Best Associate's Computer Science Degree Programs in Nebraska
Metropolitan Community College Area — Omaha, NE
Hakia Insight: MCC's location in Omaha's largest tech job market means employers like Mutual of Omaha and Union Pacific actively recruit from campus, making job placement less dependent on networking skills and more tied to proximity.
At the associate's level, as Nebraska's largest community college system serving the Omaha metro, MCC taps directly into one of the state's biggest tech job markets—you'll learn current industry standards while building networks with employers actively recruiting from campus. The program covers systems administration, network infrastructure, cybersecurity fundamentals, and web development, with access to modern labs and equipment. Many students work part-time at local tech companies while studying, gaining real experience. Transfer pipelines to UNO are particularly strong, and workforce entry is immediate for those seeking help desk or junior IT roles in Omaha's growing tech sector.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Mutual of Omaha, Union Pacific Railroad, Creighton University, Omaha Public Schools, Local healthcare systems.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Creighton University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
- IT Help Desk Associate
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Southeast Community College Area — Lincoln, NE
Hakia Insight: Southeast's healthcare IT and manufacturing focus reflects regional labor shortage realities—graduates fill specific roles with documented local demand rather than competing in saturated generic CS markets.
At the associate's level, you'll find Southeast's computer science program laser-focused on skills that regional employers—especially in healthcare IT and manufacturing—actively need right now. The program integrates troubleshooting, hardware maintenance, network basics, and increasingly, cloud computing fundamentals. Student-to-instructor ratios stay small, so you get real feedback on your coding and technical work. Many graduates land jobs within weeks of completing the associate degree, while others transfer smoothly to UNL, UNK, or Wayne State with a strong technical foundation that makes upper-level coursework more manageable.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Bryan Health, Lincoln Public Schools, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Regional healthcare facilities, Local manufacturing and agribusiness firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Peru State College
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Northeast Community College — Norfolk, NE
Hakia Insight: Northeast's networking and systems administration emphasis serves rural Nebraska's actual IT bottleneck: schools and healthcare systems need sysadmins more than web developers, making Northeast's graduates immediately essential rather than aspirational.
At the associate's level, if you're looking for hands-on learning in a supportive environment, Northeast's computer science program emphasizes practical skills across networking, system administration, and web development. Students work in well-equipped labs with current technology, preparing them directly for IT support roles or smooth transitions to four-year programs. The program's strength lies in its strong relationships with regional employers in northeastern Nebraska, giving students real networking opportunities and job placement support. Graduates typically move into help desk or junior network administrator positions immediately, or transfer to UNO, UNK, or Wayne State College with solid technical foundations.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Rural healthcare systems, Northeast Nebraska school districts, Local government IT departments, Regional businesses and nonprofits.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Wayne State College
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Computer Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Central Community College — Grand Island, NE
At the associate's level, CCC's computer science program spans multiple campuses across Central Nebraska, delivering instruction in databases, networking, and systems support tailored for rural and small-town IT environments where generalists thrive. You'll gain hands-on experience in labs equipped with current networking and server hardware, then transfer to UNL or UNO with a guaranteed pathway that preserves your credits and financial aid. The program stands out for its focus on the specific technical and soft skills employers in central Nebraska actually want—reliability, troubleshooting mindset, and the ability to learn quickly on the job.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: CHI Health, Central Nebraska school districts, Regional manufacturing firms, County and city government IT departments, Local utilities.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Hastings College
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Systems Support Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Western Nebraska Community College — Scottsbluff, NE
Hakia Insight: Western Nebraska's rural-first curriculum removes the unstated assumption that tech careers require urban relocation, directly serving Panhandle students whose regional employers (healthcare, government, utilities) have documented IT staffing crises.
At the associate's level, western Nebraska's computer science program stands out for connecting rural students with robust IT training without requiring relocation to urban centers. The curriculum balances foundational programming, network administration, and help desk support skills—exactly what rural healthcare systems, schools, and businesses in the panhandle are actively hiring for. You'll find flexible scheduling and personalized support, which matters when you're balancing work and education. Graduates often stay local, filling real IT gaps in their communities, or transfer to UNO and UNK with competitive credentials for four-year degrees.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Western Nebraska healthcare systems, School districts in the Panhandle, City and county government offices, Local businesses and nonprofits.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Chadron State College
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Computer Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Mid-Plains Community College — North Platte, NE
Key Distinction: Mid-Plains Community College provides affordable Computer Science education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Mid-Plains combines affordable tuition with explicit four-year transfer pathways, letting North Platte students test CS before committing to bachelor's debt—a risk mitigation structure most universities don't advertise.
Mid-Plains Community College offers Computer Science programs in North Platte, NE. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Little Priest Tribal College — Winnebago, NE
Key Distinction: Little Priest Tribal College offers comprehensive Computer Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Little Priest's tribal college model centers cultural context in tech education, a pedagogical approach that research shows improves retention and belonging for Indigenous students otherwise navigating majority-culture CS programs.
Little Priest Tribal College offers Computer Science programs in Winnebago, NE. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Degree Programs in Nebraska
University of Nebraska at Omaha — Omaha, NE
Key Distinction: Undergraduate research opportunities in software development, language systems, robotics, and data mining. Five specialization tracks available
Hakia Insight: UNO's Cybersecurity Research Lab and NSA partnership create an unusual undergraduate advantage in defense sector access—students can co-author research in a field where secret clearance eligibility often begins in grad school.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at University of Nebraska at Omaha offers hands-on research opportunities in software development, language systems, robotics, and data mining. Students choose from five specialization tracks: Artificial Intelligence, Game Programming, Internet Technologies, Information Assurance, and Software Engineering. The program is available in traditional on-campus and online formats, with Information Assurance available completely online. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through research projects and internship opportunities, preparing graduates for roles as software developers, engineers, systems analysts, and emerging positions in AI and data science.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Research Laboratory
Industry Partners
- National Security Agency (government)
- Creighton University (nonprofit)
- Mutual of Omaha (corporate)
- ConAgra Foods (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Omaha fintech and insurance tech corridorProximity to NSA and federal contractor operationsStrong local employer network in healthcare IT and financial services
University of Nebraska-Lincoln — Lincoln, NE
Key Distinction: ABET accreditation by Computing Accreditation Commission. Multiple introductory course pathways: Computer Science I (general), Honors option, Systems Engineering focus, and Informatics focus
Hakia Insight: UNL's multiple introductory pathways (general, honors, systems, informatics) let students self-select into specialization before sophomore year, preventing the common trap of struggling first-years locked into mismatched tracks.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln School of Computing is an ABET-accredited program that prepares graduates for professional practice as computer scientists, advanced studies, and lifelong learning in the field. The program emphasizes designing and programming computing solutions through a rigorous curriculum with multiple introductory pathways (CSCE 155A, 155H, 155E, 155T) tailored to different interests including systems engineering and informatics. Students must complete the Professional Admission process by the end of sophomore year, requiring a grade of P or C or above in CSCE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms and a minimum GPA of 2.5. The School of Computing also offers related degrees in computer engineering and software engineering, with graduate programs available including MS and PhD options. Graduates develop competencies in analyzing complex computing problems, designing computing-based solutions, professional communication, ethical judgment, teamwork, and applying computer science theory to real-world challenges.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Nimble Autonomous Systems and Robotics Laboratory
- Distributed Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- Hudl (startup)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- Ashok Samal — Computer vision and image processing
- Matthew Dwyer — Software verification and testing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Hudl (sports analytics software company)Connection to Big Ten research institutionsAccess to Midwest tech recruitment pipeline
University of Nebraska at Kearney — Kearney, NE
Key Distinction: Capstone project (CYBR 495: Cyber Systems Capstone). Internship option (CYBR 475: Internship in Cyber Systems)
Hakia Insight: UNK's capstone requirement paired with Dr. Spanier's vulnerability analysis research creates a rare undergraduate opportunity to publish security findings—portfolio credentials that outweigh GPA in cybersecurity hiring.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Comprehensive at University of Nebraska at Kearney is a 120-credit program offering a rigorous curriculum in core computer science fundamentals and emerging technologies. Students progress through foundational courses in Python, object-oriented programming, and discrete structures before advancing to specialized topics including artificial intelligence, machine learning, networking, database systems, and operating systems. The program culminates in a capstone project (CYBR 495) where students apply integrated knowledge to solve real-world problems. Students are encouraged to participate in internships through CYBR 475 (Internship in Cyber Systems), as well as education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service-learning opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application, with elective options in web development, computer graphics, and reverse engineering, preparing graduates for diverse roles in software development, cybersecurity, systems engineering, and data science.
Programs Offered
- Computer Science Comprehensive, Bachelor of Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Hudl (startup)
- Nelnet (corporate)
- Narrow Gate Network (collaborator)
- Andromeda (collaborator)
- LiteWeb (collaborator)
- Round Table 21 (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Adam Spanier — Cyber Security, Computer Science, language agnostic static vulnerability analysis, computational trust, decentralization, zero trust
Location Advantages: Regional partnerships with agricultural technology firmsAccess to state government IT operationsGrowing software development ecosystem in central Nebraska
Wayne State College — Wayne, NE
Key Distinction: Career Scholars Program offering cooperative education pathway with paid senior-year internship starting freshman year. Career readiness activities including job site visits and job shadowing
Hakia Insight: Wayne State's Career Scholars program inverts the typical internship timeline by embedding paid work and job shadowing into freshman year, giving students hiring signals before sophomore courses begin rather than after.
Wayne State College's Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science is a 120-credit program (57 credits in computer science courses) designed to develop hands-on skills in programming, networking, server security, database design, and systems development. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application through a structured curriculum covering hardware architecture, software engineering, object-oriented programming, and cybersecurity. Students benefit from the Career Scholars Program, which offers a cooperative education pathway with paid senior-year internships at companies like Behlen Manufacturing, Ensono, First National Bank of Omaha, and Fiserv. The program includes internship opportunities facilitated by Career Services, with recent graduates placed at major employers including NASA, Nationwide Insurance, Wells Enterprises, and Great West Casualty Company. Recent graduates have secured roles as Software Engineers, Cloud Developers, Systems Analysts, and Mainframe Programmers. Wayne State College is recognized as the most affordable four-year college in Nebraska, with an average remaining annual cost of just $2,268 after financial aid and scholarships.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science / Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS/BA
Accreditations and Certifications
Top Transfer Destinations
- Wayne State College (internal continuation to bachelor's)
- University of Nebraska at Lincoln
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Software Developer
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Database Administrator
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Hastings College — Hastings, NE
Key Distinction: Hastings College's computer science program uniquely integrates liberal arts values with technical training, emphasizing the social and ethical dimensions of computing through personalized mentorship.
Hakia Insight: Hastings College's dual BA/BS structure lets students weight their degree toward humanities or STEM based on career intent—a rare flexibility that acknowledges most tech careers benefit from deep expertise in either business ethics or systems design, not equal parts of both.
At the bachelor's level, hastings College's computer science program grounds technical training in the liberal arts tradition, meaning students engage with programming and systems design as tools for understanding and solving complex problems—not isolated technical skills. The curriculum intentionally pairs computer science courses with humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, encouraging students to see computational thinking as a lens for interdisciplinary inquiry. This approach produces graduates who excel in roles requiring both technical and communication skills: software engineers who can lead teams, IT consultants who understand organizational dynamics, or tech entrepreneurs who can pitch ideas persuasively. Hastings maintains modest but focused industry connections, particularly within Nebraska's financial services and agricultural sectors, creating internship opportunities that blend technical work with business context. The small scale of the program means students can undertake meaningful capstone projects—often in collaboration with regional employers—that become portfolio pieces demonstrating both coding ability and problem-solving maturity. Faculty research interests span software engineering practices, web technologies, and systems optimization, and students can participate in these efforts or pursue independent studies aligned with their interests. Graduates consistently note that Hastings' emphasis on writing and communication, paired with solid technical foundations, gave them competitive advantages in both technical interviews and career advancement.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Close ties to Nebraska business and agricultural technology sectors
Concordia University-Nebraska — Seward, NE
Key Distinction: Concordia's computer science program uniquely emphasizes ethical leadership and character development alongside technical skills, preparing graduates who think critically about technology's social impact.
Hakia Insight: Concordia's Lutheran heritage translates into a program where ethical reasoning isn't a sidebar course but embedded into capstone projects with regional nonprofits, giving graduates a demonstrable edge when interviewing for roles at companies actively seeking values-driven technologists.
At the bachelor's level, concordia's computer science program centers on developing problem-solvers grounded in both technical rigor and ethical reasoning, reflecting the institution's Lutheran heritage and commitment to educating leaders who consider the broader impact of technology. The curriculum progresses from foundational programming and discrete mathematics through advanced coursework in software engineering, databases, and web technologies, with intentional space for students to explore specializations based on their interests and career goals. The program cultivates strong student-faculty relationships; professors regularly involve undergraduates in applied projects that connect to real organizational needs, whether for nonprofit partners, local businesses, or campus technology initiatives. Concordia's career services team works closely with the computer science faculty to identify internship opportunities and facilitate connections to employers seeking graduates with both technical skills and strong interpersonal abilities. Graduates have entered roles ranging from software development and IT systems management to business analysis and technology leadership positions. The relatively close-knit cohort model means students develop peer networks that often prove valuable throughout their careers, and many describe their Concordia experience as one where they felt supported not just as technical learners but as whole persons navigating the responsibilities of technology careers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional nonprofit and business partnerships in central Nebraska
Peru State College — Peru, NE
Hakia Insight: Peru State's associate-to-bachelor pathway creates an unusual advantage for transfer students: you can test the program affordably, then complete your degree while maintaining relationships with advisors who already know your learning style and career trajectory.
Peru State's computer science program offers a small-college advantage: you know your professors personally, and they know your strengths and goals. The associate-level pathway covers systems administration, networking basics, programming fundamentals, and user support—practical skills employers need immediately. Being a four-year institution means you can transition to a bachelor's degree without transferring campuses if you choose. Graduates typically enter help desk or IT support roles in southeast Nebraska or transfer upward within the state university system with strong foundational knowledge and faculty recommendations that carry real weight in admissions.
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: Lincoln tech firms and startups, Omaha-based technology companies, Healthcare IT departments, Financial services technology teams, Government IT agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Peru State College (internal continuation to bachelor's)
- University of Nebraska at Lincoln
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Software Developer
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Database Administrator
- Junior Web Developer
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Creighton University — Omaha, NE
Key Distinction: Paid internships with Fortune 500 companies and start-ups. Student research experiences available
Hakia Insight: Creighton's proximity to three major health systems (Creighton Medical Center, CHI Health, Methodist) means its CS curriculum can emphasize healthcare IT as a specialization—one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying segments for bachelor's-level developers in the Midwest.
Creighton's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science prepares students for careers in software development, web design, game development, systems analysis, database management, and network administration. The program requires 44 credits (38 for BA degree) beyond core requirements, emphasizing both practical skills and critical reasoning. Students engage in paid internships with major employers including IBM, GE Healthcare, Google, Huddle, Mutual of Omaha, TD Ameritrade, Northrop Grumman, and Union Pacific. The Bachelor of Arts option offers greater flexibility for combined majors. Research opportunities are available for students pursuing graduate studies. Within six months of graduation, 98% of College of Arts and Sciences graduates are employed, pursuing advanced degrees, or volunteering. Computer science majors enjoy among the highest starting salaries for recent college graduates, with median annual wages at $91,250 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS, BA
Industry Partners
- Creighton University Medical Center (nonprofit)
- CHI Health (nonprofit)
- Methodist Health System (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: IBM, Google.
Location Advantages: Omaha location with proximity to major healthcare systemsRegional tech employment growth in finance, insurance, and technology servicesAccess to research-grade medical informatics and healthcare IT projects
Bellevue University — Bellevue, NE
Key Distinction: Bellevue's computer science program prioritizes accessibility and practical relevance through flexible delivery, experienced faculty, and direct alignment with employer needs in the Omaha region and beyond.
Hakia Insight: Bellevue's R. Joe Dennis Learning Center and MathX Lab serve working professionals explicitly, not as an afterthought; paired with faculty like Dr. Dobransky who research higher education technology, the program actually learns from its students' workplace challenges and evolves accordingly.
At the bachelor's level, bellevue's computer science program is designed with flexibility and accessibility as core principles, serving working professionals and recent high school graduates through both on-campus and online delivery models. The curriculum emphasizes immediately applicable skills in software development, database management, and IT systems, structured in a way that allows students to begin their careers while completing degrees or to transition into computing from other fields. The program's accessibility extends to its scheduling—many students balance coursework with full-time employment, and Bellevue's asynchronous online options and evening classes accommodate this reality. Faculty bring practical industry experience alongside academic credentials, frequently incorporating real-world case studies and current technologies into their teaching. For students in the Omaha metro area, the location provides access to local tech employers and internship opportunities; for remote learners, the online program eliminates geographic barriers. Bellevue graduates often move directly into entry-to-mid-level positions in software development, systems administration, and IT support roles, with many finding opportunities within the companies where they were already employed. The program's career services team actively works with regional employers to understand hiring needs, ensuring that curriculum stays aligned with what companies are actually seeking. Student cohorts tend to be diverse in age and background, creating peer learning networks where professionals with varied experiences enrich classroom discussions and projects.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- R. Joe Dennis Learning Center Science Lab
- MathX Lab
- Sustainability Lab
- Courtnage Intelligence Systems Lab
- Natural Science Center of Excellence
Industry Partners
- Mutual of Omaha (corporate)
- First National Nebraska Bancshares (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Mary Dobransky — Higher education and technology leadership
- Professor John Kyndt — Science and laboratory research
- Dr. Scott Pinkerton — Science and laboratory research
- James Lewis — Academic administration and accreditation
- Lou Gruneiro — Curriculum development and student support
- Phillip Fitzpatrick — Technology, Cybersecurity, and Science programs
Accreditations and Certifications
- Higher Learning Commission
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
- Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC)
Location Advantages: Omaha tech corridor with growing software and fintech sectorsProximity to Fortune 500 operations centers
Doane University — Crete, NE
Key Distinction: Doane's computer science program leverages its liberal arts identity to prepare graduates who combine technical expertise with domain knowledge across business, science, and social sectors.
Hakia Insight: Doane's liberal arts positioning attracts students seeking domain expertise alongside coding—biology majors can specialize in bioinformatics, business majors in fintech—creating graduates who command premium salaries because they're genuinely rare: technologists who speak the language of their industry.
At the bachelor's level, doane University's computer science program operates with a deliberate commitment to accessibility and personalized education—every student gets mentorship that scales to individual pace and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all track. The curriculum covers standard foundations in programming, data structures, and algorithms while allowing significant flexibility to pursue specialized interests through electives and independent study projects. Faculty mentorship is central to the Doane experience; with low student-to-faculty ratios, professors serve as genuine advisors who connect students to internship opportunities, guide research directions, and write recommendations that carry real weight because they know the student deeply. The program has developed modest but meaningful partnerships with regional employers in healthcare IT, financial services, and small business technology, creating a pipeline of internships that often lead to post-graduation employment. Students leaving Doane report that the individualized attention—including frank discussions about career fit and alternative paths—better prepared them for real-world decision-making than larger programs where such guidance is inconsistent. Graduates work across diverse roles and companies, reflecting the program's philosophy that computer science training should open doors to many paths rather than funneling students toward a single industry expectation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Connections to Nebraska tech startups and regional business ecosystem
Best Master's Computer Science Degree Programs in Nebraska
University of Nebraska at Omaha — Omaha, NE
Key Distinction: Online and traditional in-person delivery options. Fully online completion available for AI and Software Engineering concentrations
Hakia Insight: UNO's fully online AI and Software Engineering concentrations paired with proximity to NSA operations means you can complete a master's degree while working in cybersecurity roles that actively recruit from the program—a self-reinforcing advantage most online programs lack.
University of Nebraska Omaha's Master of Science in Computer Science is designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in technology. The program offers flexible delivery through traditional in-person and fully online options, enabling part-time completion. Students can choose from six concentrations including Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, and Network Technologies, with several available online. The program provides graduate assistantship opportunities and embedded professional certificates in AI, Machine Learning, Communication Networks, and Software Engineering. With flexible scheduling and multiple concentration options, graduates advance to senior-level roles including Senior Software Engineer, Network and Cloud Architect, IT Project Manager, and Enterprise Architect, with typical mid-career salary advancement for master's degree holders in computer science fields.
Programs Offered
- Computer Science, Master of Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Research Laboratory
Industry Partners
- National Security Agency (government)
- Creighton University (nonprofit)
- Mutual of Omaha (corporate)
- ConAgra Foods (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Omaha fintech and insurance tech corridorProximity to NSA and federal contractor operationsStrong local employer network in healthcare IT and financial services
Bellevue University — Bellevue, NE
Key Distinction: 100% online delivery accommodates working professionals. No GRE or GMAT required for admission
Hakia Insight: Bellevue's no-GRE/GMAT admission combined with 100% online delivery removes traditional barriers for mid-career professionals; paired with its Sustainability Lab focus, graduates leave equipped to lead green tech initiatives—a niche demand accelerating faster than general software engineering.
Bellevue University's Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is designed for working professionals seeking advanced expertise at the intersection of technology and business. The 36-credit program (27 core + 9 concentration credits) can be completed in 2-3 years part-time and is offered 100% online for maximum flexibility. The curriculum emphasizes IT infrastructure, database management, cybersecurity, systems analysis, and IT project management, enabling graduates to solve complex business challenges. No GRE/GMAT required. Graduates qualify for mid-level roles including Application Architect, Systems Architect, Cloud Engineer, and Cybersecurity Analyst. The program supports real-world application through case studies and group projects, and encourages pursuit of complementary certifications such as PMI Project Management credentials. Federal student aid and scholarships are available to eligible graduate students.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- R. Joe Dennis Learning Center Science Lab
- MathX Lab
- Sustainability Lab
- Courtnage Intelligence Systems Lab
- Natural Science Center of Excellence
Industry Partners
- Mutual of Omaha (corporate)
- First National Nebraska Bancshares (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Mary Dobransky — Higher education and technology leadership
- Professor John Kyndt — Science and laboratory research
- Dr. Scott Pinkerton — Science and laboratory research
- James Lewis — Academic administration and accreditation
- Lou Gruneiro — Curriculum development and student support
- Phillip Fitzpatrick — Technology, Cybersecurity, and Science programs
Accreditations and Certifications
- Higher Learning Commission
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
- Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC)
Location Advantages: Omaha tech corridor with growing software and fintech sectorsProximity to Fortune 500 operations centers
University of Nebraska-Lincoln — Lincoln, NE
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis track options — Option A for research/doctoral pursuit, Option B for terminal degree. Option B completion in 18 months possible with summer enrollment, suitable for part-time professionals
Hakia Insight: UNL's 18-month Option B completion window for part-time students exists because the non-thesis track deliberately mirrors what working professionals actually need—broad systems knowledge—rather than forcing research methodologies onto career-switchers.
The M.S. in Computer Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers two flexible degree options tailored to working professionals. The thesis track (Option A, 30 credits) suits students pursuing research careers or further graduate study, while the coursework track (Option B, 30 credits) is recommended for those treating the M.S. as a terminal degree. Both options require breadth across theory, systems, and applications (6 credits each), with at least 15 graduate-only credits. Option B can be completed in as little as 18 months by taking summer courses, making it ideal for part-time professionals. The program requires attendance at 15 colloquia or thesis presentations. No embedded professional certifications, assistantship stipends, or specific salary advancement data are documented. Career outcomes focus on research and industry positions in computer science.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Nimble Autonomous Systems and Robotics Laboratory
- Distributed Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- Hudl (startup)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Ashok Samal — Computer vision and image processing
- Matthew Dwyer — Software verification and testing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Hudl (sports analytics software company)Connection to Big Ten research institutionsAccess to Midwest tech recruitment pipeline
