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Best Computer Science Schools in Washington
As the home of major tech companies like Microsoft, Tableau, Expedia, Amazon, and others, Washington state has a strong reputation for producing top-notch computer science graduates. In this article, we’ll be reviewing some of the best computer science schools in Washington, taking a look at the various programs they offer, the resources available to students, and the overall reputation and ranking of the schools.
Ranked as one of the best jobs in America by U.S. News and World Report, the field of Computer Science is definitely the right path for you if you enjoy working with computers and are interested in solving complex problems. Additionally, if you have strong analytical and logical thinking skills, you may find success in computer science.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook, the overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow by 15% from 2021 to 2031 with this increase guaranteeing 682,800 new jobs over the decade. The Occupational Outlook Handbook also reports a median annual wage of $97,430 for all Computer Science and Information Technology related occupations.
Our list of top-ranked institutions offering computer science programs in the state that will help you find the right fit for you and begin your path to a successful career in the field. Read on as we’ll highlight the top 8 ranked ABET-accredited institutions offering computer science degree programs in Washington.
1. Washington State University
- Location: Pullman, Washington
- Program: Computer Science
Washington State University (WSU) is a public land-grant research university located in Pullman, Washington. It was founded in 1890 and is the largest university in the state of Washington. WSU has a strong focus on research and is known for its programs in the fields of arts and sciences, medicine, agriculture, education, technology, nursing and business.
The university offers over 200+ undergraduate and 150+ graduate & professional degree programs across eleven colleges. WSU is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Institute for Shock Physics, the Institute for Biological Chemistry, and the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, Center for Environmental Research, Education, and Outreach (CEREO) and so many more.
Washington State university offers an accreditted Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science through Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture while providing students with opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, tutoring programs and scholarships.
WSU Computer Science program ranked 84th in Computer Science by CSRankings is a nationally recognized leader in computer science research and education making it one of the best Computer Science schools in Washington.
2. Washington State University – Tri-Cities
- Location: Richland, Washington
- Program: Computer Science
Washington State University – Tri-Cities (WSU Tri-Cities) is a branch campus of Washington State University (WSU) located in Richland, Washington and was established in 1989.
Located along the beautiful Columbia River in the diverse and growing Tri-Cities, WSU Tri-Cities offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields and has a student enrollment of 1400+ students. WSU Tri-Cities is also home to a number of research centers, including the Center for Environmental Research, Education, and Outreach and the Institute for Integrated Energy Studies.
Ranked seventh in the nation for STEM graduates, the university is known for its programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and has partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide students with real-world experience and research opportunities.
Through it’s School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Washington State University – Tri-Cities offers an accreditted Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree program in Computer Science.
3. Washington State University – Vancouver
- Location: Vancouver, Washington
- Program: Computer Science
Founded in 1989, Washington State University – Vancouver (WSU Vancouver) is a public research university located in Vancouver, Washington and is one of six campuses of the Washington State University system.
WSU Vancouver offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields and has a total enrollment of 2800+ students. The university has a diverse student body and faculty with a strong focus on research and community engagement. Located on a beautiful wooded campus, Washington State University Vancouver is in the homeland of Chinookan and Taidnapam peoples and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
The university is committed to providing a high-quality education to its students and preparing them for successful careers and leadership roles in their communities. WSU Vancouver School of Engineering and Computer Science offers an accredited Bachelor’s degree programs in Computer Science while providing students with opportunities such as Boeing PDX Mentorship Program and Research.
4. University of Washington Tacoma
- Location: Tacoma, Washington
- Program: Computer Science and Systems
The University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) is a four-year public university located in Tacoma, Washington. It is one of three campuses of the University of Washington (UW) system and is a member of the Washington State Research and Education Network. UWT was founded in 1990 as a satellite campus of the University of Washington and has since grown to become an independent institution with its own faculty, staff, and degree programs.
With a student body of over 4800 students, UWT offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including arts & sciences, business, work & criminal justice, education, urban studies, innovation & global engagement, engineering, nursing & healthcare leadership, and urban studies.
The University of Washington Tacoma is accredited as a unit of the University of Washington by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The University through it’s School of Engineering & Technology offer’s an ABET-accredited degree program in Computer Science and Systems. Ranked 7th in Computer Science by CSRankings, University of Washington Computer Science Program across it’s campus is one of the best in the United States.
5. Eastern Washington University
- Location: Cheney, Washington
- Program: Computer Science
Eastern Washington University (EWU) is a public university located in Cheney, Washington, a small city about 16 miles from Spokane. Founded in 1882 as a teacher training school, Eastern Washington University has grown into a comprehensive university with a diverse range of academic programs. The university has a main campus in Cheney, as well as satellite campuses in Spokane and other locations in the region.
EWU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, engineering, nursing, and the arts and sciences. The university has a strong focus on applied learning and experiential education, and encourages students to get involved in research, internships, and other hands-on learning opportunities.
With a student body of over 10,000+ students, the university is known for its supportive and welcoming environment, and has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. EWU through it’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics offers an accredited Bachelor of Science program in Computer Science for students looking to get into the field of Computer Science.
6. Gonzaga University
- Location: Spokane, Washington
- Program: Computer Science
Gonzaga University is a private, Roman Catholic university located in Spokane, Washington. It was founded in 1887 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and is named after St. Aloysius Gonzaga, an Italian saint.
Gonzaga University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through it’s seven schools/college namely: College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Nursing and Human Physiology, School of Leadership Studies and School of Law.
Gonzaga University is known for its strong liberal arts education and has a reputation for providing a high-quality education. With a student body of 7,000+, the university is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Institute for Hate Studies, the Institute for Public Service, and the Institute for Global Engagement.
Gonzaga University School of Engineering & Applied Science offers an accreditted BS in Computer Science (BSCS) program with optional concentration in Software Security, Data Science and Software App Development.
7. Western Washington University
- Location: Bellingham, Washington
- Program: Computer Science
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university located in Bellingham, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1893 as the New Whatcom Normal School and later became the State Normal School at Bellingham. It was eventually renamed Western Washington College of Education, and then Western Washington University in 1977.
WWU is a comprehensive university that offers more than 200+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of disciplines and a diverse student body of over 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Western Washington University College of Science and Engineering offers a Computer Science program that provides students with the problem-solving and analytical background needed to produce creative programming solutions. As part of a hands-on approach, students also gets to undertake Internship programs and undergraduate research.
8. DigiPen Institute of Technology
- Location: Redmond, Washington
- Program: Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
DigiPen Institute of Technology is a private university located in Redmond, Washington that focuses on computer science, digital art, and game design. The university was founded in 1988 and has since become a leading institution for education and research in the field of game development and computer science.
DigiPen offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including computer science, game design, digital art, and engineering.
The university is known for its rigorous curriculum and hands-on approach to learning, at such, it’s Computer Science degree program is no different as the program is incoperated with project-based courses and internships with top companies in the industry. Through a focus on core programming languages, specialized topics, and large-scale team-based projects, DigiPen’s computer science degree programs allow you to build a strong foundation based on both knowledge and practice.
DigiPen is also home to a number of research centers and labs, including the Gameplay and Simulation Research Lab, the Interactive Media and Game Development Lab, and the Interactive Sound Design Lab. These facilities provide students with access to state-of-the-art technology and resources, and allow them to work on real-world projects and research alongside faculty and industry professionals.
Conclusion
Based on the research and analysis presented in this article, Washington is no doubt home to several top-tier best computer science schools in the United States. Each of these schools have a strong reputation for producing highly skilled and sought-after graduates.
From large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, these schools offer a wide range of programs and resources for students interested in pursuing a degree in computer science.
No matter which school you choose, you can be sure that you will receive a top-notch education and have access to the latest technologies and resources. With the demand for computer science professionals on the rise, there is no better time to pursue a degree in this exciting and rewarding field.
