This list of accredited computer science degree programs in Virginia will aid students trying to find a degree program that will fit their needs. Some of the schools listed here have online components to their degrees. Some of the degrees are earned entirely on campus. The focus of a bachelor of science degree in computer science is writing programs, engineering software and working with the mechanics of computers. People wanting careers in this field should be mathematically-inclined and detail-oriented. Schools in larger communities may present an advantage in the number of business partnerships they form that can foster internships and provide visiting professional instructors, but smaller schools will have greater one-on-one attention from faculty. To see more accredited computer science degree programs in Virginia, visit Computer Science Degree Programs in Virginia (S-Z).

George Mason University

Volgenau School of Engineering

George Mason University, with a student body of more than 29,000, is ranked by US News and World Report as number 138 of National Universities. The Volgenau Business School is ranked as number 68 of the top 100 business schools and also highly- ranked for its part-time MBA program. The school collaborates with the regional business community to give students real-world experience and contacts. Its goals are to provide students with a high-quality education that focuses on integrity, ethics and entrepreneurship. In-state tuition is $10, 382 and non-resident tuition is 21,990.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This degree is concerned with the design of software, its implementation and its maintenance. The program goals are to build a foundation for successful careers in the computing industry, to hone professional skills and to prepare students to go on to graduate studies. Students must apply to the business school in addition to the university in order to pursue a degree in computer science or any of the business disciplines. The 120 credit bachelor of science program includes university requisites in general education. Students must take CS 101 (an introduction to computer science) in their first year. CS 105 has to be taken during the second semester and must be passed with a “C” average. The Computer Science core is 35 credits and includes introductory classes to programming languages, algorithms and object-oriented programming along with other courses. There are 12 required natural science credits, 20 credits in mathematics, three in communications and in other humanities and several electives, including the Senior Computer Science electives. All students undertake a writing-intensive project that is completed through several courses.

Master of Science in Computer Science

The focus of this degree program is to prepare students for research or for professional practice in computer science or related fields. The program includes fundamental and advanced coursework in artificial intelligence and databases, programming languages, software engineering, systems and networks, theoretical computer science and visual computing. By the end of the second semester, students must prepare a plan of study which is approved by the academic advisor. The 30 credit program includes required advanced level classes that are so designated because they have pre-requisite classes which must be taken before students enroll in the advanced level. Three of these advanced-level courses may be replaced by either a three credit project seminar course or by a six-credit thesis.

PhD in Computer Science

Applicants to this program must have an undergraduate degree and their prior academic record must show strength in computer science. All applicants must take the GRE test. In addition, they must demonstrate a breadth of knowledge of computer science by passing four exams: one in computer science and three from eight other related disciplines such as information systems security or data bases. The exams are offered once each semester and must be taken in the same semester. Students should apply to the tests the first opportunity they have after completing 18 credits. In addition, all doctoral candidates must form dissertation teams consisting of themselves and at least three tenured faculty members. Before graduation, the student must take a comprehensive exam and complete and defend a dissertation proposal. This degree includes seventy-two credits, thirty of which are from the master’s program.

Minor in Computer Science

The Minor in Computer Science is intended for undergraduate students who want to add computer science skills and knowledge to another discipline. People majoring in healthcare administration, for example, may want to enhance their resumes and skills by adding computer science skills. There are 17 credits in the minor in addition to the requirements for the major. The program includes 10 required courses such as introduction to computer programming, object-oriented programming and data structures, plus either Computer Ethics and Society or Synthesis of Ethics and Law for the Computing Professional. There are also 15 electives from which the student must choose two courses (six credits).

Accreditation

  • Computing Accrediting Commission of ABET

Contact
George Mason University
Volgenau School of Business
4400 University Drive MS 181
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-993-1798
http://webct41@gmu.edu
http://catalog.gmu.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=1302

Hampton University

School of Science

This university is rated by US News and World Report as #18 of Regional Universities South. It is a private, historically black university with a student body of more than 4,600. The computer science department, within the School of Science, is highly competitive, and they are beginning new initiatives in Artificial Intelligence and in Information Assurance. The school has strong collegiate partnerships with other universities that augment the education of the department. Most majors at the university include internships. Resident tuition is $19,548 plus a required university fee which brings the total to $22,010 excluding other fees and housing.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This 125-credit hour program is planned for students who want an in-depth training in one or more applications of computer science allowing them to pursue a profession, or for those who want to go on to graduate education. The goal is to provide Computer Science majors with a broad general education that will prepare them to become competent and ethical professionals. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills. The program of study is mapped out for students, allowing less flexibility but higher probability of success in accomplishing al goals of the degree, but there are some electives. The degree program includes required courses in physical education and personal health.

Master of Science in Computer Science

This major is accessible for both Computer Science majors and those from other disciplines who have a “strong interdisciplinary background.” There is a low student-to-faculty ratio in the department and the curriculum of the graduate program is flexible enough for students to meet their educational needs. If applicants to the program do not have a background in computer science they can take a series of bridge courses that will prepare them for the course content of the major. There are also research projects opportunities available to master’s program students. Students have access to most programming, databases and programs through the local network of SUN and Pentium-based computers. This degree gives students a broad background in Programming Languages, Operating Systems, Theory, Software Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence. There are six intensive courses in these, but students may substitute a thesis (proposal and defense) for one of the courses. At the conclusion of the 36-37 credit hour program, there is a comprehensive examination.

Accreditation

  • Computing Accrediting Commission of ABET

Contact
School of Science
Hampton University
100 East Queen Street
Hampton, VA, 23668
757-727-5364
Jeana.muhammed@hampton.edu
http://science.hamptonu.edu/compsci/

Liberty University

School of Engineering and Computational Sciences

This private, non-profit school is affiliated with the Baptist church. There are 215 classrooms and 309 buildings and other structures on the campus. It has been rated by US News and World Report as #80 of Regional Universities South. The total enrollment of Liberty University, including online students, is more than 100,000. Tuition is $29,200, including housing. Each classroom in the Computer Sciences Department is high-tech including video, audio and whiteboard capabilities and there is also recording equipment in each class to allow students to download lectures. Internships are stressed.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This is a 127 credit degree program of which at least 36 of the courses must be 300 or 400 level classes. There are 63 to 67 credits of general education core competency classes and 45 hours of major classes including Foundations and Ethics of Computing, Introduction to Programming, Advanced Programming, Algorithms and Data Structures, Database Management Systems, Computer Architecture, Directed Coding and a required Lab Science. Graduates of the program will have the ability to work in teams to identify problems apply computer technology to their solution. The program also intends the graduate to have a pattern of lifelong learning and leadership.

Accreditation

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

Contact
School of Engineering and Computational Sciences
Liberty University
1971 Liberty University Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-592-3425
Email through the website
http://www.liberty.edu/academics/engineering&computationalsciences/index.cfm?PID=20962

Norfolk State University

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

This historically black 4-year public university has been rated #34 among Historically Black Universities by US news and World Reports. There are more than 6,000 students enrolled at the school. Four-year graduation rate is nineteen percent. The Computer Science department has several computer-enhanced courses available. The school has initiated a “STARS” program which focuses on improving education in several areas. Students can get one-one- tutoring in many subjects through the program. In-stets tuition is $8850 and non-resident tuition is $21,540.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This degree is comprised of 120 credits which must be earned with a minimum of a “C” grade. The courses in the degree path may be taken in any order as long as the prerequisites and other requirements are met. There are required liberal arts university courses and requisite lab science classes. Students complete core major classes along with other courses and computer science classes begin the first year. “Introduction to University Life” and “Introduction to Computer Science” are both required early in the freshman year. The second year all students take a writing proficiency exam. In addition, in the fourth year there are two semesters of required senior seminars.

Accreditation

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

Contact
College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Norfolk University
700 Park Avenue
Norfolk VA 23504
757-823-9451
cneaton@nsu.edu
http://www.cs.nsu.edu/programs/ugradBS_CSC.html

Radford University

College of Science and Technology

This university is one of Virginia’s eight doctoral-degree schools. Of its 9,920 students, 346 are enrolled in the computer science program. The university was rated by US News and World Reports as # 34 of Regional Universities South. Recently, the university has begun a “STEM” initiative. The acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The goal of the program is to improve education ion these areas. The Computer Science program hosts annual computing competitions and they are currently working on an information security program. In-state tuition is $5,702.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Technology

Students in this 120-credit program must complete the university core competency classes and then select a concentration from one of four areas: Computer Science, Database, Software Engineering and Networks. This degree is intended to give students a broad education in Computer Science in operating systems and computer organization as well as programming, advanced algorithms and programming languages. The program includes college requisites “Principles of Computer Science” I and II, “Principles of IT, ““IT Professionalism” and “Introduction to Information Security.” In addition to these fundamental courses there are advanced courses in the major and Liberal Arts components to the degree. All classes must be completed with a grade of at least “C.”

Computer Science Minor

A minor in Computer Science is intended to serve those with a major in another discipline who want to add computer skills to their resumes. This is an advantage for people in fields such as medicine where data storage and management is becoming totally digital. Students may not earn a minor in both Computer Science and in Information Technology. The requirements for this 17 credit minor are: ITEC 110, 120, 220 and 225. In addition, there are three other credit hours in Discrete Mathematics or another 200-level or above course with some exceptions. Fifty percent of the courses for the minor must be completed at Radford University. The GPA is calculated using the 17 best hours applied toward the minor.

Accreditation

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

Contact
College of Science and Technology
Radford University
801 East Main Street
Radford, VA 24141
540-831-5381
jdalton@radford.edu
http://www.radford.edu/content/csat/home/itec/programs/computer-science.html

Jobs in technology are some of today’s most highly-compensated. In addition, because most professions are adapting to the advent of digital information, data is increasingly stored and managed by Computer Science professionals. That means Computer Science graduates may be able to work in everything from the healthcare industry to education and commerce. Getting the right degree is vital to securing a good position. Students should use this list of accredited computer science degree programs in Virginia to decide upon which schools and programs they want to investigate further.