The Heart of Dixie is known to most outsiders as that southern state that sits between Mississippi and Georgia, and this Gulf Coast locale has several accredited computer science degree programs in Alabama worth pursuing for higher education. The machine that first took Americans to the moon was built in Alabama and the celebration of Mardi Gras was actually first held in Alabama, not in Louisiana. As the 22nd state in 1819, Alabama is a state of natural resources for products like iron and steel and is also the site of amazing medical advances. Alabama was the first location in the Western Hemisphere to see a successful open heart surgery after a doctor sutured a wound in a boy’s heart. Education has also been important to the state and it was in 1937 that the state instituted sales tax as a way to fund public education efforts.

Alabama A&M University

College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences

Located in Madison County, Alabama, AAMU has around 4,500 students in attendance, and the school is on the forefront of some cutting edge research. Students routinely distinguish themselves in academic achievement and the campus is an extraordinarily historic facility with around 30 buildings listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. The school was originally established n the 1870s by an act of the state’s legislature and was also initially designed as a school for black students and teachers. The school was built on land acquired from the Conley Family, who have had a student in attendance at the school during every year since its opening.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S.)

Alabama A&M University and the College of Engineering have created a program designed to provide a quality classroom environment to all students. The curriculum of this degree covers both software and hardware instruction and offers an incredibly well-rounded approach to the subject of computer science. There is a variety of ways in which a student can choose to specialize in the program by including classes from other disciplines, as well as a minor in other academic areas. Students who decide to pursue this degree should be interested in using computers at an eventual job or working in technology.

Master of Science in Computer Science (M.S.C.S.)

Students who enroll in the graduate program in computer science at Alabama A&M are taught advanced concepts and ideas that go beyond what might be learned in an undergraduate program. The college requires that students who complete the program have mastered the core computer science concepts identified by the college as vital. Those concepts include the Theory of Algorithms, Object-Oriented Design, and Software Engineering, among many other concepts. Students who graduate will also find that they are able to use programming languages at an advanced level for building programs or designing software. Students must be able to demonstrate that they will be able to function expertly in a typical industry environment.

Accreditations

  • ABET
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Contact

Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
P.O. Box 702
Normal, AL 35762
Phone: 256.372.5587
kaveh.heidary@aamu.edu
http://www.aamu.edu/academics/engineering-technology/ee/pages/default.aspx

Auburn University

Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

Auburn University is a large school with at least 25,000 students enrolled at any given time. The school has a long history and was originally chartered as a private liberal arts college named East Alabama Male College. The school was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, but it was transformed into a public land-grant school in the 1870s and was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. By the time the 1890s arrived, the school was made fully coeducational and over the next several decades the curriculum was expanded from a focus upon arts and agriculture to one that included sciences and the classics.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Students who wish to become software professionals or enter any field that has to deal with programming and computers will find value in a computer science degree from Auburn University. The curriculum covers a broad number of topics in areas like math, science, and the humanities. Courses allow students to experience hands-on learning in a number of key areas like database systems and artificial intelligence. Students are also required to select a concentration that furthers a student’s interest in a particular area of computer science. The secondary area is designed as one that would work well with computer science and enrich a student’s potential job prospects.

Master of Science in Computer Science (MS)

To gain admittance to the graduate program at Auburn University, students must apply to the program after achieving a minimum 3.0 GPA during undergraduate study. Students of any education background may apply; however, students who already have a baccalaureate degree in computer science are preferred. Alternatively, students may come to the program with a different degree, but a student must already have knowledge of computer science to the level of a bachelor’s degree holder. There are eight courses required to complete the MS in computer science as well as a thesis project that must be completed before graduation.

Master of Software Engineering (MSwE)

By majoring in software engineering, a student must complete 10 courses as well as a project on software development. This degree is offered on campus as well as in a distance education format so students can obtain their degree even if they can’t attend class on campus. Like the MS in computer science, students who wish to study software engineering at the graduate level must apply with a GPA of at least 3.0 and perform well on standardized tests. Students must also already have a significant amount of knowledge of computer science, so computer science degree holders are preferred for admittance into the program.

PhD in Computer Science & Software Engineering

As is to be expected, students who want to study to obtain a doctorate in computer science and software engineering must already have significant knowledge of the industry, programming, and common topics studied in undergraduate and graduate school. The program is designed to facilitate an equal amount of research and instruction and is closely guided by faculty advisement. Students must demonstrate high-performance computing, software engineering, and wireless engineering. In addition, students are expected to master advanced concepts like the human-computing interface and information assurance. The doctorate requires nine courses taken beyond the master’s degree level and students must work on and complete a dissertation.

Accreditations

  • ABET
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Contact

Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering
3101 Shelby Center
Auburn University, AL 36849
Phone: 334.844.4330
Fax: 334.844.6329
mccorba@auburn.edu
http://www.eng.auburn.edu/comp/

Jacksonville State University

College of Arts and Sciences

Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State University provides a variety of degrees to students on campus and through several distance learning programs. The school was originally called Jacksonville State Normal School; however, it was changed to Jacksonville State Teachers College in 1930. By the time 1967 came, the school got its present name and recently celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2008. The school has almost 9,500 students, and the school is nationally recognized for exceptional programs in business. There are 40 programs at the college which operate under specialized accreditation with those programs including education, business, social work, and engineering and technology.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This bachelor’s degree program focuses upon large software systems and allows students to take a variety of elective courses alongside standard instruction. Students must complete several prerequisites before they are able to start working on computer science courses to satisfy degree requirements. In addition to study of standard computer science topics, students will also take related courses in areas like physics, chemistry, or biology. The purpose of these additional science courses is to showcase the scientific method through instruction so as to apply those concepts to computer science in the future.

Minor in Computer Science

A minor in computer science at Jacksonville State University requires completing 21 hours of study in a variety of classes. Students who want to work in an area where computers are used often or where some programming may be helpful will want to investigate whether a computer science minor might be helpful. In addition, for students who believe that they might want to complete some graduate-level work in computer science will want to consider this minor because most graduate programs require a certain level of knowledge in the industry before acceptance to the graduate program is granted.

Accreditations

  • ABET
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Contact

MCIS Department
119 Ayers Hall
Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL36265
Phone: 256.782.5269
Fax: 256.782.5261
mcis@jsu.edu
http://www.jsu.edu/mcis/index.html

University of Alabama

College of Engineering

A long history of education greets students who choose to attend the University of Alabama, which was established in 1831. This university is considered the “flagship” of the University of Alabama higher education system. The university has almost 35,000 students and as such is one of the largest universities in the state. There are several divisions in the school which offers a tremendous variety of different bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The school is considered a public research university and has the only law school in the state that resides within a public institution. The University of Alabama is a cultural touchstone in the state.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Students who wish to become involved in developing software applications or maintaining computer systems will want to consider majoring in computer science at the University of Alabama. Through standard study in the program, students will learn about testing and maintaining applications, implementing and testing those systems, and designing software. The program requires students to complete 120 hours of study and is designed to cover several different aspects of the industry in a broad approach to curriculum. The concepts and fundamentals learned in the university’s computer science program may be applied in a number of different real-world applications.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Upon enrollment in the master’s program at UA, students will need to complete at least 24 credit hours and create a thesis, which will require 6 credit hours of study. All courses taken for the graduate program in computer science must be at the graduate level and undergraduate classes cannot be substituted for credit. Students will need to master the four core areas of computer science, which include theory, software, applications, and systems. The school offers several different types of classes in each of these areas so students have their choice of several areas for study.

PhD in Computer Science

Students who feel that they wish to study further than a graduate degree and may want to engage in research or become a teacher may want to consider the doctor of philosophy program at the University of Alabama. This program is designed to focus on scholarly achievement in a certain field within computer science. In addition, students are expected to showcase the capacity for investigation and research on an independent level. The program requires standard coursework as well as an exam and a dissertation. Students must be able to speak clearly on their focused subject.

Accreditations

  • ABET
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Contact

Department of Computer Science
The University of Alabama
Box 870290
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Phone: 205.348.6363
Fax: 205.348.0219
jthompson@cs.ua.edu
http://cs.ua.edu/

University of Alabama in Huntsville

College of Science

In operation only since 1950, the University of Alabama in Huntsville is a state school that’s a public research university. The university is part of the University of Alabama System which also includes locations in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. Each university in the system operates independently, so each is like an individual school rather than an interconnected set of colleges. There are around 7,700 students enrolled at the college, which has grown from a small satellite campus at its creation to a significant school in the present. The first degrees from the school were awarded in 1968.

B.S. in Computer Science

To obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, students must complete at least 128 credits. Students who come from accelerated programs in high school and have advanced placement credit may be able to substitute some of those courses for the degree requirements. A variety of general electives and core classes are required of students who enter the bachelor’s degree program in areas like literature, English, natural science, and mathematics. Within computer science, students must take several degree-appropriate classes as well as technical courses and classes on mathematics.

Master of Science in Computer Science

To be awarded a graduate degree in computer science from the university, students must complete at least 24 hours of coursework as well as complete a thesis. The thesis requires six hours of study and upon completion of the thesis, students must defend the paper and pass an oral examination. Students will be advised closely by faculty during the creation of the thesis. Alternatively, students may forgo a thesis and take additional classes after which a comprehensive examination will be taken. Students only have two chances to pass the test. Students who come to the program without programming knowledge will need to take classes as prerequisites to meet graduate study requirements.

PhD in Computer Science

The Ph.D. degree in computer science requires all the expected elements of a doctoral program including completion of required courses, passage of multiple examinations, and completion of a dissertation. In addition, students must defend that dissertation. The dissertation must be completed within 18 credit hours and the student’s program of study must be approved by the supervisory committee. If a student has taken graduate classes at another university, some transference of credits may be obtained with approval from the student’s advisors. Students must ensure that they have chosen a specific area in which to specialize and maintain at least 6 credits per semester to remain enrolled in the program.

Accreditations

  • ABET
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Contact

Computer Science Department
300 Technology Hall
University of Alabama at Huntsville
Huntsville, AL 35899
Phone: 256.824.6088
Fax: 256.824.6239
info@cs.uah.edu
http://www.uah.edu/science/departments/computer-science

Troy University

College of Arts and Sciences

Established in 1887, Troy University is the flagship university of the Troy University System and has almost 30,000 students enrolled at its various locations. The school represents a recently merged set of universities which used to be located in Phenix City, Dothan, and Troy. One of the reasons the universities were merged was to eliminate any overlapping degrees and services so as to create a more efficient system of higher education. There are four campuses in Alabama where students may study in addition to several other satellite campuses around the United States and in a number of other countries.

Master of Science Degree in Computer Science

The master of science degree is part of Troy University’s “Fast Track” program, which helps students obtain a degree in less time so that more time can be spent in the working world gaining experience. The university suggests that computer science is the basis for all communications and business dealings today and that majoring in this area may lead to employment in several industries connected to computers. Students may choose to work in anything from cyber security to advanced programming. Students may specialize in a specific area of interest under the tutelage of preeminent educators and professors.

Accreditations

  • ABET
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Contact

MSCX 232
Department of Computer Science
Troy University
Troy, AL 36082
Phone: 335.808.6576
Fax: 334.670.3796
ask@troy.edu
http://www.troy.edu/college-of-arts-and-sciences/computer-science.html

Tuskegee University

Andrew F. Brimmer College of Business and Information Science

Established in the early 1880s, Tuskegee University was established by Booker T. Washington and has a rich history with buildings designated as historic sites. There are over 3,100 students from all over the United States and 30 foreign countries attending Tuskegee, which is a private university. The university is fairly close to the Atlanta airport, which means it’s easy for anyone to attend and still go back home to visit family even if he or she doesn’t live in the immediate vicinity. The college was named as one of the best universities in the country by the Princeton Review’s 2014 Best 378 Colleges & Universities.

B.S. in Computer Science

The computer science department has been in existence at Tuskegee University since 1983. The school gained a few hundred students in the 1980s, but became much more popular by the time the 1990s and beyond arrived. When majoring in computer science, students must complete several core courses in areas like the humanities, social sciences, and the natural sciences. In addition, students will also take several math classes like Calculus I, Discrete Math Structures, and Calculus II. Students have the opportunity to take several different electives are also eligible to take part in the Computer Science Summer PREFICS Program. The “Pre-Freshman in Computer Science” program is an intensive eight-week class that prepares high school graduates for enrollment in the fall.

Accreditations

  • ABET
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Contact

Computer Science Department
College of Business and Information Sciences
Andrew F. Brimmer Hall, Rm. 100
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL 36088
Phone: 334.724.4593
Fax: 334.724.4389
cbis@mytu.tuskegee.edu
http://www.tuskegee.edu/academics/colleges/cbis/computer_science.aspx

University of Alabama at Birmingham

College of Arts and Sciences

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a relatively new school and was established in 1969. The school is public and was initially established as a satellite campus of the University of Alabama in the 1930s. By 1969, the school was granted its own designation and became a full-fledged university within the University of Alabama system. There are around 18,500 students attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the school counted students from at least 110 different countries around the world.

B.S. in Computer Science

The accredited program in computer science at Birmingham is designed as a broad curriculum in computer science and covers features like information systems and theory. Students will be taught in a variety of areas like hardware and software of computers as well as programming methodologies. Students may also decide to specialize in computer networking as part of their education in the program. The computer science program at Birmingham is designed to help students get experience in work while enrolled at the college. This better prepares graduates for entering the work force as they have valuable connections to employers already set up before getting a diploma.

M.S. in Computer Science

Students enrolled in the M.S. program at Birmingham must master the theories present in computer science and information as well as the common methods used for solving or processing information. Graduates who receive a master’s degree will be prepared to enter the workforce or for moving onto a doctoral program for time spent in research. Students may choose to enter a variety of fields upon graduation in the private, public, or government sector. The program requires that students complete 30 semester hours of study and a thesis or 36 semester hours of study and a comprehensive exam.

PhD in Computer Science

The doctoral program in computer science at the University of Alabama requires students to complete three different phases. Each of these phases covers a specific area of coursework and prepares the student for examinations. The final phase features writing, study, and defense of the dissertation. Students in the doctoral program are reviewed annually by faculty to ensure that their progress is appropriate for their chosen focus of study. Students may enter the doctoral program in the spring or fall semester.

Accreditations

  • ABET
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Contact

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Office of the Registrar
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294
Phone: 205.934.8228
Fax: 205.975.3700
catalog@uab.edu
Website

The state of Alabama has many educational opportunities for students to pursue and studying computer science is a smart move for any student who’s interested in entering a profession that is on a long-term path for growth and expansion. Technology and computers are slated to be some of the swiftest growing industries in the next few years, according to research groups like the government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finding accredited computer science degree programs in Alabama is easy with so many choices, and students should be able to find a program that suits their needs.