4 US universities bridging the gap between humanity and technology

Technology has been at the forefront of humanity’s greatest achievements. With the brightest minds creating advancements to make our lives easier or save us from tragedies and ailments, humanity is at a state where we can flourish to be as advanced as the sci-fi books have foretold.

Technology and science are not as mundane or “nerdy” as many have put it. The constant discovery and creativity needed to help create a better, fairer and more sustainable future is as exciting as it is fulfilling. Some would enter this field for the fame or the riches but knowing that your work improves lives, that’s the best part of the job.

Besides, who wouldn’t want to be a pioneer of technologies that will be crucial to mankind’s future? If you’re intrigued, start your journey to science and technology mastery at these US universities:

Source: Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University

Located on a suburban campus just a stone’s throw away from metropolitan Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University’s (NKU) 2,000-strong faculty  — each approachable enough to form meaningful connections with — are guiding over 16,000 learners to academic excellence. Key members can be found in its College of Informatics, where a 21st century perspective on disciplines with information at their core is explored. This one goal is shared by three departments: Business Informatics, Communication, and of course, Computer Science.

Choose any and you’ll get an experiential, future-focused education of a lifetime. For example, with access to the Centre for Information Security — a multidisciplinary hub that boosts the quality of NKU’s cybersecurity-related academic offerings — you’ll bear witness to discoveries surrounding the theory and practice of information security.

Meanwhile, INFORMATICS+ focuses on engagement by simplifying, funding, enhancing, and encouraging connections between the community and NKU on informatics-related endeavours. The College of Informatics will even pair you with employers for co-ops and internships in line with your programme’s learning objectives. For a more enriched, interactive, and vibrant learning experience, choose from an expansive list of student organisations.

At NKU, options are seemingly endless when you step out of your comfort zone. While the university offers traditional programmes on computer science and IT, they also boast cutting-edge options such as the BA in 3D Digital Design and VFX; the nationally rare BS in Applied Software Engineering; the high-ranking BS in Data Science; BS in Cybersecurity; BA in Electronic Media and Broadcasting; as well as a BS in Business Information Systems. Each programme is relevant and accessible — updated in line with industry needs and inclusive enough to welcome every aspirant with an urge to innovate. If that sounds like you, click here to learn more.

UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science leverages top research university credentials bringing together a close-knit, supportive community of engineering and computer science students and faculty. Source: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee / Facebook

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM)’s 104-acre main campus on the city’s east side is just blocks from Lake Michigan and home to 22,592 students, as well as 11 of UWM’s 15 schools and colleges.

UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science leverages top research university credentials bringing together a close-knit, supportive community of engineering and computer science students and faculty. Programmes like PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics, BSE in Civil Engineering, MS in Computer Science, BSE in Industrial Engineering and many others, paired with state-of-the-art facilities, and accomplished faculty and staff members, bring out only the best from students.

UWM is one of the nation’s top 137 research universities as recognised by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Here, students get real-world experiences that will help shape their careers, such as paid internships, entrepreneurship programmes and community-based classes and volunteer opportunities.

The University of Colorado Boulder offers potential opportunities to fund your degree through teaching and research assistantships. Source: University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder

The College of Engineering and Applied Science offers a BA or Post Baccalaureate degree in Computer Science; graduate degrees in Aerospace Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical Engineering; Engineering Management; Water Engineering & Management; and Computational Linguistics; amongst others.

The Master of Science in Technology, Cybersecurity and Policy is an ideal qualification for those seeking to capitalise on the 17,000 positions — of security-minded business and policy leaders to technical cybersecurity professionals — paying three times the national median salary to remain unfilled in Colorado. This programme trains students how to defend people, organisations and nations from adversaries, equipping them with the best methods, technologies and strategies to assess threats, mitigate vulnerabilities and understand complex systems and policies.

For those who seek a successful career in academia or research and development for the industry, the Master of Science in Computer Science is an ideal option. More than a pathway to PhD study, it’s a programme with many potential opportunities to fund your degree through teaching and research assistantships.

The Oregon State Ecampus aims to make learning opportunities more accessible by merging 21st-century innovation with over 150 years of institutional excellence. Source: Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Oregon State University helps students kickstart prosperous careers in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) sectors with top-quality education and flexible offerings. It is a national leader in online education, delivering degree and certificate programmes to students across the globe.

The Oregon State Ecampus is where it all comes together. In this virtual space, students learn to make an impact in their communities and beyond, leverage the support provided to them, build connections with a world-class faculty, and eventually enter the workforce with the future-proof skills they will need to succeed.

The BS in Computer Science is a prime example. With this programme, learners gain the advanced skill set to thrive in any market and adapt to the changing needs of businesses worldwide.

The Ecampus also hosts a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering with an option in Engineering Management, specifically designed for professionals with STEM backgrounds. It combines the business, financial, and management skills needed to be an effective leader; covering topics that general MBAs typically do not.

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