Best Associate's Computer Science Degree Programs in Vermont
Community College of Vermont — Montpelier, VT
Hakia Insight: CCV's placement into Vermont state government and K–12 IT support roles reflects a deliberately local-first model that trades national brand recognition for job security—your degree maps directly to the regional employers who will actually hire you.
At the associate's level, if you're looking to build practical IT skills without the four-year commitment, CCV's computer science program gives you hands-on experience in networking, systems administration, and web development that employers actually want. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving through labs and projects, preparing you either to jump directly into entry-level technical roles or to transfer into a bachelor's degree program at UVM or other state universities. Many students appreciate the flexibility of CCV's online and hybrid options, which let you balance work and other commitments while still getting quality instruction in foundational programming, database management, and IT infrastructure. Graduates often move into help desk, junior developer, or network support positions within Vermont's growing tech sector, or they use their associates as a springboard to complete a four-year degree with less debt.
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: Vermont state government IT departments, Local healthcare IT teams, Small-to-mid-size Vermont tech companies, Educational institutions (K–12 and higher ed IT support), Regional financial services firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Vermont (UVM) — Computer Science or related engineering programs
- Vermont State University (formerly Vermont State Colleges) — Information Technology or Computer Science tracks
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Web Developer
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- Technical Support Associate
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+ (or exam vouchers toward it)
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Landmark College — Putney, VT
Key Distinction: Landmark College's computer science program is explicitly designed for neurodivergent learners, with multisensory instruction, individualized support, and explicit accommodations embedded into curriculum and pedagogy.
Hakia Insight: Landmark's neurodivergent-centered pedagogy isn't an accommodation add-on but a curriculum foundation, meaning your peers and instructors are explicitly trained in multisensory instruction and executive function support from day one—not retrofitted after admission.
At the associate's level, landmark College's computer science offerings are designed with neurodivergent learners in mind—the institution's entire educational model prioritizes explicit instruction, structured support systems, and individualized accommodations that make technical content accessible without diluting rigor. For students with ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum differences, or learning disabilities, the college's multisensory teaching methods, reduced student-to-faculty ratios, and embedded academic coaching transform computer science from a gatekeeping filter into a genuinely learnable discipline. The curriculum covers foundational programming, web development, and systems thinking with particular attention to scaffolding abstract concepts and providing frequent feedback loops. Faculty training in neurodiversity-affirming pedagogy means explanations account for different processing styles, and assessments move beyond time-pressured exams. While Landmark is smaller and less research-focused than institutions with separate CS departments, the program's strength lies in enabling talented students who have been historically screened out of traditional computer science pipelines to develop genuine competence and confidence. Graduates transition to mainstream tech companies, bootcamps, or four-year transfer programs with foundational skills and documented accommodations they can advocate for throughout their careers.
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: Hasbro, Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., BroadFutures, InventiveLabs, BioTek, C & S Wholesale Grocers.
Location Advantages: Vermont locationStrong disability services and neuroaffirming environment
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Degree Programs in Vermont
University of Vermont — Burlington, VT
Key Distinction: Hands-on experiential learning exercises integrated with lecture-based instruction. Paid summer internship opportunities available to many students
Hakia Insight: UVM's paid summer internship pipeline paired with proximity to Burlington's biotech cluster and Boston's tech market creates an unusual triple advantage: you gain paid work experience, sector-specific networking, and a geographic bridge between two hiring markets.
The B.S. in Computer Science at University of Vermont provides a solid foundation in both applied and theoretical aspects of computing through a mixture of lecture-based and hands-on experiential learning exercises. The program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and offers significant depth in computer science, mathematics, and statistics, with flexibility in electives. Students have the opportunity to pursue a minor, though it is not required. Many students complete paid internships over the summer, gaining practical industry experience. The curriculum prepares graduates for careers in computing or advanced study at the graduate level.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computational Molecular Biology Lab
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Local biotech and health-tech firms (startup)
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning and data science
- null — Cybersecurity and systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Burlington tech ecosystemAccess to biotech and health-tech sector growthGateway to Boston tech market
Middlebury College — Middlebury, VT
Key Distinction: Middlebury's computer science program achieves elite research-university intellectual depth and graduate outcomes while maintaining the mentorship, community, and teaching excellence of a premier liberal arts college.
Hakia Insight: Middlebury's research lab infrastructure and Google/Microsoft/Meta recruitment patterns rival R1 institutions, yet the 15:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your advisors by name—a combination most doctoral universities can't replicate.
At the bachelor's level, middlebury's computer science program stands as one of the strongest undergraduate CS offerings in the United States, combining an elite liberal arts commitment to teaching excellence with cutting-edge technical depth that rivals small research universities. The curriculum is notably flexible—students can pursue deep specialization in artificial intelligence, systems, computational biology, or data science, or craft individualized tracks blending CS with physics, neuroscience, or economics. The faculty, many active in research, mentor undergraduates as genuine collaborators rather than assistants; many students co-author publications and present at conferences. The program emphasizes both breadth and depth, ensuring graduates understand core CS theory while gaining hands-on expertise in contemporary tools and frameworks. Middlebury's location in rural Vermont deliberately fosters intense intellectual community; students work closely in project-based courses and collaborate on research that produces publishable outcomes. Graduates secure positions at top-tier tech companies (Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta) at rates comparable to much larger universities, as well as pathways to elite graduate programs; Middlebury CS alumni are particularly sought by companies valuing rigorous thinking and communication skills. The program's distinctive strength lies in its ability to combine residential college intimacy with intellectual resources and outcomes typically associated with much larger institutions.
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
- Middlebury Computer Science Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- null — Systems and programming languages
- null — Computational biology
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Boston tech corridor (2 hours)Rural setting conducive to deep intellectual focusStrong reputation in Silicon Valley and NYC tech markets
Champlain College — Burlington, VT
Key Distinction: Senior Seminar Project (CMIT 450) - independent capstone project in 15-week course. Hands-on learning experiences throughout curriculum
Hakia Insight: Champlain's CMIT 450 capstone demands a solo, 15-week independent project rather than a group thesis, forcing you to own every technical decision and failure—employers notice this kind of individual accountability on resumes.
Champlain College's online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a 120-credit program designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in modern computing. The curriculum combines foundational mathematics and programming courses with core topics in computer architecture, data structures, algorithms, and systems administration. Students engage with emerging technologies including Blockchain and Quantum Computing, alongside advanced courses in programming paradigms, compilers, and computational logic. The program culminates in a Senior Seminar Project (CMIT 450) where students develop an independent capstone project related to their major after completing 90 credits. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through extensive lab exercises, particularly in Linux systems administration courses conducted in virtual machine environments. Graduates are positioned for careers in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The online format allows completion in 3.5 years with 2 courses per term, requiring 15-18 hours of weekly commitment.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boston tech corridorRegional financial services companiesNortheast startup ecosystem
Landmark College — Putney, VT
Key Distinction: Project-oriented curriculum emphasizing hands-on learning. Credit-bearing internship opportunities with major employer partners
Hakia Insight: Landmark's credit-bearing internships embedded in the major (not tacked on after graduation) mean your coursework literally happens inside employer environments, compressing the typical gap between classroom theory and production systems.
Landmark College's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a 121-credit program emphasizing project-oriented, hands-on learning. The curriculum covers high-level programming languages (Java, C, C++), networking, operating systems, database management, and software engineering. Students complete a capstone project or targeted 4000-level internship, gaining practical experience through credit-bearing internship opportunities with major employers including JPMorgan Chase, EY, Dell, AT&T, Stanley Black & Decker, and Hasbro. The college maintains partnerships with neurodiverse-friendly workforce programs (Broad Futures, Disability IN, Neurodiversity Pathways). Graduates pursue careers as software developers, cybersecurity specialists, systems engineers, and hardware engineers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $104,420 in May 2023, with employment projected to grow much faster than average through 2032.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Location Advantages: Vermont locationStrong disability services and neuroaffirming environment
Bennington College — Bennington, VT
Key Distinction: Bennington offers computer science study through independent pathways rather than a rigid major, appealing to self-directed students who want to integrate CS with creative or interdisciplinary goals.
Hakia Insight: Bennington's independent-study architecture lets you build a cross-disciplinary degree (say, CS + creative writing + philosophy) that a traditional major would penalize—unusual leverage if you want to work in AI ethics, game design, or human-computer interaction where generalists outperform narrow specialists.
At the bachelor's level, bennington's approach to computer science emerges from the college's larger commitment to independent study and student-driven inquiry—the program welcomes students who want to shape their own technical focus rather than follow a preset sequence. This flexibility attracts students pursuing interdisciplinary goals: combining CS with music technology, digital humanities, systems design for social impact, or creative coding. While Bennington does not maintain a separate computer science major with the institutional infrastructure of larger universities, engaged students work closely with faculty advisors to construct rigorous computer science coursework, often pairing technical study with practical project work in domains that matter to them. The college's intensive semester structure (with off-campus work terms) creates natural opportunities for internships and independent projects that deepen applied skills. For prospective students drawn to small, collaborative learning environments and who have clarity about how computer science serves a larger intellectual or creative goal, Bennington's model fosters deep technical engagement alongside humanistic context. The program suits self-directed learners who thrive with faculty mentorship and aren't seeking a standardized, industry-aligned curriculum.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Rural Vermont location conducive to deep focusAccess to Northeast liberal arts network
Norwich University — Northfield, VT
Key Distinction: 100% online delivery with multiple start dates per year. Hands-on learning environment with expert faculty instruction
Hakia Insight: Norwich's CyFER center and partnership with CISA embed you in federal cybersecurity infrastructure while you study online—most programs offer either government access *or* flexibility, rarely both.
Norwich University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Information Systems is a 100% online program designed for working professionals and military-connected students. The 90-credit program can be completed in approximately 18 months and emphasizes hands-on learning through expert faculty instruction in low- to high-level programming, system design, software engineering, and networking. The curriculum embeds national security principles and practices throughout, preparing graduates for high-level positions in government, military, and private sector technology roles. Students work alongside peers worldwide in an interactive online classroom environment and apply fundamental computer science knowledge to real-world challenges. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, making it accessible to students with prior coursework. Norwich's military heritage and leadership focus provide additional development in critical thinking, ethics, and leadership skills alongside technical competencies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity and Forensics Education and Research (CyFER)
- Global Cyber Threat Observatory
- Norwich University Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center
Industry Partners
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- CISA (government)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Michael E. Battig — Director of Senator Patrick Leahy School of Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing
- Dr. Huw O. L. Read — Cybersecurity and forensics education and research, cyber threat analysis
- Dr. Matthew Bovee — Computer Security and Information Assurance
- Dr. Charles Snow — Computer Science
- Dr. Kris Rowley — Cybersecurity education and Department of Defense cyber programs
Accreditations and Certifications
- National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
- National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Location Advantages: Proximity to federal agencies in New EnglandAccess to defense contractor headquarters and R&D facilities
Saint Michael's College — Colchester, VT
Key Distinction: Saint Michael's computer science program uniquely integrates technical excellence with a liberal arts emphasis on ethics and technology's societal impact, cultivating developers who think critically about their work's human consequences.
Hakia Insight: Saint Michael's deliberate integration of ethics into the CS curriculum (not as an elective but as core inquiry) produces graduates who can articulate *why* they code, a rare skill that differentiates you in interviews at companies like Salesforce and Patagonia that actively recruit for values alignment.
At the bachelor's level, saint Michael's computer science program operates within a liberal arts framework that deliberately integrates technical depth with philosophical inquiry into technology's societal role—a distinctive approach in an increasingly utilitarian field. The curriculum weaves computer science into broader interdisciplinary conversations, allowing students to pursue concentrations that combine coding with ethics, environmental science, or business while maintaining rigorous programming fundamentals. Faculty encourage reflection on technology's human impact, a philosophy that resonates with employers seeking developers who think beyond optimization metrics. Hands-on learning happens through collaborative projects, undergraduate research opportunities, and partnerships with regional nonprofits and businesses seeking technology solutions. The tight-knit residential community supports peer learning and mentorship, particularly valuable for students exploring whether computer science aligns with their values. Graduates often pursue roles emphasizing impact—sustainable tech, social enterprise, nonprofit technology, and mission-driven startups—though the program equally prepares students for traditional software and data careers. The blend of technical competence and humanistic reflection creates professionals who articulate not just *how* to build systems, but *why* particular technical choices matter.
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 Burlington tech communityProximity to nonprofit and social enterprise sector in Vermont
Vermont State University — Randolph, VT
Key Distinction: Vermont State's computer science program is deliberately designed for accessibility and regional economic impact, training adaptable full-stack developers and data professionals for Vermont's startup and remote-work economy.
Hakia Insight: Vermont State's full-stack curriculum explicitly targets Vermont's remote-work and startup economy—if you plan to stay in-state or join distributed teams, this program's local network density and practical focus beat the national prestige calculus.
At the bachelor's level, vermont State University's computer science offering reflects the practical, applied philosophy of a regional public institution serving workforce development and regional innovation. The program balances foundational computer science theory with hands-on experience in emerging technologies, with particular emphasis on web development, full-stack applications, and data analytics—skills directly aligned with Vermont's growing tech startup ecosystem and remote work market. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and accessible faculty mentorship, creating pathways for underrepresented students and non-traditional learners to enter the field. The program maintains partnerships with local tech companies and participates in regional innovation initiatives, offering internship and capstone opportunities that often convert to full-time roles. Graduates typically find placements in Vermont-based tech firms, as well as remote positions with larger organizations, reflecting the program's strength in preparing adaptable, self-directed technologists rather than specialists in narrow domains. Career services emphasize entrepreneurship and freelance technical work, recognizing the reality of Vermont's distributed tech landscape.
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
- Renewable Energy Lab
- Weather Center
- TV Studio
Industry Partners
- Local Vermont tech startups (startup)
- NSF (National Science Foundation) (sponsor)
- College Board (collaborator)
- UT OnRamps (partner)
- UTeach (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Vermont-based tech companies, Remote-first tech firms.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Bradley Beth — Computer science education, game-based learning, natural language modeling
Location Advantages: Embedded in Vermont's startup and innovation communityAccess to remote-work tech companies
