What is Computer Science?
Computer science is a rapidly growing field with a wide range of exciting career options. Choosing a college that offers a good program in computer science is important if you are interested in working in this field. Computer science degrees are offered by many colleges, and you should choose the one that best matches your needs, while also having excellent accreditation.
If you're looking for a computer science degree, there are plenty of colleges and universities in New York that offer accredited programs. In fact, there are more than 30 schools in the state with degree programs in computer science or related fields. You'll find everything from small liberal arts colleges to large public universities, so you're sure to find a program that fits your needs, interests, and wallet.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Computer Science Programs in New York
Columbia University
Score: 83.48
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $69,045
- Out-of-State:$69,045
- Net Price: $22,058
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 34,782
- Undergrad Students: 8,902
- Graduate Students: 25,880
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
United States Military Academy at West Point
Score: 82.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: N/A
- Out-of-State:N/A
- Net Price: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 4,393
- Undergrad Students: 4,393
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $121,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Cornell University
Score: 81.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,014
- Out-of-State:$66,014
- Net Price: $26,060
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 25,898
- Undergrad Students: 15,735
- Graduate Students: 10,163
- Grads Salary: $93,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Colgate University
Score: 79.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $67,024
- Out-of-State:$67,024
- Net Price: $27,074
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 3,141
- Undergrad Students: 3,130
- Graduate Students: 11
- Grads Salary: $92,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Hamilton College
Score: 77.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,740
- Out-of-State:$65,740
- Net Price: $24,503
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 2,072
- Undergrad Students: 2,072
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
New York University
Score: 75.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,438
- Out-of-State:$60,438
- Net Price: $29,499
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 59,144
- Undergrad Students: 29,401
- Graduate Students: 29,743
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Barnard College
Score: 75.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,246
- Out-of-State:$66,246
- Net Price: $26,009
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 3,442
- Undergrad Students: 3,442
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Binghamton University
Score: 74.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,363
- Out-of-State:$29,453
- Net Price: $19,535
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 18,312
- Undergrad Students: 14,402
- Graduate Students: 3,910
- Grads Salary: $90,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Score: 73.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,464
- Out-of-State:$15,414
- Net Price: $4,991
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 19,854
- Undergrad Students: 15,896
- Graduate Students: 3,958
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Stony Brook University
Score: 72.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,560
- Out-of-State:$30,350
- Net Price: $17,213
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 25,710
- Undergrad Students: 17,509
- Graduate Students: 8,201
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of Rochester
Score: 70.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,348
- Out-of-State:$64,348
- Net Price: $39,775
- Acceptance Rate: 39%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 12,197
- Undergrad Students: 6,767
- Graduate Students: 5,430
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Score: 70.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $61,884
- Out-of-State:$61,884
- Net Price: $39,127
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 6,968
- Undergrad Students: 5,902
- Graduate Students: 1,066
- Grads Salary: $97,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
CUNY City College
Score: 69.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,340
- Out-of-State:$15,290
- Net Price: $5,181
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 14,489
- Undergrad Students: 11,929
- Graduate Students: 2,560
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Union College-Schenectady
Score: 69.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,456
- Out-of-State:$66,456
- Net Price: $41,136
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 2,107
- Undergrad Students: 2,107
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $90,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Skidmore College
Score: 68.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,030
- Out-of-State:$65,030
- Net Price: $33,389
- Acceptance Rate: 26%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 2,758
- Undergrad Students: 2,758
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Yeshiva University
Score: 67.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,900
- Out-of-State:$49,900
- Net Price: $35,912
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 6,056
- Undergrad Students: 2,866
- Graduate Students: 3,190
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
University at Buffalo
Score: 67.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,782
- Out-of-State:$30,572
- Net Price: $18,524
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 32,099
- Undergrad Students: 20,761
- Graduate Students: 11,338
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
CUNY Hunter College
Score: 67.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,382
- Out-of-State:$15,332
- Net Price: $4,848
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 22,970
- Undergrad Students: 17,256
- Graduate Students: 5,714
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
CUNY Brooklyn College
Score: 67.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,452
- Out-of-State:$15,402
- Net Price: $5,972
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 14,195
- Undergrad Students: 11,661
- Graduate Students: 2,534
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Molloy University
Score: 66.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,840
- Out-of-State:$37,840
- Net Price: $27,243
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 4,807
- Undergrad Students: 3,271
- Graduate Students: 1,536
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Score: 66.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,578
- Out-of-State:$20,228
- Net Price: $13,799
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 2,842
- Undergrad Students: 1,982
- Graduate Students: 860
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
CUNY Queens College
Score: 66.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,538
- Out-of-State:$15,488
- Net Price: $6,434
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 17,001
- Undergrad Students: 14,406
- Graduate Students: 2,595
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Clarkson University
Score: 65.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $57,950
- Out-of-State:$57,950
- Net Price: $32,450
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 3,719
- Undergrad Students: 2,668
- Graduate Students: 1,051
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
SUNY at Albany
Score: 65.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,408
- Out-of-State:$28,998
- Net Price: $17,714
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 16,658
- Undergrad Students: 12,264
- Graduate Students: 4,394
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Touro University
Score: 65.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,810
- Out-of-State:$21,810
- Net Price: $23,960
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 11,111
- Undergrad Students: 4,860
- Graduate Students: 6,251
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Online Computer Science Education in New York
A computer science professional is someone who has dedicated their time and effort to learning about computers and how to use them to solve problems. They have usually studied computer science in college or university and most often they have a degree in the subject. They may also have other certification in related areas, such as software engineering or networking.
Computer science professionals usually work in the information technology industry, but they can also work in other industries that use computers extensively, such as banking or insurance. Honestly, these days, nearly every industry uses computers, databases, and other technology all the time. This is part of why computer science professionals are currently high in demand, and the demand is only growing. Cyber security experts are low in supply, and it’s only an extra step to go from general computer science knowledge to working as a cyber security expert.
Some computer science professionals work as software developers, creating new applications or improving existing ones. Others may work as system administrators, ensuring that computers and networks are running smoothly. Some may even become experts in specific areas of computing, such as artificial intelligence or machine learning. Professionals in computer science possess a passion for technology, which is good since they must stay abreast of the latest trends and developments.
Online Associates (AS)
Earning an associate degree in computer science online is a convenient way to complete your education and gain the skills required for higher-paying jobs. You can easily find accredited programs online, and many schools offer financial aid. Besides being affordable and convenient, online classes offer many benefits, such as being just as respected as in-class learning in many cases. A school that offers an associate degree in computer science online should have regional accreditation or even be a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE), which are accredited by the DHS and NSA as the best cyber security training schools in the country. However, for your online program to be successful, it must help you enter the career you are most interested in.
While many people do not know much about computers, there are some who are incredibly familiar with them. Some people are capable of building new computers and coming up with innovative networking techniques. Regardless of your experience, earning an associate degree in computer science is an affordable way to get your foot in the door of a rewarding career. In addition to its affordability, an associate degree online can lead to a state university education at half the price, if you choose to transfer your earned credits to a bachelor’s degree at a community college. Small class sizes can create a comfortable learning environment for students. And, because classes are available online, there are no commuter issues.
Online Bachelors (BS)
If you have a strong interest in computer science, you may want to consider an online bachelor's degree program instead of an associate degree. Online computer science degree programs are available at nearly every level, and they typically feature asynchronous coursework, meaning you could work with the associate degree you just earned while completing your bachelor’s. Asynchronous classes let students log into the learning management system whenever they want to complete a course. Generally, bachelor's degree programs in computer science require 120 credit hours of coursework that can be completed in four years. However, if you are working and attending part-time, you should be aware that it will almost certainly take longer to complete your degree.
Online Masters (MS)
While the online degree options available in computer science are vast, some schools only offer one or two in-person classes per quarter, which can extend the amount of time it takes for students to graduate quite far. An online master's degree in computer science is generally equivalent to the number of credits required to complete a traditional master's program. And an online option offers a more flexible schedule and may let you choose from a number of different concentration tracks.
Before pursuing an online master's degree in computer science, prospective students should be aware of the requirements of each program. Some require strong analytical and quantitative skills. This can be acquired through previous undergraduate coursework in a related field or from work experience. A computer science master's degree program also usually requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Depending on your experience, this requirement may not apply, but you want to be certain of each school’s requirements before you waste time, and possibly money, applying to programs that you are not qualified to enter.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD in computer science requires students to complete a dissertation and complete coursework in advanced topics within the field. While there are differences among the programs, a typical PhD program requires 60 to 90 credit hours of coursework and research, including the dissertation. A dissertation consists of research conducted with a faculty advisor, a proposal, independent study, and defense.
Many online PhD computer science programs have two main components: depth and breadth. The breadth portion of the program involves taking courses in many areas of computer science including theory, software, artificial intelligence, and system architecture. The depth portion of the program focuses on studying a specific area of the field in-depth, such as during the research and writing phase of completing your dissertation, and students may need to pass several exams to qualify for the degree. The dissertation process can take several years and often requires multiple rewrites.
Online Certifications
Graduate certificate courses in computer science are available online and from college and university programs. This list is based on computer science certificate programs offered by accredited colleges and universities, though there are also many certifications available from companies that aim to teach professionals how to use their products/software, such as MySQL. Computer science is an ever-evolving field that requires students to stay on top of changes in the field. Courses usually cover fundamentals of programming, operating systems, databases, networking, and/or computer architecture.
To find the right certification for you, research the different options available and decide which one matches your skill set and interests. Then, enroll in a course or take a certification exam. The benefits of obtaining a computer science certification include improved job prospects, higher salaries, and greater respect from colleagues. So, if you’re looking to further your career in computer science, consider obtaining a certification.
How to Become a Computer Science Professional in New York
In order to become a computer science professional in New York, there are various steps that must be followed, though you should also be aware that everyone's career journey is unique, and you might find your career path differs from the norm. Don’t be afraid to take chances to make your career as unique as you.
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Step 1: Obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science from an accredited university
Computer science is a field of study that has become increasingly important in today's world. A bachelor's degree in computer science from an accredited university can give you all of the skills you need to work in this field. Computer science graduates are in high demand and can find jobs in a variety of industries. Also note that, though you can get into the field with an associate degree, it will take you longer to move forward.
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Step 2: Gain experience in your chosen field
Working as a database administrator or developer are just some of the ways you can gain experience in the field. Really, any job with an IT department will help you to add to your resume and your skill set, especially if you go out of your way to learn everything you can across multiple disciplines. Make an on-the-job education your goal and soon you’ll be ready for a promotion, certification, or even to earn a higher-level degree and move into management. The skills you learned in school and on the job will be put to good use in this situation. Building relationships with other professionals in the industry will also be beneficial.
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Step 3: Become certified in specific computer science technologies
In order to keep up with the latest computer science technologies, it’s important to become certified in specific technologies. Employers are looking for employees that have certifications because it proves that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job. The best way to become certified in a specific technology is to take a certification exam. You can focus your certifications on the field you are most interested in, or you can keep an eye on what certifications employers are most commonly looking for. Gaining popular certifications is a good way to ensure that, when you are ready to move into a new position, with your company or another, you have the qualifications they are most likely to be looking for.
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Step 4: Stay up to date with the latest computer science trends and technologies
As technology advances, so must computer science. In order to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, it’s important for computer scientists to be constantly learning and expanding their knowledge. Whether it’s learning a new programming language or keeping up with the latest in big data, there are many different ways to stay current in the field of computer science. One great way to stay informed is by subscribing to a few relevant podcasts, following popular blogs, or joining a professional association. You can attend conferences and meet-ups where you can learn from other experts in the field and build a professional network. Whatever method you choose, make sure you are always challenging yourself and expanding your horizons. The world of computer science is constantly changing, so it’s important to always be on top of your game.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Computer Science?
Earning a bachelor's degree in computer science requires a high level of discipline and attention to detail. It also requires mastery of abstract thinking and programming. Most computer science programs require four years of study, during which essential and more advanced topics are all introduced and mastered. There are accelerated and dual degree options, which can reduce the time required to complete programs. A bachelor's degree in computer science is usually required for entry-level tech positions, but you can find opportunities in a number of different fields.
There are many career options available for computer science graduates. In addition to software engineering and web development, computer science graduates can find employment in a variety of industries. Computer professionals can expect to earn six-figure salaries, but the amount varies widely. Some employers provide financial aid and support for pursuing a master's degree, if you plan to earn one. You may also be able to teach computer science or pursue research in an academic setting. The sky’s the limit.