computer science minor gives students a better understanding of the technical solutions needed within the business environment. Students also learn how to apply design, development and testing techniques to the construction and evaluation of computer systems. The knowledge, networking opportunities and possibilities for internships gained through the Minor in Computer Science program makes students more competitive to future employers.

Master of Science in Computer Science

UNLV’s Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science is a degree program for students who already have learned the foundational principles of computer science and have earned a B.S. in Computer Science or related discipline. The M.S. in Computer Science degree program offers students intensive instruction on a variety of advanced computing topics like algorithm design and analysis, artificial intelligence and software engineering. In order to graduate from the program, graduate students must complete 30 credit hours of senior level computer science courses, and they are required to maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0. At this level in their academic careers, computer science graduate students are expected to demonstrate technical competence, problem solving abilities and communication skills. A comprehensive, faculty approved thesis or project is a part of the graduate program curriculum, and both options culminate with an oral examination that allows students to convey their ideas just as they would have to do regularly in an actual work environment.

Ph.D. in Computer Science

UNLV’s doctorate in computer science degree program is designed for the exceptional computer science student who has demonstrated understanding of theoretical and applied computer science concepts. This 48 credit hour degree program places a heavy emphasis on research and the resulting scientific contributions to the discipline. Students choose to focus their research activities from concentration areas like computer simulation, database systems and image processing. Additionally, students must show a mastery of core computer science subjects like algorithm construction and analysis, programming languages and computer architecture. The doctorate program consists of rigorous coursework, a comprehensive examination, a dissertation based on chosen concentration areas and oral examinations to introduce and defend research activities. Students who pursue a doctorate in computer science normally seek employment within academia or government sponsored research programs.

Accreditations

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
  • Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB)
  • NWCCU

Contact
Box 454005 – 4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154-4005 702-895-3681
ajoy.datta@unlv.edu
Website

University of Nevada Reno

College of Engineering

Advancements in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) help propel national economies forward, and the University of Nevada Reno’s (UNR) College of Engineering provides students with comprehensive degree programs that enhance skills in the sciences and engineering. The five departments represented within the College of Engineering are chemical and material, civil and environmental, computer science and engineering and mechanical engineering. The program curricula associated with these science and engineering departments are designed to produce globally competitive graduates who become active contributors to Nevada’s economic landscape. The college is particularly known for its distinctive faculty research activities, commitment to the promotion of STEM programs within the community and dedication to student success beyond the classroom through challenging internships and study abroad options.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering

Computers are used in just about every business or non-profit organization, and the understanding of how computing processing works helps bring about innovations within this discipline. The computer science and engineering field incorporates theoretical principles of mathematics and engineering into computing solutions that solve a number of business problems. The B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering program curriculum instructs students to identify business or industry problems, research solutions, test concepts and present efficient computing solutions. Students who want to enroll in this challenging degree program expect a concentrated dose of STEM related coursework, and successful candidates have already prepared themselves by taking courses like calculus, chemistry and physics before joining the program. Internships that cement the knowledge gained through classroom course work is also available to students enrolled in the B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering.

Minor in Computer Science and Engineering

UNR students who are not already pursuing a degree within the department of Computer Science and Engineering are eligible to pursue the school’s official Minor in Computer Science and Engineering. This minor program instructs students about the fundamentals of computing technology through eight comprehensive computer science and engineering classes. Some course topics included in this introductory computer science program are data structures, programming languages and system design. To earn the official designation of Minor in Computer Science and Engineering students must maintain a “C” average in their minor coursework. This program allows students to gain relevant, technical skills that are useful in a variety of business settings.

Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering

UNR’s College of Engineering offers a flexible yet comprehensive graduate degree in computer science and engineering that allows students to customize the program to match their academic and career goals. The M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering offered by UNR has two program options. Students who already know their career interests can focus on a particular specialization area for their coursework and required thesis. Some of the approved areas of study include topics like computer game design, simulation software and intelligent computer systems design. The second option for those participating in the M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering provides students with a way to study a variety of topics within the computer science and engineering discipline. The accomplished faculty members that help guide students’ research activities within this advanced degree program collectively have extensive, hands on experience in numerous computer science and engineering subjects.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering

UNR’s doctorate program in computer science and engineering allows enrolled students to pursue their academic interests and highlight their innovative research analysis and findings in a high-profile manner through published dissertations. This program consists of 72 credits of challenging coursework on industry relevant topics, oral and written examinations and a dissertation. The program’s curriculum is designed to allow students to focus on a particular niche within the computing industry, but they are also expected to know the broad computing and engineering principles that guide the discipline. Many computer science and engineering doctorate programs require students to have an advanced degree in computer science or a related discipline before enrollment in the program. However, UNR’s doctorate allows students with an undergraduate degree in computer science or related area of study to apply for admission into its doctorate program; these students must have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.25 to qualify. Students who already have a graduate degree in the subject may apply for admission with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

Accreditations

  • Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) and the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET
  • NWCCU

Contact
1664 N. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89557-0171
(775) 784-6974
cse@unr.edu
http://www.unr.edu/degrees/computer-science-and-engineering

Nevada has moved beyond simply being a destination for computer conferences; it is now attracting all types of businesses within the technology sector to make their headquarters in the arid state. Today’s students enrolled in accredited computer science degree programs in Nevada have unprecedented networking and internship opportunities.