Best Associate's Computer Programming Degree Programs in Utah
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Weber State's programming curriculum prioritizes industry-ready skills through embedded capstone projects with real client requirements and direct mentorship from faculty with active software development experience.
Hakia Insight: Weber State's capstone projects with real client requirements (not hypothetical assignments) mean associate's graduates hand employers shipped work portfolios, collapsing the typical 6-month junior developer ramp-up timeline.
At the associate's level, weber State's computer programming curriculum balances theoretical foundations with applied technical skills through a structured pathway that emphasizes real-world problem-solving from day one. The program integrates hands-on lab work alongside coursework in data structures, algorithms, and software engineering, with particular strength in preparing students for immediate workplace contribution. Faculty mentorship is built into the upper-level courses, where students work on capstone projects with industry relevance—everything from e-commerce platforms to systems optimization. The proximity to Salt Lake City's growing tech corridor means frequent guest lectures from local practitioners and internship pipelines with regional companies. Graduates consistently report strong job placement in mid-to-senior developer roles, with many citing the program's emphasis on clean code practices and collaborative development as differentiators in interviews. The on-campus format supports a tight-knit cohort model where peer learning reinforces classroom instruction.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
- Computer Literacy Center
- Computer Labs
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (employer)
- Google (employer)
- Anything for a Friend (collaborator)
- Cottages of Hope (collaborator)
- Orbital ATK (employer)
- Zions Bancorporation (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kyle Feuz — Computer Science and department administration
- Dr. Robert Ball — Computer Science and graduate programs
- Dr. Zahraddeen Gwarzo — Cybersecurity and Network Management
- Dr. Brian Rague — Computer Science
- Dr. Linda DuHadway — Computer Science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Salt Lake City tech community and regional software development employers
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT
Key Distinction: UVU's programming curriculum is explicitly designed around regional employer input, ensuring graduates address real technical skill gaps in Utah's growing tech sector while maintaining one of the most accessible price points.
Hakia Insight: UVU's curriculum built from Utah employer input creates a credentialing advantage in the regional startup ecosystem—graduates speak the exact technical dialect of local hiring managers, not generic software concepts.
At the associate's level, UVU's programming pathway stands out for its flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to enter the field through multiple entry points—whether starting with introductory sequences or jumping into specialized tracks based on prior experience. The curriculum design reflects feedback from regional tech employers, meaning course sequencing and project assignments directly address skills gaps companies are actively trying to fill. The program maintains strong connections with startups and established tech firms in the Utah Valley, creating a robust internship ecosystem where students can apply classroom concepts in real environments. What distinguishes the experience is the blend of affordability with practical relevance: you're not paying premium tuition while learning legacy technologies. Faculty include practicing software engineers who bring current industry challenges into case studies and group projects. The on-campus community is collaborative rather than competitive, which newcomers to programming often find encourages deeper learning and peer support.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, online
Location Advantages: Location in Utah Valley tech ecosystem with proximity to startups and regional software companies
Snow College — Ephraim, UT
Hakia Insight: Snow College's sub-500-student programming cohort means faculty can mentor by name and career goal, an advantage that translates to personalized transfer advising to Utah State or University of Utah—converting associate's completion into guaranteed pathway mobility.
At the associate's level, while smaller than some Utah CCs, Snow's computer programming track distinguishes itself through tight mentorship—instructors know every student's name and career goals, which translates to personalized guidance on whether you're coding-bound or heading toward IT support. You'll work with current technology (Python, C++, web frameworks) in a collaborative mountain-town setting that attracts students serious about hands-on learning over lecture halls. Graduates typically transfer to Utah State or University of Utah with solid portfolios, or jump directly into junior developer roles with regional employers. The real advantage here is the low student-to-instructor ratio and proximity to Ephraim's growing tech community.
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: Utah State University, Regional Utah tech companies, State of Utah IT departments, Local Sanpete County employers, University of Utah (transfer pathway).
Top Transfer Destinations
- Utah State University
- University of Utah
- Brigham Young University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Software Developer
- Help Desk Technician
- Web Developer (entry-level)
- Systems Support Specialist
- QA Test Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Oracle Java Associate Programmer
Location Advantages:
Neumont College of Computer Science — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Neumont's entire institution is dedicated exclusively to computer science, deploying a relentless project-driven curriculum with embedded internships and faculty who are active practitioners, producing graduates with shipped code portfolios.
Hakia Insight: Neumont's single institutional focus on CS means every hire, curriculum decision, and resource allocation orbits job-readiness; compare this to community colleges balancing liberal arts, nursing, and trades—Neumont's obsession with outcome metrics produces measurably faster time-to-employment.
At the associate's level, neumont's entire institutional focus is computer science education, which means every resource, every hire, and every curriculum decision orbits around producing job-ready developers—not diluted across a broader university mission. The quarter-based system moves quickly, with intensive, project-centric courses that simulate professional sprint cycles. Students ship real software starting in year one: web applications, mobile apps, and backend systems built to spec, code-reviewed by faculty, and often deployed to actual users. The hands-on pedagogy is relentless; lectures are minimal and time is spent building, debugging, and collaborating in ways that mirror actual software teams. Internships aren't an optional add-on—they're embedded, with most students rotating through 2–3 paid internship terms during their degree. Faculty are practitioners first, many with active consulting or startup involvement, bringing current technical challenges directly into classroom discussions. The small, specialized student body creates an unusually tight network; peer learning accelerates when everyone around you is intensely focused on the same goal. Placement outcomes reflect this focus: students graduate with portfolios of shipped projects, not just theoretical credentials.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Local and regional tech firms (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Tesla, Oracle, 3M, HP, Amazon, Blizzard Entertainment, Dell EMC.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Location Advantages: Based in Salt Lake City tech ecosystem with proximity to regional tech employers and internship opportunities
Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Degree Programs in Utah
Western Governors University — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: WGU's competency-based, fully online model allows working professionals to accelerate through the program by demonstrating mastery and earn industry-recognized certifications simultaneously with their degree.
Hakia Insight: WGU's competency-based model means a student who already understands data structures doesn't pay tuition to re-learn it—they test out and move forward, making it genuinely possible to complete a degree in under two years while working full-time.
At the bachelor's level, WGU's computer programming offering is purpose-built for working professionals and career-changers who need flexibility without sacrificing rigor—the competency-based model means you advance by demonstrating mastery, not by sitting through a fixed semester calendar. This approach accelerates graduation for experienced learners while giving others the time they need to truly grasp difficult concepts. The curriculum covers full-stack web development, cloud technologies, and mobile application development with particular emphasis on frameworks and tools actively used in production environments today. Industry alignment is baked into program design: courses map directly to certifications like CompTIA Security+ and AWS, so you're building credentials alongside your degree. Mentors—working professionals in tech—guide your learning path and help you navigate real career transitions. The online-only format attracts students from across North America, creating a diverse cohort that enriches peer discussions and networking. Graduates often complete the program faster than traditional timelines and enter roles at intermediate levels rather than entry-level positions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- Competency-based accreditation
- Pathway to CompTIA Security+
- Pathway to AWS certifications
Location Advantages: Online format enables access from anywhere; serves national student population
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Capstone projects with community partners (nonprofit organizations). Mandatory career counselor assignment for job preparation
Hakia Insight: Weber State's mandatory career counselor assignment is rare among regional programs; paired with capstone projects embedded in actual nonprofits like Cottages of Hope, students build portfolios solving real problems before graduation, not after.
Weber State's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is an ABET-accredited program that combines applied knowledge with computer theory. The curriculum covers operating systems, software engineering, computer graphics, and scripting languages. Students work with an assigned career counselor throughout the program for resume preparation and mock interviews. The program emphasizes industry connections, with capstone projects partnered with community organizations like Anything for a Friend and Cottages of Hope. Students can pursue certificates in mobile app and game development. Graduates have secured positions at top companies including Microsoft and Google. The program is ranked 23rd best computer science degree in the U.S. by Accredited Schools Online. Professional development is supported through student organizations like the Association of Computing Machinery.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
- Computer Literacy Center
- Computer Labs
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (employer)
- Google (employer)
- Anything for a Friend (collaborator)
- Cottages of Hope (collaborator)
- Orbital ATK (employer)
- Zions Bancorporation (employer)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Google.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kyle Feuz — Computer Science and department administration
- Dr. Robert Ball — Computer Science and graduate programs
- Dr. Zahraddeen Gwarzo — Cybersecurity and Network Management
- Dr. Brian Rague — Computer Science
- Dr. Linda DuHadway — Computer Science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Salt Lake City tech community and regional software development employers
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT
Key Distinction: 8-credit student teaching practicum (EDSC 4850) with secondary schools. Teacher Assessment Project capstone (EDSC 4990)
Hakia Insight: UVU's 8-credit student teaching practicum produces an unusual graduate profile: computer scientists who understand pedagogy and can communicate technical concepts clearly—a competitive advantage in tech companies increasingly building internal training teams.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Education prepares students to teach computer science and web development at the secondary level. The 121-credit program combines a strong foundation in software and web development (CS 1400, CS 1410, CS 2420, CS 2450, CS 2550, CS 2600, CS 3250, CS 3450) with education courses required for Utah teaching licensure with Computer Science and Web Development endorsements. Students complete a comprehensive education methods component including secondary curriculum instruction, classroom management, and an 8-credit student teaching practicum (EDSC 4850). The curriculum emphasizes pedagogical theory application, equitable technology integration, and multicultural education. Graduates qualify for secondary teaching positions with median salaries of $65,220 for secondary school teachers and $96,430 for postsecondary computer science teachers. The program requires a 3.0 GPA for matriculation and C+ or higher in core CS courses.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Education — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Location Advantages: Location in Utah Valley tech ecosystem with proximity to startups and regional software companies
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT
Key Distinction: Capstone project (Computer Science: Capstone listed as program option). Flexible specialization tracks available from sophomore year
Hakia Insight: BYU's flexible specialization tracks from sophomore year let students pivot toward machine learning or systems without declaring a major, a degree of customization that typically requires transferring to larger universities.
BYU's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science provides a comprehensive foundation in programming, data structures, algorithms, computer systems, software design, calculus, and discrete mathematics. The program offers flexibility through elective courses grouped across multiple computing areas, allowing students to specialize based on interests. Graduates pursue diverse career paths in software development across industries including finance, automotive, retail, health, and government contracting, as well as big tech companies, startups, and research labs. Alumni develop web and mobile applications, machine learning solutions, secure software systems, games, and embedded systems. The program also serves as a foundation for graduate study and alternative careers such as law.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Science Research Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. David Wingate — Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City venture capital and tech ecosystemAccess to university tech innovation initiatives
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Annual career fair with internship and job placement opportunities. Undergraduate research opportunities at R1 research university
Hakia Insight: The University of Utah's Graphics Lab isn't just a showcase—undergraduates can co-author papers on rendering techniques that ship in Adobe products, transforming a capstone project into a professional publication.
The University of Utah Kahlert School of Computing offers a nationally-ranked Bachelor's program blending rigorous theory with practical application. Students gain hands-on experience through cutting-edge research opportunities, with 92% securing full-time employment before graduation. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving across diverse computing domains including artificial intelligence, security, graphics, robotics, and networking. Students benefit from excellent access to Silicon Slopes and top-tier national tech companies for internships and career placement. The school hosts an annual career fair that directly leads to internship opportunities and job offers. As an R1 research university, undergraduates work with faculty actively engaged in research, providing exposure to current industry challenges and solutions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Development, or Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Graphics Lab
- Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory
- Robotics Center
- School of Computing – AI Research
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Cem Yuksel — Computer graphics and rendering
- Kirk Olynyk — Machine learning and computer vision
- Elena Glassman — Human-computer interaction and educational technology
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (CS 2023)
Location Advantages: Located in Salt Lake City's tech corridor with direct access to major employer headquartersProximity to Adobe, Microsoft, and Amazon regional engineering officesHub for Utah's startup ecosystem and venture capital activityGateway to annual tech conferences and networking events in the region
Neumont College of Computer Science — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Neumont's entire institution is dedicated exclusively to computer science, deploying a relentless project-driven curriculum with embedded internships and faculty who are active practitioners, producing graduates with shipped code portfolios.
Hakia Insight: Neumont's institutional laser-focus means even adjunct instructors must demonstrate shipped production code; a student's four-year curriculum is built by practitioners debugging real systems, not by academic traditionalists designing syllabi from textbooks.
At the bachelor's level, neumont's entire institutional focus is computer science education, which means every resource, every hire, and every curriculum decision orbits around producing job-ready developers—not diluted across a broader university mission. The quarter-based system moves quickly, with intensive, project-centric courses that simulate professional sprint cycles. Students ship real software starting in year one: web applications, mobile apps, and backend systems built to spec, code-reviewed by faculty, and often deployed to actual users. The hands-on pedagogy is relentless; lectures are minimal and time is spent building, debugging, and collaborating in ways that mirror actual software teams. Internships aren't an optional add-on—they're embedded, with most students rotating through 2–3 paid internship terms during their degree. Faculty are practitioners first, many with active consulting or startup involvement, bringing current technical challenges directly into classroom discussions. The small, specialized student body creates an unusually tight network; peer learning accelerates when everyone around you is intensely focused on the same goal. Placement outcomes reflect this focus: students graduate with portfolios of shipped projects, not just theoretical credentials.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Local and regional tech firms (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Tesla, Oracle, 3M, HP, Amazon, Blizzard Entertainment, Dell EMC.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Location Advantages: Based in Salt Lake City tech ecosystem with proximity to regional tech employers and internship opportunities
Southern Utah University — Cedar City, UT
Key Distinction: Mandatory internship opportunities. Service learning requirements
Hakia Insight: SUU's 32-student class cap in Cedar City trades urban prestige for something rarer—a professor who actually knows your name and coding style by junior year, meaningful for students who thrive with personalized feedback over networking scale.
SUU's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program emphasizes hands-on learning through state-of-the-art labs and personalized instruction with class sizes capped at 32 students. The curriculum provides experiential learning opportunities in virtual reality programming and big data analytics. Students gain practical experience through mandatory internships, service learning, capstone projects, and undergraduate research opportunities. The program features strong industry connections with tech companies ranging from Amazon to Zonos, preparing graduates for impactful careers. Students can engage in the Cyber Defense Competition Club and Thunderbird E-Sports group for additional hands-on experience and networking. The cohort laptop program ensures students have access to necessary technology, while the reasonably priced tuition makes quality computer science education accessible.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- Zonos (employer)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Cedar City location with lower cost of living and smaller class sizesGrowing regional tech employment in southwestern Utah
Utah Tech University — Saint George, UT
Key Distinction: Utah Tech's industry-aligned, practical curriculum emphasizes immediate job-market readiness and cloud and mobile development skills with accessible hands-on learning.
Hakia Insight: Utah Tech's emphasis on cloud and mobile development in St. George positions graduates for the fastest-growing job categories in southwestern Utah, where remote-first companies are relocating rather than fighting Salt Lake City's talent competition.
At the bachelor's level, utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State) has invested heavily in modernizing its computer science program, with a curriculum focused on preparing students for immediate employment in software development and IT roles. The program emphasizes practical skills—full-stack web development, cloud technologies, mobile development—alongside computer science theory, aiming for graduates who can contribute productively on day one. Faculty bring industry experience; many maintain active connections to Utah's tech scene, which translates into internship and job placement opportunities. The St. George location, in southern Utah's growing hub, offers a pathway to both regional employers and the broader tech job market. The program has intentionally expanded its industry partnerships and cooperative education offerings, positioning students for hands-on experience while still enrolled. This career-focused orientation appeals particularly to students who are motivated by near-term employment prospects and prefer less emphasis on pure research or advanced theoretical computer science.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: St. George location in rapidly growing southern Utah regionAccess to expanding regional tech employment market
Westminster University — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Westminster's liberal arts approach to computer science uniquely prepares graduates who combine programming skill with ethical reasoning and cross-disciplinary communication.
Hakia Insight: Westminster's liberal arts framing isn't decorative—it produces graduates who can articulate why a design choice matters ethically, a skill that separates senior engineers from mid-level coders when leading architectural decisions.
At the bachelor's level, westminster University's computer science program operates within a liberal arts framework, emphasizing the intersection of programming, problem-solving, and ethical technology use. Rather than pure computer science, the program is tailored to students who want technical depth alongside humanities and social science coursework—preparing graduates who understand not just how to build systems, but the implications of their design. The curriculum includes traditional foundations—algorithms, data structures, databases—but weaves in coursework on technology ethics, security and privacy considerations, and user-centered design. Small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships characterize the experience; this is not a research-driven program but rather one where teaching and mentorship are central. Located in Salt Lake City's downtown, Westminster students have access to the broader city's internship and networking opportunities, though the university's emphasis tends toward well-rounded professionals rather than specialists pursuing PhDs or cutting-edge research. Graduates often thrive in roles that value communication, cross-functional collaboration, and ethical decision-making—product management, UX design, business technology, and consulting positions—as much as traditional software engineering.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Downtown Salt Lake City location with access to tech companies and startup ecosystemUrban setting supporting internships and networking in regional tech community
Best Master's Computer Programming Degree Programs in Utah
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Designed for career changers with no CS background. 16-month accelerated program with option to extend to 20 months
Hakia Insight: The University of Utah's 16-month MSD explicitly targets career-changers with zero CS background, yet places them at Adobe and Microsoft within months—a proof point that intensive, well-structured immersion works better than traditional two-year programs for mid-career pivots.
The Master of Software Development (MSD) is a 16-month STEM program designed specifically for working professionals without a computer science background seeking career advancement. The program offers a comprehensive 40-credit curriculum covering software development, AI systems, data analytics, and security. Students benefit from flexible scheduling options, including a 20-month extended track. The MSD prepares graduates for roles as software developers, AI system integrators, big-data analysts, and cybersecurity professionals. Faculty from the University of Utah's renowned Kahlert School of Computing teach all courses. Employment of software developers is projected to grow 25% from 2022–2032, significantly faster than average occupations. The program is ideal for mid-career professionals seeking to reset earning potential and transition into high-demand technology roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Software Development — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Graphics Lab
- Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory
- Robotics Center
- School of Computing – AI Research
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Cem Yuksel — Computer graphics and rendering
- Kirk Olynyk — Machine learning and computer vision
- Elena Glassman — Human-computer interaction and educational technology
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (CS 2023)
Location Advantages: Located in Salt Lake City's tech corridor with direct access to major employer headquartersProximity to Adobe, Microsoft, and Amazon regional engineering officesHub for Utah's startup ecosystem and venture capital activityGateway to annual tech conferences and networking events in the region
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis (project) track options for different career goals. Project option completes in single semester with CS 698R capstone
Hakia Insight: BYU's single-semester project track (finishing in one semester via CS 698R) appeals to working professionals who can't afford two years, but the thesis option preserves research depth for those targeting faculty or R&D roles.
BYU's Master of Science in Computer Science offers flexibility through thesis and project tracks designed for working professionals. The thesis option requires 24 credits across 8 courses with extended research and defense, while the project option requires 30 credits across 11 courses completed in a single semester with CS 698R. Both tracks mandate coursework from 3 of 4 breadth groups, including at least 4 courses at 500/600-level. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete the degree within three years. The program emphasizes leading-edge research, technical writing, team leadership, and industrial-scale software development. Graduate assistantships and employer tuition partnerships are available through BYU's graduate programs. The project track suits professionals seeking faster completion, while the thesis track supports those pursuing research-focused careers.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Science Research Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. David Wingate — Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City venture capital and tech ecosystemAccess to university tech innovation initiatives
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Online and in-person pathway options available starting Fall 2025. Designed for working professionals seeking career advancement
Hakia Insight: Weber State's Fall 2025 launch of online-and-in-person hybrid pathways signals a program designed for the real working professional schedule—not everyone can attend evening classes, yet traditional online programs lack peer collaboration.
Weber State University's Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is designed for bachelor's degree holders seeking career advancement in computer science. The program offers flexible online and in-person pathways starting Fall 2025, accommodating working professionals. While specific details on thesis vs. coursework tracks, graduate assistantship stipends, embedded certifications, and salary advancement data are not provided in the available content, the program requires continuous enrollment (at least one MSCS course per semester except summer) and follows a structured curriculum leading to the MS degree. Prospective students should contact the MSCS Admissions Office directly for detailed information on part-time completion timelines, tuition partnerships, and career advancement outcomes.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
- Computer Literacy Center
- Computer Labs
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (employer)
- Google (employer)
- Anything for a Friend (collaborator)
- Cottages of Hope (collaborator)
- Orbital ATK (employer)
- Zions Bancorporation (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kyle Feuz — Computer Science and department administration
- Dr. Robert Ball — Computer Science and graduate programs
- Dr. Zahraddeen Gwarzo — Cybersecurity and Network Management
- Dr. Brian Rague — Computer Science
- Dr. Linda DuHadway — Computer Science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Salt Lake City tech community and regional software development employers
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT
Key Distinction: Evening program designed for working professionals. Thesis vs. project/paper track options
Hakia Insight: UVU's evening-only master's format is rare and deliberate: it attracts Utah Valley's mid-career tech workers who can't relocate to Salt Lake City, building a cohort of people with 5+ years of industry context rather than fresh bachelors graduates.
UVU's Master of Computer Science is designed specifically for working professionals, offering an evening program format to allow students to continue employment while earning their degree. The program requires completion of a project, paper, or thesis as part of degree requirements, giving students flexibility in their capstone approach. Located near Utah's Silicon Slopes tech hub, the MCS prepares graduates for leadership and innovation roles in high-tech industries including AI, FinTech, biotechnology, and software development. Median salary for computer and information research scientists is $145,080, with 23% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Notably, 33% of employers hire master's graduates for positions previously held by bachelor's degree holders, demonstrating clear career advancement value. The program uses rolling admissions, encouraging early enrollment, and accepts international students beginning Fall 2026.
Programs Offered
- Master of Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Microsoft.
Location Advantages: Location in Utah Valley tech ecosystem with proximity to startups and regional software companies
Best Doctoral Computer Programming Degree Programs in Utah
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: The University of Utah's deep integration of undergraduate research with a nationally recognized graphics and machine learning research portfolio creates rare early-career opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge projects.
Hakia Insight: The University of Utah's Graphics Lab and HCI Lab are magnets for FAANG internships and postdocs—doctoral students don't just publish papers, they rotate through Adobe and Microsoft research teams while completing their degree.
At the doctoral level, the University of Utah's School of Computing has cultivated one of the Intermountain West's most research-intensive computer science programs, where undergraduate and graduate students engage directly with faculty working on problems in graphics, machine learning, robotics, and human-computer interaction. The program's distinctive strength lies in its balance: rigorous foundational coursework in algorithms, systems, and theory pairs with extensive opportunities to contribute to active research labs from year one. Graphics and visualization research is particularly notable—the university hosts internationally recognized work in computer vision and animation, attracting students interested in both entertainment technology and scientific computing. The location in Salt Lake City places students at the center of Utah's tech ecosystem, with internships and recruiting presence from companies like Adobe, Microsoft, Amazon, and numerous startups concentrated in the downtown corridor and nearby tech parks. Career placement is strong, with typical starting salaries in the $70–80k range and rapid advancement for those with research experience. The program's graduate pipeline is equally compelling, with strong MS and PhD tracks that prepare students for roles in research-focused companies like Google, Meta, and Apple, as well as academic positions.
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
- Graphics Lab
- Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory
- Robotics Center
- School of Computing – AI Research
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Adobe, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, Apple, Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Cem Yuksel — Computer graphics and rendering
- Kirk Olynyk — Machine learning and computer vision
- Elena Glassman — Human-computer interaction and educational technology
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (CS 2023)
Location Advantages: Located in Salt Lake City's tech corridor with direct access to major employer headquartersProximity to Adobe, Microsoft, and Amazon regional engineering officesHub for Utah's startup ecosystem and venture capital activityGateway to annual tech conferences and networking events in the region
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT
Key Distinction: BYU's program distinguishes itself through rare undergraduate research integration, rigorous systems-level coursework, and an explicit ethical framework that shapes how students approach software design from the ground up.
Hakia Insight: BYU's explicit ethical framework embedded in doctoral-level systems coursework is philosophically unusual in CS; graduates emerge as the rare combination of rigorous algorithmists and thoughtful practitioners who question assumptions others skip.
At the doctoral level, BYU's computer science program combines rigorous algorithmic foundations with a deliberate emphasis on ethical software development and social responsibility—a philosophical commitment that shapes everything from curriculum design to industry partnerships. The program is known for exceptional depth in systems programming and compiler design, with electives that let students specialize in areas like computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and distributed systems. Research opportunities are woven throughout: undergraduates work alongside faculty in the Computer Science Research Lab on problems ranging from machine learning to cybersecurity, giving them publication-track experience before graduation. The capstone requirement sends students into industry partnerships or research-intensive projects that often extend into their careers; many graduates cite these experiences as the decisive factor in landing their first professional role. BYU's location in Provo means access to both the university's own tech innovation efforts and proximity to Salt Lake City's venture capital scene. The student-to-faculty ratio supports meaningful mentorship, particularly valuable when tackling advanced technical challenges.
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
- Computer Science Research Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. David Wingate — Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City venture capital and tech ecosystemAccess to university tech innovation initiatives
