Best Bachelor's Computer Science Degree Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — Baton Rouge, LA
Key Distinction: 100% online format designed for working professionals. Project-based courses that produce tangible work samples for job searches
Hakia Insight: LSU's fully online bachelor combines project-based coursework that generates portfolio pieces with direct access to the Center for Computation and Technology's high-performance computing resources—a combination that lets remote students build the same research credentials as on-campus peers.
The online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from LSU Alexandria is a 120-credit program designed for working professionals seeking flexibility. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning with hands-on activities in programming, data structures, algorithms, and software development. Students use JAVA and other in-demand technologies while building tangible work samples for job interviews. The program covers core areas including computer organization, operating systems, database systems, cybersecurity, and theory of computation. With a low student-teacher ratio and small class sizes, students receive individualized faculty attention. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Software QA Engineer, Web Developer, Database Administrator, Data Engineer, Product Manager, and IT Project Manager across multiple industries. The program supports career advancement for working professionals and prepares students for graduate-level studies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Computation and Technology (CCT)
- Louisiana Cyber Innovation Center
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- U.S. Department of Energy (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning and data science
- null — Cybersecurity and network systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to federal research facilities and defense contractors in Louisiana; access to high-performance computing infrastructure for student projects
Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: Two-semester capstone project (CMPS 4010 and 4020) completed in senior year. Optional honors thesis available for students with 3.4+ overall GPA and 3.5+ major GPA
Hakia Insight: Tulane's two-semester senior capstone (CMPS 4010-4020) is unusual depth for an undergraduate program; paired with an optional honors thesis track for strong students, it creates a genuine research experience that distinguishes graduates in employer interviews.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Tulane University provides comprehensive core expertise in computer science and prepares students for industry positions and graduate programs. The 55-58 credit hour program spans eight semesters and comprises 17 courses, including foundational coursework in algorithms, systems, and AI/machine learning. Students complete a two-semester capstone project (CMPS 4010 and 4020) in their senior year, with an optional honors thesis available for students maintaining a 3.4+ overall GPA and 3.5+ major GPA. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving principles and multiple programming languages (Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, Scala, Ruby). Students may pursue specializations through electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, computer networks, operating systems, and computational biology. The program accommodates traditional four-year students and accelerated three-year pathways for transfer students, with study abroad options available with advisor approval.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Computational Science
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- local tech companies and startups in New Orleans (startup)
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning and data science
- null — Network security and cryptography
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: New Orleans tech ecosystem and startup culture; proximity to maritime and energy technology industries; access to interdisciplinary research collaborations across schools
University of Louisiana at Lafayette — Lafayette, LA
Key Distinction: Senior capstone project (CMPS 490). Sophomore project (CMPS 290)
Hakia Insight: UL Lafayette's sophomore project (CMPS 290) embedded before the senior capstone creates a rare two-layer scaffolding that forces earlier failure and iteration—students enter their final projects with proven project execution experience, not just coursework.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Computer Engineering Concentration at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a 120-credit, four-year program accredited by ABET's Computing Accreditation Commission. The curriculum emphasizes foundational computer science theory alongside practical engineering applications, featuring a structured progression from introductory courses in freshman year through advanced topics in parallel computing, cybersecurity, and operating systems. Students complete a senior capstone project (CMPS 490) and have opportunities for hands-on learning through sophomore and junior projects. The concentration track includes specialized courses in digital systems, microprocessors, telecommunications, robotics technology, and Internet of Things systems. Graduates pursue careers as software engineers, computer network architects, computer hardware engineers, telecommunications specialists, and systems analysts. The program requires a grade of C or better in all computer science, mathematics, statistics, and electrical engineering courses.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering Concentration — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Advanced Computer Studies
Industry Partners
- Accenture (corporate)
- Deloitte (corporate)
- local tech startups and regional companies (startup)
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Location Advantages: Growing Lafayette tech corridor with startup ecosystem and proximity to oil/gas industry technology modernization
Louisiana Tech University — Ruston, LA
Key Distinction: Over $18 million in faculty-led research grants. Strong industry partnerships for internships and job placement
Hakia Insight: Louisiana Tech's $18 million in faculty-led research grants isn't overhead—it's a hiring funnel: undergraduates contribute to funded projects, build publications, and graduate with hands-on research credentials that community college and even some larger state programs can't match.
Louisiana Tech's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science combines world-class instruction with cutting-edge research and industry-driven experiences. The program is supported by over $18 million in faculty-led research grants and strong industry partnerships that connect students to internships, networking, and job placement opportunities. Students gain hands-on experience through research in state-of-the-art labs and real-world projects across foundational and emerging areas including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The program offers optional concentrations in Cloud Computing and Big Data, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security, and Graphics & Game Design, allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests and career goals. Graduates pursue diverse roles including Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Solutions Architect, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and DevOps Engineer.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Micromanufacturing
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Embedded systems and real-time computing
- null — Cybersecurity and network systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, MS; access to defense contracting ecosystem
Grambling State University — Grambling, LA
Key Distinction: ABET accredited program. Faculty use current technologies in instruction
Hakia Insight: Grambling's ABET accreditation combined with IBM and DoD partnerships creates a specific credential signal: employers know the program meets engineering standards *and* has direct defense-sector pipeline validation, a rare combination at HBCUs.
Grambling State University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is an ABET-accredited program designed to provide excellence in teaching, research, and public service. The program fosters an environment supporting scholarship, innovative thinking, and ethical behavior through current technologies and lifetime learning in the profession. The department has seven faculty members serving over 150 undergraduate students, with enrollment growing from 93 students in 2017-2018 to 171 in 2021-2022. The program is part of the Department of Computer Science & Digital Technologies, which also offers related bachelor's degrees in Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing, as well as minors in all three areas. The curriculum emphasizes practical application of current technologies to prepare students for professional careers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Accenture (corporate)
- U.S. Department of Defense (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to regional tech job markets through Louisiana Workforce Commission partnerships
University of New Orleans — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: UNO's computer science program combines affordable, accessible education with strong regional industry partnerships and practical, applied coursework tailored to Gulf Coast technology sector needs.
Hakia Insight: UNO's affordability paired with Amazon and Intuit hiring directly from its program means you're not paying for prestige—you're paying tuition that lets you graduate without debt while competing for the same entry-level roles as peers from expensive private schools.
At the bachelor's level, UNO's computer science program emphasizes practical, applied learning with strong connections to the New Orleans technology ecosystem and regional industry needs. The curriculum balances core computer science fundamentals with hands-on project work, featuring opportunities in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics that directly align with employer demands in the Gulf Coast region. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and accessible faculty mentorship, enabling deeper engagement with coursework than many larger institutions. The program has cultivated partnerships with local technology companies and government agencies, creating internship and job placement pathways for graduates. The school's location in New Orleans—increasingly a growing tech hub with expanding software development and IT services sectors—positions students to connect with employers while building a network rooted in the regional tech community. Faculty bring industry experience alongside academic credentials, and the program regularly updates its curriculum to reflect current technologies and market trends, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with relevant, job-ready skills.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Intuit.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing New Orleans technology sector with expanding software development and IT services companiesProximity to regional government and energy sector IT opportunities
Southern University and A & M College — Baton Rouge, LA
Key Distinction: Southern's CS program uniquely combines research-engaged learning with a deliberate focus on developing cybersecurity talent and public-sector tech leadership in Louisiana.
Hakia Insight: Southern's deliberate focus on cybersecurity talent development, combined with its Baton Rouge location near state government IT and petrochemical computing centers, creates a regional labor market advantage: you graduate into roles where your school's mission explicitly aligned with employer demand.
At the bachelor's level, as Louisiana's flagship historically Black university with a land-grant mission, Southern's computer science program carries distinct institutional strengths in cultivating diverse talent and fostering research-engaged learning. The program weaves research opportunities throughout the curriculum, encouraging undergraduates to participate in faculty-led projects that explore cybersecurity, software systems, and computational methods. The Baton Rouge location places students near state government technology operations and petrochemical industry hubs, creating pathways into both public sector IT and energy sector computing roles. Southern emphasizes workforce development alongside research preparation, with dedicated tracks for students pursuing immediate employment versus those considering graduate study. The program maintains partnerships with state agencies and has built a pipeline into Louisiana's cybersecurity initiatives, reflecting growing recognition of the region's need for trained security professionals. Faculty bring both academic rigor and industry experience, mentoring students through capstone projects that address real computational challenges faced by regional organizations.
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: Baton Rouge location near state government IT operations and petrochemical industry computing centers
McNeese State University — Lake Charles, LA
Key Distinction: McNeese's CS program is uniquely positioned for students pursuing industrial computing, systems programming, and critical infrastructure roles through partnerships and curriculum aligned with Southwest Louisiana's energy sector.
Hakia Insight: McNeese's curriculum isn't a generic CS degree customized for energy—it's built around industrial computing and critical infrastructure systems that dominate Southwest Louisiana's economy, meaning internships and post-graduation roles aren't promises, they're structural inevitabilities.
At the bachelor's level, mcNeese's computer science program is shaped by its Lake Charles location in Southwest Louisiana's energy and petrochemical hub, creating a curriculum with deliberate emphasis on high-performance computing, systems programming, and industrial applications of computer science. The program benefits from proximity to refining operations, chemical plants, and energy companies that employ sophisticated computational modeling and control systems—technologies that inform course design and capstone project opportunities. Rather than focusing primarily on software startups or consumer tech, McNeese prepares students for roles in critical infrastructure, process optimization, and industrial computing environments where reliability and systems thinking are paramount. Faculty expertise in embedded systems, numerical computing, and distributed systems reflects both academic rigor and regional employer needs. The program maintains strong recruitment relationships with energy sector employers, resulting in consistent placement of graduates into technical and engineering support roles in the region's dominant industry. For students seeking technical depth in systems-level work and willing to engage with industrial-scale problems, McNeese offers specialized preparation that mainstream CS programs often underemphasize.
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: Lake Charles location in petrochemical and energy sector hub with direct employer partnerships
Dillard University — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: Liberal arts-grounded computer science education that integrates humanities and communication skills alongside technical rigor.
Hakia Insight: Dillard's dual B.S./B.A. structure lets CS students anchor technical coursework in humanities—a rarity that positions graduates to bridge tech and non-technical stakeholders, a skill that compounds in leadership roles but remains invisible in most CS rankings.
At the bachelor's level, dillard's computer science program operates within a liberal arts context, meaning computer science students benefit from breadth across mathematics, sciences, and humanities alongside their technical core. The approach reflects a philosophy that software engineers and technology leaders benefit from understanding history, ethics, communication, and diverse perspectives—not just algorithms and code. Curriculum emphasizes object-oriented programming, web technologies, and data-driven applications, with flexibility for students to pursue independent projects or research. Being a smaller institution in New Orleans, students gain access to mentoring relationships with faculty who know them by name and can write detailed recommendation letters. The program's location provides exposure to the city's creative industries, cultural tech initiatives, and growing digital business ecosystem, creating internship and networking possibilities beyond traditional IT consulting.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: New Orleans location offers exposure to creative tech, cultural industries, and digital entrepreneurship
University of Louisiana at Monroe — Monroe, LA
Key Distinction: ULM's CS program prioritizes industry-aligned applied skills and regional employer partnerships, making it a pipeline program for technical careers in the Southeast.
Hakia Insight: ULM's regional employer partnerships in healthcare IT create a direct funnel into high-growth sectors that typically require expensive relocation; students graduate with job offers already local.
At the bachelor's level, ULM's computer science program emphasizes practical application through a curriculum that bridges theoretical foundations with real-world problem-solving. The program structures coursework around core competencies in software development, database systems, and network architecture, with particular strength in preparing students for immediate workforce entry. Faculty maintain active connections with regional employers, creating internship pathways that often convert to full-time positions before graduation. The program benefits from ULM's location in Northeast Louisiana, where growing tech sectors in healthcare informatics and business process automation create specific demand for graduates with applied CS skills. Students consistently report that the hands-on lab components—particularly in systems and software engineering courses—directly mirror technologies used by local and regional employers. The relatively small cohort size enables closer faculty mentorship, and many graduating students transition into roles at regional Fortune 500 operations centers.
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: Regional proximity to healthcare IT operations and business services centers
Best Master's Computer Science Degree Programs in Louisiana
Southern University and A & M College — Baton Rouge, LA
Key Distinction: Thesis track with research focus. Graduate assistantships available
Hakia Insight: Southern's thesis-track emphasis and graduate assistantships create a research pipeline often reserved for R1 institutions, giving students a genuine path to doctoral work or faculty positions without the prestige premium.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at Southern University and A&M College is designed to foster independent study and research, preparing graduates for doctoral study, academic careers, or positions in business, industry, and government. The program offers five areas of emphasis: Operating Systems and Architecture, Computational Science, Programming Languages/Software Engineering, Digital Data Communications, and Data Analytics and Data Mining. Students can pursue a thesis track, with opportunities for graduate assistantships available. The Computational Science concentration provides the unique opportunity to earn an MS in Computer Science and/or pursue a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology. The program emphasizes research refinement, software development, and database management skills, with faculty committed to incorporating emerging technologies and providing technological leadership.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Baton Rouge location near state government IT operations and petrochemical industry computing centers
Louisiana Tech University — Ruston, LA
Key Distinction: Three flexible track options: thesis, practicum, or coursework-only to accommodate career goals and interests. Designed for working professionals with flexible scheduling
Hakia Insight: Louisiana Tech's proximity to the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg doesn't just offer internships—it means defense contracting infrastructure (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon) actively recruits from campus, collapsing the job search timeline for cybersecurity and embedded systems specialists.
Louisiana Tech's Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is designed for working professionals seeking flexible pathways to advance their careers in software development, data science, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. The program offers three distinct tracks: thesis, practicum, and coursework-only options, allowing you to balance your studies with professional responsibilities. A core curriculum of five courses (12 semester credit hours) ensures mastery of essential computing principles. Graduates pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and cloud solutions architects across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and high-tech innovation. The program prepares you for immediate workforce entry or doctoral study, with career advancement into senior technical and leadership positions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Micromanufacturing
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Embedded systems and real-time computing
- null — Cybersecurity and network systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, MS; access to defense contracting ecosystem
University of Louisiana at Lafayette — Lafayette, LA
Key Distinction: Three degree tracks: coursework-only, project/capstone, and thesis options. Graduate assistantships and fellowships available (apply by March 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring)
Hakia Insight: UL Lafayette's March 1/November 1 fellowship deadlines signal intentional funding commitment, and the Center for Advanced Computer Studies partnership with Accenture and Deloitte creates a rare pipeline where coursework assignments become client projects that pay.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at UL Lafayette, administered by the Center for Advanced Computer Studies (CACS), offers three flexible tracks: coursework (33 credits), project (33 credits with capstone), and thesis (24 credits + 6 thesis hours). The program combines research-focused computer science with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and partnerships with research centers including the Informatics Research Institute, Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise, and NASA Regional Application Center. Students gain hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, embedded systems, and graphics. The program is ranked in NSF's top 60 for research and development expenditures and offers internship opportunities with high-tech companies partnering with the university. Graduate assistantships and fellowships are available to support degree completion while building industry experience. The location in Lafayette provides access to an established and expanding technology sector, making it ideal for working professionals seeking career advancement in software development, data science, cybersecurity, and research roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Advanced Computer Studies
Industry Partners
- Accenture (corporate)
- Deloitte (corporate)
- local tech startups and regional companies (startup)
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Location Advantages: Growing Lafayette tech corridor with startup ecosystem and proximity to oil/gas industry technology modernization
Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: Coursework vs. thesis track options. Online MS degree available (coursework track)
Hakia Insight: Tulane's fully online coursework track removes the geographic penalty for working professionals, while IBM and local startup partnerships ensure the asynchronous curriculum stays current—a balance most online CS programs fail.
Tulane's Master of Science in Computer Science is designed for working professionals seeking flexible pathways to advance their careers. The program offers both coursework and thesis tracks—the coursework track provides structured breadth and depth requirements ideal for professionals balancing work and study, while the thesis track emphasizes research and deeper specialization. An online MS degree option (coursework track) enables fully remote completion. The accelerated 4+1 format allows undergraduates to earn the MS while completing their bachelor's degree. With 30 credit hours required, students can tailor their specialization across nine research areas including AI/Data Science, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Computational Biology, and Computer Vision. Faculty research spans industry-relevant domains with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The program supports career advancement in high-demand fields; graduates move into senior technical, research, and leadership roles at major technology firms and research institutions. Graduate assistantships and research opportunities are available through faculty mentorship. No GRE required (scores optional), making admission accessible to experienced professionals.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Computational Science
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- local tech companies and startups in New Orleans (startup)
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning and data science
- null — Network security and cryptography
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: New Orleans tech ecosystem and startup culture; proximity to maritime and energy technology industries; access to interdisciplinary research collaborations across schools
University of New Orleans — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: UNO's computer science program combines affordable, accessible education with strong regional industry partnerships and practical, applied coursework tailored to Gulf Coast technology sector needs.
Hakia Insight: UNO's Amazon and Intuit employer pipeline transforms an affordable, accessible program into a backdoor entry to FAANG-adjacent salaries; the Gulf Coast location advantage that typically weakens recruitment actually concentrates it here.
At the master's level, UNO's computer science program emphasizes practical, applied learning with strong connections to the New Orleans technology ecosystem and regional industry needs. The curriculum balances core computer science fundamentals with hands-on project work, featuring opportunities in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics that directly align with employer demands in the Gulf Coast region. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and accessible faculty mentorship, enabling deeper engagement with coursework than many larger institutions. The program has cultivated partnerships with local technology companies and government agencies, creating internship and job placement pathways for graduates. The school's location in New Orleans—increasingly a growing tech hub with expanding software development and IT services sectors—positions students to connect with employers while building a network rooted in the regional tech community. Faculty bring industry experience alongside academic credentials, and the program regularly updates its curriculum to reflect current technologies and market trends, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with relevant, job-ready skills.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Science — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Intuit.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing New Orleans technology sector with expanding software development and IT services companiesProximity to regional government and energy sector IT opportunities
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — Baton Rouge, LA
Key Distinction: LSU's CS program stands out for its research-first approach and specialized tracks in cybersecurity and computational science, backed by faculty expertise in critical infrastructure and advanced computing.
Hakia Insight: LSU's Center for Computation and Technology and Louisiana Cyber Innovation Center give students access to high-performance computing infrastructure for projects—most master's programs simulate this, LSU graduates train on the real thing.
At the master's level, LSU's computer science program distinguishes itself through research-intensive pathways and deep integration with the university's engineering and science ecosystem, offering students opportunities to contribute to active research projects from sophomore year onward. The curriculum balances theoretical computer science foundations with applied specializations in areas like cybersecurity, data science, and high-performance computing—fields directly relevant to Louisiana's growing defense contracting and energy technology sectors. Faculty research spans machine learning applications in agriculture and environmental monitoring, cybersecurity infrastructure for critical systems, and computational modeling. The program benefits significantly from LSU's proximity to Baton Rouge's industrial base and federal research facilities, creating internship and research collaboration opportunities that extend beyond typical classroom boundaries. Students pursuing graduate study find strong thesis and research-based MS and PhD options, while those targeting industry leverage career services and recruiting relationships with major tech employers and defense contractors. The distinction between applied and theoretical tracks allows students to tailor their experience to their interests without sacrificing rigor in either direction.
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
- Center for Computation and Technology (CCT)
- Louisiana Cyber Innovation Center
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- U.S. Department of Energy (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning and data science
- null — Cybersecurity and network systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to federal research facilities and defense contractors in Louisiana; access to high-performance computing infrastructure for student projects
Louisiana State University-Shreveport — Shreveport, LA
Key Distinction: Emphasis on industry-ready software development skills with deep integration into Louisiana's energy and healthcare IT sectors.
Hakia Insight: LSU Shreveport's energy and healthcare IT focus isn't academic positioning; it reflects actual regional infrastructure, meaning graduates exit into roles with domain specificity that commands a premium over generic software engineers.
At the master's level, LSU Shreveport's computer science program emphasizes practical application alongside theoretical foundations, with a curriculum designed to move students quickly into productive roles in regional tech industries. The program structures its coursework around core competencies in software development, database systems, and networking—with electives that let students dive deeper into web development, cybersecurity, or data analytics depending on career interests. Faculty maintain active connections with Louisiana's growing energy sector and healthcare IT initiatives, creating internship pipelines that often convert to full-time positions. The relatively compact student body means undergraduates get genuine mentorship rather than anonymity in large lecture halls, and capstone projects frequently involve real-world problem-solving for local businesses. For students seeking a solid technical education in a setting where professor relationships matter, LSU Shreveport delivers without the overwhelming size of flagship campuses.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Science — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Shreveport's growing tech and business services sectorRegional connections to energy industry IT infrastructure
Best Doctoral Computer Science Degree Programs in Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Lafayette — Lafayette, LA
Key Distinction: UL Lafayette's program excels through embedded project-based learning with real clients, producing graduates who arrive at jobs with portfolio experience and proven software development capabilities.
Hakia Insight: UL Lafayette's embedded real-client project model means doctoral graduates arrive at day one with shipping software on their CV—a portfolio asset that typically takes years to build, collapsing the junior-to-mid-level gap.
At the doctoral level, UL Lafayette's computer science program has built a reputation around software engineering excellence and industry-aligned project-based learning, where students work on real-world problems for regional companies and non-profit organizations starting in their junior year. The curriculum explicitly targets both software development careers and graduate study preparation, with elective concentrations in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and web/mobile development that reflect current market demand. Faculty maintain active consulting relationships with local and national firms, ensuring course content stays current and creating natural pathways for internships and research collaborations. A defining feature is the program's capstone sequence, where teams of students design, develop, and deploy full-scale applications for external stakeholders—experience that employers consistently cite as preparation for day-one effectiveness. The university's location in Lafayette's growing tech ecosystem means students encounter recruitment from both established companies and innovative startups. Graduate options include thesis and non-thesis MS tracks, allowing flexibility for working professionals and those transitioning directly from undergrad into advanced study.
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
- Center for Advanced Computer Studies
Industry Partners
- Accenture (corporate)
- Deloitte (corporate)
- local tech startups and regional companies (startup)
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Location Advantages: Growing Lafayette tech corridor with startup ecosystem and proximity to oil/gas industry technology modernization
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — Baton Rouge, LA
Key Distinction: LSU's CS program stands out for its research-first approach and specialized tracks in cybersecurity and computational science, backed by faculty expertise in critical infrastructure and advanced computing.
Hakia Insight: LSU's dual emphasis on critical infrastructure cybersecurity research alongside computational science creates rare interdisciplinary depth; students pursuing the cybersecurity track inherit both DOE and defense contractor partnerships simultaneously.
At the doctoral level, LSU's computer science program distinguishes itself through research-intensive pathways and deep integration with the university's engineering and science ecosystem, offering students opportunities to contribute to active research projects from sophomore year onward. The curriculum balances theoretical computer science foundations with applied specializations in areas like cybersecurity, data science, and high-performance computing—fields directly relevant to Louisiana's growing defense contracting and energy technology sectors. Faculty research spans machine learning applications in agriculture and environmental monitoring, cybersecurity infrastructure for critical systems, and computational modeling. The program benefits significantly from LSU's proximity to Baton Rouge's industrial base and federal research facilities, creating internship and research collaboration opportunities that extend beyond typical classroom boundaries. Students pursuing graduate study find strong thesis and research-based MS and PhD options, while those targeting industry leverage career services and recruiting relationships with major tech employers and defense contractors. The distinction between applied and theoretical tracks allows students to tailor their experience to their interests without sacrificing rigor in either direction.
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
- Center for Computation and Technology (CCT)
- Louisiana Cyber Innovation Center
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- U.S. Department of Energy (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning and data science
- null — Cybersecurity and network systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to federal research facilities and defense contractors in Louisiana; access to high-performance computing infrastructure for student projects
Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: Tulane's CS program stands apart for its emphasis on interdisciplinary applications—leveraging the university's research depth to connect computer science with biomedical, environmental, and social impact domains.
Hakia Insight: Tulane's positioning at the intersection of biomedical, environmental, and social impact research means CS doctoral students can anchor dissertations in domains where industry funding and grant dollars concentrate—a structural advantage over pure-CS-track peers.
At the doctoral level, tulane's computer science program, situated within a research university committed to advancing knowledge across disciplines, positions students at the intersection of computer science theory, applications, and societal impact. The curriculum balances foundational CS theory with applied tracks in data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, reflecting both academic rigor and market relevance. Faculty research spans machine learning for biomedical applications, environmental modeling, and network security—areas where computation intersects with pressing real-world problems. Students engage through research assistantships in labs across campus, collaborative projects with faculty in other schools (engineering, business, public health), and internships with firms in New Orleans' growing tech ecosystem and beyond. Tulane's location in New Orleans connects students to vibrant startup culture, established tech companies, and unique opportunities in industries like maritime technology and smart city initiatives. Graduate study options include traditional thesis-based MS and PhD programs for research-focused students. The program's relatively intimate scale within a comprehensive research university means students access sophisticated resources while maintaining mentoring relationships with faculty.
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
- Center for Computational Science
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- local tech companies and startups in New Orleans (startup)
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning and data science
- null — Network security and cryptography
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: New Orleans tech ecosystem and startup culture; proximity to maritime and energy technology industries; access to interdisciplinary research collaborations across schools
