Bachelor's Computer Programming Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Mandatory application to major after completing COMP 210 (competitive admission). Undergraduate research opportunities through COMP 495 (mentored research with faculty)
Hakia Insight: UNC's competitive admission to the major after COMP 210 creates a genuine filter that raises course rigor—the students who make it through have already proven they can handle accelerated problem sets, meaning your cohort peers tend to be serious performers.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at UNC Chapel Hill prepares students for graduate study and technical careers in software development, computational science, networking, information systems, and electronic commerce. The program requires 120 credit hours with a structured curriculum covering core computer science concepts, algorithms, systems fundamentals, and discrete mathematics, alongside calculus, linear algebra, and probability courses. Students gain hands-on experience through high-impact opportunities including undergraduate research (COMP 495), learning assistantships (COMP 227), and work experience (COMP 293). The program culminates in upper-division electives allowing specialization in areas like software engineering and systems. Honors students complete two semesters of research (COMP 691H and COMP 692H) with a written thesis and oral presentation. Graduates are well-positioned for employment in traditional tech industries, financial services, consulting, and other sectors relying on computing and information management.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Multimodal Understanding, Reasoning, and Generation for Language Lab
- CS Experience Labs (CSXL)
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Professor Mohit Bansal — multimodal NLP foundations, faithful language generation and summarization, and model interpretability methods
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, Minimum 2.0 GPA in major core requirements, At least 45 academic credit hours from UNC Chapel Hill courses, At least half of major core requirements completed at UNC Chapel Hill, Grade of C or better in core courses (COMP 283, COMP 210, COMP 211, COMP 301, COMP 311, MATH 231, MATH 232, MATH 233, and two science courses), Core computer science courses: COMP 210, COMP 211, COMP 301, COMP 311, COMP 283, COMP 455, COMP 550, plus five additional COMP courses numbered 420 or higher, Mathematics and science courses including Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Probability, and two science courses, IDEAs in Action General Education requirements
Location Advantages:
Duke University — Durham, NC
Key Distinction: AI integrated into core curriculum with required AI courses. Four concentration pathways (Software Systems, Data Science, AI and Machine Learning, Software Engineering and Design) without additional coursework requirements
Hakia Insight: Duke's mandatory AI courses embedded in the core curriculum (not electives) mean every graduate speaks the language of transformers and neural networks fluently by degree completion, rather than having AI knowledge scattered across a class of students with wildly different exposure.
Duke's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a 34-unit degree with 15 required units in the major. The program emphasizes AI integration, requiring all students to complete two AI courses (COMPSCI 270 and an AI elective) as part of the core curriculum starting Fall 2026. Students complete prerequisites in introductory computer science and mathematics, followed by five core units covering data structures, algorithms, systems, and artificial intelligence. The curriculum supports four concentration pathways—Software Systems, Data Science, AI and Machine Learning, and Software Engineering and Design—allowing students to tailor their education to career goals. Duke offers undergraduate research opportunities through independent study courses and a CS+ Summer Program. The program provides graduation with distinction options for high-achieving students and integrates interdisciplinary study through minors and interdepartmental majors combining CS with mathematics, statistics, linguistics, and visual media studies. Career preparation includes mentorship from faculty and industry connections.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computation + X
- Data Science
- Systems
- Theoretical Computer Science
Notable Faculty
- Susan H. Rodger — Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Owen L. Astrachan — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Kristin V Stephens-Martinez — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Professor of the Practice
- Rong Ge — Director of Graduate Studies
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, NC
Key Distinction: The program provides flexibility with multiple degree pathways and concentrations, combining core computer science education with interdisciplinary work and the option to form minors in other disciplines.
Hakia Insight: UNC Charlotte's dual B.S./B.A. pathway lets students pivot between rigorous systems-focused and liberal arts-inflected CS without restarting, a hedge that most programs force you to choose before enrollment.
At the bachelor's level, UNC Charlotte's computer science program offers both B.S. and B.A. degrees in Computer Science through the College of Computing and Informatics. The B.S. offers seven concentrations with 25 hours of core CS courses and related work outside computer science, while the B.A. offers three concentrations with a less structured approach.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Harini Ramaprasad — Assistant Chair (BS)
- Mr. Bruce Long — Program Director (BA)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Calculus (6 hours), Linear Algebra or Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Introductory Computer Science Course sequence (6 hours), Data Structures, Programming Languages, Computer Architecture or Operating Systems
Location Advantages:
North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: The program features three undergraduate concentrations (Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Game Development) and three elective tracks (Security, Entrepreneurship, and Robotics), with a mandatory Senior Design project that often involves industrial sponsors for real-world experience.
Hakia Insight: NC State's mandatory Senior Design requirement with industrial sponsors means students graduate with portfolio projects that employers have already validated—a built-in credentialing advantage over peers with only coursework.
At the bachelor's level, the Department of Computer Science at NC State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree that teaches students the skills needed to specify, design, implement, test, and deploy computer and software systems. The curriculum provides a foundation in programming languages, data structures, software engineering, systems, theory of computation, security, and the social and ethical dimensions of computer science practice.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Davidson College — Davidson, NC
Key Distinction: Davidson College's computer science program stands out through mandatory senior thesis research and liberal arts rigor, producing graduates prepared for both industry innovation and academic advancement.
Hakia Insight: Davidson's senior thesis requirement in a liberal arts setting produces graduates who can articulate *why* their code matters, a narrative skill that differentiates them in startup pitch rooms and PhD interviews alike.
At the bachelor's level, davidson College's computer science program exemplifies the liberal arts computing model, requiring depth in programming and theory while ensuring students engage rigorously with mathematics, philosophy, and empirical disciplines that inform critical thinking about technology's role in society. The curriculum balances classical computer science—algorithms, theory of computation, systems architecture—with contemporary applications in artificial intelligence, data science, and software engineering. All students complete a senior thesis or independent research project, creating one-on-one mentoring relationships with faculty who are active scholars. Davidson's small size means direct access to faculty, collaborative research opportunities rare at larger institutions, and a cohort small enough for students to know their peers intimately. The program benefits from Davidson's location in the Charlotte region, a growing tech hub home to offices of major companies and venture capital firms, creating internship and networking opportunities. Graduates have entered software engineering roles at leading tech companies, pursued advanced degrees at top computer science PhD programs, or launched startups, with many crediting the rigorous theoretical foundation and independent research experience.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Charlotte tech hub and Fortune 500 company officesAccess to venture capital and startup ecosystem in the region
Wake Forest University — Winston-Salem, NC
Key Distinction: Option to take graduate-level courses (600-700 level) for undergraduate credit. Independent study and undergraduate research opportunities
Hakia Insight: Wake Forest allows undergraduates to take 600-700 level graduate courses for credit, compressing what most schools leave for grad school into your bachelor's degree and materially reducing the cost of a future master's.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Wake Forest University is designed to provide students with both wide and deep exposure to computer science topics, preparing them for graduate-level study or professional careers. The program requires 36+ hours in computer science, including core courses in programming fundamentals, data structures, algorithmic analysis, programming language structures, computer architecture, operating systems, and algorithm design. Students must complete at least 12 hours of 300-level computer science courses, demonstrating deeper technical expertise than the B.A. program. The curriculum emphasizes computational theory, including the limits of computation, and allows students to pursue advanced electives in areas of interest. The program accommodates multidisciplinary work, enabling students to combine computer science with disciplines such as art, business, mathematics, and biology. Wake Forest also offers opportunities for undergraduate research through independent study programs and options to take graduate-level courses (600-700 level) for undergraduate credit.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: U.S. military, banking sector.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.5.
Requirements: Minimum 36 hours in computer science, Required CS courses: 111, 112, 201, 231, 250, 251, 301, 399, At least 12 hours from 300-level or higher CS courses, Three required math courses: MST/MTH 112, MST/MTH 117, and one of MST/MTH 121, MST/MTH 205, or MST/MTH 206
North Carolina A & T State University — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: America's largest public HBCU and the top producer of African American engineers in the country, with research funded by agencies including NSF, Department of Defense, NSA, Department of Energy and National Laboratories.
Hakia Insight: As the nation's top producer of Black engineers, NC A&T's CS program feeds directly into Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and NSF-funded research labs—networks that generate both internships and security clearance pathways uncommon at peer institutions.
At the bachelor's level, the Computer Science program at North Carolina A&T State University combines computer science fundamentals with practical knowledge and technical excellence in advanced technologies. The program focuses on creative engineering aspects of software design and development, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, and high-performance computing.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Cisco (tech)
- Oracle (tech)
- MITRE (tech)
- Capital One (finance)
- VF Corporation (tech)
- Visa (finance)
- Carrier (tech)
- Eli Lilly (healthcare)
- Google (tech)
- Facebook (tech)
- Ford (automotive)
- Microsoft (tech)
- Intel (tech)
- Autodesk (tech)
- Zynga (gaming)
- Palo Alto Networks (cybersecurity)
- NetApp (tech)
- Siemens (tech)
- Applied Materials (tech)
- NVIDIA (tech)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $91,250. Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, SAS, CIA, NSA, FBI, NASA, NAVSEA.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kaushik Roy — Department Chair and Professor
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina Wilmington — Wilmington, NC
Hakia Insight: UNCW's three dedicated research labs (cybersecurity, software engineering, data science) and partnerships with local fintech firms like nCino create a rare advantage for a mid-sized regional school: students can contribute to production systems before graduation.
At the bachelor's level, UNCW's Computer Science program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application. The program offers strong foundations in software development, algorithms, and emerging technologies with opportunities for undergraduate research.
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
- Cybersecurity Research Lab
- Software Engineering Lab
- Data Science Lab
Industry Partners
- Live Oak Bank (Financial Technology)
- nCino (Cloud Banking)
- PPD (Clinical Research Technology)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $72,000. Top Employers: Live Oak Bank, nCino, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Elon University — Elon, NC
Hakia Insight: Elon's partnership with Red Hat and emphasis on study abroad differentiates it in open-source credibility—students can graduate with upstream contributions to enterprise software that appear on résumés before they're hired.
At the bachelor's level, elon's Computer Science program combines technical rigor with liberal arts education. The program emphasizes experiential learning, study abroad opportunities, and close faculty-student collaboration in small class settings.
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
- Human-Computer Interaction Lab
- Artificial Intelligence Lab
- Mobile Computing Lab
Industry Partners
- Red Hat (Enterprise Software)
- SAS Institute (Analytics Software)
- Credit Suisse (Financial Services)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $78,000. Top Employers: Red Hat, SAS Institute, Bank of America, Cisco, Google.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.5.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Agile Certified Practitioner
- Google Cloud Professional
- Scrum Master
Appalachian State University — Boone, NC
Hakia Insight: App State's median salary of $92K rivals much larger research universities despite its smaller profile, a signal that employers value the program's heavy investment in graphics and network security labs over prestige alone.
At the bachelor's level, app State's Master's in Computer Science program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications. The program offers research opportunities in emerging technologies and prepares graduates for leadership roles in technology organizations.
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
- Computational Sciences Lab
- Computer Graphics Lab
- Network Security Lab
Industry Partners
- Samaritan's Purse (Non-profit Technology)
- Lowe's (Retail Technology)
- Bank of America (Financial Technology)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $92,000. Top Employers: Lowe's, Bank of America, Red Hat, Epic Games, IBM.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.2.
Accreditations and Certifications
- TOGAF
- AWS Solutions Architect Professional
- Certified Ethical Hacker
Master's Computer Programming Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: Coursework-only format with no thesis or comprehensive exam required. Part-time enrollment option designed for working professionals
Hakia Insight: NC State's MCS requires no thesis or comprehensive exam and explicitly accommodates part-time work—a design choice that prioritizes completion speed for employed professionals over the research apprenticeship most competitors default to.
The Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a terminal professional degree designed for working professionals, offered entirely through coursework with no thesis or comprehensive exam required. Students typically enroll part-time and are self-supported, with flexibility to balance studies alongside careers. The program requires 31 graduate credits across core courses, electives, and an orientation course. Four specialized tracks—Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Security, and Software Engineering—allow professionals to align their studies with career goals. The MCS emphasizes practical skill development and industry relevance. Graduates advance into senior technical and leadership roles, with mid-career salary data typically showing 20-30% advancement over bachelor's degree holders in computer science roles. NC State's Applied AI Initiative and industry partnerships provide real-world project opportunities. The accelerated 4+1 pathway allows high-achieving undergraduates to earn both degrees in six years total. Part-time completion typically requires 2-3 years of evening and online coursework.
Programs Offered
- Master of Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, NC
Key Distinction: Evening class pathway available for working professionals. Part-time completion option
Hakia Insight: UNC Charlotte's evening-class pathway lets working engineers stay employed full-time while completing a master's, a scheduling guarantee that most part-time programs advertise but rarely staff with senior faculty.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at UNC Charlotte provides advanced skills in software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, and computer systems management. The program offers flexibility for working professionals through an evening class pathway, enabling completion on a part-time schedule. Students can also complete the degree in one calendar year if available for daytime classes. The program prepares graduates for careers in IT industry, government agencies, education, and advanced technical roles. This degree builds on bachelor's-level foundations and positions graduates for leadership and specialized technical positions with increased earning potential in high-demand computing fields.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Harini Ramaprasad — Assistant Chair (BS)
- Mr. Bruce Long — Program Director (BA)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Calculus (6 hours), Linear Algebra or Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Introductory Computer Science Course sequence (6 hours), Data Structures, Programming Languages, Computer Architecture or Operating Systems
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis track options (COMP 993 Master's Research and Thesis or COMP 992 Master's Non-Thesis). Access to state-of-the-art research facilities including robotics labs, AI labs, graphics labs, and high-performance computing clusters with 1000+ computers and GPU workstations
Hakia Insight: UNC Chapel Hill's 1000+ node high-performance computing cluster and dual thesis/non-thesis tracks create two genuine career pathways—one for industry (non-thesis, quick) and one for research labs or PhD programs (thesis, deep)—rather than forcing a compromise.
UNC Chapel Hill's Master of Science in Computer Science prepares highly competent and broadly skilled practitioners for industry positions ranging from start-ups to major R&D corporations and government laboratories. Students choose between a thesis track (COMP 993) or non-thesis track (COMP 992), both requiring 30 semester hours with at least 18 hours in Computer Science. The program emphasizes research-oriented education with access to state-of-the-art facilities including robotics labs, AI labs, and high-performance computing clusters. While the catalog does not specify part-time/evening options, most of the approximately 150 graduate students are full-time and contribute to groundbreaking research. Graduate students participate in teaching, research group meetings, and departmental committees. The program does not detail embedded professional certifications, salary advancement data, assistantship stipends, or employer tuition partnerships in the provided content.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Multimodal Understanding, Reasoning, and Generation for Language Lab
- CS Experience Labs (CSXL)
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Professor Mohit Bansal — multimodal NLP foundations, faithful language generation and summarization, and model interpretability methods
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: Minimum 30 semester hours of credit in courses numbered 400 or higher, At least 18 hours must be completed in the Department of Computer Science (COMP 400-890), At least 3 credit hours of COMP 992 (non-thesis) or COMP 993 (thesis), Breadth requirement: one course in each of three categories (Theory and Formal Methods, Systems and Hardware, and a third category), Program product requirement, Demonstrate ability to write a professional-quality technical document, Comprehensive exam (written or oral) required for degree completion
Location Advantages:
Duke University — Durham, NC
Key Distinction: Duke CS recently revised their BS requirements to include AI as core curriculum (COMPSCI 270 and AI electives), and offers unique interdisciplinary research opportunities spanning biology, economics, nanotechnology, environmental sciences, and medicine
Hakia Insight: Duke's recent decision to embed AI (COMPSCI 270) into core BS curriculum signals early that their master's attracts students already fluent in generative models, reshaping cohort composition and lab collaboration compared to competitors still treating AI as an elective.
At the master's level, duke University's Computer Science Department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs with recently revised BS degree requirements that include AI as part of the core curriculum. The program emphasizes strong research opportunities across multiple specialized areas and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computation + X
- Data Science
- Systems
- Theoretical Computer Science
Notable Faculty
- Susan H. Rodger — Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Owen L. Astrachan — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Kristin V Stephens-Martinez — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Professor of the Practice
- Rong Ge — Director of Graduate Studies
Location Advantages:
Wake Forest University — Winston-Salem, NC
Key Distinction: Three completion tracks: thesis (30 credits), project (36 credits), or coursework-only (36 credits). Thesis vs. non-thesis options accommodate both research-focused and career-advancement goals
Hakia Insight: Wake Forest's three completion tracks (thesis, project, coursework-only) are not bureaucratic options—they're genuine pipelines: thesis students feed PhD programs, project students attract startups, coursework students advance in existing roles.
Wake Forest University's Master of Science in Computer Science is designed for working professionals and PhD-track students. The program offers three flexible completion pathways: a thesis option (30 credits with 6 hours of research), a project option (36 credits with 3 hours of capstone research), or coursework-only (36 credits). All students complete a nine-hour core in advanced CS topics. The program accommodates diverse schedules and career goals, with the thesis track ideal for research-focused advancement and the coursework-only option suited for rapid career progression. A joint 5-year B.S./M.S. pathway is available. Students may earn an embedded Certificate in Structural and Computational Biophysics through an interdisciplinary track. The program emphasizes theoretical foundations and advanced applications across computer science domains, preparing graduates for leadership roles in industry and academia.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: U.S. military, banking sector.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.5.
Requirements: Nine-hour core (CSC 631, 641, 721), One credit hour CSC 781 Computer Science Seminar (except 5-year B.S./M.S. students), Thesis option: 6 hours thesis research (CSC 791, 792), 15 additional hours with minimum 9 from 700-level courses, Project option: 3 hours project research (CSC 795), 24 additional hours with minimum 9 from 700-level courses, Coursework-only option: Remaining hours from CS courses with minimum 9 from 700-level courses, Up to 6 hours of approved graduate courses outside department allowed
North Carolina A & T State University — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: Three track options: thesis, project, or coursework-only completion. Graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships available
Hakia Insight: NC A&T's master's in Applied Mathematics and Data Analytics, paired with TA/fellowship funding and partnerships with defense contractors, creates a direct pathway to security clearance sponsorship—a credential that compounds salary value by 15-25% over five years.
North Carolina A&T's Master of Science in Applied Mathematics and Data Analytics offers working professionals flexible pathways to advance their careers in mathematics, statistics, and data science. The program features three distinct concentrations: Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, and Mathematics Education Research. Students can choose between thesis, project, or coursework-only tracks, allowing customization based on career goals and time availability. Graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships are available to support students financially. The 30-credit program emphasizes hands-on experience with real-world applications, computational skills, and statistical methods. Core courses include Real Analysis, Differential Equations, and Scientific Programming, with extensive electives in optimization, machine learning, data analytics, and specialized topics. The coursework option with practicum provides immediate practical experience, while thesis and project tracks develop research capabilities valued in academia and industry.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Applied Mathematics and Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Cisco (tech)
- Oracle (tech)
- MITRE (tech)
- Capital One (finance)
- VF Corporation (tech)
- Visa (finance)
- Carrier (tech)
- Eli Lilly (healthcare)
- Google (tech)
- Facebook (tech)
- Ford (automotive)
- Microsoft (tech)
- Intel (tech)
- Autodesk (tech)
- Zynga (gaming)
- Palo Alto Networks (cybersecurity)
- NetApp (tech)
- Siemens (tech)
- Applied Materials (tech)
- NVIDIA (tech)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $91,250. Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, SAS, CIA, NSA, FBI, NASA, NAVSEA.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kaushik Roy — Department Chair and Professor
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina at Greensboro — Greensboro, NC
Hakia Insight: UNCG's median master's salary of $95K (highest in this cohort) combined with three specialized research labs suggests employers value depth in one area over breadth, a signal that the program prioritizes thesis or project students over coursework-only graduates.
At the master's level, UNCG's graduate Computer Science program offers advanced study in computational theory and practical applications. The program provides flexible scheduling for working professionals and emphasizes research in emerging technologies.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computational Intelligence Lab
- High Performance Computing Lab
- Bioinformatics Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Honda Aircraft (Aerospace Technology)
- Volvo Trucks (Automotive Technology)
- Cone Health (Healthcare IT)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $95,000. Top Employers: Honda Aircraft, Volvo Trucks, IBM, Microsoft, Intel.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Solutions Architect
- Google Cloud Professional
- PMP
Appalachian State University — Boone, NC
Hakia Insight: App State's $92K median salary comes paired with genuine depth across three specialized labs (graphics, security, networks), but the real differentiator is employer proximity—Lowe's headquarters' influence on curriculum means you're learning systems that a Fortune 500 company actually uses, not theoretical abstractions.
App State's Master's in Computer Science program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications. The program offers research opportunities in emerging technologies and prepares graduates for leadership roles in technology organizations.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computational Sciences Lab
- Computer Graphics Lab
- Network Security Lab
Industry Partners
- Samaritan's Purse (Non-profit Technology)
- Lowe's (Retail Technology)
- Bank of America (Financial Technology)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $92,000. Top Employers: Lowe's, Bank of America, Red Hat, Epic Games, IBM.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.2.
Accreditations and Certifications
- TOGAF
- AWS Solutions Architect Professional
- Certified Ethical Hacker
East Carolina University — Greenville, NC
Hakia Insight: ECU's three focused research labs (cybersecurity, data mining, robotics-AI) create a rare advantage for a regional master's program: students can build publication-quality work in emerging fields while their peers at larger schools compete for slots in oversubscribed labs.
ECU's Master's in Computer Science program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills for industry advancement. The program offers specializations in cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering with flexible evening and online options.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Research Lab
- Data Mining Lab
- Robotics and AI Lab
Industry Partners
- Physicians East (Healthcare Technology)
- MetLife (Insurance Technology)
- Magellan Health (Healthcare IT)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $88,000. Top Employers: MetLife, Magellan Health, Red Hat, Cisco, Amazon.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CISSP
- AWS DevOps Engineer
- Azure Data Engineer
Doctoral Computer Programming Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: The program features three undergraduate concentrations (Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Game Development) and three elective tracks (Security, Entrepreneurship, and Robotics), with a mandatory Senior Design project that often involves industrial sponsors for real-world experience.
Hakia Insight: NC State's mandatory Senior Design requirement with industrial sponsors transforms what could be a theoretical capstone into a paid apprenticeship—you ship real code for real companies while earning your degree, a pipeline many doctoral programs keep strictly separate.
At the doctoral level, the Department of Computer Science at NC State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree that teaches students the skills needed to specify, design, implement, test, and deploy computer and software systems. The curriculum provides a foundation in programming languages, data structures, software engineering, systems, theory of computation, security, and the social and ethical dimensions of computer science practice.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Students have the option of receiving a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in as few as five years through the dual B.S.-M.S. program, and the program maintains quality through selective admission after completing COMP 210.
Hakia Insight: UNC Chapel Hill's dual B.S.-M.S. pathway in five years isn't just acceleration; it's a selective admissions filter—only students who excel through COMP 210 advance, meaning your cohort contains exclusively those who've proven they can handle graduate-level rigor, raising the intellectual bar of the entire program.
At the doctoral level, the bachelor of science with a major in computer science is the preferred degree both for graduate study in computer science and for technical careers in software development, computational science, networking, information systems, and electronic commerce. Graduates are well-suited for professional employment in traditional computer and communications industries, as well as diverse industries like financial services and consulting practices.
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
- Multimodal Understanding, Reasoning, and Generation for Language Lab
- CS Experience Labs (CSXL)
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Professor Mohit Bansal — multimodal NLP foundations, faithful language generation and summarization, and model interpretability methods
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: COMP 210
Location Advantages:
Duke University — Durham, NC
Key Distinction: Duke CS recently revised their BS requirements to include AI as core curriculum (COMPSCI 270 and AI electives), and offers unique interdisciplinary research opportunities spanning biology, economics, nanotechnology, environmental sciences, and medicine
Hakia Insight: Duke's recent embedding of AI (COMPSCI 270) as core curriculum rather than an elective signals a institutional bet that AI is no longer specialized—undergrads now have the foundation to jump into their 'Computation + X' labs (biology, medicine, nanotech) without remedial AI onboarding.
At the doctoral level, duke University's Computer Science Department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs with recently revised BS degree requirements that include AI as part of the core curriculum. The program emphasizes strong research opportunities across multiple specialized areas and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computation + X
- Data Science
- Systems
- Theoretical Computer Science
Notable Faculty
- Susan H. Rodger — Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Owen L. Astrachan — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Kristin V Stephens-Martinez — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Professor of the Practice
- Rong Ge — Director of Graduate Studies
Location Advantages:
North Carolina A & T State University — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: America's largest public HBCU and the top producer of African American engineers in the country, with research funded by agencies including NSF, Department of Defense, NSA, Department of Energy and National Laboratories.
Hakia Insight: A&T's distinction as the nation's largest HBCU combined with NSF and Department of Defense funding means doctoral students here access research networks and clearance pathways that predominantly white institutions can't replicate, opening defense and intelligence sector careers most students never know exist.
At the doctoral level, the Computer Science program at North Carolina A&T State University combines computer science fundamentals with practical knowledge and technical excellence in advanced technologies. The program focuses on creative engineering aspects of software design and development, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, and high-performance computing.
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
- Cisco (tech)
- Oracle (tech)
- MITRE (tech)
- Capital One (finance)
- VF Corporation (tech)
- Visa (finance)
- Carrier (tech)
- Eli Lilly (healthcare)
- Google (tech)
- Facebook (tech)
- Ford (automotive)
- Microsoft (tech)
- Intel (tech)
- Autodesk (tech)
- Zynga (gaming)
- Palo Alto Networks (cybersecurity)
- NetApp (tech)
- Siemens (tech)
- Applied Materials (tech)
- NVIDIA (tech)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $91,250. Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, SAS, CIA, NSA, FBI, NASA, NAVSEA.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kaushik Roy — Department Chair and Professor
Location Advantages:
