Compiled by the team of counselors at IvyWise
These days, with advancements in technology, there’s an app for just about anything and a need for people to build them. STEM-related fields are seeing a high demand for workers and many students are realizing the value of a STEM education.
Computer science and app development are booming fields, and many colleges are catering to those needs with exceptional programs for budding techies. From app and software development to computer programming, here are Dr. Kat’s favorite schools for computer science and app development.
Gonzaga University: Spokane, WA
Students who want to pursue a computer science degree at Gonzaga University have two options: a B.S. in Computer Science or a B.A. in Computer Science and Computational Thinking. Both programs offer a concentration in Software App Development, which consists of four courses: UI/UX Design, Linux and DevOps, Web Development, and Mobile App Development.
Undergraduate research opportunities are available through the Computer Science Research Lab, where students work with faculty mentors on innovative technology projects. Students can also study computer science abroad in cities such as Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Madrid, and Auckland, among others.
A private Jesuit university, Gonzaga currently enrolls approximately 7,300 students, most of whom are undergraduates. More than 120 student clubs and organizations foster a sense of community on campus, and Gonzaga’s unique Immersive Outdoor Learning program allows students to earn credit for participating in outdoor field experiences, such as backpacking, hiking, and canoeing.
Oregon State University: Corvallis, OR
The College of Engineering at Oregon State University confers the most computer science degrees in the nation each year. Computer science majors have a variety of tracks to choose from, including web and mobile application development. Core courses in this track include Mobile Software Development, Cloud Application Development, and Advanced Web Development.
Undergraduates have opportunities to engage in research that supplements their classroom learning. Additionally, students can participate in the App Development Club, which encourages them to develop apps and publish projects with like-minded peers.
Oregon State is a public research university with an undergraduate population of nearly 30,800 students. Undergraduates can choose from among 100+ degree programs. In addition to all that Oregon State has to offer, students can enjoy a variety of recreational activities in the surrounding Willamette Valley, and Corvallis is consistently ranked as one of the top college towns in the U.S.
Ball State University: Muncie, IN
App development is now one of the most in-demand skills in computer science and Ball State University is meeting this demand. Students pursuing either a B.S. or B.A. in Computer Science can choose a concentration in web and mobile app development.
All computer science majors are required to complete the same core curriculum during their first and second years. During junior year, students dive into their concentration, completing 27 credits in their focus area. The program culminates in an immersive senior capstone that involves collaborations between students and community partners.
Approximately 20,400 students are enrolled at Ball State, a public research university in East Central Indiana, where undergraduates have approximately 120 majors to choose from. With 380 student-led organizations, Ball State offers a vibrant campus community. Additionally, students can enjoy all the cultural attractions, parks, and trails that the city of Muncie has to offer.
Hofstra University: Hempstead, NY
Students hoping to deepen their interest in web and mobile applications may find the ABET-accredited B.S. in Computer Science program at Hofstra University to be a good fit. In addition to receiving a strong foundation in the primary areas of computing, students can also choose electives that provide the necessary skills for app development. To further enhance their skills, students can also pursue a minor in computer applications and digital media design. Computer science majors must complete independent senior design courses and a senior seminar.
Internship courses are also included in the curriculum, allowing students to gain practical experience. In the Internship in Leadership and Innovation in Computing course, students work 10 hours per week under the mentorship of an entrepreneur. For the Computer Science and Computer Engineering Internship course, students work 10 hours per week at startups, research laboratories, or industry corporations.
Located on Long Island, Hofstra is a private university that enrolls approximately 6,200 students and offers 175 undergraduate programs. Outside of the classroom, students can get involved in any of the 200 organizations on campus. New York City is a 45-minute train ride away — Student Affairs offers Explore Next Door trips to NYC, and students often go into the city to network with alumni and take advantage of internship and career opportunities.
Pennsylvania State University: State College, PA
At Pennsylvania State University, undergraduates in the College of Information Sciences and Technology have several degree programs to choose from. The B.S. in Human-Centered Design and Development (HCDD) program prepares students to design and build technologies that meet people’s needs, including mobile and web applications.
Students in the HCDD program can choose a focus area, such as healthcare, geographic information systems, security and risk, informatics, and more, or they can customize one. The curriculum includes an internship — though many students complete more than one. Undergraduates can also participate in research opportunities for academic credit.
As the largest public university in Pennsylvania, Penn State enrolls almost 90,000 students annually across its 24 campuses and online, offering 275 undergraduate degree programs and more than 1,000 student organizations. The main campus enrolls approximately 42,000 undergraduates.
Interested in pursuing a STEM education but not sure where to start? Our team of expert counselors knows what it takes to stand out as a STEM student and can help you identify programs and activities that meet your interests and goals. Contact us today to learn more about our customized programs.
