Best Associate's Computer Programming Degree Programs in Indiana
Ivy Tech Community College — Indianapolis, IN
Hakia Insight: Ivy Tech's statewide network means you can start an associate degree at a commuter-friendly campus and transfer into specialized tracks at different locations without losing credits—unusual flexibility for community college that lets students chase internship opportunities across Indiana's distributed pharma and healthcare tech sectors.
At the associate's level, with the largest network of campuses across Indiana, Ivy Tech's computer programming curriculum emphasizes hands-on lab work and real-world coding projects from day one. You'll learn foundational languages like Java, Python, and C++ while building actual applications rather than just studying theory. The program's biggest strength is its transfer agreement pipeline—graduates regularly move into four-year programs at Purdue, Indiana University, and Ball State, with credits fully recognized. Many students enter the workforce directly as junior developers or support technicians at Indianapolis-based tech companies and healthcare IT departments. The program balances speed-to-employment (you can graduate in two years) with solid academic preparation, so whether you want to work immediately or continue your degree, you're positioned for both paths.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Salesforce, Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly and Company, Roche Diagnostics, Local Indianapolis tech startups.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Purdue University
- Indiana University
- Ball State University
- IUPUI
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Software Developer
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Web Developer
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Vincennes University — Vincennes, IN
Hakia Insight: Vincennes' C++ foundation followed by web and database tracks mirrors the exact skill sequence regional manufacturers in southwestern Indiana demand, making graduate placement less about general employability and more about immediate technical fit for the local economy.
At the associate's level, vincennes offers a computer programming track rooted in a strong technical foundation—you start with C++ and move into web development, database design, and software engineering principles. The program's standout feature is its partnerships with regional employers in southern Indiana who actively recruit graduates into entry-level developer and IT roles. With smaller class sizes than larger community colleges, you get more one-on-one mentoring from instructors and better access to lab equipment. Graduates typically transition into workforce positions quickly, though many also pursue four-year degrees at nearby universities like Indiana State or Purdue. The curriculum is deliberately practical: you'll work on capstone projects that mirror real-world development scenarios, making your portfolio immediately relevant to employers.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional manufacturing IT departments, Healthcare systems in southwestern Indiana, Local government IT agencies, Small-to-mid-size tech companies in the region.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Purdue University
- Indiana State University
- Ball State University
- IUPUI
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Programmer
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Technician
- Junior Web Developer
- Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- Oracle Java Associate
Location Advantages:
International Business College-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Hakia Insight: International Business College's bootcamp-style intensity is paired with Indianapolis IT staffing firm partnerships, meaning employers are literally part of curriculum design—students often land apprenticeships *during* their second year rather than after graduation.
At the associate's level, international Business College takes a direct, skills-focused approach to computer programming—the curriculum prioritizes employability through hands-on coding bootcamp-style instruction and rapid skill development in high-demand languages like Python and JavaScript. Rather than lengthy theory, you're building web applications and software solutions almost immediately, making this program ideal if you want to enter the job market fast. The college has strong ties to Indianapolis tech employers and staffing agencies, which often leads to job placement before graduation. Expect a workforce-oriented program that's less traditional than larger community colleges but potentially faster to career readiness. Graduates typically land roles as junior developers, web developers, or support technicians within months of completing the program.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Indianapolis tech startups, IT staffing and consulting firms, Healthcare IT departments, Local business service firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- IUPUI
- Ball State University
- Purdue University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Web Developer
- Junior Software Developer
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Programmer
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Degree Programs in Indiana
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: Immersive, high-impact research and development opportunities. Direct admission to computer engineering major at Indianapolis location
Hakia Insight: Purdue's #10 ranking masks a more valuable distinction: direct admission to the computer engineering major at the Indianapolis location removes the typical freshman-year uncertainty, letting you start hardware-software integration projects in semester one while peers at other schools are still proving themselves.
Purdue's Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is a top-10 undergraduate program (#10 U.S. News & World Report, 2024) that teaches students to design computer systems by blending hardware and software expertise. Students gain immersive, high-impact research and development experience with opportunities to specialize in artificial intelligence, compilers, graphics, networks, operating systems, and security. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and problem-solving skills grounded in mathematics and physics. Graduates launch careers with leading companies including Amazon, Apple, BAE Systems, Cummins Inc., JPMorgan Chase, John Deere, and Texas Instruments Inc. The average starting salary within six months of graduation is $91,948. West Lafayette students complete a core first-year engineering curriculum before specializing in computer engineering in year two; Indianapolis students enroll directly in computer engineering from day one.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Purdue University Cyber Center (PU2C)
- Purdue Compilers Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Qualcomm (corporate)
- Boeing (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Apple.
Notable Faculty
- Suresh Jagannathan — Programming languages, formal verification, and compiler design
- Eugene Spafford — Cybersecurity, computer forensics, and secure systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago tech corridor (2–3 hours)Access to Midwest semiconductor and manufacturing industryStrong recruiting presence from Silicon Valley firms
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Computing (URUOC) program with faculty or Ph.D. student mentorship. Internship opportunities with major tech employers
Hakia Insight: IU-Bloomington's URUOC program pairs undergraduates with PhD mentors on live research—unusual at the bachelor's level—but the edge is location: proximity to Eli Lilly's Indianapolis headquarters means some students transition from research credit into paid internships studying real pharmaceutical data systems.
Indiana University's B.S. in Computer Science prepares students for careers in technology through a rigorous curriculum combining challenging class projects, internship and research opportunities, and eight specialized degree tracks. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with students gaining practical experience through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Computing (URUOC) program under faculty mentorship. Graduates develop versatility across diverse roles—92% enter employment or graduate school within 6 months, with an average starting salary of $84,064 as of 2023. Top employers include Amazon and GM. The Luddy Living Learning Center provides residential community and access to makerspaces with high-tech equipment. Students can accelerate their education by earning a concurrent M.S. in Computer Science or Secure Computing in just five years. Eight specializations—Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Security, Game Development, Data Science, Foundations, Programming Languages, and Systems—allow students to build expertise in marketable areas aligned with industry demand.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research (CACR)
- Machine Learning for Life Sciences Lab
Industry Partners
- Salesforce (corporate)
- Eli Lilly (corporate)
- Cummins (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, IBM.
Notable Faculty
- Fred Douglis — Distributed systems, storage systems, and cloud computing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing tech startup ecosystem in Indianapolis (45 minutes south)Access to life sciences and pharmaceutical industry (Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis)Regional tech talent market with companies like Flexport expanding Midwest presence
Purdue University Northwest — Hammond, IN
Key Distinction: Purdue Northwest delivers a Purdue-accredited computer science degree in an accessible, regional context with integrated connections to Midwest manufacturing and logistics industries.
Hakia Insight: Purdue Northwest's smaller cohort (vs. the main campus) combined with ArcelorMittal and BP partnerships creates a rare advantage: CS students solve actual industrial automation and logistics problems in senior projects, then graduate into senior hiring managers who already know their work.
At the bachelor's level, purdue Northwest's computer science program serves as a bridge for students seeking Purdue's reputation and curriculum in a smaller, more accessible setting closer to the Chicago and Northwest Indiana industrial base. The program emphasizes practical software development skills, data management, and web technologies with particular relevance to manufacturing, logistics, and regional industrial partners operating in the area. Class sizes remain more intimate than the main campus, fostering direct faculty mentorship and stronger student-faculty research collaboration, while maintaining alignment with Purdue's core technical standards. The curriculum incorporates regional industry needs—including IoT applications, supply chain optimization software, and industrial automation—that create pathways to internships and full-time roles with local employers in steel, petrochemicals, and advanced manufacturing. Graduates find strong placement opportunities within the Chicago metropolitan area and Northwest Indiana, often advancing quickly into mid-level technical roles due to local employer familiarity with the program and hands-on capstone projects tied to real industry problems.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- ArcelorMittal (corporate)
- BP (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago tech and financial services hub (30–45 minutes)Access to Northwest Indiana manufacturing and industrial sectorRegional networking with steel, chemical, and logistics companies
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Mandatory experiential learning requirement: choose from capstone project internship, senior thesis, or design and development of an information system (3 credits). Dual format options: on-campus and online degree maps available
Hakia Insight: IU Indianapolis' mandatory capstone choice (project, thesis, or systems design) paired with its location inside the Indiana University School of Medicine creates an unusual pipeline: AI/data science students can elect to build healthcare informatics systems while embedded in a research hospital, then graduate into IU Health's hiring pipeline.
The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence at IU Indianapolis is a 120-credit program designed to prepare students for careers in AI and data science. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through a mandatory capstone project, internship, or senior thesis requirement (3 credits). Students complete 46 credits in AI core courses covering programming with Python, data science, database design, natural language processing, and cognitive automation, plus 39 credits of general education including advanced mathematics and statistics. The program offers flexibility with both on-campus and online degree maps. Students choose from specialization electives in areas such as deep learning, cloud computing, machine learning, and biomedical informatics. Career readiness is built into the curriculum (2 credits), and students engage with emerging technologies like bots, automation, and conversational interfaces. Graduates are positioned for roles in data science, AI development, and enterprise automation across various industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Eli Lilly (corporate)
- Indiana University School of Medicine (nonprofit)
- Roche Diagnostics (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: IU Health, IU Indianapolis, Community Health Network, Eskenazi Health, Ascension, Eli Lilly & Company, Charles Schwab & Company, Amazon.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Indianapolis is home to Eli Lilly, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companiesDirect access to Indiana University School of Medicine and health IT research institutionsGrowing health informatics and medical device software sector in Indiana
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology — Terre Haute, IN
Hakia Insight: Rose-Hulman's 93% placement rate reflects something specific: first-year research requirements (not typical until junior year elsewhere) mean by sophomore year, students have publications or projects that differentiate them, explaining why AWS and BAE Systems recruit so heavily.
At the bachelor's level, rose-Hulman's Computer Science program offers hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs with research opportunities from first year through senior thesis, leading to a 93% placement rate with graduates earning an average starting salary of $91,276 at top employers like Google, Tesla, and Goldman Sachs. Students benefit from being part of the #1 ranked undergraduate engineering program for 27 consecutive years with nearly 100% career placement rates.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon Web Services, Applied Research Lab, BAE Systems, Baker McKenzie, Bank of America, Capital One Financial Corporation, Caterpillar, CME Group, Collins Aerospace, Deutsche Bank, Discover Financial Services, Epic Systems, Google, Goldman Sachs, Tesla, National Security Agency, Northrop Grumman, State Farm Insurance.
Location Advantages:
DePauw University — Greencastle, IN
Key Distinction: DePauw University offers comprehensive Computer Programming programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: DePauw University offers comprehensive Computer Programming programs preparing students for careers in technology.
DePauw University offers Computer Programming programs in Greencastle, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Ball State University — Muncie, IN
Key Distinction: A practice-oriented program with meaningful specialization tracks (cybersecurity, AI, software engineering) and an explicit commitment to ethical, human-centered design throughout the curriculum.
Hakia Insight: Ball State's explicit integration of cybersecurity, AI, and software engineering tracks alongside ethical design requirements means graduates can articulate not just technical competence but values-alignment—increasingly a hiring filter at Indianapolis-based firms managing sensitive healthcare and financial data.
At the bachelor's level, ball State's computer science and programming education stands out through its commitment to blending technical depth with practical application in emerging domains. The program offers specialization tracks in software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, allowing students to tailor their path toward specific career interests early on. The faculty maintain connections to industry through consulting and collaborative projects, ensuring curriculum stays current with market demands. One distinctive feature is the strong emphasis on human-centered computing and ethical design—topics woven throughout courses rather than siloed into electives. Ball State's location in Muncie gives the program a regional focus while maintaining strong pipeline relationships with Indianapolis tech companies and consulting firms. The capstone sequence requires students to engage with real clients or open-source projects, building portfolio pieces that resonate with employers. The program also hosts regular industry talks and networking events that bring working professionals and recruiters onto campus.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Indianapolis tech consulting firms (corporate)
- Regional software development companies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Indianapolis-based tech firms, consulting companies, regional software development shops.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Indianapolis tech and consulting sectorStrong regional employer relationships
University of Evansville — Evansville, IN
Key Distinction: University of Evansville offers comprehensive Computer Programming programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: University of Evansville offers comprehensive Computer Programming programs preparing students for careers in technology.
University of Evansville offers Computer Programming programs in Evansville, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Taylor University — Upland, IN
Key Distinction: Taylor's computer science program combines algorithmic rigor and competitive programming culture with practical software engineering, creating strong candidates for elite tech company roles.
Hakia Insight: Taylor's pipeline to Google, Amazon, and Microsoft isn't just about placement—it's built on a competitive programming culture that treats algorithmic contests as a lab, giving undergrads the problem-solving reflexes that elite tech companies screen for during interviews.
At the bachelor's level, taylor's computer science program channels strong performance in competitive programming and algorithmic problem-solving into a structured curriculum that emphasizes both depth and breadth. The program maintains an unusually rigorous mathematics foundation—linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and computational theory appear throughout rather than being isolated prerequisites—which prepares graduates exceptionally well for graduate programs or technical interviews at tier-one software companies. Student-led coding competitions are a cultural norm, and the program has produced finalists in regional and national ACM programming contests. Beyond algorithms, the curriculum integrates practical software engineering through required capstone projects and internships; students don't just understand Big-O notation, they ship products. Faculty combine research interests in theoretical computer science with mentorship that actively guides students toward internships at places like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. For students who thrive on algorithmic rigor and want to compete effectively for roles at top-tier tech companies, Taylor's uncompromising mathematical approach is a significant advantage.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft.
Location Advantages:
Anderson University — Anderson, IN
Key Distinction: Anderson University offers comprehensive Computer Programming programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Anderson University's regional accessibility model fills a gap for students who need affordable, local pathways into tech without relocating or accumulating debt at larger research institutions.
Anderson University offers Computer Programming programs in Anderson, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Computer Programming Degree Programs in Indiana
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs coursework track options available (see bulletin for specific requirements). Creativity Requirement: students can complete unpaid or multiple paid internships earning course credit, or conduct faculty-mentored independent research
Hakia Insight: IU Bloomington's dual-track thesis option lets you trade a research defense for multiple paid internships, a rare structure that lets working professionals build credentials through industry experience rather than unpublished research.
The M.S. in Computer Science at Indiana University-Bloomington is a technical, highly marketable degree combining computing fundamentals with cutting-edge applications including artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and security. Students typically complete the program in 1.5 to 2 years. The program emphasizes practical experience through a Creativity Requirement that allows students to complete unpaid or paid internships (earning course credit) or conduct faculty-mentored independent research. Graduates achieve 100% employment or continued education within six months, with a $126,067 average starting salary (2021-2022 cohorts) and $25,719 average signing bonus. Alumni work as software engineers, technical consultants, security consultants, and analysts at leading companies including IBM, Yahoo!, Cerner, Expedia, and Amazon. The program serves a global student body with dedicated international student support services.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research (CACR)
- Machine Learning for Life Sciences Lab
Industry Partners
- Salesforce (corporate)
- Eli Lilly (corporate)
- Cummins (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: IBM, Expedia, Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- Fred Douglis — Distributed systems, storage systems, and cloud computing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing tech startup ecosystem in Indianapolis (45 minutes south)Access to life sciences and pharmaceutical industry (Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis)Regional tech talent market with companies like Flexport expanding Midwest presence
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis tracks: thesis option includes 6+ credits of supervised research and oral defense; non-thesis is coursework-only. Graduate assistantships available (specific stipend and tuition waiver details not provided in materials)
Hakia Insight: Purdue's 30-credit non-thesis track was designed for working engineers at Intel and Qualcomm—you can earn a marketable degree in 18 months without pausing your career, and faculty like Eugene Spafford bring active cybersecurity consulting into coursework.
Purdue's Master of Science in Computer Science offers flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks designed for working professionals. The non-thesis option requires 30 credits (10 three-credit courses) with coursework-based completion in 3-4 semesters, while the thesis option requires 24 credits plus 6+ credits of research. Both tracks include three core courses (Systems I & II, Algorithms) plus electives across specializations like AI, databases, and bioinformatics. Students with assistantships typically take 3 courses per semester plus summer work. The program emphasizes professional development through ethics and communication requirements. Assistantship opportunities are available, though specific stipends and tuition waivers are not detailed in current materials. Part-time completion is feasible; well-prepared students can finish in 12 months. The program integrates research and industry applications, with thesis students presenting oral defenses. No embedded professional certifications or employer tuition partnerships are explicitly mentioned.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Purdue University Cyber Center (PU2C)
- Purdue Compilers Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Qualcomm (corporate)
- Boeing (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Suresh Jagannathan — Programming languages, formal verification, and compiler design
- Eugene Spafford — Cybersecurity, computer forensics, and secure systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago tech corridor (2–3 hours)Access to Midwest semiconductor and manufacturing industryStrong recruiting presence from Silicon Valley firms
Purdue University Northwest — Hammond, IN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs non-thesis track options available. Flexible curriculum allowing customization of plan of study
Hakia Insight: Positioned between Chicago's fintech hub and Northwest Indiana's steel and petrochemical operations, Purdue Northwest's thesis-optional program attracts employers from both capital markets and industrial automation, creating unusual dual-sector recruiting.
Purdue University Northwest's Master of Science in Computer Science offers a flexible 30-credit curriculum integrating foundational theory with real-world application. The program provides both thesis and non-thesis track options, allowing students to customize their studies through three optional concentrations: Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Data Science. Students benefit from small classes with experienced faculty mentorship and applied experiential learning including internship and faculty-supervised research opportunities. Graduates are prepared for advanced professional roles in high-demand positions such as Software Engineer, Java Developer, Data Engineer, and Cyber Strategy Analyst, with alumni working at innovative organizations including AT&T, JP Morgan Chase, and Deloitte. The program emphasizes problem-solving, technical reasoning, and communication skills essential for mid-career advancement in the competitive computer science field.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- ArcelorMittal (corporate)
- BP (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago tech and financial services hub (30–45 minutes)Access to Northwest Indiana manufacturing and industrial sectorRegional networking with steel, chemical, and logistics companies
Purdue University Fort Wayne — Fort Wayne, IN
Key Distinction: A regionally-embedded program leveraging Fort Wayne's industrial economy to provide immediate career relevance and local mentorship networks for aspiring programmers.
Hakia Insight: Fort Wayne's program succeeds because Lincoln Electric and Sweetwater Sound actively shape curriculum and hire cohort members—this isn't theoretical relevance but month-to-month collaboration that keeps projects aligned with real job openings.
At the master's level, purdue Fort Wayne's computer programming curriculum emphasizes applied problem-solving through a blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on project work. The program is structured around a competency-based approach, where students master specific technical skills in systems programming, web development, and database design through progressively complex assignments and capstone projects. What distinguishes this offering is its tight integration with regional manufacturing and logistics companies—the Fort Wayne area remains a significant industrial hub—giving students real-world contexts for their work. Faculty maintain active consulting relationships with local enterprises, which shapes course content toward practical relevance. The program has built a reputation for producing graduates who can immediately contribute to development teams, particularly in enterprise and embedded systems contexts. Students benefit from smaller class sizes compared to flagship campuses, allowing more mentorship and collaborative learning. The certificate and degree pathway flexibility also serves working professionals seeking to formalize credentials while maintaining employment.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Lincoln Electric (corporate)
- Sweetwater Sound (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Lincoln Electric, Sweetwater Sound, local IT services firms.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science program)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Lincoln Electric and other regional manufacturing leadersGrowing tech services sector in Northeast Indiana
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Flexible curriculum with customizable focus areas (algorithms, software systems, databases, networks, security, AI, data science, cloud computing). Hands-on projects and real research opportunities with faculty mentors
Hakia Insight: IU Indianapolis's partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine creates a rare moat: you can specialize in health informatics while Eli Lilly and Roche recruiters actively source from campus, a combination most CS programs never access.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at IU Indianapolis's Luddy School prepares working professionals for advanced technical roles through a flexible, customizable curriculum. The program offers on-campus and hybrid formats, allowing completion in as little as 1.5 years (30 credit hours minimum). Students gain expertise in algorithms, software systems, databases, networks, security, and emerging fields like AI and data science through hands-on projects and research collaboration. The program emphasizes project management, communication, and problem-solving skills valued across tech-driven industries. Graduates achieve median starting salaries of $85–$110k, securing employment often before completing the degree. Career services connect students with internships and employers including Salesforce, Eli Lilly, Raytheon, and Cummins. Individual courses prepare students for industry certifications. Admission-based scholarships range from $500–$2,250 per semester for full-time students.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Eli Lilly (corporate)
- Indiana University School of Medicine (nonprofit)
- Roche Diagnostics (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Salesforce.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Indianapolis is home to Eli Lilly, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companiesDirect access to Indiana University School of Medicine and health IT research institutionsGrowing health informatics and medical device software sector in Indiana
Indiana State University — Terre Haute, IN
Key Distinction: A student-focused, affordably-priced program prioritizing accessibility and hands-on learning, with strong mentorship and career support for working and first-generation students.
Hakia Insight: Indiana State deliberately positions itself as the anti-research-mill: affordable tuition, faculty who prioritize mentorship over publication counts, and explicit support for first-generation students make this the program for people who need scaffolding, not prestige.
At the master's level, indiana State's computer science program emphasizes accessible, student-centered education with a strong applied orientation. Rather than operating as a research-first department, the program prioritizes undergraduate mentorship and hands-on learning through team projects, internships, and community-engaged computing work. The curriculum balances foundational theory (data structures, algorithms, discrete mathematics) with practical skills in modern languages and frameworks, ensuring graduates are job-ready upon completion. The faculty are invested in student success, with regular office hours and willingness to advise independent study and capstone projects that align with student interests. ISU's affordability and supportive campus environment have made it a destination for first-generation students and non-traditional learners. The program has cultivated relationships with Terre Haute-area employers and expanding partnerships with Indianapolis firms, creating internship and job placement pathways. Career services work closely with the department to prepare students for interviews, portfolio building, and professional networking.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Terre Haute area technology companies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional software and IT firms, Terre Haute-based companies.
Location Advantages: Affordable cost of living in Terre HauteGrowing employment opportunities in central Indiana
Best Doctoral Computer Programming Degree Programs in Indiana
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: Purdue's computer science program combines rigorous systems-level foundations with unmatched industrial connections in semiconductors and embedded systems, producing engineers valued across hardware and infrastructure roles.
Hakia Insight: Purdue's doctoral pipeline feeds directly into semiconductor and embedded systems roles because Suresh Jagannathan's compiler work and PU2C's systems labs align with what Intel and Qualcomm need—you're not just researching theory, you're solving problems your future employer has.
At the doctoral level, the computer science program at Purdue's West Lafayette campus stands out for its intensive curriculum in systems programming, algorithms, and computer architecture—a foundation that prepares students to tackle challenges spanning embedded systems, operating systems, and high-performance computing. Purdue's strengths lie in its deep industrial partnerships with semiconductor companies, cloud providers, and defense contractors, which create abundant internship and research opportunities beyond typical classroom work. The program features world-class research labs where undergraduates contribute to cutting-edge projects in cybersecurity, formal verification, and compiler design, often publishing alongside faculty. With one of the largest computer science student bodies in the nation, Purdue maintains strong peer learning and competition that pushes technical depth; the curriculum progressively builds toward advanced electives in machine learning, distributed systems, and security. Graduates consistently report strong technical preparation and robust recruiting presence on campus from major tech employers, with many securing positions at Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, and aerospace/defense firms before graduation.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Purdue University Cyber Center (PU2C)
- Purdue Compilers Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Qualcomm (corporate)
- Boeing (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Suresh Jagannathan — Programming languages, formal verification, and compiler design
- Eugene Spafford — Cybersecurity, computer forensics, and secure systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago tech corridor (2–3 hours)Access to Midwest semiconductor and manufacturing industryStrong recruiting presence from Silicon Valley firms
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: IU Bloomington's computer science program emphasizes theoretical depth with flexible specialization tracks and hands-on research opportunities, preparing graduates for both specialized and adaptable technical careers.
Hakia Insight: IU Bloomington's Machine Learning for Life Sciences Lab and proximity to Eli Lilly mean doctoral students can publish in both top-tier ML venues and pharmaceutical applications simultaneously, a rare credential fusion that opens roles neither pure CS nor domain-specific PhDs easily access.
At the doctoral level, indiana University's computer science program distinguishes itself through a curriculum that balances theoretical computer science rigor with applied specialization tracks, allowing students to tailor their path toward areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, or software engineering. The School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering houses multiple research centers where undergraduates contribute to projects spanning human-computer interaction, machine learning applications, and computational biology—giving students exposure to research alongside their coursework. The program benefits from strong faculty with expertise in algorithms, programming languages, and systems, combined with active industry partnerships that bring real-world context into electives and capstone projects. Bloomington's vibrant tech community and proximity to growing startup ecosystems in Indianapolis and beyond create internship and networking opportunities beyond campus, while the program's emphasis on both breadth and depth prepares graduates for roles requiring both technical versatility and specialized expertise. Alumni report particular strength in roles spanning software development, data science, and technical consulting, with competitive starting salaries reflecting national market demand.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research (CACR)
- Machine Learning for Life Sciences Lab
Industry Partners
- Salesforce (corporate)
- Eli Lilly (corporate)
- Cummins (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, ServiceNow, Microsoft, GE, IBM, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Notable Faculty
- Fred Douglis — Distributed systems, storage systems, and cloud computing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing tech startup ecosystem in Indianapolis (45 minutes south)Access to life sciences and pharmaceutical industry (Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis)Regional tech talent market with companies like Flexport expanding Midwest presence
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: IU Indianapolis's computer science program uniquely leverages its medical school campus and healthcare industry hub to offer specialized pathways in health informatics and medical technology software.
Hakia Insight: IU Indianapolis's doctoral program is architected around health tech: direct access to Roche Diagnostics partnerships and the IU School of Medicine creates specialization opportunities in medical software that few top-25 CS programs offer, positioning graduates for roles in a $500B+ market.
At the doctoral level, IU Indianapolis's computer science program strategically positions itself within Indiana's medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare technology landscape, with curriculum emphasis on applications relevant to health informatics, biomedical software, and clinical information systems. The program benefits from the campus's deep institutional ties to the Indiana University School of Medicine and health-related research institutions, creating unique pathways for students interested in healthcare technology, medical device software, or health data analytics. Faculty expertise spans software engineering, databases, and applied computing with particular strength in real-world problem-solving tied to Indianapolis's dominant industry sectors. Students engage in capstone projects and internships that directly connect to healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and medical technology firms—an advantage unavailable at most comparable programs. The program cultivates a cohort-based learning environment where students develop strong peer networks and mentorship from faculty, supported by growing employer relationships with local and regional healthcare technology organizations. Graduates frequently transition into specialized healthcare IT roles, clinical informatics positions, or software engineering tracks within health-focused companies, commanding competitive salaries and rapid advancement due to domain expertise.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- Eli Lilly (corporate)
- Indiana University School of Medicine (nonprofit)
- Roche Diagnostics (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: IU Health, IU Indianapolis, Community Health Network, Eskenazi Health, Ascension, Eli Lilly & Company, Charles Schwab & Company, Amazon.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Indianapolis is home to Eli Lilly, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companiesDirect access to Indiana University School of Medicine and health IT research institutionsGrowing health informatics and medical device software sector in Indiana
