For students interested in pursuing accredited computer science degree programs in Massachusetts, the state offers a variety of comprehensive programs that will help graduates pursue one of the most in-demand professions in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer systems analysts earned a median salary of $79,680 in 2012 and will see a 25 percent increase in job availability over the next decade. Massachusetts in particular promises ample opportunity in terms of both salary and job availability. The following programs will help students develop the skills they need to pursue rewarding careers in the field of computer science. To see more accredited computer science degree programs in Massachusetts, visit Computer Science Degree Programs in Massachusetts (A-T).

University of Massachusetts Boston

College of Science and Mathematics

Celebrating its 50th year in 2014 as the only public college in the Boston metropolitan area, the University of Massachusetts Boston offers students the atmospheric benefit of a small community combined with the prestige and resources of a nationally recognized research institution. Students seeking accredited computer science degree programs in Massachusetts will find a variety of classes taught by experienced professors within the university’s College of Science and Mathematics. The college’s comprehensive computer engineering program combines elements of electrical engineering and computer science to give students a broader understanding of the contemporary field of engineering that will help them pursue solid career paths.

Computer Engineering, BS

In addition to the in-depth coursework offered by the University of Massachusetts Boston’s College of Science and Mathematics, students who participate in the Computer Engineering, BS program gain from the benefit of professors who hold terminal degrees in their fields and who place continual education at the forefront of their careers. The school also believes in practical application and offers a variety of fully equipped laboratories and research facilities to help hone student ability. As a whole, the department hopes to lead students to an understanding of analysis, application and design as it relates to modern computers. The bachelor’s degree requires at least 127 credit hours divided into general education requirements as well as core major courses. The major courses cover topics such as circuit analysis, microcontrollers and advanced digital design. Students will also complete a senior design project toward the end of the program to demonstrate technical ability and theoretical understanding.

Accreditation

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact

University of Massachusetts Boston
Science Building 3-105
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
Phone: (617) 287-6050
Email: greg.sun@umb.edu
Website: http://www.umb.edu/academics/csm/engineering/ug/computer_engineering_bs

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

College of Engineering

Originally established as a textile school in 1895, the University of Massachusetts -Dartmouth or UMass Dartmouth boasts an impressive number of rankings including first place among regional New England universities according to U.S. News and World Report.  The university’s College of Engineering upholds the school’s distinction by offering one of the best-ranked programs in the country according to U.S. News and World Report, and students who want to study computer science will no doubt find a comprehensive program offered by the college’s Computer and Information Science Department.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

UMass Dartmouth takes a broad approach to computer science education in an effort to provide students with the skills needed to perform in a competitive technological environment as well as in professional and interpersonal situations. As such, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program focuses on both technical competencies as well as broader critical thinking areas. Students will complete at least 120 credit hours covering courses in general education, topics relevant to the major as well as electives. Courses cover topics such as software specification and design, technical communications and empirical methods for computer science. Students also have the opportunity to work in co-ops or internships as discussed with an academic adviser throughout the program. In addition to the standalone bachelor’s degree, UMass Dartmouth offers a combined BS/MS program that enables students to complete a master’s degree in conjunction with a bachelor’s by completing an additional 21 credit hours.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Aside from the combined BS/MS program outlined above, students at UMass Dartmouth have other options for completing a master’s degree in computer science. The Master of Science in Computer Science allows students who already hold an undergraduate degree from another institution to pursue advanced topics in the industry while conducting research on a field of particular interest. The program is also designed to prepare students for doctoral studies. Significantly, the master’s program at UMass Dartmouth is offered online, which helps working students complete graduate-level studies while maintaining a proper work-life balance. The online Master of Science in Computer Science program focuses on software development, but students will have the opportunity to select from a variety of classes on different subjects related to the field. Graduate level courses discuss topics such as database design, advanced bioinformatics and mobile robotics. To graduate, students must complete 30 credit hours as well as a master’s thesis.

Accreditation

  • Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Department of Computer and Information Science
Science & Engineering Dion Building, Room 302
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300
Phone: (508) 999-8457
Email: jbergandy@umassd.edu
Website: http://www.umassd.edu/engineering/cis/about/

Wentworth Institute of Technology

College of Engineering and Technology

For a relatively small, private school in the heart of Boston, Wentworth Institute of Technology boasts a number 12 ranking among northern regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2014 list. The school was founded in 1904 and has evolved into a modern campus offering a variety of majors to just over 4,000 students each year with an emphasis on three core values: students first, global classrooms and “thinking without a box.” Despite the school’s male-dominated population of 82 percent, the College of Engineering and Technology welcomes students of both sexes and has created a Women’s Initiative to encourage the education of women computer scientists.

Bachelor of Computer Science

For students interested in accredited computer science degree programs in Massachusetts, Wentworth Institute of Technology provides a strong undergraduate program based on core topics in the field such as computer architecture, programming and software design as well as specialty topics like bioinformatics and game development. The program teaches students how to analyze critically and evaluate computer issues in order to resolve those issues using technical application. Additionally, students will learn how to develop software and maintain existing hardware systems. Those who complete the program will gain the experience needed to pursue doctoral programs or competitive positions in the job market. The bachelor’s program in computer science requires at least 128 credit hours covering general education, electives and major core classes on topics like probability and statistics for engineers, algorithm design and analysis, and software engineering. Students will complete at least two co-op assignments beginning in their junior year, and the program also requires a senior project.

Minor in Computer Science

Computer science plays an important role in the workplace regardless of specific job position, and students who want to learn basic programming languages to enrich their resumes will find the minor offered by Wentworth to be of particular use. The Minor in Computer Science program enables students who are pursuing unrelated courses of study to develop proficiency in at least two different programming languages while also gaining a broad overview of the field as a whole. Students will learn about basic computer programming concepts and take courses covering topics such as data structures, database management systems, cryptography and network security, and development of web applications. The minor program requires 20 total credits to be taken from a specific list outlined by the department and designated into three categories: basic programming sequence, data structures and advanced electives. Students may take the computer science minor without enrolling in the department as a major.

Accreditation

  • Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact

Wentworth Institute of Technology
College of Engineering and Technology
Computer Science and Networking
550 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 989-4272
Email: alamiaa@wit.edu
Website: http://www.wit.edu/computer-science/programs/BCOS.html

Westfield State University

Department of Computer and Information Science

Westfield State University enjoys a lengthy history dating back to its founding in 1838 when it was the first co-ed school in the country to offer degrees to its students regardless of race, economic status or creed. Today, the school continues its history of innovative education, social responsibility and student-focused academics by offering a wide range of programs in various disciplines. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university at number 123 on its list of the best regional schools in the north, and those looking for accredited computer science degree programs in Massachusetts will find high-quality instruction in Westfield’s Department of Computer and Information Science.

Computer Science Major

Westfield State University’s Department of Computer and Information Science aligns its curriculum with standards set by the Association for Computing Machinery so that graduates will be prepared to pursue a variety of careers in the computer science industry. Core focus areas for the degree include data management, data representation, data transmission through files and networks, and software design. The program requires at least 132 credit hours divided into 80 major credits, 36 credits on topics relevant for the support of a computer science major, and 16 general education credits covering core competencies as outlined by the university. Supporting coursework covers a variety of math and physical science courses such as linear algebra, discrete structures and mathematical statistics while major coursework covers areas like systems programming, database management and organization of programming languages. Students also complete a senior project during their final semester to ensure adequate understanding of appropriate theoretical and practical concepts.

Accreditation

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact

Westfield State University
577 Western Avenue
Westfield, MA 01086
Phone: (413) 572‐5349
Email: dsamwell@westfield.ma.edu
Website

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Department of Computer Science

Established as a science and engineering school in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic Institute earns top rankings in a number of prestigious higher education publications and ranks 62nd on U.S. News and World Report’s 2014 list of the best national universities. The school has a fairly small enrollment but offers a variety of benefits including more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, cutting-edge research facilities and an ideal faculty-to-student ratio of 14:1. Students with an interest in computer science degree programs will appreciate the programs offered by Worcester’s Department of Computer Science as the department values modern, hands-on coursework based on relevant theory.

Computer Science Minor

For those who wish to develop a better sense of computer science fundamentals while pursuing other majors or focus areas, Worcester Polytechnic offers a broad Computer Science Minor program. The program helps students prepare for careers in a wide range of disciplines and will complement degrees in areas such as business, science and engineering. Students should keep in mind that Worcester operates on a different credit system than many universities, and applicants should research the exact credit requirements further to make sure they pursue the right track particularly if they plan to transfer into or from the university. For the program, students need to complete two units from a list of acceptable areas provided by the university. The school also requires that computer science minors meet with an adviser in order to develop an appropriate course of study. Regardless of the track chosen, CS minors also need to complete a capstone project.

BS/MS Program

Worcester Polytechnic Institute believes in forging ahead in the realm of computer science by focusing on new technologies and sub-fields within the industry such as robotics, intelligent tutoring and data mining. Students who pursue a degree from the Department of Computer Science have the option to gain a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree that could propel them forward in a competitive field. Along with a strong focus on computer science academics, the department strives to give students a well-rounded education so that its graduates can communicate effectively with people of all disciplines and backgrounds while providing insightful problem-solving assistance. As such, the combined BS/MS program caters to those students who hope to advance in the field of computer science and enables those students to develop key traits necessary for positions involving the public. The combined BS/MS program allows students to count certain courses toward both undergraduate and graduate level classes.

Accreditation

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
  • Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB)
  • Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact

Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Computer Science Department
Fuller Laboratories
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609-2280 USA
Phone: (508) 831-5357
Email: cs@wpi.edu
Website: http://www.wpi.edu/academics/cs/ugprograms.html

Computer science remains one of the most prominent and relevant career fields due to widespread dependency on computer technology and information systems. Massachusetts boasts one of the highest per capita personal income levels in the country, and its booming technology, finance industry and health industry make it a haven for the technologically savvy. Those who pursue accredited computer science degree programs in Massachusetts at one of the aforementioned universities will learn the skills needed to succeed in the field.