4 top US institutes leading the way in computing and IT

As one of today’s fastest growing fields, computing holds the potential to unlock not just a fulfilling career, but the very future of mankind. Every industry supporting modern civilisation is being transformed by IT on a daily basis — and computing experts are leading the way. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts an 11% growth in the demand for experts in this field over the next decade, which will create more than 500,000 jobs in the country by 2029.

Though most of the human capital in this revolution comes from China and India, these professionals seek to develop a well-rounded global perspective during their postgraduate education. Programmers, analysts, designers, and developers — the architects of our digital space — who want to grow and leverage their expertise are therefore looking to the US for its esteemed institutions. Here are four such universities with leading computing departments and programmes.

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY

Source: KSU

The College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE) at Kennesaw State leads the way to nationally accredited programs fit for ambitious international students. With various undergraduate and graduate degrees located in metro Atlanta, Kennesaw State is helping shape Georgia’s next generation of workers, leaders, and innovators. As one of the best in the nation, KSU’s CCSE college has degree programs focused on Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering and Computer Game Design and Development.

Graduate students may choose between four Master of Science (M.S.) degrees — M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Information Technology, M.S. in Software Engineering, and M.S. in Applied Statistics and Analytics. These master’s programs allow students to dive deeper into their specialty, preparing them to meet the rising job demands from multiple computing industries. The M.S. in Computer Science, for example, is a 30 semester-hour professional degree that features specialised curriculum that blends theoretic foundations of computer science with state-of-the-art computing technologies. Major areas of study include data science, cyber and network security, high performance computing, and artificial intelligence. This program provides students with opportunities in computer science research, advanced project development, and industrial internship.

While these graduate programs are ideal for relevant bachelor degree holders, students do not need a previous computing science degree to enrol in the master’s programs since there are introductory courses for undergraduates coming from different fields. International students at KSU also receive additional support through their graduate degree program. From visa help to admissions advice and more, including the English Language Program at the KSU Writing Center and the Cultural Awareness and Resource Center, KSU provides the path to success for every student.

Upon graduation, you may choose to continue pursuing graduate courses past your master’s degree. Kennesaw State offers the first Ph.D. in Analytics and Data Science in the U.S., helping students engage in cutting edge research at the front line of data science development. This university is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), which places it in the top 6% of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status.

For more information and admission instructions, please visit KSU’s official website to get started with your graduate degree.

UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE

Source: University of Seattle Facebook

The College of Science and Engineering is Seattle U’s fastest-growing college, rooted in the Jesuit tradition of liberal education. Here, students benefit from a service-and-industry oriented environment, where they may access opportunities to establish a career in Washington. The result? Graduates who are confident and equipped to apply their passion towards a more just, humane world.

If you’re looking to get into computing sciences later in your career, the Career Change Certificate in Computer Science Fundamentals welcomes undergraduates from all backgrounds to build a working expertise in the field. A whopping 89% of graduates move on to the MS in Computer Science, which includes advanced courses in core areas of computer science and flexible electives to meet professional goals. This is a highly-individualised course with four options for students to choose from: course-only, research project, Data Science specialisation, and Software Engineering specialisation.

Besides that, you may choose to upgrade with the Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering. This professional certificate equips students with the know-how and skills to design, analyse, develop, and manage large scale software systems. To enrol, you must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline.

Computer science is one of the top five majors for international students at Seattle U, which boasts a diverse community from over 70 countries. They trust this top-ranked northwestern US university to prepare them for the next phase of their career — and you could, too. Click here to find out how.

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER

Source: CU Denver Facebook

At CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design and Computing, deep disciplinary strength meets social skills to produce graduates with a finger on the pulse of computing sciences. You may pursue the MS in Computer Science (master’s thesis, master’s project, or course-only mode) then move on to the PhD in Computer Science and Information Systems.

CU Denver students support each other in the mentorship programme, where you can either become a mentor or mentee and collaborate towards mutual success. “My mentor has been an amazing help in my life, he makes me realise and see things more clearly,” says one mentee. “Sometimes it’s in front of your face but you can’t see it until someone puts it into words for you.” 

Where employment is concerned, the college’s workforce development programme allows companies to build pipelines of potential employees through co-operative educational programming and on-campus apprenticeships. This provides candidates the chance to get a headstart on career advancement while completing their degree.

The university is also launching new ways to keep learning exciting and relevant during the pandemic. For example, over 170 students and 33 teams participated in the recent Spring 2021 Virtual Capstone Expo, where they provided technical and sophisticated solutions to real-world problems. When times get tough, scientists keep innovating.

On top of that, the college recently opened the new Trimble Technology Lab, where students may gain hands-on experience with the latest industry tools via bespoke construction hardware and software products. Find out more about what awaits by following this link.

UNIVERSITY OF TULSA

Source: Tandy School of Computer Science Facebook

The Tandy School of Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences maintains a stellar reputation in strategic areas of study for computer science. Think cyber security, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics; here, you will find the right resources and networks to level up in each field.

The primary master’s option is the MS Computer Science, which offers three streams: Interdisciplinary Track, Non-Thesis Option, or Thesis Option. Candidates in each enjoy opportunities to not only build on their technical specialty, but develop essential professional and leadership skills that will launch them into the next chapter of their career. 

This course places significant emphasis on team-oriented scholarly research and individualised advising; as a result, graduates emerge with a well-rounded set of skills in academia. At this point, you may choose to further the exploration with a Computer Science PhD. This will prepare you for independent and productive research, synthesis, and design.

Tapping into 20 years of cybersecurity expertise, the school also offers the Online MS in Cyber Security, where candidates interact with classmates and live professors who remain active in the industry. As it is designed for working professionals, you may complete the course online — in anytime between 20 months and four years. 

Graduates go on to fill important positions in federal government agencies, national laboratories, law enforcement and intelligence communities, and the private sector. To know more, visit the official website.

*Some of the institutions mentioned in this article are commercial partners of Study International