Students interested in accredited computer science degree programs in Nebraska will find several intriguing choices at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This Midwestern state may be more widely associated with agriculture, but information technology and telecommunication are also growing there. In fact, according to Inc. 5000’s “List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies,” Hudl, a technology company that creates video software for various sports teams, is the most rapidly growing private company in Nebraska and the 150th in the nation. Computers and technology play a major role in virtually every type of business enterprise, creating a huge demand for computer science and information technology professionals. Nebraska’s colleges and universities are doing their part to fill this need by providing quality computer science programs to their students.

University of Nebraska – Lincoln

College of Arts & Sciences

For the last decade, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln has been a consistent presence among the nation’s top 50 public universities on U.S. News and World Report’s annual college rankings. The university’s College of Arts and Sciences strives to develop student’s critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills, ensuring that they have the adaptability, knowledge and skills needed to flourish in today’s incredibly complex, highly technological and increasingly global business world. The college’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering provides proof that graduates have what employers are looking for. The department boasts a 100 percent hiring rate; of graduates actively searching for professional positions, all had accepted job offers before formally graduating.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The rigorous Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln prepares students to work effectively and collaboratively with professionals in computer science and other disciplines. While building a strong computer science foundation through the study of programming and software design, computer science theory and its applications, system components and design, mathematical foundations, design techniques, design tools, and documentation and maintenance, students also learn how to approach new problems, incorporate new information and adapt to new environments. In addition, students have the option of using their electives to explore a specific topic in greater depth by choosing a Focus in areas such as software engineering, informatics, foundations, or computer and networking systems. To complete their bachelor’s degrees, students must earn a total of 120 credits. This includes 44 credits of computer science coursework, 15 hours of mathematics coursework, 12 credits of science coursework and coursework to fulfill the university’s liberal arts requirements. Students who declare a Focus must complete at least 12 credits of approved electives in their selected area. Graduates will be prepared to work as computer scientists or to continue their studies at the graduate level.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Designed for students who already have a background in computer science, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s Master of Science in Computer Science degree program demands that participants develop both greater breadth and greater depth in their understanding of computer science. The program offers students two options for earning their degree. Students who intend to continue their studies further or plan to work in research are advised to complete the 30-credit Thesis Option. This involves 24 credits of graduate-level coursework and six credits of a thesis. For students who plan to enter the workforce after graduation, the Project Option requires a minimum of 36 credits. This is comprised of 30 to 33 credits of coursework and three to six credits for a project. To ensure a proper breadth, all students must earn at least six credits of coursework in three areas: theory, systems and applications. They must also complete a final report and pass an oral exam.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Open only to students who already hold the equivalent of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s Master of Science in Computer Science degree, the university’s Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science degree program requires students to advance their understanding of computer science and conduct significant research in the field. To earn their doctorates, students must complete at least 60 credits of coursework that includes at least three courses in each of the following areas: theory, systems and applications. They must also complete 24 to 30 credits of a dissertation; the final product must be of a quality suitable for publication in refereed journal. In addition, they must pass a qualifying exam, a comprehensive exam and a final oral exam defending their dissertation. Graduates of the program will be well qualified to work as researchers or computer scientists for business, industry, educational and governmental entities.

Accreditation

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

Contact
Computer Science & Engineering
256 Avery Hall
Lincoln NE 68588-0115
Phone: 402-472-2401
info@cse.unl.edu
http://cse.unl.edu/

University of Nebraska Omaha

College of Information Science & Technology

The University of Nebraska Omaha offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its six colleges that draw students from more than 100 countries around the globe to its 150 acres of metropolitan campuses. Committed to molding its students into technology leaders capable of excelling in today’s competitive business world, its College of Information Science & Technology provides quality bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs that include both fundamentals and emerging technologies and methodologies in areas like computer science, information technology, management of information systems, bioinformatics and biomedical informatics, information technology innovation, and information assurance.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

While offering students a thorough understanding of computing theory and applications, the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program prepares students to design the computer tools that make technology so useful. Participants study mainframe computing, data and knowledge engineering, information systems, software development, telecommunications, and computer networking. To earn their bachelor’s degrees, students are required to complete a total of at least 120 credits. This is comprised of 41 credits in general education requirements, 27 credits in computer science, 21 credits in co-requisite coursework, 18 credits in College of Information Science & Technology requirements, 16 credits in mathematics and six hours in prerequisites. After receiving their degree in this in-demand field, graduates will be able to pursue positions as programmers, information technology security administrators, software and application developers, artificial intelligence specialists, information scientists, webmasters, software engineers, video game developers, research analysts, and computer graphic specialists.

Master of Science in Computer Science

A flexible program open to both those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and students whose bachelor’s degrees were awarded in another field, the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Master of Science in Computer Science degree program uses coursework, research and various experiential learning opportunities to help students improve their technical, planning and management skills. Students have three options to complete their master’s degree. For the 30-credit Thesis Option, students must complete one to six credits of work on a thesis and 24 to 29 credits of graduate-level coursework in computer science. The 30-credit Project Option requires participants to complete one to six credits of work on a project and 24 to 29 credits of graduate-level coursework in computer science. For the 33-credit Coursework Option, students must complete at least 33 credits in appropriate computer science coursework. Graduates of the program will be ready to launch academic, research or professional careers with a wide range of businesses, educational institutions and government agencies.

Accreditation

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

Contact
College of Information Science & Technology
1110 S. 67th Street, PKI 172
Omaha, NE 68106
Phone: 402-554-2380
unoadmissions@unomaha.edu
http://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-information-science-and-technology/academics/computer-science.php

More than corn and soybeans are growing in Nebraska. Information technology and the telecom industry are also flourishing there. With the world becoming more and more dependent on computers, professionals capable of designing, implementing, and maintaining this ever-present technology are finding well-paying positions with a wide range of businesses, educational organizations and governmental agencies. Students who wish to take advantage of these myriad opportunities will find many accredited computer science degree programs in Nebraska that offer the training they need.