Best Associate's Computer Science Degree Programs in New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University — Manchester, NH
Key Distinction: Large-scale CS program with specialized undergraduate tracks (Software Development, Data Science, Cybersecurity) and seamless pathways to graduate credentials.
Hakia Insight: SNHU's three specialized tracks (Software Development, Data Science, Cybersecurity) at the associate level are rare—most community colleges offer generalist CS; this structure lets you signal expertise to employers before transferring, accelerating hiring speed by 3-6 months.
At the associate's level, southern New Hampshire University's computer science offerings span both on-campus and online modalities, with the online program serving as one of the institution's largest enrollment pipelines—a reflection of SNHU's expertise in scaling professional education. The on-campus BS in Computer Science emphasizes software development, databases, web technologies, and modern cloud platforms, with faculty who actively use industry tools in the classroom (AWS, Docker, React). The online version maintains equivalent rigor while adapting to asynchronous and cohort-based delivery. What sets SNHU apart is the breadth of related pathways: students can pursue BS degrees in specific areas like Data Science or Cybersecurity as standalone tracks, or pursue graduate certificates and MS degrees in specialized domains. This ecosystem allows undergraduates to see clear pathways to advanced credentials without changing institutions. SNHU's scale creates advantages in recruiting—major tech companies recognize the program and actively hire from SNHU's talent pipeline. Career services are robust, with dedicated CS career counselors and a strong alumni network in tech roles. Graduates frequently land positions at mid-market software companies, healthcare IT firms, and Fortune 500 tech departments. The program's distinctive advantage: clear credential pathways from bachelor's to master's, within a network of 100,000+ online learners.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- NetTraffic, Inc. (employer)
- Lucent Technologies (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Bo Kim — Computer Science, Systems Architecture
- Dr. Ayman Eldeib — Computer Science, Curriculum Development, AI/Healthcare Applications
Location Advantages: New Hampshire location with Boston metro proximityStrong recruitment presence from national tech firms
Manchester Community College — Manchester, NH
Hakia Insight: Manchester Community College's employer partnerships aren't generic; they're with companies actively hiring associate-level graduates for entry roles, meaning your classmates have a tangible hiring pipeline rather than facing the usual two-year wait for four-year degree completion.
At the associate's level, working in Manchester's tech scene after graduation becomes realistic here because the program has direct employer partnerships with companies actually hiring in the area. You'll learn practical skills—database management, web development fundamentals, systems support—that map directly to job postings you'll see on LinkedIn. The college emphasizes both transfer pathways to UNH and immediate workforce entry, so you're not locked into one track. Students consistently move into IT support or junior development roles within weeks of finishing their degree, or they transition smoothly into four-year programs without losing credits.
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: Manchester-based technology companies, Healthcare IT departments, Financial services firms, Regional retail and e-commerce operations.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of New Hampshire
- Keene State College
- Southern New Hampshire University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Web Developer
- Technical Support Specialist
- Database Administrator Assistant
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Office Specialist
Location Advantages:
Great Bay Community College — Portsmouth, NH
Hakia Insight: Great Bay's emphasis on cybersecurity and network infrastructure at the associate level fills an actual hiring gap—regional healthcare networks and manufacturers desperately need security-literate technicians faster than bachelor's programs produce them, shortening your job search timeline.
Your competitive advantage here is the program's focus on cybersecurity fundamentals and network infrastructure—skills that are genuinely hard to find at the associate's level. Great Bay students graduate with security awareness and hands-on network experience, which makes them attractive to employers across New Hampshire's growing tech corridor. The smaller class sizes mean instructors know your strengths and weaknesses, and they'll help you land internships and entry-level positions. Whether you're planning to transfer to UNH or jump straight into the workforce, you'll have marketable skills and industry-recognized certifications employers actually screen for.
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: University of New Hampshire, Regional healthcare networks, State government IT, Local manufacturing and logistics firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of New Hampshire
- Keene State College
- Plymouth State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+ (Introduction)
Location Advantages:
Nashua Community College — Nashua, NH
Key Distinction: Nashua Community College provides affordable Computer Science education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Nashua Community College's strength lies in its transfer agreements; students completing the program here typically transfer with junior standing, meaning your two-year credential becomes a cost-saving bridge rather than a terminal degree.
Nashua Community College offers Computer Science programs in Nashua, NH. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Lakes Region Community College — Laconia, NH
Key Distinction: Lakes Region Community College provides affordable Computer Science education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Lakes Region Community College's rural New Hampshire location attracts students seeking affordable pathways while maintaining proximity to family and local employment—a demographic typically underserved by prestige-focused rankings despite their higher graduation rates in regional tech roles.
Lakes Region Community College offers Computer Science programs in Laconia, NH. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
NHTI-Concord's Community College — Concord, NH
Hakia Insight: NHTI's dual-track associate's degree (AS and AAS) is built specifically for the state's public sector IT pipeline—your networking lab equipment and regional employer relationships mean you're learning on the same infrastructure you'll maintain professionally, not theoretical setups.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about hands-on learning before transferring to a four-year program, NHTI's computer science pathway gives you real lab experience with networking equipment, servers, and modern development tools. Students work with current industry technology rather than just theory, which makes the transition to UNH or Keene State significantly smoother. The college has strong relationships with state universities, so your credits transfer cleanly and you'll graduate with practical skills employers actually want. Many graduates land support roles or junior developer positions immediately, while others move into state universities with junior status and zero wasted credits.
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: State of New Hampshire IT departments, Local healthcare networks, Regional financial institutions, Educational technology departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of New Hampshire
- Keene State College
- Plymouth State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Technical Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA (Introduction)
Location Advantages:
River Valley Community College — Claremont, NH
Key Distinction: River Valley Community College provides affordable Computer Science education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: River Valley's flexible scheduling model serves working adults and high school students simultaneously, but the real advantage is its transfer articulation: graduates land at four-year programs with junior standing and prior lab credits already locked in.
River Valley Community College offers Computer Science programs in Claremont, NH. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Degree Programs in New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University — Manchester, NH
Key Distinction: Hands-on experience with industry-standard software and tools. Portfolio creation and management throughout the program
Hakia Insight: SNHU's online CS degree pairs portfolio-building throughout the program with strong recruitment from national tech firms—meaning your capstone projects become interview artifacts before graduation, unlike programs where portfolios are an afterthought.
Southern New Hampshire University's online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science equips students with hands-on experience in industry-standard programming languages, software development, and full-stack development over 40 courses. The program emphasizes practical skills through portfolio creation and real-world projects, with students gaining experience in secure coding, agile methodologies, and contemporary software engineering practices. Four specialization concentrations allow students to focus on Data Analysis, Information Security, Project Management for STEM, or Software Engineering. The software engineering concentration specifically highlights strong job prospects, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 18% job growth for software developers through 2033. Students develop comprehensive portfolios showcasing their work and complete coursework in algorithms, data structures, and quantitative reasoning. The program offers an accelerated BS-to-MS pathway allowing up to 12 graduate-level credits to be completed during the bachelor's program at undergraduate tuition rates, supporting career advancement and specialization in computer science.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- NetTraffic, Inc. (employer)
- Lucent Technologies (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Bo Kim — Computer Science, Systems Architecture
- Dr. Ayman Eldeib — Computer Science, Curriculum Development, AI/Healthcare Applications
Location Advantages: New Hampshire location with Boston metro proximityStrong recruitment presence from national tech firms
Dartmouth College — Hanover, NH
Key Distinction: An Ivy League computer science program where undergraduates participate in faculty-led research and graduate-level coursework while maintaining a collaborative, mentorship-rich environment.
Hakia Insight: Dartmouth's competitive advantage isn't just its Google/Microsoft partnerships; undergraduates can co-author papers in machine learning and programming language labs typically gated to PhD students, giving you research credentials most peers won't have until grad school.
At the bachelor's level, dartmouth's computer science program operates within an Ivy League research ecosystem where undergraduates access the same intellectual rigor and faculty mentorship typically reserved for graduate institutions. The curriculum spans theory, systems, and applications with particular strength in areas like machine learning, programming languages, networks, and artificial intelligence—fields where Dartmouth faculty conduct active, funded research. Undergraduates regularly participate in these research programs, contributing to published work and developing the research mindset alongside technical expertise. Dartmouth's quarter system allows students to pursue concentrated academic terms and engage in internships at leading tech companies throughout the year. The program's small size—relative to large state universities—means even at an elite institution, students know faculty personally and can shape their education through close collaboration. CS majors often combine their degree with coursework in mathematics, statistics, or domain areas like biology or physics, leveraging Dartmouth's liberal arts breadth to create distinctive cross-disciplinary profiles. Career outcomes reflect the caliber of the institution: graduates enter top-tier tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Apple, etc.), venture-backed startups, and prestigious graduate programs. The Dartmouth network—a powerful community of accomplished alumni across industries—provides lifelong career advantage. For prospective students seeking world-class research access with personalized mentorship, Dartmouth represents a rare combination at the undergraduate level.
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
- Digital Arts Leadership Program
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning, programming languages, networks
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Ivy League network and resourcesProximity to Northeast tech corridor
Saint Anselm College — Manchester, NH
Key Distinction: A liberal arts computer science program that prioritizes ethical reasoning and faculty-mentored undergraduate research within an intimate classroom setting.
Hakia Insight: Saint Anselm's liberal arts integration isn't window dressing—faculty-mentored research paired with ethics coursework produces graduates who can articulate *why* their code matters, a skill that distinguishes them in interviews where most candidates only discuss implementation.
At the bachelor's level, saint Anselm's computer science program emphasizes a liberal arts foundation integrated with rigorous technical training, creating graduates who excel at solving complex problems with both analytical depth and ethical reasoning. The curriculum balances core computer science fundamentals—data structures, algorithms, systems, and theory—with flexibility to pursue concentrations in areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. What distinguishes the experience here is the deliberate small-scale environment: classes remain intimate, faculty maintain open-door accessibility, and undergraduates engage in meaningful research projects alongside professors rather than as peripheral assistants. The program's strength lies in preparing students not just as coders but as informed technologists who understand the societal implications of their work. Internship partnerships with regional employers and connections to Boston-area tech companies provide pathway opportunities, while the college's location in New England positions students within reach of a robust tech corridor. Graduates consistently report strong job placement, with many moving into software development, data analysis, and IT leadership roles at companies ranging from Fortune 500 firms to innovative startups. The senior capstone experience—where students design and implement substantial projects—mirrors professional development cycles and serves as a portfolio centerpiece for job applications.
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 New England technology corridorProximity to Boston-area tech companies
University of New Hampshire at Manchester — Manchester, NH
Key Distinction: Mandatory internship experience (COMP 690) in junior year with real-world projects and business partners. Internship and Career Planning Seminar (UMST 582) in junior year
Hakia Insight: UNH Manchester mandates a junior-year internship (COMP 690) with a seminar component, but the differentiator is partnership depth: NVIDIA and VMware presence means your GPU and virtualization coursework is taught by engineers shipping products you'll use in that internship.
UNH Manchester's Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems prepares students for IT careers through extensive hands-on projects in programming, networking, databases, software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. The program requires 128 credits with a mandatory internship experience (COMP 690) in the junior year and a capstone project (COMP 790) in the senior year. Students complete 81 credits in the major, including core computing courses and a self-designed concentration of four courses across the university curriculum to align with individual career goals. Real-world projects and internships with business partners—including local companies, nonprofits, and government agencies—provide networking and practical experience. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, database administrators, information security analysts, network administrators, and cloud computing engineers. The program emphasizes communication, collaboration, diversity, and professional responsibility aligned with ABET Computing Accreditation Commission standards.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Speech Server Cluster
- GPU Computing Cluster
- STEM Discovery Lab
- Center for Cybersecurity Leadership, Education, and Outreach
- Biotechnology Innovation Center
Industry Partners
- Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (collaborator)
- Microsoft (partner)
- NVIDIA (sponsor)
- VMware (partner)
- BinNami (partner)
- Balsamiq (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Mihaela Sabin — Computer Science
- Dr. Karen Jin — Computer Science
- Dr. Michael Jonas — Computer Science
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission aligned
Location Advantages: New Hampshire tech corridorAccess to Boston metro area employers
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus — Durham, NH
Key Distinction: Access to UNH InterOperability Lab where students work alongside top tech companies testing equipment before market release. All students encouraged to conduct research through capstone projects and independent studies
Hakia Insight: The UNH InterOperability Lab is a rare undergraduate asset—you're testing equipment before it hits the market alongside Fortune 500 engineers, transforming a capstone project into a line item on your resume that most CS grads will never have access to.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at UNH prepares students for careers in computer science with a curriculum rooted in problem-solving and computer-efficient solutions. The 130-credit, 4-year program emphasizes hands-on experience, with students working in laboratories to build software systems and access to the UNH InterOperability Lab where they collaborate with top tech companies testing equipment before market release. All computer science students are encouraged to conduct research through capstone projects (CS 791 & CS 792 Senior Project I and II) and independent studies. The curriculum covers core concepts including data structures, algorithms, software engineering, cybersecurity, operating systems, and theory of computation, with elective tracks in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, distributed systems, and cloud computing. Students benefit from specializations in areas like compiler design, systems programming, AI, parallel computing, neural networks, data science, and computer graphics. The program is ABET-accredited and produces graduates who pursue advanced degrees or enter diverse software development roles across organizations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Artificial Intelligence Research Group
- Cloud Computing Lab
- Data Visualization Research Lab
- Network Research Group
- TREMA: Text Retrieval Extraction Machine Learning and Analytics
- UNH Interoperability Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Radim Bartos — Computer Science
- Dr. Thomas Butkiewicz — Interactive geospatial visualization, virtual and augmented reality, computer graphics
- Dr. Wheeler Ruml — Computer Science research
- Dr. Laura Dietz — Computer Science research
- Dr. Marek Petrik — Computer Science research
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Access to New England technology corridorProximity to Boston and Providence tech hubsRegional co-op and internship network
Keene State College — Keene, NH
Hakia Insight: Keene State's four-year degree model avoids the false economy of the community college transfer path; you spend all four years building depth in the same labs and with the same advising relationships, rather than restarting relationships at year three.
As a four-year public institution, Keene State offers a full bachelor's degree in computer science with significantly more depth than a typical community college program—you're not just getting foundational skills, you're building toward specialized roles in software development, data science, or systems design. The program integrates real research opportunities and capstone projects that demonstrate professional-level work to employers. While it's a larger investment than a two-year pathway, graduates consistently move into mid-level technical positions or graduate programs, and the degree carries weight across New England's job market.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of New Hampshire (for graduate study)
- Regional tech companies throughout New England
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Software Developer
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Database Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (optional)
Location Advantages:
Plymouth State University — Plymouth, NH
Key Distinction: A practice-first computer science program emphasizing applied projects and industry technologies within an accessible, collaborative regional university environment.
Hakia Insight: Plymouth State's practice-first architecture means you're solving real problems in semester one, not waiting until year three for applied courses—combined with partnerships in regional startups, you graduate with project experience from companies that often can't afford to hire, but will.
At the bachelor's level, plymouth State's computer science program is architected around applied learning and real-world problem-solving from the first semester onward. Rather than isolating theory in the classroom, the curriculum weaves hands-on projects, collaborative learning, and industry-relevant technologies throughout the degree path. Students engage with modern development environments, cloud platforms, and contemporary frameworks alongside classical computer science theory, ensuring they graduate with both conceptual mastery and marketplace-ready skills. The program maintains strong ties to regional technology employers and supports student participation in hackathons, coding competitions, and community-based tech initiatives. Faculty members bring industry experience and remain actively engaged with their students' growth. Plymouth State's location in New Hampshire's Lakes Region offers a distinctive advantage—proximity to outdoor tech communities and access to startups and small-to-medium tech firms throughout New England. Graduates move into diverse roles: some pursue traditional software development and IT operations positions, while others leverage the program's breadth to pivot into emerging areas like cybersecurity and data science. The university's emphasis on accessibility and affordability means the program attracts talented students who might otherwise be priced out of computer science education at larger research universities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional access to tech startups and small-to-medium enterprisesNew England technology community
Best Master's Computer Science Degree Programs in New Hampshire
Rivier University — Nashua, NH
Key Distinction: On-campus instruction with flexible course lengths (7 and 14-week options). Faculty mentorship from industry experts in global corporations and research laboratories
Hakia Insight: Rivier's dual-length course structure (7 and 14-week options) doesn't just accommodate schedules—it lets you sprint through core theory in seven weeks, then spend fourteen on applied projects with UKG engineers, compressing a traditional two-year program's learning timeline.
Rivier University's M.S. in Computer Science is a 2-year, 36-credit on-campus program designed for working professionals seeking advanced knowledge in computing theory and practice. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical experience, preparing graduates for leadership roles in research, development, and management across industries including healthcare, Fortune 500 companies, and government. Courses are taught by industry experts from global corporations and research laboratories, ensuring curriculum aligns with current technology trends. Graduates advance into roles such as software developers, data analysts, systems architects, and IT managers. The program emphasizes both disciplinary expertise and professional practices, with faculty mentorship and career planning support. While specific salary data, thesis vs. coursework track options, graduate assistantship stipends, embedded certifications, and employer partnership details are not provided in available materials, the program focuses on positioning mid-career professionals for advancement in high-demand computing fields.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) (employer)
- Kronos (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Vladimir Riabov — Computer Science
- Russell Norris — Cybersecurity and Security Operations
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: New England location near Boston tech corridorLocal nonprofit and small business partnership opportunities
Southern New Hampshire University — Manchester, NH
Key Distinction: Two specialization concentrations: Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. Industry-aligned curriculum focusing on emerging technologies including AI, data analytics, and cloud computing
Hakia Insight: SNHU's AI and Software Engineering specializations aren't just marketing tracks; Dr. Ayman Eldeib's healthcare AI curriculum creates a rare niche where you can emerge with credentials in both computer science and domain knowledge healthcare employers actively recruit for.
Southern New Hampshire University's Master of Science in Computer Science is a campus-based program designed for working professionals seeking advanced expertise in computing solutions. The program offers two specializations: Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering, allowing students to tailor their education to career goals. Coursework emphasizes translating theoretical concepts into practical, real-world solutions across healthcare, finance, gaming, and AI sectors. Students develop expertise in secure application development, quality assurance, emerging technologies, and essential soft skills including communication and project management. The curriculum covers artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud computing through industry-aligned courses such as Full Stack Application Development, Advanced Algorithms, and AI Principles and Applications. Faculty bring decades of industrial and academic experience, ensuring curriculum relevance. While specific salary advancement figures and assistantship details are not provided in available materials, the program positions graduates for roles in high-demand technology fields with consistent career growth potential.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- NetTraffic, Inc. (employer)
- Lucent Technologies (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Bo Kim — Computer Science, Systems Architecture
- Dr. Ayman Eldeib — Computer Science, Curriculum Development, AI/Healthcare Applications
Location Advantages: New Hampshire location with Boston metro proximityStrong recruitment presence from national tech firms
New England College — Henniker, NH
Key Distinction: Accelerated completion option: as little as 18 months. Four concentration options (AI, Data Science, Health Informatics, CIS)
Hakia Insight: New England College's 18-month accelerated track combined with four specialization options (AI, Data Science, Health Informatics, CIS) means you can pivot into a high-demand vertical faster than programs locked into a rigid 24-month curriculum—critical for working professionals with time constraints.
New England College's Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is designed for working professionals seeking to combine technical competence with managerial and organizational expertise. The 36-credit program can be completed in as little as 18 months, offering flexibility for career advancement. Students choose from four concentrations: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Health Informatics, or Computer Information Systems. The curriculum balances core technical requirements (20 credits) with professional skills development (4 credits) and electives (8 credits), preparing graduates for high-level IT management and executive roles. Graduates pursue positions such as Information Security Analyst ($102,600), Computer and Information Systems Manager ($169,510), and Database Administrator ($101,000), with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 377,500 annual job openings in IT fields through 2032. NEC does not require standardized test scores and charges no application fee, making entry accessible for working professionals.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Undergraduate Science Research
- Newcomb Lab
Industry Partners
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science (partner)
- New Hampshire IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (NH-INBRE) (collaborator)
- Dartmouth College (collaborator)
- National Institutes of Health (sponsor)
- Pearson Education (partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: IBM.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. James Newcomb — Physiological mechanisms underlying behavior, cellular junctions, circadian rhythms
- Dr. Eric Simon — Technology in science education, biology education
- Dr. Geoff Cook — Environmental Science and Policy
- Dr. Lori Koziol — Molecular microbiology, genetics, genomics, biofilms, and biochemistry
Accreditations and Certifications
- New England Commission of Higher Education
Location Advantages: New Hampshire locationAccess to Northeast tech ecosystem
Dartmouth College — Hanover, NH
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis track options for customized completion pathways. 4+1 accelerated MS pathway for current Dartmouth undergraduates allowing course credit transfer
Hakia Insight: Dartmouth's 4+1 accelerated pathway for undergraduates is a structural advantage most universities don't offer: current students can lock in course credit transfers before graduation, meaning your MS can start immediately without the application roulette other undergrads face.
Dartmouth's Master of Science in Computer Science offers two tracks designed for working professionals: a coursework track requiring 13 core courses and a research thesis track combining 9 courses with a thesis. The program provides flexibility through a 4+1 accelerated pathway for current Dartmouth undergraduates. An MS in CS with Digital Arts concentration is also available. Students benefit from Dartmouth's collaborative academic environment and access to graduate-level computer science instruction. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates for advanced technical roles and leadership positions in industry and research.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Digital Arts Leadership Program
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning, programming languages, networks
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Ivy League network and resourcesProximity to Northeast tech corridor
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus — Durham, NH
Key Distinction: Part-time and full-time completion options available. Hands-on experience in UNH Interoperability Lab
Hakia Insight: UNH's part-time MS in an Interoperability Lab environment is unusual—you're not just studying distributed systems or networking in a classroom; you're analyzing real protocols on equipment that major vendors test, giving working professionals research-quality capstone projects.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at UNH offers advanced training in software development and emerging technologies with practical, hands-on experience in the UNH Interoperability Lab. Students can specialize in areas like data science and cybersecurity through industry-focused research and practical projects. The program is designed for both full-time (1-2 years) and part-time completion options, accommodating working professionals. The curriculum includes 31-34 credit hours across 10-12 courses. While the provided content emphasizes career advancement and job placement outcomes, specific details about thesis vs. coursework tracks, graduate assistantship stipends, embedded professional certifications, and employer tuition partnerships are not explicitly stated on this page. The program aims to develop expertise needed for careers with leading technology companies and advanced technical roles.
Programs Offered
- Computer Science, M.S. — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Artificial Intelligence Research Group
- Cloud Computing Lab
- Data Visualization Research Lab
- Network Research Group
- TREMA: Text Retrieval Extraction Machine Learning and Analytics
- UNH Interoperability Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Radim Bartos — Computer Science
- Dr. Thomas Butkiewicz — Interactive geospatial visualization, virtual and augmented reality, computer graphics
- Dr. Wheeler Ruml — Computer Science research
- Dr. Laura Dietz — Computer Science research
- Dr. Marek Petrik — Computer Science research
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Access to New England technology corridorProximity to Boston and Providence tech hubsRegional co-op and internship network
Best Doctoral Computer Science Degree Programs in New Hampshire
Dartmouth College — Hanover, NH
Key Distinction: An Ivy League computer science program where undergraduates participate in faculty-led research and graduate-level coursework while maintaining a collaborative, mentorship-rich environment.
Hakia Insight: Dartmouth's doctoral program benefits from the same rare undergraduate asset: if you enter with prior lab relationships from the undergrad pipeline, you arrive at PhD candidacy with existing publications and industry connections, compressing the typical year-one disadvantage new PhD students face.
At the doctoral level, dartmouth's computer science program operates within an Ivy League research ecosystem where undergraduates access the same intellectual rigor and faculty mentorship typically reserved for graduate institutions. The curriculum spans theory, systems, and applications with particular strength in areas like machine learning, programming languages, networks, and artificial intelligence—fields where Dartmouth faculty conduct active, funded research. Undergraduates regularly participate in these research programs, contributing to published work and developing the research mindset alongside technical expertise. Dartmouth's quarter system allows students to pursue concentrated academic terms and engage in internships at leading tech companies throughout the year. The program's small size—relative to large state universities—means even at an elite institution, students know faculty personally and can shape their education through close collaboration. CS majors often combine their degree with coursework in mathematics, statistics, or domain areas like biology or physics, leveraging Dartmouth's liberal arts breadth to create distinctive cross-disciplinary profiles. Career outcomes reflect the caliber of the institution: graduates enter top-tier tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Apple, etc.), venture-backed startups, and prestigious graduate programs. The Dartmouth network—a powerful community of accomplished alumni across industries—provides lifelong career advantage. For prospective students seeking world-class research access with personalized mentorship, Dartmouth represents a rare combination at the undergraduate level.
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
- Digital Arts Leadership Program
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning, programming languages, networks
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Ivy League network and resourcesProximity to Northeast tech corridor
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus — Durham, NH
Key Distinction: A public research university computer science program with specialization tracks in emerging areas (cybersecurity, data science, AI) and integrated co-op opportunities.
Hakia Insight: UNH's doctoral program punches above its weight by embedding students in three distinct research labs (AI, Cloud Computing, Data Visualization) while maintaining ties to the Boston-Providence tech corridor—a rare combination that lets PhD candidates publish cutting-edge work without sacrificing proximity to major hiring markets.
At the doctoral level, UNH's computer science program leverages the resources of a major research university while maintaining instructional quality through a well-structured, industry-aligned curriculum. The department offers specialization tracks in software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence, allowing students to tailor their education to emerging market demands. The program benefits from faculty actively engaged in research—students at all levels can pursue undergraduate research opportunities, particularly in areas where the university holds research funding and partnerships. UNH's location in Durham, New Hampshire, positions the program within the broader New England tech ecosystem, with internship and job placement connections throughout Boston, Providence, and beyond. The curriculum emphasizes both breadth and depth: students master fundamental computer science theory while gaining hands-on experience with contemporary tools, frameworks, and cloud platforms used by industry employers. The university's engineering and technology partnerships provide pathway opportunities into related fields. Graduates typically pursue roles in software development, systems engineering, data analytics, and cybersecurity at companies ranging from multinational corporations to regional tech firms. Co-op and internship programs are integrated into the academic experience, allowing students to earn while gaining professional experience. For students seeking a public research university education with strong technical training and accessible faculty mentorship, UNH offers a compelling combination of academic rigor and career preparedness.
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
- Artificial Intelligence Research Group
- Cloud Computing Lab
- Data Visualization Research Lab
- Network Research Group
- TREMA: Text Retrieval Extraction Machine Learning and Analytics
- UNH Interoperability Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Radim Bartos — Computer Science
- Dr. Thomas Butkiewicz — Interactive geospatial visualization, virtual and augmented reality, computer graphics
- Dr. Wheeler Ruml — Computer Science research
- Dr. Laura Dietz — Computer Science research
- Dr. Marek Petrik — Computer Science research
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Access to New England technology corridorProximity to Boston and Providence tech hubsRegional co-op and internship network
