FIVE SIGNS OF A STRONG COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM

Updated December 5, 2022 · 1 Min Read

Choosing a Computer Science Program can be difficult. Cut through the confusion by learning these five signs of a strong computer science degree program.

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Strong Computer Science Program Signs

  • Reputation
  • Financial Aid
  • Internship Opportunities
  • Testimonials
  • Research

Computer science is a thriving field with a huge earning potential, but how do you make sure you're choosing the right undergrad or graduate program? These five signs are perfect for identifying strong degrees that will set you up for success.

Reputation

To learn about the top schools, look into quality lists from credible sources. Whether or or not your university is well-known can influence recognition and employability early on in your career. As an entry-level professional with a degree in-hand, you'll want everything on your side to win that first job or two. Additionally, a reputable program will attract talented minds from all over the world. With enriching classmates and invaluable networking opportunities, you'll undoubtedly benefit from a prominent and influential school. Overall, a solid reputation is a great sign of a challenging and strong computer science degree program.

Financial Aid

A computer science degree program with plenty of funding and financial aid opportunities is likely experiencing at least some level of success. If your potential program offers a generous financial aid package, it could be a good idea to accept.

Beyond the obvious reasons of a potentially lower tuition cost, a financial aid offer indicates your program is working hard to attract the best people. You'll learn alongside overachievers, innovators and dreamers. With excellent networking opportunities and a beneficial learning environment, a financial aid offer is a strong indicator of a quality program.

Internship Opportunities

Your degree is nothing without qualified, professional experience. If you find a program that requires internship experience before graduating, you're certainly ahead of the game. Checking out your program's specific course requirements and looking into whether your university has a department for experiential learning is the first step to ensure you'll have a chance at internship opportunities. Schools that prioritize resume-building experience as much as they value classroom grades don't just want to help you rack up student debt. They want to get you hired.

Testimonials

Almost every university uses student testimonials to sell their programs, but testimonials can still be a helpful source of information. The key is to seek out testimonials yourself, from a source other than the program's website. If you can, visit the potential school and have a chat with students, sit in on classes, and gauge how students feel about the program.

If that's not possible, check out social media to talk to real students. From Facebook to Reddit, online groups are a great way to pose genuine questions to students who aren't trying to sell you on their degree. Instead, you'll get valuable information like which professors to take, what local opportunities are available, and whether you should avoid the program altogether.

Research

Does the program emphasize the importance of research? Not only is structured research a great way to dive deep into your topic of choice, but also it will help your resume as much as an internship or job experience. Look up the professors who play a large role in your program and check if they're involved in recent research endeavors. You'll make connections, nurture an area of expertise, and graduate with a competitive edge. All in all, this is a vital aspect of any strong computer science degree program.

Whether you work with a local app development team on an internship or you network with professors actively engaged in research, a solid degree is priceless. With these tips in mind, a strong computer science degree program is easy to find if you know what to look for.

Related resource:
Top 25 Ranked Computer Science Programs with the Best Return on Investment (ROI)

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