Best Bachelor's Computer Science Degree Programs in Rhode Island
Brown University — Providence, RI
Key Distinction: Brown's computer science program distinguishes itself through exceptional research opportunities for undergraduates and flexibility to combine CS with other disciplines, all supported by world-class faculty and resources.
Hakia Insight: Brown's Graphics Lab, Computational Biology Lab, and Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Lab aren't just research centers—they actively recruit undergraduates, meaning a freshman interested in HCI can co-author with Jeff Huang in year one, not year four.
Brown's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science combines breadth in practical and theoretical computer science with depth in specialized areas. The program spans traditional topics including analysis of algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases, distributed systems, graphics, mobile computing, networks, operating systems, programming languages, robotics, and security, alongside novel areas such as games and scientific visualization. The undergraduate concentration is designed to prepare students for advanced work in computer science and related fields by integrating computational approaches across science and liberal arts disciplines. Brown offers both A.B. (liberal arts) and Sc.B. (science) degree options, allowing students flexibility in their educational path while maintaining rigorous computer science training.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. Sc.B.
Research Labs and Institutes
- Brown University Graphics Lab
- Computational Biology Lab
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- IBM Research (corporate)
- DARPA (government)
Notable Faculty
- Michael Littman — Machine learning, reinforcement learning, AI
- Jeff Huang — Human-computer interaction, usable privacy and security
- Shriram Krishnamurthi — Programming languages, formal methods
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boston tech corridor (1 hour north)Access to Rhode Island and Northeast biotech/pharmaceutical sectorNew England academic research network
Providence College — Providence, RI
Key Distinction: Independent study and research opportunities in computer science. Specialization in topics of student interest
Hakia Insight: Providence College's faculty in abstract algebra and homological topology (Donohoe, Su) signals a pure mathematics depth rare in small liberal arts CS programs, enabling theoretical depth in cryptography and formal methods without leaving campus.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Providence College provides students with comprehensive technical education spanning concepts, advanced theories, and hardware organization from CPU architecture to individual components including registers, memory, and digital circuits. The curriculum covers computer network theory and algorithms, with opportunities for students to focus on specialized topics through independent study and research projects. The program emphasizes both foundational programming skills and advanced technical knowledge, preparing graduates for careers in industry or further academic pursuits. Students have flexibility to pursue areas of particular interest within the discipline.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Seth T. Ashman Physics Lab
- Seann P. Mulcahy Chemistry Lab
- David Williams Chemistry Lab
- Kenneth R. Overly Chemistry Lab
Industry Partners
- Bloomberg (employer)
- Brigham and Women's Hospital (employer)
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (employer)
- Depuy Synthes (employer)
- Epic (employer)
- FactSet (employer)
- FDIC (employer)
- Fidelity Investments (employer)
- Google (employer)
- HP (employer)
- KPMG (employer)
- Liberty Mutual Insurance (employer)
- Lockheed Martin (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Oracle (employer)
- Raytheon (employer)
- UBS (employer)
- Wellington Management (employer)
- World Bank (employer)
- Bridgewater Associates (employer)
- AEGIS Insurance Services (employer)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (employer)
- Rhode Island Space Grant Program (sponsor)
- Henry Luce Foundation (sponsor)
- Providence After School Alliance (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Liam Donohoe — Abstract algebra and pure mathematics
- Dr. Joanna Su — Topology and homological algebra
- Dr. Asta Shomberg — Actuarial science and applied mathematics
- Dr. Lynette Boos — Complex analysis
- Dr. Seth T. Ashman — Computational and experimental physics
- Dr. Seann P. Mulcahy — Chemistry and beta-Carbolines synthesis
- Dr. David Williams — Chemistry
- Dr. Kenneth R. Overly — Chemistry
Location Advantages: Providence location with connections to healthcare, education, and financial services technology employers
University of Rhode Island — Kingston, RI
Key Distinction: Senior capstone project (CSC 499). Flexible elective structure allowing specialization in advanced CS topics
Hakia Insight: URI's Cybersecurity Research and Education Laboratory combined with Raytheon Technologies' regional presence creates a direct pipeline to defense contractor internships—a sector that typically requires additional clearance work that URI students begin navigating as juniors.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at URI is a rigorous 120-credit program combining theoretical foundations with practical application. Students complete 56 credits of core CS coursework including programming fundamentals (CSC 106, 110, 211, 212), systems and theory (CSC 301, 305, 340, 411, 412, 440), and a senior capstone project (CSC 499). The curriculum requires mathematics through calculus and discrete mathematics, with electives allowing specialization in advanced topics. Students must also complete general education requirements, writing courses, and science coursework. The program emphasizes building skills across algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and computer systems. Transfer students from the Fannon Institute must maintain a 2.0 GPA in CS and math courses before transferring to the College of Arts and Sciences.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Research and Education Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- Hasbro (corporate)
- CVS Health (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: RISE.
Notable Faculty
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boston tech hub (1 hour drive)Regional defense contractor presence (Raytheon, General Dynamics)New England startup ecosystem access
Rhode Island College — Providence, RI
Key Distinction: Hands-on experience at the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technology at RIC (regional center of excellence). NSA Designated Program in Cyber Defense (CS BA + Cybersecurity Minor combination)
Hakia Insight: Rhode Island College's NSA Designated Program in Cyber Defense (achieved through the BA + Cybersecurity Minor combination) signals curriculum alignment with federal hiring standards, making it a shortcut to cleared contractor roles that normally require external certifications.
Rhode Island College's Computer Science program offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, providing flexibility based on career goals. The BS is more technologically rigorous with emphasis on mathematics and science, suitable for research and technical careers, while the BA allows for interdisciplinary study with minors or double majors. Both degrees include a shared computer science core covering object-oriented design, data structures, programming languages, operating systems, algorithms, and software engineering. Students choose electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer networks, software testing, and databases. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technology at RIC, a regional center of excellence. Small classes and PhD-level faculty provide personalized mentorship. The CS BA paired with a Cybersecurity Minor has been approved by the NSA as an NSA Designated Program in Cyber Defense. Career paths include software engineer, programmer, web developer, UX designer, IT project manager, and video game developer. Minors in cybersecurity, data analytics, or foreign languages enhance employment prospects.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Location Advantages: Providence location with access to regional tech employers and startup ecosystem
Johnson & Wales University-Providence — Providence, RI
Key Distinction: Johnson & Wales integrates computer science within a business and professional context, emphasizing applied learning and immediate industry readiness.
Hakia Insight: Johnson & Wales embeds CS within business and hospitality contexts most universities ignore—a curriculum angle that produces graduates hired by healthcare IT and fintech teams specifically for understanding both technical systems and organizational workflow.
At the bachelor's level, johnson & Wales' computer science program sits within an institution known for hospitality, culinary, and business education—a context that shapes a unique curricular angle. The CS program serves both traditional majors and students from other disciplines (business, hospitality management, engineering technology) who need strong technical skills for their specializations. This cross-disciplinary environment creates an interesting dynamic: computer science students gain exposure to business operations, analytics, and systems thinking that directly apply in tech roles, while the program itself emphasizes practical, applied learning over abstract theory. The curriculum covers core CS fundamentals alongside specializations in web development, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure—areas where employers actively recruit from Johnson & Wales. Faculty bring industry experience and maintain connections to regional employers in finance, healthcare, and hospitality technology. The program's strength is in producing graduates ready for immediate technical contribution in professional environments; students graduate with hands-on experience, relevant certifications, and active job placement support. For students who prefer learning by doing and want clear pathways to employment over extended academic theory, Johnson & Wales delivers focused, career-oriented preparation. The institution's robust alumni network in the Northeast and its reputation for graduating job-ready professionals work in CS graduates' favor during the hiring process.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Providence, Rhode Island location with access to healthcare, finance, and hospitality tech employers
Roger Williams University — Bristol, RI
Key Distinction: ABET accreditation. Mandatory year-long senior design project with real clients
Hakia Insight: Roger Williams' mandatory year-long senior design project with real clients (backed by ABET accreditation) means students ship actual software—not hypotheticals—for Fidelity, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, or Wayfair, turning a capstone into a professional portfolio piece.
Roger Williams University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science combines solid theory with real-world practice through ABET-accredited curriculum. The program offers both BS and BA tracks, with the BS focused on software engineering and development with strong mathematical foundations. Students complete a mandatory year-long senior design project building significant software systems for real clients, including projects like MotionFusion interactive presentation systems and modernizing lab equipment. The program features seven concentration tracks including Cybersecurity, Data Science, and AI/Autonomous Systems. Graduates achieve high placement rates in target industries within six months, with 2022 graduates earning competitive starting salaries. Students access state-of-the-art facilities in the Richard L. Bready Applied Learning Laboratories, including specialized software experimentation labs and VR/BIM facilities. The program's small class sizes enable close faculty interaction and personalized learning experiences.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Science Software Experimentation Lab
- BIM/Virtual Reality Lab
- Advanced Technology and Innovation Lab
- Multiphase Flow Simulation Lab
- Wind Energy Center
Industry Partners
- Fidelity Investments (employer)
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center (employer)
- Wayfair (employer)
- MEDITECH (employer)
- Hanover Insurance (employer)
- Synchrony Financial (employer)
- Raytheon (employer)
- National Renewable Energy Lab (collaborator)
- American Association for Aerosol Research (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Robert Griffin — Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution
- Dr. Maija Benitz — Wind Energy, Ocean Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Dr. Omar Rivera Morales — Hardware accelerators for machine learning, parallel processing, high-performance computation
- Dr. Douglas White — Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
- Dr. Shakour Abuzneid — Computer Science and Cybersecurity
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Bristol, Rhode Island location with access to Providence tech community and Boston market
Johnson & Wales University-Online — Providence, RI
Hakia Insight: Johnson & Wales Online's 3-year/91-credit accelerated option compresses the degree without the typical online trade-off of asynchronous-only instruction, allowing working professionals to finish 9 months faster than traditional online programs.
At the bachelor's level, johnson & Wales University Online offers a BS in Computer Science with both a traditional format and an accelerated 3-year/91-credit option, providing flexibility for students who want to complete their degree faster while maintaining the convenience of fully online learning.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Best Master's Computer Science Degree Programs in Rhode Island
Brown University — Providence, RI
Key Distinction: Two tracks: thesis-based research or coursework-only, customizable for individual needs. All admitted applicants automatically considered for merit-based full-tuition scholarships
Hakia Insight: Brown's automatic merit-based full-tuition scholarship consideration for all admitted MS applicants flips the typical funding bottleneck—most programs make you compete; Brown makes you default for review, reducing the masters-degree financial risk.
Brown University's Master of Science in Computer Science is a research-driven program offering two flexible tracks: thesis-based research and coursework-only options, both customizable to individual career goals. The program emphasizes practical, real-world experience alongside world-class faculty mentorship. Students benefit from strong industry partnerships with leading companies (Amazon, Meta, Bloomberg, Tesla, Spotify) and can cross-register at Harvard and RISD at no additional cost. All admitted applicants are automatically considered for merit-based full-tuition scholarships supporting diversity. Recent graduates report 100% job readiness and advance into senior roles including Senior Software Developer, ML/AI Engineer, Data Scientist, and Product Manager, with several years post-graduation reaching positions like Senior Architect, VP Engineering, and CTO. The program balances affordability with innovation, positioning graduates for both industry and academic career advancement.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Brown University Graphics Lab
- Computational Biology Lab
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- IBM Research (corporate)
- DARPA (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Meta.
Notable Faculty
- Michael Littman — Machine learning, reinforcement learning, AI
- Jeff Huang — Human-computer interaction, usable privacy and security
- Shriram Krishnamurthi — Programming languages, formal methods
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boston tech corridor (1 hour north)Access to Rhode Island and Northeast biotech/pharmaceutical sectorNew England academic research network
University of Rhode Island — Kingston, RI
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis tracks allowing customization for research or coursework focus. Graduate assistantships (TA/RA) available with financial support for February 15 deadline applicants
Hakia Insight: URI's graduate assistantships (TA/RA) with February 15 funding deadline creates an unusually transparent funding pathway; students know the financial aid timeline upfront rather than discovering in May they missed an unmarked deadline.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at URI offers exceptional flexibility with two distinct tracks: Thesis (preparing students for research careers in industry, academia, or Ph.D. studies) and Non-Thesis (comprehensive advanced coursework). The program is specifically designed for working professionals to customize their study path with advisor guidance. GRE is no longer required. Graduate assistantships (TA/RA positions) with financial support are available to applicants meeting the February 15 deadline. The non-thesis track enables part-time completion while maintaining full-time work, making it ideal for mid-career advancement. Graduates advance into senior technical roles, research positions, and leadership tracks, with typical salary increases of $15,000–$30,000 over bachelor's degree holders.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Research and Education Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- Hasbro (corporate)
- CVS Health (corporate)
Notable Faculty
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boston tech hub (1 hour drive)Regional defense contractor presence (Raytheon, General Dynamics)New England startup ecosystem access
Best Doctoral Computer Science Degree Programs in Rhode Island
Brown University — Providence, RI
Key Distinction: Full financial support: tuition waiver + health insurance + generous stipend. Lower PhD student-to-faculty ratio than peer institutions
Hakia Insight: Brown's lower PhD student-to-faculty ratio than peer institutions combined with full financial support means advisors maintain smaller cohorts—reducing the advising bottleneck that creates multi-year publication delays at peer schools.
Brown CS PhD program offers full financial support including tuition waiver, health insurance, and generous stipend while maintaining a lower student-to-faculty ratio than peer institutions. Students conduct research with faculty leaders across core CS and emerging CS+X interdisciplinary areas. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion with societal and ethical issues integrated throughout curricula. Students have shared offices overlooking campus, teaching opportunities as TAs and course instructors, and can take courses at Harvard, MIT, RISD without additional cost. Recent alumni achievements include ACM Fellow, IEEE Fellow, and CCS Test-of-Time Award recipients. Graduates contribute across science, academia, and industry with notable placements including SVP positions at major tech companies and faculty positions at leading universities.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Brown University Graphics Lab
- Computational Biology Lab
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- IBM Research (corporate)
- DARPA (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google.
Notable Faculty
- Michael Littman — Machine learning, reinforcement learning, AI
- Jeff Huang — Human-computer interaction, usable privacy and security
- Shriram Krishnamurthi — Programming languages, formal methods
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boston tech corridor (1 hour north)Access to Rhode Island and Northeast biotech/pharmaceutical sectorNew England academic research network
University of Rhode Island — Kingston, RI
Key Distinction: URI's computer science program stands out for its emphasis on cybersecurity specialization and strong regional industry partnerships that create direct pipelines to meaningful internships and entry-level roles.
Hakia Insight: URI's Cybersecurity Research and Education Laboratory feeds directly into Raytheon Technologies and General Dynamics—meaning doctoral students aren't just publishing papers, they're solving defense contractor problems that convert to post-graduation employment within 50 miles.
At the doctoral level, URI's computer science program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with a strong focus on real-world applications across software development, cybersecurity, and data systems. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with industry-relevant skills, featuring experiential learning through capstone projects, internships, and collaborative work with local and regional technology companies. Students benefit from faculty actively engaged in research spanning cybersecurity, software engineering, and computational systems, creating pathways for undergraduates to participate in meaningful research. The program's location in Rhode Island positions students for internship and career opportunities in the growing New England tech corridor while maintaining strong ties to defense, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors that anchor the regional economy. URI graduates consistently move into roles at established tech firms and innovative startups, with many staying within the region where the university's alumni network is deeply embedded. The department maintains a student-centered ethos, with relatively accessible faculty and a curriculum designed to scale from foundational computer science through specialized electives in web development, mobile applications, and emerging technologies. Career preparation is woven throughout the program, with dedicated support for technical interviews, portfolio development, and professional networking events.
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
- Cybersecurity Research and Education Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- Hasbro (corporate)
- CVS Health (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: RISE.
Notable Faculty
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boston tech hub (1 hour drive)Regional defense contractor presence (Raytheon, General Dynamics)New England startup ecosystem access
