Best Bachelor's Computer Science Degree Programs in Kansas
University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
Key Distinction: Capstone project: EECS 582 Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Computing Capstone. Upper Level Course Eligibility (ULE) requirement ensuring foundational competency
Hakia Insight: Kansas's proximity to Cerner headquarters—one of the world's largest healthcare IT employers—creates an unusual pipeline where CS graduates can specialize in health informatics through capstone projects and land roles that typically require either an MBA or 5+ years of general software experience.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Kansas is a 126-credit, 4-year program offered through the School of Engineering. The curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency through core courses in programming, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, operating systems, and computer architecture. Students complete a capstone project (EECS 582: Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Computing Capstone) in their senior year. The program requires 21 credits of electives chosen from specialized tracks including cybersecurity, machine learning, database systems, artificial intelligence, and mobile security. Graduates pursue careers in software development, artificial intelligence, database systems, cybersecurity, and systems administration at companies in software, government, defense, telecommunications, and consulting. The program emphasizes collaborative technical projects and professional development post-graduation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Intelligent Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Cerner (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Sprint (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: intel.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Kansas City tech hub and Cerner headquarters (healthcare IT)Access to growing startup ecosystem in the region
Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS
Key Distinction: Required capstone project with multiple options including Computer Science Project, Cybersecurity Project, Software Engineering Project, or Interdisciplinary Engineering Capstone. Flexible specialization through restricted electives in systems (Operating Systems, Network Programming, Concurrent Systems) and technical areas
Hakia Insight: Kansas State's restricted electives model in systems (Operating Systems, Network Programming, Concurrent Systems) deliberately constrains choice to force depth rather than breadth, a design choice that produces graduates genuinely qualified for kernel and distributed systems roles that most bachelor's programs only pretend to teach.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Kansas State University provides a 120-credit program emphasizing computer organization, software development, and mathematics with elective specializations. Students complete core coursework in programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, and computer architecture alongside a required capstone project (CIS 598, 599, 643, or DEN 591). The curriculum includes 41 credit hours of core CS requirements, 18 credit hours of restricted electives allowing specialization in systems or technical areas, and 34-36 credit hours of general education. A grade of C or better is required in all prerequisite courses. The program culminates in a capstone experience where students apply knowledge to real-world computing challenges, preparing graduates for immediate entry into software development, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and other technology careers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Computing and Information Sciences Research Labs
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- SAIC (corporate)
- Department of Defense (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
- National Center of Academic Excellence for Research in Cyber-Security by the NSA and DHS
Location Advantages: Land-grant research institution with strong federal funding pipelinesAccess to computing facilities and research infrastructure
Wichita State University — Wichita, KS
Key Distinction: Mandatory two-semester senior capstone design project (CS 598 and CS 599). Co-op opportunity eligible as technical elective credit
Hakia Insight: Wichita State's two-semester capstone explicitly designed around aerospace systems—coupled with co-op credit at Spirit AeroSystems and Garmin—means undergraduates graduate with resume-ready embedded systems and avionics experience that typically requires internships at peer institutions.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Wichita State University is a 120-credit program combining theoretical foundations with practical application. The curriculum requires 65 credit hours of major coursework covering digital design, programming, software engineering, algorithms, databases, operating systems, and computer security. Students must complete a mandatory two-semester capstone design sequence (CS 598 and CS 599) that serves as the applied learning requirement for graduation. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through technical electives, with up to 2 credit hours of co-op eligible as nondepartmental technical electives. The curriculum integrates ethics and logic coursework alongside core computer science theory, preparing students for diverse roles in software development, systems engineering, and technology fields.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR)
Industry Partners
- Spirit AeroSystems (corporate)
- Beechcraft (corporate)
- Garmin (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to aerospace industry (Spirit AeroSystems, Beechcraft, Garmin headquarters)Strong local tech job market in software engineering and systems development
Washburn University — Topeka, KS
Key Distinction: 100% of students complete capstone, research, or internship prior to graduation. Internship and cooperative experience opportunities available for qualifying students (1-3 semester options)
Hakia Insight: Washburn's guarantee that 100% of students complete capstone, research, or internship before graduation, combined with its Topeka location and direct ties to Kansas state IT hiring, creates unusual job-placement certainty for a regional institution.
Washburn University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Science provides a strong mathematical and science foundation for careers in programming, networking, database administration, web development, data science, and digital forensics. The program emphasizes small class sizes taught by faculty experts, not graduate students, with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. All bachelor's degrees can be completed in four years. Students benefit from internship and cooperative experience opportunities available for qualifying students (1-3 semester work-experience options). A unique requirement is that 100% of students must complete a capstone project, conduct original research with faculty mentors, or complete an internship prior to graduation. Students have the opportunity to present research at conferences. The program partners with the Kansas Bureau of Investigations Forensic Science Center for students pursuing digital forensics specialization. Scholarships are available for first-time, transfer, and continuing students in the program.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- State of Kansas IT Department (government)
Location Advantages: Location in Topeka, Kansas state capital, with government IT employment opportunitiesRegional presence in central Kansas business and government sector
Southwestern College — Winfield, KS
Key Distinction: Senior Capstone project (CAPS495) assessing achievement and professional preparation. Recently revamped and upgraded curriculum (Fall 2021)
Hakia Insight: Southwestern's Fall 2021 curriculum overhaul and online delivery targeting adult learners positions it to serve a neglected segment—working professionals in Kansas needing flexible CS degrees—while emerging civic tech connections in Kansas create recruitment pathways competitors haven't cultivated.
Southwestern College's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a 124-credit online program designed for adult learners seeking hands-on experience in algorithms, data structures, software design, and modern programming languages. The curriculum emphasizes software development through practical assignments covering design and implementation of business and operational solutions. Students progress through core courses including Java, SQL, Visual Basic.NET, and web programming, culminating in a Senior Capstone project (CAPS495) that assesses achievement and preparation for professional pursuits. The program was recently revamped and upgraded for Fall 2021 and has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report for its online bachelor's degree programs. Graduates are prepared for careers including computer systems analyst, web developer, network system administrator, database administrator, and business intelligence analyst. The BLS projects 11% job growth in the field, with PayScale reporting an average salary of $85,000.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: intel.
Location Advantages: Kansas location with emerging connections to nonprofit and civic tech sector
Friends University — Wichita, KS
Key Distinction: Friends University offers comprehensive Computer Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Friends University's position in Wichita as a private institution offers smaller cohorts and faculty access unavailable at Kansas State or Wichita State, a trade-off worth quantifying for students willing to pay for personalization over brand-name outcomes.
Friends University offers Computer Science programs in Wichita, KS. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Benedictine College — Atchison, KS
Key Distinction: Benedictine's program uniquely integrates computer science within a Catholic liberal arts framework, emphasizing technology with ethical and social purpose.
Hakia Insight: Benedictine's integration of ethics and social purpose into a technical CS curriculum isn't performative window-dressing—it's a deliberate framework that appeals to students burned out on amoral tech culture and creates graduates distinctly positioned for roles in civic tech, nonprofits, and impact-focused startups.
At the bachelor's level, benedictine College's computer science program operates within a liberal arts framework that balances technical rigor with broader intellectual development, appealing to students who value interdisciplinary learning and ethical dimensions of technology. The curriculum emphasizes foundational computer science theory alongside practical programming experience, with faculty who are engaged teachers focused on student learning outcomes. The program benefits from Benedictine's small campus environment, fostering strong student-faculty relationships and collaborative learning. Internship and career preparation are integrated into the student experience, with the college leveraging its network to place graduates in software development, IT management, and technology roles throughout the Midwest. The combination of Catholic liberal arts education and computer science training attracts students interested in technology with purpose—those considering roles in nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, or socially conscious tech companies. Capstone projects and senior seminars allow students to apply their technical skills to meaningful problems, reflecting the college's mission-driven approach.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Atchison, Kansas, with connections to regional employers
University of Saint Mary — Leavenworth, KS
Key Distinction: A liberal arts-rooted program emphasizing ethics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and human-centered computing within a highly personalized learning environment.
Hakia Insight: University of Saint Mary's Kansas City metro location, combined with explicit focus on ethics and human-centered computing, creates an unusual advantage for students targeting fintech and healthcare IT roles where regulatory compliance and user trust are genuinely technical requirements, not just compliance theater.
At the bachelor's level, at the University of Saint Mary, computer science exists within a liberal arts context that encourages interdisciplinary thinking and ethical technology practice. The program intentionally keeps cohort sizes small, fostering close mentorship and collaborative learning environments where faculty know every student by name. This approach proves particularly valuable for students who thrive with personalized guidance and want to see how computing intersects with business, design, psychology, or other domains. The curriculum covers standard computer science foundations—algorithms, data structures, databases, software engineering—but regularly threads in discussions of technology ethics, professional responsibility, and human-centered design. Located in Kansas City's greater metro area, the university has cultivated partnerships with regional tech companies and nonprofits that offer internships and guest lectures. Graduates often report that the combination of technical depth and liberal arts breadth prepared them well for roles that demand both coding ability and communication skills.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Kansas City metro location with access to mid-market tech employersProximity to growing fintech and healthcare IT sectors in Kansas City
MidAmerica Nazarene University — Olathe, KS
Key Distinction: MidAmerica Nazarene University offers comprehensive Computer Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: MidAmerica Nazarene's private tuition model actually creates an advantage for regional students: smaller cohorts mean direct faculty mentorship rare in state schools, plus the Olathe location sits just outside the Kansas City tech corridor without the premium pricing.
MidAmerica Nazarene University offers Computer Science programs in Olathe, KS. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Emporia State University — Emporia, KS
Key Distinction: Strong emphasis on applied, project-based learning with direct regional industry partnerships embedded into the curriculum.
Hakia Insight: Emporia State's one-hour proximity to the Kansas City tech corridor is strategic precisely because it's not in the city—students get internship access to major employers (Google, Cerner, Sprint nearby) without competing against students from R1 institutions for the same seats.
At the bachelor's level, emporia State's computer science program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through a curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with applied problem-solving. The program is structured around core competencies in software development, databases, and systems design, with flexibility to pursue specializations in areas like cybersecurity, web development, and data analytics. What sets this program apart is its integration of real-world projects into coursework—students regularly collaborate with local businesses and government agencies on live development initiatives, gaining portfolio-ready experience before graduation. The faculty maintain active connections with Kansas City and broader Midwest tech communities, which translates into internship pipelines and mentorship from professionals working at scale. For students in rural Kansas seeking a supportive, accessible environment without sacrificing technical rigor, Emporia State delivers a solid foundation that regional employers recognize and value.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Kansas City tech corridor (~1 hour drive)Regional employer connections across Kansas and Missouri
Best Master's Computer Science Degree Programs in Kansas
Wichita State University — Wichita, KS
Key Distinction: Three graduating track options: thesis, project, or coursework to accommodate career goals. Guaranteed applied learning and research experience built into degree
Hakia Insight: Wichita State's three-track master's structure solves a problem most programs ignore: aerospace engineers at Spirit AeroSystems or Beechcraft can complete a thesis track alongside full-time roles, while career-switchers pick the project or coursework option—same degree, zero one-size-fits-all compromise.
Wichita State's Master of Science in Computer Science prepares working professionals for high-paying, high-demand careers through flexible completion options. The program offers three graduating tracks: thesis, project, or coursework, allowing students to choose based on career goals and time availability. With 30+ credit hours, the program combines traditional computer science foundations with modern research trends. Students benefit from nationally and internationally recognized faculty, access to premier research facilities, and strong industry connections throughout Kansas' largest city. The program guarantees applied learning and research experience, ensuring workforce readiness before graduation. Graduates advance into senior technical roles, management positions, or doctoral programs, with mid-career advancement opportunities leveraging WSU's extensive employer network and research collaborations.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR)
Industry Partners
- Spirit AeroSystems (corporate)
- Beechcraft (corporate)
- Garmin (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to aerospace industry (Spirit AeroSystems, Beechcraft, Garmin headquarters)Strong local tech job market in software engineering and systems development
University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
Key Distinction: Three completion tracks: thesis (research-focused), project (applied), or coursework-only (structured flexibility). Graduate assistantships available for qualified applicants (priority deadline consideration)
Hakia Insight: University of Kansas's coursework-only track specifically targets Cerner employees in Kansas City, letting healthcare IT professionals earn a master's without defending research—a rare flexibility that explains why their grad assistantship pipeline is competitive despite being a mid-tier program.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of Kansas offers three flexible completion options: thesis, project, and coursework-only tracks, all requiring 31 credit hours. The thesis option (typically 2 semesters) involves 8 graduate courses, 6 thesis hours, and oral defense, producing publishable research. The project option requires 9 courses, 3 project hours, and defense of a creative systems endeavor. The coursework-only option requires 10 courses with no research component. Graduate assistantships are available for qualified applicants (priority deadline consideration required). The program requires a strong CS foundation with prerequisites available through the department. Students gain expertise in research methodology, technical communication, and disciplinary depth, preparing for advanced careers in software development, systems engineering, and research-focused roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Intelligent Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Cerner (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Sprint (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Kansas City tech hub and Cerner headquarters (healthcare IT)Access to growing startup ecosystem in the region
Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS
Key Distinction: Kansas State distinguishes itself through undergraduate research opportunities integrated into the core curriculum, particularly in cybersecurity and high-performance computing.
Hakia Insight: Kansas State's federal funding advantage isn't just prestige: as a land-grant institution, doctoral students and master's candidates tap into NSF and DoD research budgets that private schools can't access, meaning your tuition subsidizes cutting-edge cybersecurity and HPC work you'd otherwise pay extra to join.
At the master's level, kansas State's computer science program is built on a research-intensive foundation, with students gaining early exposure to active faculty research in cybersecurity, parallel computing, and bioinformatics. The department maintains a sophisticated computing infrastructure and multiple research centers where undergraduates regularly contribute to peer-reviewed work—a rare opportunity at the undergraduate level. The curriculum emphasizes both breadth and depth, allowing students to specialize in areas like high-performance computing, network security, or computational biology depending on career interests. Faculty are actively engaged with industry and government agencies, bringing funding and real-world challenges directly into the classroom. Students benefit from internship placements with major tech companies and defense contractors, facilitated by the university's strong ties to government research agencies. The program has grown substantially, reflecting national demand for computer science talent, and maintains rigorous standards that ensure graduates are well-prepared for graduate study or immediate technical careers. Collaboration between computer science and engineering departments enables unique cross-disciplinary opportunities in robotics and autonomous systems, differentiating the program from purely software-focused alternatives.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Science — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Computing and Information Sciences Research Labs
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- SAIC (corporate)
- Department of Defense (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
- National Center of Academic Excellence for Research in Cyber-Security by the NSA and DHS
Location Advantages: Land-grant research institution with strong federal funding pipelinesAccess to computing facilities and research infrastructure
Best Doctoral Computer Science Degree Programs in Kansas
Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS
Key Distinction: Kansas State distinguishes itself through undergraduate research opportunities integrated into the core curriculum, particularly in cybersecurity and high-performance computing.
Hakia Insight: At the doctoral level, Kansas State's computing infrastructure funded through federal research pipelines means you're running parallel computing experiments on hardware most PhD programs can only simulate—a material difference in publication timeline and dissertation impact.
At the doctoral level, kansas State's computer science program is built on a research-intensive foundation, with students gaining early exposure to active faculty research in cybersecurity, parallel computing, and bioinformatics. The department maintains a sophisticated computing infrastructure and multiple research centers where undergraduates regularly contribute to peer-reviewed work—a rare opportunity at the undergraduate level. The curriculum emphasizes both breadth and depth, allowing students to specialize in areas like high-performance computing, network security, or computational biology depending on career interests. Faculty are actively engaged with industry and government agencies, bringing funding and real-world challenges directly into the classroom. Students benefit from internship placements with major tech companies and defense contractors, facilitated by the university's strong ties to government research agencies. The program has grown substantially, reflecting national demand for computer science talent, and maintains rigorous standards that ensure graduates are well-prepared for graduate study or immediate technical careers. Collaboration between computer science and engineering departments enables unique cross-disciplinary opportunities in robotics and autonomous systems, differentiating the program from purely software-focused alternatives.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Science — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Computing and Information Sciences Research Labs
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- SAIC (corporate)
- Department of Defense (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
- National Center of Academic Excellence for Research in Cyber-Security by the NSA and DHS
Location Advantages: Land-grant research institution with strong federal funding pipelinesAccess to computing facilities and research infrastructure
University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
Key Distinction: KU's program distinguishes itself through human-centered computing and software engineering rigor, combined with strong ties to the Kansas City tech and healthcare sectors.
Hakia Insight: KU's doctoral emphasis on human-centered computing rather than pure systems theory is deliberate: Cerner's healthcare IT dominance in the region means dissertations focused on usability and systems design have immediate corporate sponsorship, turning academic research into industry-funded work.
At the doctoral level, the University of Kansas computer science program stands out for its integration of human-centered computing and software engineering practices, reflecting a department philosophy that technology must serve user needs. Core coursework emphasizes both algorithmic thinking and software design principles, with electives spanning artificial intelligence, databases, networks, and human-computer interaction. The department has built strong connections with Kansas City's growing tech ecosystem, facilitated by proximity to a major metropolitan area where companies like Cerner and Google maintain significant operations. Faculty research spans machine learning applications, cybersecurity, and distributed systems, with several professors maintaining active collaborations with industry research groups. Students have access to internship and project-based learning opportunities through partnerships with local companies and the university's innovation district initiatives. The program also supports entrepreneurship through course modules and partnerships with the university's business school, appealing to students interested in startups or technology product development. Graduate programs emphasize thesis research and capstone projects, allowing students to deepen expertise in chosen specializations while building portfolios that showcase technical depth and professional maturity.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Science — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Intelligent Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Cerner (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Sprint (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Kansas City tech hub and Cerner headquarters (healthcare IT)Access to growing startup ecosystem in the region
