When searching for accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado, students will find ample offerings. With more than 470 higher education institutions servicing around 400,000 students, Colorado boasts an impressive collection of both public and private colleges that offers a wide range of academic tracks.  Colorado has seen a five percent population growth in the years since the 2010 U.S. Census which indicates stability and ample job prospects. Those interested in computer science degrees should read on to learn about the state’s many programs. To see the first half of our list, please visit Computer Science Degree Programs in Colorado (A-R).

United States Air Force Academy

Department of Computer Science

Established in 1954 as an institution for higher education, the United States Air Force Academy offers programs to cadets enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. The school has been ranked number 25 of the best liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report, and the acceptance rate falls just below 10 percent. The Department of Computer Science at the United States Air Force Academy boasts more than 20 faculty and enrollment of 1,400 cadets per year. Along with its computer science program, the department oversees the Academy Center for Cyberspace Research which offers training in advanced cyber engineering and warfare tactics.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Due to its emphasis on training cadets to be adept Air Force officers, the Academy focuses on preparing students for military application of the computer science degree. Program outcomes include an ability to compute mathematical principles as they relate to computer science and recognition of the importance that computational science plays in an Air Force setting. Computer science affects everyday life for an Air Force officer, and the Academy focuses on honing cadets’ skills into the subjects necessary for individual and group roles as officers. Spread out over a four year degree path, the program features 22 courses on topics ranging from an introduction to the computer science field to cryptography and artificial intelligence. At the end of the program, students will have a broad understanding of subjects such as programming, programming language, computer systems and applications, and software engineering.

Accreditations

  • ABET
  • Computing Sciences Accreditation Commission of the Computer Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB)

Contact

U.S. Air Force Academy
USAFA, CO 80840
719-333-1110
http://www.usafa.edu/df/dfcs/

University of Colorado Boulder

College of Engineering and Applied Science – Department of Computer Science

Situated on a breathtaking campus surrounded by the Rockies, the University of Colorado Boulder offers students the chance to study in one of the most advanced technological schools in the country. Ranked number 86 on the U.S. News & World Report list for Best National University, the school is dedicated to advancing the fields of technology and computer science through vigorous research. The Department of Computer Science offers a minor in the field along with several undergraduate and graduate degrees. Thanks to generous monetary gifts, the department plans to improve its infrastructure in the coming years as well as work on new technologies to help those with cognitive disabilities.

Minor in Computer Science

For those interested in studying at accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado while pursuing other academic studies, the University of Colorado Boulder offers a Minor in Computer Science. The minor may be obtained through the College of Arts and Sciences or in conjunction with other majors as determined by academic advisement. Students who choose to minor in computer science need to meet certain residency and course requirements. Courses in programming and data structures are required prerequisites, and students must earn a grade of C- or better to qualify for the program. In addition, students will need to complete other courses in order to fulfill the minor requirement of 21 total semester hours.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

The University of Colorado Boulder offers two bachelor’s degrees in computer science, but one of these is through the College of Arts and Sciences. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science allows students who wish to explore computer science in a non-engineering focus the chance to earn a degree that will help them in other fields. In other words, those looking for accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado will find the B.A. in Computer Science useful for careers that don’t center on engineering. Students pursuing a B.A. in the field will need to complete 120 semester hours including 42 hours of computer science courses, 40 hours of Arts and Sciences core classes and other courses as determined by the program. With 25 to 27 hours required in free electives, students who pursue the B.A. track can earn a double minor or certificate.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Like the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science allows those interested in computer science to major in the field while learning practical applications of computational theories. While the two programs share a similar course structure and curriculum, the B.S. degree is geared toward students with an engineering focus. Unlike the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Bachelor of Science program centers on more practical design elements. The B.S. degree requires 128 total semester hours with 58 hours in computer science classes, more in-depth math courses and less than half of the free elective hours that the B.A. degree allows. During their senior year, students will engage in a year-long project centered on software development for a major sponsor. Students who pursue this track may also need to complete a senior thesis to fulfill the final requirements.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Colorado Boulder allows students to study in fields like artificial intelligence, human-centered computing, computational biology and programming systems. Students working toward a Master of Science in Computer Science should expect a wide range of research-based courses. The master’s degree requires 30 semester hours, and 24 of these hours must be taken from an upper level course numbered 5000 or above. Six hours can be taken from a 4000-level course, but students need to petition the department for approval. In addition, students may take nine hours from the online distance learning program Engineering Anywhere. For completion of the degree, students need to maintain a 3.0 GPA for all courses and either submit a Master’s Degree Plan Approval or prepare a thesis for defense. Students who pursue the thesis track will earn six hours of credit toward the degree.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Due to its focus on research, the University of Colorado Boulder offers a rigorous Doctor of Philosophy program in the field of computer science. Those interested in accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado will appreciate Boulder’s commitment to in-depth study. The Ph.D. program involves several prerequisites and course requirements. For starters, students need to complete the program within six years of beginning. Before beginning any course of study, students need to take an incoming exam, meet with an adviser and submit an approved Plan of Study. Courses vary depending on program, but all students must take five upper level classes in the 5000 range within the first five years of the program, and Ph.D. candidates will need to earn a B average or better to continue. Students also need to take a variety of breadth and depth classes related to the chosen research field.

Accreditations

  • ABET

Contact

College of Engineering and Applied Science
1111 Engineering Drive – 422 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0422
303-492-5071
http://www.colorado.edu/cs/

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

College of Engineering & Applied Science – Department of Computer Science

Ranked number 42 by U.S. News & World Report on a list of the best colleges in the western United States, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs stands out as an exemplary school when it comes to accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado. This research-based school offers a variety of programs designed to engage students in the prospect of building advanced technology and information systems, and its Department of Computer Science under the College of Engineering and Applied Science encourages students to “reach higher to invent tomorrow’s technology today” by investing in strong cross-discipline focuses that center on advanced education.

Bachelor of Innovation in Computer Science

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs offers a unique Bachelor of Innovation program in several disciplines including computer science. For students seeking accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado, the Bachelor of Innovation fulfills this requirement while allowing students to explore the innovative business side to computer science. Working in teams at the sophomore, junior and senior levels, students will take courses on business and IP law, entrepreneurship, innovation and policy along with traditional computer science courses. The primary difference between a Bachelor of Innovation and a typical Bachelor of Science is that students will split their general electives requirement into sections that include 27 core innovation courses, a cross discipline core and general electives. The B.I. in Computer Science offers nearly the same coursework as a B.S., and both programs require at least a total of 128 semester hours.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Outcomes for the Master of Science degree include developing strong communication and professional skills, encouraging independent research, preparing students for doctoral scholarship and educating candidates on advanced computer science subjects that relate to their intended specialization. The program requires at least 30 semester hours, and students need to submit a Plan of Study within the first 12 semester hours of graduate work. The university suggests that candidates should complete an M.S. degree in two to two and a half years at a full-time rate, but the school allows students a six-year time frame to complete the degree. Students may choose a thesis project worth six credit hours or non-thesis project worth three hours, and both tracks require an oral exam at the end of the program. To fulfill residency requirements, students need to take two full-time semesters or a part-time equivalent at the Colorado Springs campus.

Accreditations

  • North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
  • ABET

Contact

College of Engineering & Applied Science
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
719-255-8227
http://www.uccs.edu/~cs/

University of Colorado Denver

College of Engineering & Applied Science

In its National Universities category of the 2014 Best Colleges report, U.S. News & World Report listed the University of Colorado Denver as number 190 for its diverse range of programs and comprehensive medical campus. The school features more than 130 academic programs including a minor, undergraduate degree and two graduate programs in the field of computer science. Students seeking accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado will find ample opportunity at CU Denver in the College of Engineering & Applied Science. The computer science faculty encourages both a broad understanding of computer science concepts as well as practical application.

Minor in Computer Science

For students who are interested in accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado but prefer to major in another field, the University of Colorado Denver offers a comprehensive minor program that enables any undergraduate to minor in the field of computer science. At this level, students will pursue a basic overview of the computer science field in conjunction with a separate major. The minor requirement includes seven courses of varying credit allotment along with three courses in the 3000-level block. Students must complete the 3000-level or above courses on campus at CU Denver. Courses in the minor program cover calculus and geometry, fundamentals of computing, intermediate programming, program design and discrete structures. At the end of the program, students need to have completed a total of eight courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in order to qualify for the minor.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Prior to September 2014, the bachelor’s degree awarded to those pursuing an undergraduate computer science degree at CU Denver was called a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. While program requirements remain the same, all future candidates for the degree will work toward a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Students who want to explore accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado will enjoy CU Denver’s commitment to excellence in the field. Faculty and staff stress practical application through applied concepts and hope that students will be prepared for a real career with the skills and education obtained through the bachelor’s program. The department also emphasizes critical thinking and mathematical analysis as measurable outcomes for the degree. The B.S. degree program requires 128 semester hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Prerequisites for core classes require a C- or better to qualify.

Master of Science in Computer Science

For students looking at accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado, the master’s program at CU Denver offers a research-focused course of study that prepares students for a solid career in the field. The department offers 16 research topics including distributed computing, software engineering, graph theory, communication networks and artificial intelligence among others. To qualify for the program, students need to meet prerequisites including a strong mathematical background. Those who pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science have three options for completing the program. Plan I requires a thesis, Plan II does not require a thesis but does involve independent study, and Plan III involves a course-only curriculum and a final paper. Students need at least 30 hours to complete a graduate degree program, and grades that fall below a B- in any course cannot be counted for the degree.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Information Systems

Unlike a traditional doctorate program in computer science, the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Information Systems offered by CU Denver is a joint effort by the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the university’s Business School. Created to enhance graduates’ ability to successfully pursue a career in information systems, the degree encourages joint participation in local business ventures. Students at the doctoral level will take 30 hours of information systems coursework along with at least 30 hours of dissertation in addition to the work required at the master’s degree level. The program is designed so that students looking at accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado gain exposure to relevant and applicable subjects in today’s advanced computational fields. At the end of the program, doctoral students will defend their dissertations and sit for the comprehensive Ph.D. exam.

Accreditations

  • ABET
  • Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET

Contact

College of Engineering & Applied Science
P.O. Box 173364 – Campus Box 104
Denver, CO 80217-3364
303-556-2870
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/Engineering/Programs/Computer-Science-and Engineering/Pages/ComputerScienceEngineering.aspx

University of Denver

Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science

Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Denver, the University of Denver offers a wide range of subjects and advanced coursework for those seeking accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado. Ranked number 91 by U.S. News & World Report on its 2014 list of Best Universities, this private institution encourages a multidisciplinary approach when it comes to their illustrious Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science. The department promotes a balance between technical science and creativity ability that allows students to explore innovative solutions to modern technological concerns using an out-of-the-box approach to computer science.

Minor in Computer Science

Computer science encompasses a broad range of practical science, and students may wish to gain knowledge in the field without the formal requirement of a degree. For this purpose, the University of Denver offers a Minor in Computer Science designed to give students an overview of the field in conjunction with other disciplines. The purpose of the minor program is to educate students on the principles of the computer science industry and to allow those students to incorporate this knowledge into other fields. This approach enables students to enhance other degrees with information relevant to today’s growing need for computer scientists and information technology. The minor requires at least 20 hours of relevant coursework in subjects like discrete structures and algorithms. Additional coursework may be offered, but students need prior approval in order to take advanced classes for the minor program.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The University of Denver promotes computer science as an algorithm-based subject. As such, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree centers on a strong mathematical base. Students who pursue this track will automatically earn a minor in math due to the nature of the course requirements, but the program also requires an additional minor that must be beyond the fields of math or computer science. In order to earn a B.S. degree in computer science, students need to complete 183 quarter hours including nine mandatory courses in subjects ranging from an introductory course on computer science to a class on programming languages. The nine mandatory courses account for 36 hours which allows for flexibility in the remaining classes required for the degree. Due to stringent requirements, students officially declare a major in computer science during their sophomore or second year.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Computer science will continue to play a prominent role in the future of global industry, and the Master of Science in Computer Science offered by Denver University prepares students for an advanced career in the field. Focusing on a student’s current interest in computer science as well as industries that will most likely expand in the future, the program encourages innovative thought and an in-depth understanding of computational subjects. The master’s program encompasses both theory and practical application, and students are expected to complete at least 48 quarter hours to earn the degree. The department also requires that students understand advanced programming, and to that end they expect students to take two courses from an approved list of subjects including compiler design, compiler construction, computer networking and computer graphics. Students must also attend a seminar and receive a passing grade in order to fulfill the master’s degree requirements.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Students seeking more advanced accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado will find Denver University’s commitment to research exciting. The department offers faculty support in eight distinct subjects including artificial intelligence, computational geometry, humane games, graphics, networks, parallel and distributed algorithms, security and privacy, and software systems engineering among others. Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science must first complete the Master of Science degree before earning the doctorate. Without the prerequisite M.S., students need to complete equivalent coursework within three years. Doctoral students should expect rigorous coursework of 90 quarter hours plus additional requirements including a written dissertation and a doctoral seminar. Per the school’s commitment to innovation, the dissertation should contribute significantly to the field of computer science. Students will also sit for a written exam and participate in an oral exam at the end of the program.

Accreditations

  • North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
  • Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

Contact

Daniel Felix Ritchie School of
Engineering & Computer Science
Wesley Hall
2135 E. Wesley Ave.
Denver, CO 80208
303-871-3787
http://www.du.edu/rsecs/departments/cs/index.html

From military institutions to creative degree programs, Colorado offers a bevy of computer science degree programs designed to challenge students academically while encouraging innovation in the fields of engineering and computer science. Those interested in this field will find solid careers as Colorado houses several major corporations and military ventures. Ranked 11th in the nation for personal annual income, the state offers future students searching for accredited computer science degree programs in Colorado endless opportunity.