Computer Science Degree in Texas - Best Programs for 2025

What is Computer Science?

Texas, known for oil and football, has one of the nation's largest economies. Excluding the rest of the U.S., it ranks 10th globally. While it trails California, Texas remains a major economic powerhouse, leading the nation in mining, quarrying, and oil/gas exploration.

Other major industries in Texas include manufacturing (#2 nationally), professional & business services (#3), real estate (#3), and wholesale trade (#5). These sectors rely heavily on computer scientists for software automation, technological solutions, and market modeling to support their operations.

A computer science professional specializes in the technical aspects of computing, often working as programmers, software developers, software engineers, or data scientists. As nearly every industry relies on computers, computer scientists are in high demand. They may develop mobile apps for tasks like managing attendance or inventories, or apps that assist customers with purchases or entertainment.

The job market for computer science graduates is broad, with many certifications available in programming languages, cybersecurity, and hardware design. Those skilled in programming algorithms may work for financial firms to develop fast stock trading systems or create algorithms for e-commerce or social media solutions.

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Online Computer Science Education in Texas

To support Texas' economy, firms need top computer science professionals. The state's colleges and universities meet this demand with world-class degree programs, preparing graduates to tackle the technological challenges faced by businesses today.

Computer science degree programs seek top faculty who have conducted cutting-edge research and possess practical experience. Experienced faculty are particularly valuable as they can present real-world scenarios and challenges for students to solve.

Texas' computer science departments also seek experienced tech professionals from within the state's economy. These professionals, with expertise in areas like oil and gas exploration, can provide invaluable insights to students, particularly regarding industry-specific challenges, such as supply chain issues, increasingly addressed by computer scientists.

Online Associates (AS)

A two-year online associate degree in computer science is a great way to start a career in the field. It covers the basics of programming and other key areas, providing foundational knowledge that can lead to an entry-level job. With an associate degree and certifications in programming languages, a tech worker can secure a solid position in the industry.

Even the most advanced self-taught computer expert should consider an associate degree. It not only covers degree-specific courses but also requires core curriculum that provides professional communication skills, broad knowledge, and prepares students for any corporate culture. Additionally, a two-year associate degree from a community college is much more affordable than the same coursework at a four-year Texas university, allowing students to save money before pursuing a bachelor's degree.

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Online Bachelors (BS)

A four-year online bachelor's degree in computer science is a great foundation for career success. The first two years focus on core curriculum, while the final two years specialize in computer science. This time also allows students to pursue a second major or minor, often in fields like mathematics, finance, or social sciences, to complement their computer science studies.

Undergraduates in computer science may also choose to pursue internships while they study. These hands-on experiences can help inform their later career decisions while simultaneously bolstering their resumes. Some undergraduate CS students also work part-time in the community, offering their technological expertise to local businesses on a part-time or contract basis.

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Online Masters (MS)

An online master's in computer science can fast-track a career into the C-suite. While an MBA can also help, many computer scientists opt for a dual master's, combining an MS in computer science with an MBA. This option allows students to complete both degrees in three years, often at a reduced cost.

A master's degree also offers professionals the opportunity to focus their career on a specific area. Some computer scientists may be more interested in data science and its application in marketing, and so will do a dual-MBA that appeals to that specific combination. Others may be more interested in a move into business administration so might earn an MBA with a concentration in management or leadership.

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Online Doctorate (PhD)

A PhD is the pinnacle of academic achievement in computer science. Specializing in areas like artificial intelligence, cryptography, or quantum computing can significantly boost a career. Alternatively, some may focus on mathematics, the foundation of computing, with many who do so contributing to innovations like blockchain encryption and imaging technologies.

As for the job market, a PhD in computer science is a terminal degree. There are many firms that will hire a PhD to continue their own research. This seems particularly popular in the field of cryptography and cyber security, where new developments are vital to so many firms. Other PhDs decide to take their brilliant ideas and build new ventures with them.

Become a CIS Professional in Texas

The computing field is thriving as computers are integral to daily life, driving demand for experts in software development, cyber security, and new technologies. Texans are increasingly interested in pursuing careers as computer science professionals.

There are various paths to a career in computer science, software engineering, and development. While Texas' colleges have adapted to the industry's growth, the field still welcomes self-taught individuals. Motivated students can find numerous, including affordable or free courses that cover programming basics and more advanced topics. Many of these courses offer certificates for a fee.

Even high school students can earn certificates in various programming languages, with some software developers starting before they can drive. Others may pursue programming as a hobby, creating games or apps for friends. However, most computer scientists opt for the traditional educational path.

The most affordable first step in academia is earning an associate computer science degree. Motivated students with online certificates can build on those credentials with a two-year degree. Community colleges require completion of core curriculum, while providing a formal education in computer science and programming to complement informal learning.

A bachelor's computer science degree is also a great goal for all computer science students. Students in larger universities may be able to take highly specialized courses that help them build towards their long-term goals. A bachelor's degree program will also help support students gain experience by way of internships.

After earning a bachelor's degree, students should continue learning. While a graduate degree is a common next step, workers can also pursue certificates in specific technologies, like Python or R for data science. Graduate certificates from colleges and universities offer academic credentials without committing to a full degree program.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue computer science entails a commitment to lifelong learning. Computer technology continues to advance and will likely take more giant leaps forward as quantum computers become more prevalent.

Potential Careers for Computer Science Graduates

Software Tester:
This field is a vital part of the software development process, but it may not even require a computer science degree. Software testers often need to be average computer users who can report to developers how well the application works for them. Testers should therefore be objective and able to clearly communicate their experience to the development team.
Systems Analyst:
This field is a vital part of any firm's IT scheme. Analysts constantly review new technologies and determine what their firm might or might not need. They also help to train end-users when there is a major new roll-out of software or hardware solutions.
Technical Support Specialist/IT Support Specialist:
Tech support specialists are found across a wide range of software and hardware systems. They might help consumer level end-users with websites, or they might be high-end computer science professionals who assist other professionals with high-tech solutions. For example, some technical support specialists focus their work on servers and thus must have in-depth knowledge of that technology.
Cyber Security Analyst:
This field is experiencing rapid growth to help thwart the threat from nefarious hackers. Cyber security analysts review security systems for their client or employer. They constantly seek out new solutions and ways to secure databases and network communications. This may even include training employees to recognize phishing schemes or other tricks hackers use to exploit systems.
Technology Director:
This title can go to a top IT professional who oversees the IT operations of their firm. Directors may oversee a team of managers who, in turn, supervise teams of technology workers, whether IT workers or programmers.
Computer Science Professor:
To earn the full title of professor, computer science experts need to earn a PhD and then work for years in tenure-track positions. Often universities require that aspiring professors conduct research on top of their teaching duties. Teaching may first start with introductory level courses, but PhDs will soon teach master's level courses.
Data Scientist:
As the internet continues to generate more and more data, firms are clamoring for data scientists who can parse that information. Data scientists often have a strong mathematics background on top of the skill to write programs in Python or R, which can sort the data in meaningful ways. Data scientists work in marketing, finance, and public health, among many possible career outcomes.
IT Project Manager:
This position is primarily administrative, but those with a background in computer science may be particularly good candidates for jobs in project management. They are adept at assembling a team of IT professionals who can address specific needs of their client or the firm. They coordinate with those clients to ensure that the IT team is on track and exceeding expectations.