Computer Science Programs In America

Credential:

Bachelor of Science (BS/ SB)

Bachelor of Arts (BA/ AB)

Associate in Science (AS)

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Diplomas/ Certificates

Program Length:

4 years for bachelor's degrees

2 years for associate's degrees

1-2 years for diplomas

12-52 weeks for certificates

Entry

Bachelor's degree - direct entry

Associate's degree - direct entry

Certificate - direct entry

Areas of Study

General computer science, information technology (IT), information systems, computer applications

Specialization areas include computer programming, computer engineering, software development, software systems, operating systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, data management, computer graphics, computer game development, applied mathematics, digital image/ sound, microprogramming, computer architecture, computer theory, databases, networks and administration, networks, cryptography, simulation and modeling, Web development and design.

Special Features

Specialized research labs

Opportunities to collaborate with professors on research projects

Opportunities to participate in specialized competitions

international exchange/ study abroad

co-op/ work placement/ industry internships

Computers are connected to so much of what people do around the world these days, and so there are many different ways to study computer science at the post-secondary level.

At 4-year colleges in the US, computer science may be a College or School of its own, be part of a multi-focused College such as Computer Science and Engineering, or may be a department within another College such as Science. Entering direct from high school, international students can take a competitive 4-year Bachelor of Science (BS) in computer science, computer engineering, and with specializations like bioinformatics, robotics, artificial intelligence, computer architecture and computer theory. Bachelor of Arts degrees in computer science are also available. Computer science is a field that relates to many others, and American undergraduate degree programs in computer science are often flexible so that you can combine interests, from music to psychology, through a joint concentration or double major. Honors programs and co-op options are often available at the bachelor's level, and international students who want to accelerate their studies can apply to a 5-year integrated bachelor's and master's program.

At the community and technical college level, you can take a 2-year Computer Science Associate in Science (AS) degree, or an AS degree in a number of different computer-related specializations, such as management information systems, computer graphics and visualization, computer programming, computer network engineering. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are also available in many of the same fields. Associate's degrees are designed to lead students directly to employment or to transfer to 4-year college programs. At community and technical colleges in the US, you also find shorter certificate programs (usually 1 year) in subjects such as project management, Web design, Web development technologies, network administration, and various programming languages.

At the career college level, many general schools or schools focused on other fields (such as business or travel) offer computer courses, but you can also find specific computer training schools. Career college programs in the US are designed to lead directly into employment in specific jobs (such as computer repair and network specialist, computer office assistant), and you can choose from associate's degrees, diplomas and certificates in areas such as data management, computer graphics, computer game development, databases, networks and network security. Career colleges may also include courses leading to professional certification.

At all levels, study generally combines classroom theory and learning with practical computer lab work. Co-ops and industry partnerships/ internships are often part of the curriculum, and a number of program-specific scholarships are available for which international students may be eligible.