Computer science graduates are some of the most in-demand members of Virginia’s labor force. And with a growing tech industry, this demand is not slowing anytime soon. However, to join in on this trend of computation, a solid education in computer science is imperative. Considering this, what are the best computer science schools in Virginia?
There are several factors that contribute to a university being a good choice for a particular degree, especially within a broad field like computer science. This article not only lists the best computer science schools in Virginia for you to peruse but also explains all the various factors that go into Virginia’s computer science school rankings.
How to Choose a Good Computer Science School in Virginia
To choose the best computer science schools in Virginia for you, you should consider graduation rate, the reputation of the school, specialization/concentration options, cost, career services, etc. These factors are very important when selecting schools, as they help you identify what aspects of your education and subsequent career your school can help support.
Graduation Rate
This is calculated as the percentage of students that graduated from a cohort out of the total number enrolled. It is a pointer to the difficulty level in the course of study, the students’ motivation studying the course in the faculty, and the extent of transparency in the course curriculum, the lack of which could cause underprepared students to drop out.
Reputation of School
A school’s reputation is often based on the quality of education it provides. Thus, admission into a highly reputed university often guarantees education that keeps up with the most novel industrial developments.
Moreover, the reputation of a school goes a long way in opening doors for its degree holders; doors like higher education admissions and career opportunities in reputable companies, in both private and corporate settings.
Specialization/Concentration Options
Depending on their faculty and research facilities, schools often have specific fields that they specialize in. When choosing a school, it’s important to ensure that it offers competent instruction in your niche of interest.
Because a degree depends on its coursework, it may mean different things in two different schools, even if it superficially appears the same. Specializations can help you identify the focus of that school’s education.
Cost
For any course or school, cost is a crucial factor as it confirms whether a prospective student can afford to attend. Expensive tuition is not necessarily a negative factor, especially if you will be studying computer science from a school well-known for its success in the field. When deciding, the available opportunities after graduation and their subsequent pay potential are key factors to balance against tuition and other attendance costs.
Career Services
The availability of career services such as co-op or internship opportunities helps place the students on a positive career trajectory early on. Amassing experience while in school makes their foray into the corporate world much easier. Moreover, if the school is involved in multiple partnerships with corporations or institutions within the industry, students can make impressive connections using their alma mater’s networks.
There are several other factors that confirm the position of each school on the ranking table, which will be highlighted as you progress through the article.
Virginia Computer Science School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Computer Science Programs in Virginia?
| Computer Science School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #25 |
| College of William and Mary | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #38 |
| George Mason University | Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #148 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #172 |
| Hampton University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #202 |
| Old Dominion University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology (Computer Science) | #263 |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Information Technology | #299-391 |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science – Information Security | #3 (regionally) |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Applied Physics and Computer Science | #6 (regionally) |
| Virginia State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #84 (regionally) |
Virginia Computer Science Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Computer Science Schools in Virginia
To rank the best computer science schools in Virginia, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best computer science program as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Computer Science Schools in Virginia Explained
To help you make a college decision, below is a list of STEM schools offering the best undergraduate and graduate programs, based on Virginia computer science school rankings. We also included brief descriptions of each school’s best academic programs in the field.
Best Undergraduate Computer Science Schools in Virginia
As some of the best undergraduate computer science schools in Virginia, these following institutions are highly regarded across the United States. They each provide excellent educational experiences for students who want to major in this field and offer both Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Computer Science.
Best Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in Virginia
- Patrick and Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology. As part of Patrick and Henry Community College‘s Computer and Information Sciences program, this Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree comes with specializations in internet services, game design and development, and accounting information systems.
- Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Electronics Technology – Computer Networking. By incorporating technical aspects into core computer science theory, this AAS degree at Central Virginia Community College gives students a firm groundwork to pursue careers in computer networking, communications technology, and advanced manufacturing.
- Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science – Computer Science Specialization. Students at Virginia Western Community College who enroll in the computer science specialization at this two-year Associate of Science (AS) degree program can easily transition to a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science that is not engineering-dependent.
- Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science. This AS degree program is designed to help students learn how to, demonstrate logic using structure charts and flowcharts, develop software programs using a computer language, as well as decipher the architecture and functions of a given network system.
- Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science – Computer Science Specialization. Students can earn this AS degree both physically and online, and also as part of an evening school program. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the application of computing to real-life problems, particularly in software engineering, bioinformatics, and cyber security.
Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Virginia
- University of Virginia | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This BS degree teaches students to create methods and tools for implementing, describing, and evaluating information processes. Topics covered in these classes include data structures, discrete mathematics, and computer systems organization.
- Virginia Commonwealth University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. There are three specializations available in the VCU’s computer science degree: data science, cyber security, and software engineering. In addition to providing a solid grounding in computer science and software development, the curriculum also trains students to apply these fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
- Old Dominion University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Computer science at ODU has its roots in the fields of logical thinking and mathematical reasoning. Graduates of this BS degree can pursue careers in database or software management, software quality assurance, network or cloud architecture, as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- Washington and Lee University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The Computer Science Department at Washington and Lee University offers both a BS and a BA degree. The BS program features a curriculum that teaches computer science in an industrial context and engages students in a number of university-funded research projects.
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This ABET-accredited BS degree at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) offers three majors, namely computer science, secure computing, and data-centric computing. The school also has student bodies for students to collaborate on projects.
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Best Graduate Schools for Computer Science in Virginia
This section will deal with the best graduate computer science schools in Virginia—schools which consistently place highly in national and international rankings in the subject. The majority of these educational institutions are public, and a sizable proportion of them also offer online courses and degree programs to accommodate the needs of working students who are interested in advancing their careers.
Best Schools for Master’s in Computer Science in Virginia
- James Madison University | Master of Science in Computer Science – Information Security. JMU’s MS degree teaches graduates the development and maintenance of safe computing infrastructures. Some of this program’s alumni have landed lucrative jobs as software engineers at Google and Facebook, JAVA developers at SWIFT, and even as scientists at the NASA Langley Research Center.
- Old Dominion University | Master of Science in Computer Science. Students in this MS degree program are encouraged to pursue research in upcoming fields like bioinformatics, high-performance computing, machine intelligence, and cyber security. The program is accessible both in person and online, making it ideal for adult learners or professionals looking to advance their education.
- George Mason University | Master of Science in Computer Science. This MS program teaches students advanced coursework in artificial intelligence, databases, programming languages and software engineering, systems and networks, and visual computing. GMU also offers it as a one-year accelerated master’s degree for undergraduate students that wish to combine both levels of education.
- University of Virginia | Master of Science in Computer Science. This 31-credit program provides its students with the opportunity to learn about novel developments in the computational industry. Some of these topics include real-time systems, mobile and IoT security, text and data mining, and parallel computing. Six credits are devoted to a year-long thesis, where students are expected to identify and conduct research on a real-world problem.
- Virginia Commonwealth University | Master of Science in Computer Science. The focus of VCU’s curriculum is on enhancing the skills and knowledge of those already working in disciplines connected to computer science. Both the thesis and non-thesis options consist of 30 credits, focussing on core courses like computational intelligence, parallel algorithms, and advanced computer architecture.
Best PhD in Computer Science Universities in Virginia
- Old Dominion University | PhD in Computer Science. Graduates of this PhD program are well-equipped to work both in academia and the IT industry. ODU’s graduate faculty showcases expertise in some of the most cutting-edge research sectors, including bioinformatics, data science and analytics, machine learning, parallel algorithms and computing, stochastic modeling, and digital libraries.
- Virginia Commonwealth University | PhD in Computer Science. This PhD in Computer Science trains graduate students to identify and derive solution-oriented theories around problems and conduct research aimed at enabling their solutions. For those interested in research, the faculty at VCU is highly specialized in the fields of computer systems, machine learning, data science, and cyber security.
- University of Virginia | PhD in Computer Science. The PhD program at UVA requires 72 graduate-level credits for its completion, including 12 credits of graduate teaching instruction and 36 credits in original research. Alongside studying a rigorous curriculum, students are also expected to maintain a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA.
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | PhD in Computer Science. Virginia Tech has one of the best doctoral programs in the state, and so a PhD in Computer Science from this school is a highly valued degree. Students are expected to complete the 90-credit program in five years with a BS, or in four years with an MS degree, while maintaining a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA.
- George Mason University | PhD in Computer Science. GMU has a fairly successful PhD program by virtue of its location in Washington DC, one of the largest computer science corridors in the US. In addition to comprehensive coursework on computation theory and computer science research methodologies, PhD students can develop a secure network in the neighboring corporate sector.
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Admission Requirements for Computer Science Schools in Virginia
The basic admission requirements for computer science schools in Virginia differ for undergraduate and graduate programs, due to the obvious differences in the outcomes of their corresponding types of degrees. Associate and bachelor’s degrees are commonly oriented towards higher education, whereas master’s and PhD degrees focus on industrial training and independent research.
Although admission requirements are bound to vary from school to school, some requirements like standardized test scores, transcripts, resumes, and statements of purpose are commonly listed by most accredited institutions. Specifically for computer science studies, backgrounds in STEM courses are also usually mandated.
Computer Science Schools in Virginia: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- SAT and ACT test scores (mostly optional)
- Background in computer science or related STEM courses
- Letter of recommendation
- High school GPA (minimum GPA cutoff is selectively required)
- High school class rank (selectively required)
Computer Science Schools in Virginia: Graduate Admission Requirements
- GPA minimum requirement (usually minimum of 3.0 out of 4)
- Background in computer science, electronics, and data management core courses
- GRE score (mostly optional)
- Personal statement
- Undergraduate or other post-secondary transcripts
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Computer Science in Virginia?
No, it’s not hard to get into a school to study computer science in Virginia. Aside from the University of Virginia which has a competitive acceptance rate of 23 percent, only two other schools have acceptance rates below the 50 percent cutoff: Hampton University with 36 percent and College of William and Mary with 42 percent. There are many other computer science schools in Virginia with acceptance rates as high as 100 percent.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Virginia for Computer Science
- University of Management and Technology | Acceptance Rate: 100%. The University of Management and Technology has an open admission policy which means only a high school diploma is required for admission, ergo the 100 percent admission rate. Programs available include Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Degrees in Computer Science.
- Northern Virginia Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. A two-year associate degree-awarding institution, the Northern Virginia Community College (NVCU) has an open admission policy. The only computer science program offered at the NVCU is the Associate Degree in Computer Science which provides students with the necessary preliminary knowledge to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science later.
- Virginia State University | Acceptance Rate: 96%. Although there is no open admission policy like the schools above, VSU has minimal admission requirements. There are two computer science programs that are included in VSU’s educational offerings, namely a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Computer Science.
- Old Dominion University | Acceptance Rate: 95%. ODU is another school with a fairly relaxed admission policy. Some standard admission requirements like SAT and ACT test scores, high school GPA, and letters of recommendation do still apply but students that meet these requirements are almost always guaranteed admission. Programs available include Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD Degrees in Computer Science.
- Virginia Commonwealth University | Acceptance Rate: 91%. VCU is not quite as easy to get into as the above universities. They not only require the submission of test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal essays, but also have subject prerequisites. However, the cutoff for all of these requirements isn’t very high. The only computer science degree they offer is a Bachelor of Science.
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Best Online Schools for Computer Science in Virginia
The best online schools for computer science in Virginia are James Madison University, George Mason University, the University of Management and Technology, Radford University, and Old Dominion University. They are ranked here on the basis of graduation rate statistics, obtained via the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES).
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Computer Science Program |
|---|---|---|
| James Madison University | 83% | Master of Science in Computer Science – Information Security Specialization |
| George Mason University | 74% | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| University of Management and Technology | 68% | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
| Radford University | 63% | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
| Old Dominion University | 58% | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Computer Science in Virginia
The most affordable colleges for computer science in Virginia are Radford University, Old Dominion University, George Mason University, Virginia State University, and James Madison University, based on data sourced from the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool. Though these colleges may come with a smaller price tag, students can still gain an awesome college experience.
How to Attend the Top Computer Science Schools in Virginia With Financial Aid
To attend the top computer science schools in Virginia with financial aid, there are several applications, registration processes, and documents involved. The most important of these is a timely filed FAFSA application. The following is a list of some of the best scholarships in Virginia for computer science students, primarily for individuals who are both US citizens and residents of Virginia.
Best Computer Science Scholarships for Virginia Students
- Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) | Amount: Covers tuition, books, and other school expenses. The scholarship is aimed at incentivizing primary and high school students to aim for a college education. Requirements include being a high school graduate, being enrolled in an approved program at a Virginia College, displaying need, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students with a 2.0 GPA may be eligible provided other academic conditions are met.
- Virginia Commonwealth Award Program | Amount: $2400-$5200. As a financial aid program for need-based students attending VCU, those with the highest verifiable need get the largest amount of assistance. Eligibility is a bit relaxed, and primarily requires candidates to be VCU students, working towards a degree or a technical certificate, who maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Federal Pell Grant | Amount: $5,500. This grant is also awarded to students in financial need, albeit mostly to undergraduates. The grant office uses the data presented in your FAFSA application to determine eligibility. Qualifying for Pell Grant also has an added incentive in the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), a grant award between $100 and $4,000 depending on need.
- Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Grant | Amount: Covers tuition plus an additional stipend of $25,000 – $38,000. The Smart Grant is awarded to students who display exceptional academic prowess in STEM courses, including computer science. Any US citizen that is 18 years of age applying for an undergraduate program is eligible. The grant renews yearly and students are expected to maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.0 to remain eligible.
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant | Amount: $2,800 (Undergraduate); $1,300 (Graduate). The grant is aimed at assisting students in private colleges and universities in the state to afford their college tuition. Eligibility involves attending an eligible private college or university deemed by the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, majoring in a non-theological discipline, and maintaining full-time enrollment.
Virginia Employment Outlook for Computer Science
Computer science as a field plays an important role in Virginia’s employment outlook. It is one of the most sought-after and growing fields in the state’s economy. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were over 68,400 jobs listed in the information sector alone as of May 2022.
Highest-Paying Computer Science Careers in Virginia
| Computer Science Job | Computer Science Degree | Average Salary in Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science | $136,710 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Master’s Degree in Computer Science | $129,680 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science | $127,830 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a related field | $121,940 |
| Database Architect | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $113,900 |
Best Computer Science Jobs in Virginia Explained
The best computer science jobs in Virginia are computer network architects, computer and information research scientists, software developers, information security analysts, and database architects.
Does It Matter What Computer Science School in Virginia I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in Virginia you go to for a degree in computer science. The field of computer science itself is very broad and the individual departments in schools will have strengths and weaknesses in specific subject areas, based on the specializations of their faculty.
The availability of instruction in your niche of choice, and the prospective career opportunities that come with that specialization, are important factors to consider when choosing the school you will study computer science.
Additional Reading About Computer Science
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Best Computer Science Schools in Virginia FAQ
As of 2022, the College of William and Mary has the best computer science program in Virginia. US News & World Report has ranked its graduate school of computer science 69th among more than 1,000 programs in the US.
Almost all the accredited institutions in Virginia have great value in the computer science degrees they award. However, Liberty University and College of William and Mary are well-known for providing premier education at very affordable rates to their students, making them the computer science schools in Virginia with the best value.
A computer science degree is a well-respected degree that sits at the forefront of most technological growth, particularly within America. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 13 percent growth in computer and information technology occupations, which is faster than average for all occupations.
Computer science is the broader subject that deals with the design, building, and maintenance of all computer hardware and software. Information technology, on the other hand, is a niche subject specific to the maintenance and use of computers, networks, systems, and databases.
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