What is a Computer Science Degree?
A computer science degree equips you with the skills to design, develop, and implement software systems. It’s a fantastic choice for students who are passionate about technology and problem-solving. Below is a breakdown of expectations:
Students who study computer-based courses are faced with a thrilling ride through subjects like:
Programming Languages: Learn how to speak the language of computers with courses in popular languages like Python, Java, and C++.
Data Structures and Algorithms: Grasp how data is organized and manipulated efficiently, forming the foundation of efficient software.
Software Engineering: Uncover the principles and practices of building robust and maintainable software systems.
Computer Architecture and Operating Systems: Understand the inner workings of computers and the software that keeps them running.
Discrete Mathematics: Apply mathematical concepts like logic and probability to solve computing problems.
Is that right for you? If you enjoy tinkering with technology, solving puzzles, and thinking creatively, then a computer science degree could be a perfect fit. It’s a challenging but rewarding field with vast career opportunities.
Best Colleges for Computer Science in North Carolina
The schools below may not offer all types of computer science degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they offer. Below is a list of the top ten best colleges for computer science in North Carolina.
1. Duke University
In the most recent year, Duke awarded degrees to about 404 computer science graduates. Duke University computer science degree holders make an additional $50,791 per year on average over the average salary of computer science graduates.
2. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
There were approximately 461 computer science students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Computer Science degree recipients from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earn a boost of around $9,818 over the typical earnings of computer science majors.
3. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a great choice for students interested in a degree in computer science. Located in the city of Raleigh, NC State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.
There were approximately 520 computer science students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent data year. Computer Science degree recipients from North Carolina State University get an earnings boost of around $20,028 over the average income of computer science graduates
4. Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University has 51 computer science graduates with this degree. Wake Forest University students who get a computer science degree make around $5,754 more money than the average computer science graduate.
5. University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, UNC Charlotte is a sizable public institution. UNC Charlotte is a top-tier university overall, ranking #378 out of 2,217 colleges in the US according to Best Colleges.
In the most current data year, UNC Charlotte awarded this degree to around 880 computer science graduates. Graduates of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in computer science make around $2,339 more than average for computer science majors.
6. University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Located in the large city of Greensboro, UNC Greensboro is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 12th out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina. There were approximately 86 computer science students who graduated with this degree at UNC Greensboro in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, compsci degree recipients usually make an average of $59,772 at the beginning of their careers.
7. University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Nestled inside the sprawling metropolis of Greensboro, UNC There are a lot of students enrolled at Greensboro’s public institution. According to North Carolina’s 93-school ranking, this university comes in at number twelve.
According to our most recent data, UNC Greensboro awarded this degree to about 86 computer science graduates in the most recent year. Comp Sci degree holders typically start making $59,772 per year shortly after graduating.
8. East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
Located in the small city of Greenville, ECU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #414 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means ECU is a great university overall.
There were approximately 77 computer science students who graduated with this degree at ECU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the compsci program earn about $57,993 in their early career salary.
9. North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
NC A&T is a public institution with a sizable student body that is situated in the sprawling metropolis of Greensboro. In terms of total quality among North Carolina’s 93 universities, this one comes in at number 41.
As of the most current data year, NC A&T had about 68 computer science graduates with this degree. The average salary increase for North Carolina A&T State University computer science degree holders is $17,556, which is a rise in wages above other computer science majors.
10. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
In the most recent data year, around 95 Appalachian State computer science graduates obtained this degree. Early career salaries for graduates of the Comp Sci program average $60,824.
Career Opportunities for a Computer Science Degree
A computer science degree opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers. Here are just a few examples:
Software Developer: Write code to create applications, websites, and system software.
Web Developer: Design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications.
Mobile Developer: Create applications specifically for smartphones and tablets.
Systems Engineer: Design, install, configure, and maintain computer systems.
Database Administrator: Manage the organization, storage, and retrieval of data.
Data Scientist: Collect, analyze, and interpret data to extract valuable insights.
Skills Gained
A computer science degree goes beyond just memorizing code. You’ll develop valuable skills like:
Problem-Solving: Break down complex challenges into logical steps and design effective solutions.
Critical Thinking: Analyze situations, identify patterns, and make sound decisions based on evidence.
Analytical Thinking: Extract meaning from data and translate it into actionable insights.
Creativity: Think outside the box to design innovative software solutions.
Communication: Effectively convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Selecting the Best Computer Science University
The above-listed schools were properly drafted to assist you in making an important decision regarding your computer science school choice. We aggregate the findings of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees granted at that level, to create our Best Overall Computer Science School rankings.
You might choose to filter to one of the degree levels below to identify the universities that are the most fit for you.
Computer Science Degree Levels
It matters which computer school you decide to spend time and money in. We have created a variety of major-specific rankings, such as this list of the Top Computer Science Schools in North Carolina, to assist you in selecting the program that best suits your needs.
There are several excellent schools and institutions in North Carolina that provide top-notch computer science degrees. Also, there are several alternatives available, each with special advantages and characteristics, whether you’re interested in obtaining a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate.
Aspiring computer scientists have access to a wide range of options from the esteemed research organizations mentioned above. These universities are influencing computer science education in the state and beyond thanks to their solid industry linkages, state-of-the-art research facilities, and encouraging learning environments.