Aspiring college students interested in accredited computer science degree programs in Louisiana will find several intriguing options. While the state is perhaps best known for its colorful culture, it has also grown increasingly business-friendly. Economic and governmental reforms in the last decade have attracted several economic development projects, resulting in billions of dollars in new capital investments and tens of thousands of new jobs. Since computers have become ubiquitous in business, the demand for trained professionals capable of designing software, managing and securing networks, and otherwise organizing the computer systems private companies, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies depend on continues to grow. Several local universities have developed highly competitive programs to prepare students to meet this rising need. To see more accredited computer science degree programs in Louisiana, visit Computer Science Degree Programs in Louisiana (A-M).

Southeastern Louisiana University

College of Science and Technology

Nearly a century ago, Southeastern Louisiana University began life as a junior college; today, it is a major public university committed to meeting the needs of its community with high quality educational programs. Its five colleges offer almost 50 undergraduate programs and more than 20 undergraduate programs to interested students. The university’s College of Science and Technology strives to prepare students for the workforce with a mix of rigorous academics, experiential learning, and internships and other real-world opportunities. Its four departments offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the biological sciences, chemistry and physics, mathematics, and computer science and industrial technology.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Southeastern Louisiana University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program combines educational and research opportunities to provide students with a thorough grounding in the knowledge and skills necessary for professional success, graduate education and general lifelong learning. Students learn to work independently and collaboratively, communicate clearly with professional peers and non-technical coworkers, and to use multiple hardware platforms and software design environments to develop, deploy and maintain solutions to technology problems. They understand how to merge research, theory and practical application in problem solving and are capable of adapting to new methodologies and technologies as the field continues to evolve. Students must choose either a scientific or pre-MBA concentration. To complete their bachelor’s degree with the scientific concentration, which prepares them for careers designing and implementing software and for continued study at the graduate level, student must earn a total of at least 120 credits. Of these credits, 48 are in computer science coursework. For a bachelor’s degree with the pre-MBA concentration, which prepares students to manage projects, information and other technological professionals, students must earn a total of 120 credits with 51 credits coming from computer science coursework. Graduates of the program will be qualified to begin careers in computer science or continue their education at the graduate level.

Minor in Computer Science

With computers so entrenched in today’s world, a computer science minor is a valuable accompaniment to practically any other undergraduate-level degree. In order to earn a minor in computer science from the College of Science and Technology at Southeastern University, students must complete a total of 18 credits in computer science coursework. Topics covered include software engineering, discrete structures, algorithm design and implementation, data structures, programming languages and databases. Students not majoring in computer science who wish to further expand their understanding of the field will appreciate that the school also offers minors in applied computer science and computer technology.

Accreditations

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET)

Contact
500 Western Avenue
Hammond, LA 70402
Phone: 985-549-2000
svandelden@selu.edu
Website

Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is one of five campuses that make up the Southern University system, the United State’s only historically black university system. The system is among the nation’s top sources of African American graduates in computer science, nursing, mathematics, engineering, business and technology graduates. Southern University is proud to have graduates of its College of Engineering and Computer Science finding professional success at major companies like IBM, Dow Chemical, and Entergy. The college is committed to inspiring educational, personal and professional growth by providing students the knowledge and technological skills they need through a combination of coursework, laboratory research opportunities and cooperative education programs.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Southern University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program is intended to prepare students to thrive in both competitive workplaces and graduate studies. Two concentrations are offered: the scientific option and the information systems option. For students who desire careers in scientific computing, the bachelor’s degree with the scientific option requires 120 credits. Included in this total are 54 credits in computer science, 14 credits in mathematics and 12 credits in the natural sciences. Students who plan to pursue careers in a commercial setting should choose the bachelor’s degree with the information systems option, which requires a total of 120 credits, including 42 credits in computer science, 14 credits in mathematics, 12 credits in business and 12 credits in the natural sciences. After completing their program, computer science degree graduates will be ready to seek jobs in the computer science field, continue their studies at the graduate level, or participate in research.

Minor in Computer Science

With computers so prevalent in society that a basic understanding of computer science is beneficial to all professionals, the College of Engineering and Computer Science opens its doors to any full-time Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College student who wishes to pursue a minor in computer science. In order to receive their minors, students must earn 21 credits in computer science coursework. This includes required coursework in algorithm design and programming, file management, data structures, and programming. Students must also complete one 300 or 400 level computer science course as an elective.

Master of Science in Computer Science

With the aim of supporting research and independent study, Southern University’s Master of Science in Computer Science degree program offers students the flexibility of choosing one of five areas of emphasis: operating systems and architecture, algorithms and computing theory, software engineering, database management and data mining, or digital data communication. Then students must decide to complete either a thesis or project. The thesis option requires 24 credits in coursework and 6 credits in thesis research. For the special project option, students must complete 30 credits of coursework and 6 credits of project design. All students must successfully defend their thesis or project and pass a comprehensive exam to earn their master’s degrees. After graduation, they will be ready to teach, continue their education at the doctoral level or pursue a broad range of professional opportunities.

Accreditations

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET)

Contact
PBS Pinchback Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
Phone: 225-771-5290
allena@cmps.subr.edu
http://www.cmps.subr.edu/

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

School of Computing and Informatics/Center for Advanced Computer Studies

The largest institution in the University of Louisiana system, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to the Princeton Review, which included the public research university in its 2014 edition of “The Best 378 Colleges.” The university’s 15 colleges and schools offer undergraduate degree programs that build on a firm general education foundation and graduate degree programs designed to preparing students to advance knowledge and improve life for mankind. Its School of Computing and Informatics combines academic rigor with state-of-the-art technology to provide programs in computer science, computer engineering and information studies. Master’s and doctoral degrees in computer science and computer engineering are offered through the school’s Center for Advanced Computer Studies.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Designed to equip students with critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills, as well as the technological knowledge and skills necessary for success as a computer science professional, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette prepares students for the workforce and graduate studies. It provides them with an understanding of the principles of computation, algorithm analysis, operating systems, databases and software design, gives them the opportunity to learn multiple programming languages and platforms, and prepares them to apply what they have learned to create systems that are reliable and efficient. Every student must choose a concentration in cognitive science, visual game design, computer engineering, scientific computing or information technology. To earn their bachelor’s degrees, students must earn at least 120 credits. This includes 42 credits in computer science curriculum coursework as coursework specific to their chosen concentrations. Graduates will be able to pursue professional computer-related positions or continue their studies at the graduate level.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Students pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette can select from the following areas of emphasis: security, networks and mobile computing, artificial intelligence and cognitive science, internet computing, database systems, software systems and engineering, information retrieval and data mining, computer graphics, multimedia systems and architecture, distributed and parallel computing, and information and coding theory. They must also choose to follow one of three tracks, completing it within five years. The coursework track requires students to complete 33 credits of graduate-level coursework. For the thesis track, students must earn six hours of thesis credit and 24 credits from coursework. On the project track, students must earn three credits in a special project and 30 hours in coursework. After successfully earning their degree, students can begin careers in the computer field or continue their education at the doctoral level.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Established in 1968 as the first program of its kind in Louisiana, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science degree program is an exclusive opportunity open only to those whose prior work has been exceptional. The program offers areas of emphasis in networks and mobile computing, artificial intelligence and cognitive science, internet computing and security, database systems, software systems and engineering, information retrieval and data mining, multimedia systems and architecture, distributed and parallel computing, and computer graphics information and coding theory. To earn their doctorates, students have seven years to complete 72 credits beyond their bachelor’s degrees. This includes 48 credits in coursework and 24 hours in dissertation research. They must also successfully defend their dissertations and pass a comprehensive exam. Graduates of this program will be able to take on senior research, design or development positions. They would also be suitable candidates for faculty positions at the university level.

Accreditations

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET)

Contact
104 East University Circle
Lafayette, LA 7003
Phone: 337-482-1000
wu@cacs.louisiana.edu
http://anisette.ucs.louisiana.edu/cmix/

University of Louisiana at Monroe

College of Business and Social Sciences

Part of the University of Louisiana system, the University of Louisiana at Monroe provides traditional and online programs geared toward preparing students for career success in today’s competitive global environment. The public university offers undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs through three colleges. Its College of Business and Social Sciences is dedicated to readying students to be responsible citizens with productive careers. The college’s School of Management, School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and School of Accounting, Financial and Information Services provide degree programs in a broad range of topics that include agribusiness, aviation, management, marketing, criminal justice, psychology, social work, accounting, finance, computer information systems and computer science.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe provides students with a solid foundation in computational principles and basic computer science concepts, prepares them to solve computational problems by applying relevant mathematical and algorithmic principles, and ensures they understand legal, ethical and social issues that computing professionals face. The program also emphasizes skills in teamwork and both written and oral communication, which are necessities in virtually every professional setting. In order to receive their bachelor’s degrees, students must complete a total of at least 120 credits. This includes a minimum of 43 credits earned in courses from the computer science curriculum and 33 credits earned in general education coursework. Graduates earning their degrees through this program will be ready to work effectively with others in team environments and have the computer skills to become valued employees in a broad range of computer-related professions. They will be particularly suited to careers as software developers and computer scientists.

Accreditations

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET)

Contact
Hemphill Hall 345
Monroe, LA 71209
Phone: 318-342-1855
cordova@ulm.edu
http://www.ulm.edu/cbss/computerscience/csci_outcomes.html

University of New Orleans

College of Sciences

An urban research university dedicated to providing challenging academic programs to its diverse student body, the University of New Orleans draws students from all across the United States and some 90 countries by offering almost 100 pre-professional, undergraduate and graduate programs through its five colleges. The Princeton Review dubbed the university as one of the country’s best institutions for undergraduate education, including it in the 2014 edition of “The Best 378 Colleges.” Widely recognized for its education value, the university also made Newsweek’s list of the “25 Most Affordable Colleges” in the nation and was among the top 20 in the nation in U.S. News and World Report’s category for placing the least debt on students. With seven departments covering a broad range of sciences, the university’s College of Sciences offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs that combine excellent teaching and opportunities for experiential learning to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for academic and professional success.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

In order to prepare its students to work successfully with both today’s technology and the advancements that will no doubt come in the future, the Computer Science Department at the University of New Orleans strives to provide students with a top quality education program that encourages invention while emphasizing fundamentals. Students learn about the essentials of software design, computer science practices and theory, computing systems, and the security, social, ethical and legal issues that impact the field of computing. They also have the option of completing concentrations in information assurance, which prepares students to identify, understand and protect against threats in cyberspace, or bioinformatics, which readies students to study, develop and apply computer technology to biological, medical and health information. To earn their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degrees, students must complete a total of 120 credits. This is comprised of 32 credits in computer science core coursework, 39 credits in general education coursework and 29 credits in other required coursework. After graduating, students will be prepared to pursue computer-related career in business. Or, if they prefer, they could continue their studies at the graduate level.

Master of Science in Computer Science

A flexible program designed for students continuing their education and professionals searching for academic content relevant to their professional work, the University of New Orleans’ Master of Science in Computer Science degree program requires students to take courses in at least four concentration areas, with one area being studied in depth. The concentration areas include: artificial intelligence, computer graphics and visual computing, database systems and distributed applications, information assurance, software engineering, theoretical computer science and programming languages, systems and networks, and software systems. Students may also choose between thesis and non-thesis options. For the thesis option, students must put forward and successfully defend a thesis and complete 30 credits of graduate-level coursework. Without a thesis, students must pass a comprehensive exam and tally 36 credits of appropriate coursework. After completing their degree, students will be qualified to pursue a variety of computer-related professional positions in private businesses, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.

Accreditations

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET)

Contact
2000 Lakeshore Drive
New Orleans, LA 70148
Phone: 504-280-6000
wmcsci@cs.uno.edu
http://www.uno.edu/cos/index.aspx

Louisiana’s thriving economy mixes a broad range of industries, all of which rely on computers to function. Professionals capable of managing, developing, and securing the computer networks these companies count on will find innumerable opportunities. With local universities stepping up to meet this demand, students contemplating accredited computer science degree programs in Louisiana will find several interesting choices to consider.