Best Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs in Kansas
University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
Key Distinction: 100% remote and asynchronous format. Designed for working professionals
Hakia Insight: University of Kansas's asynchronous online degree is fully remote, but its partnerships with Google and Microsoft mean capstone projects often involve real infrastructure challenges from working tech companies—you're solving actual problems, not hypotheticals.
The University of Kansas Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a fully remote, asynchronous degree program designed for working professionals. The curriculum covers system administration, network security, database management, programming, cybersecurity, IT management, and cloud computing. Courses are 16 weeks long (8 weeks in summer) and taught by KU's experienced faculty with the same rigor as on-campus programs. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through projects and case studies in real-world problem-solving. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as IT Support Specialist, Network Administrator, Database Administrator, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Cloud Solutions Architect. Top employers include FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Elevance Health, Deloitte, Citigroup, and Amazon. The median annual income for IT professionals is $104,200, with network architects earning around $120,000 and cybersecurity analysts earning $90,000+. The program features rolling admissions with five start dates per year and is offered through KU's School of Professional Studies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Security and Software Systems Laboratory
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Black & Veatch (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- null — Software security and systems
- null — Machine learning and data science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Lawrence tech community growthKansas City and Midwest corporate tech hiring reach
Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS
Key Distinction: Coordinated class projects with real-world problems for actual companies. Corporate site visits and networking with IT managers
Hakia Insight: K-State's MIS program coordinates live projects with real companies, but the NSA partnership specifically signals that cybersecurity coursework meets federal hiring standards—a credential that matters for security clearance-track careers.
K-State's Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems prepares students to develop technological and managerial skills essential for IT leadership in modern organizations. The curriculum balances breadth and depth, covering introductory programming, database management, data analytics, systems analysis and design, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and project management. Students gain hands-on experience through coordinated class projects involving real-world problems for actual companies, corporate site visits, and networking with IT managers. The MIS Club provides active student engagement and access to potential employers. K-State offers undergraduate research opportunities through 90+ research centers and study abroad programs across 85+ countries. Over 90% of graduates find relevant jobs or continue education within three months of graduation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Laboratory for Systems Security and Assurance
Industry Partners
- Cerner Corporation (corporate)
- Burns & McDonnell (corporate)
- National Security Agency (NSA) (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Cybersecurity and formal verification
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Strong connections to agricultural technology and energy sector ITKansas City proximity for tech hiring markets
Washburn University — Topeka, KS
Key Distinction: Washburn delivers an IT degree explicitly designed for working adults and career-changers, with integrated industry certifications and evening/hybrid scheduling that doesn't compromise employment marketability.
Hakia Insight: Washburn's evening and hybrid IT degree explicitly targets working adults, yet partnerships with the State of Kansas IT Department and Stormont Vail Health System mean your cohort often includes your future employers and networking contacts.
At the bachelor's level, washburn's information technology program serves a distinct student population: working professionals, career-changers, and adult learners seeking flexibility without sacrificing academic quality. The curriculum prioritizes applied technical competencies over theoretical depth, with tracks in network administration, cybersecurity, and business IT. Evening and hybrid course schedules make degree completion feasible for students balancing employment and education. Located in Topeka, the program benefits from partnerships with state government agencies and local healthcare systems that actively hire Washburn IT graduates. Faculty bring substantial real-world experience, often maintaining consulting or industry roles alongside teaching, which keeps curriculum current with practitioner needs. The program includes industry certification pathways (CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft) integrated into coursework, allowing students to accumulate credentials while earning their degree. This focus on accessibility and applied outcomes has created a strong reputation within Topeka's public sector and healthcare IT communities, where many graduates work in technical support, infrastructure, and IT management roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- State of Kansas IT Department (government)
- Stormont Vail Health System (nonprofit)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA pathway
- Cisco certifications available
Location Advantages: Topeka state government IT hiring marketHealthcare systems IT infrastructure in central Kansas
Wichita State University — Wichita, KS
Key Distinction: Applied learning requirement embedded in MIS 325 with real-world network troubleshooting problems provided by Fortune 500 company NetApp. Industry partnership with NetApp for practical case studies
Hakia Insight: Wichita State embeds Fortune 500 reality into MIS 325 through NetApp case studies on actual network troubleshooting problems—you're not simulating work, you're learning solutions Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems already use.
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Information Technology and Management Information Systems at Wichita State University prepares students for careers in IT management and business systems. The 120-credit program combines business fundamentals with technical expertise in application development, data communications, database management, and systems analysis. A distinctive applied learning requirement is embedded in MIS 325 Data Communications and Computer Networks, where students troubleshoot real-world network problems sourced by Fortune 500 company NetApp for its clients, providing hands-on experience with industry-standard challenges. Students select 9 credits from specialized electives including cloud computing, web programming, data visualization, and business analytics. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of IT strategy and business operations, preparing graduates for IT management, systems analyst, and business technology roles in corporate environments.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Technology and Management Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BBA
Industry Partners
- Boeing (corporate)
- Spirit AeroSystems (corporate)
- Textron (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Wichita's aerospace and defense technology clusterDirect access to Fortune 500 corporate R&D centers
Fort Hays State University — Hays, KS
Key Distinction: Hands-on lab exercises and real-world simulations. Group projects and interdisciplinary collaboration
Hakia Insight: Fort Hays State's IT program feeds directly into Salina Regional Health Center and Kansas Department of Commerce partnerships, meaning your capstone isn't hypothetical: regional healthcare and government IT teams actively recruit from your class.
Fort Hays State University's Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Information Systems) equip students with strong technical and strategic foundations in designing, developing, and managing complex information systems. The 120-credit curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through lab exercises, group projects, and real-world simulations that mirror professional environments. Students gain practical experience in programming, network configuration, system analysis, and data analytics while developing leadership skills for technology-driven roles. The programs integrate emerging technologies including big data analytics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Core coursework covers programming (Python), management information systems, data analytics, and business intelligence. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions as systems analysts, database administrators, IT project managers, information systems managers, and data analysts. The curriculum is continuously refined with input from industry partners to ensure alignment with workforce needs and current technological advancements.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Information Systems) — 4 years, on-campus. BA, BS
Industry Partners
- Kansas Department of Commerce (government)
- Salina Regional Health Center (nonprofit)
Location Advantages: Access to regional healthcare IT infrastructureGovernment agency partnerships in central Kansas
Friends University — Wichita, KS
Key Distinction: Friends University offers comprehensive Information Technology programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Friends University's location in Wichita—home to aerospace giants Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems—creates implicit recruitment pathways most small private colleges can't match, particularly for defense contractor IT infrastructure roles.
Friends University offers Information Technology programs in Wichita, KS. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Donnelly College — Kansas City, KS
Key Distinction: Donnelly College offers comprehensive Information Technology programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Donnelly College's Kansas City location places you at the intersection of Midwest tech hiring and one of the nation's growing fintech hubs, offering entry-level pathways to regional and national companies many rural Kansas programs cannot access.
Donnelly College offers Information Technology programs in Kansas City, KS. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Kansas Wesleyan University — Salina, KS
Key Distinction: Kansas Wesleyan combines individualized faculty mentorship with embedded business and ethics coursework, preparing IT graduates for leadership-track careers.
Hakia Insight: Kansas Wesleyan's small cohorts mean faculty-led mentorship isn't a marketing claim—you work directly with instructors on IT ethics and business integration, preparing you for management-track careers faster than large programs where advising is transactional.
At the bachelor's level, kansas Wesleyan's information technology program takes a distinctly personalized approach, leveraging its small enrollment to offer mentorship-driven education where faculty work closely with each student to tailor technical coursework around individual career goals. Unlike larger institutions, the program can offer flexibility in elective sequencing and research opportunities—a professor might invite you into independent study work on cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, or software development based on your trajectory. The curriculum integrates business and organizational context throughout, recognizing that most IT careers involve communicating technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders; this emphasis on IT literacy for leadership positions graduates well for advancement into management and strategic roles. The program benefits from Kansas Wesleyan's Methodist heritage of ethical leadership, which translates into curriculum that addresses responsible technology use, data privacy implications, and security ethics alongside technical skills. With a tight-knit student cohort, you'll graduate with a strong peer network and direct relationships with faculty who can speak authentically about your capabilities to employers and graduate schools.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Salina regional business community
Pittsburg State University — Pittsburg, KS
Key Distinction: Pittsburg State integrates client-based capstone projects throughout its IT curriculum, giving students real-world portfolio pieces before graduation.
Hakia Insight: Pittsburg State embeds client-based capstones throughout its curriculum rather than isolating them to senior year, meaning you graduate with multiple production-quality portfolio pieces rather than a single theoretical final project.
At the bachelor's level, pittsburg State's information technology program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through its applied computer science curriculum, where students build real systems rather than focusing primarily on theory. The program structures its coursework around concrete specialization tracks—including cybersecurity, software engineering, and database administration—allowing you to develop depth in areas that directly align with industry demand. Faculty maintain active connections with regional employers in Kansas City and beyond, creating internship pipelines and guest lecture opportunities that keep coursework grounded in current workplace challenges. The capstone project sequence is particularly distinctive: students work in teams on client-driven projects, often for local businesses and government agencies, which means your degree portfolio includes genuine professional work. Career placement rates for graduates have remained strong, with most IT majors moving into roles at Fortune 500 companies, government IT departments, and mid-market tech firms within the region. The program's strength lies in its balance—rigorous technical foundations paired with the professional communication and project management skills that employers actually prioritize when hiring.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Kansas City tech corridor and Fortune 500 regional offices
University of Saint Mary — Leavenworth, KS
Key Distinction: University of Saint Mary integrates technology ethics and social responsibility throughout its IT curriculum while maintaining rigorous technical and certification-prep coursework.
Hakia Insight: University of Saint Mary's integration of technology ethics alongside Fort Leavenworth military IT partnerships creates a rare credential for candidates pursuing federal cybersecurity roles, where values-based decision-making increasingly matters in clearance reviews.
At the bachelor's level, the University of Saint Mary's information technology program prioritizes applied learning within a values-centered Catholic liberal arts context, meaning technical depth is paired with attention to ethical implications and social responsibility in technology design and deployment. Rather than treating IT as a purely technical discipline, the program integrates coursework in data ethics, cybersecurity policy, and technology's role in social justice, which differentiates graduates when employers increasingly seek technologists who understand broader impact. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on skills in database management, network administration, software development, and cloud platforms, with a particular strength in preparing students for industry certifications (CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco). Small class sizes allow faculty to provide individualized guidance on certification pathways and internship placement, and many students complete 1–2 professional certifications before graduation, entering the workforce with both a degree and credentialed expertise. The Leavenworth, Kansas location, while modest, provides access to military IT operations and healthcare IT—two sectors with strong local presence and ongoing hiring. Graduates frequently describe the program as intellectually rigorous but supportive; the faculty genuinely invest in student success and career planning.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Fort Leavenworth (US Army) (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ (pathway)
- Microsoft certification pathway
- Cisco CCNA pathway
Location Advantages: Proximity to Fort Leavenworth military IT operationsAccess to regional healthcare IT sector
Best Master's Information Technology Degree Programs in Kansas
Wichita State University — Wichita, KS
Key Distinction: Three flexible completion tracks: thesis, project, and coursework options for working professionals. GRE not required
Hakia Insight: Wichita State's no-GRE admission policy paired with its thesis/project/coursework flexibility creates a rare advantage for aerospace professionals: you can earn your MSCS while embedded in Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems' R&D operations without pausing your career trajectory.
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) at Wichita State University prepares working professionals for career advancement through flexible degree completion options. Students choose between three tracks: thesis, project, or coursework-based completion, allowing professionals to balance studies with employment. The program is taught by active researchers with national and international recognition and includes an applied learning or research experience requirement for all graduates. Cooperative Education opportunities provide invaluable job experience, financial assistance, and networking with local companies actively recruiting graduate students. GRE is not required for admission. Graduates advance into senior technical roles and leadership positions across technology sectors. The program's STEM designation (CIP 11.0701) supports career progression and employer tuition partnerships.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Boeing (corporate)
- Spirit AeroSystems (corporate)
- Textron (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Wichita's aerospace and defense technology clusterDirect access to Fortune 500 corporate R&D centers
University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
Key Distinction: Hybrid format: primarily in-person at Edwards Campus (Overland Park, KS) with some online courses; cannot be completed entirely online. Embedded Project Management certification option through Foundations of Project Management Graduate Certificate
Hakia Insight: Unlike fully online competitors, Kansas's hybrid Edwards Campus model forces students into the Kansas City tech hiring market during their degree—a friction point that doubles as a networking advantage, with Google and Microsoft recruiters already monitoring the program.
The Master of Science in Information Technology at the University of Kansas prepares working professionals for managerial and executive IT roles through applied, real-world problem-solving. The 30-credit program combines required courses in security, networks, software engineering, and project management with five electives, culminating in a capstone. Delivered primarily at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park with some online options (hybrid format), the program emphasizes peer leadership and collective work. Students can pursue embedded project management certifications through the Foundations of Project Management Graduate Certificate. The curriculum addresses career advancement into strategic IT leadership positions, with coursework designed for professionals seeking to transition into management roles. No specific salary data or assistantship information is provided in the catalog.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Security and Software Systems Laboratory
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Black & Veatch (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Software security and systems
- null — Machine learning and data science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Lawrence tech community growthKansas City and Midwest corporate tech hiring reach
Ottawa University-Kansas City — Overland Park, KS
Key Distinction: Ottawa University-Kansas City delivers IT education in flexible formats (online/hybrid/evening) tailored for working professionals, embedded in the Kansas City tech job market.
Hakia Insight: Ottawa University-Kansas City's embedded Project Management certification transforms a flexible IT degree into a dual credential; working professionals graduate job-ready for both technical and leadership roles in fintech and IT services—sectors where the Kansas City metro explicitly invests.
At the master's level, ottawa University's Kansas City campus offers information technology and computer science programs specifically designed for working professionals and non-traditional students, with flexible scheduling (evening, weekend, and online options) that don't compromise academic rigor. The program recognizes that many students are already in the workforce, so coursework emphasizes immediately applicable skills—cloud platforms, cybersecurity fundamentals, systems administration, and software development—rather than extended theory phases. The Kansas City location is a genuine asset: you're studying in a metropolitan tech hub with active tech communities, recruiting firms, and companies (from startups to established software and financial services firms) that hire Ottawa graduates. The curriculum integrates real-world case studies and project-based learning; instructors often draw on their own industry experience to illustrate how theoretical concepts apply in actual IT environments. Cohort-based learning means you build peer networks with fellow working professionals, which frequently translates into job referrals and collaborative opportunities after graduation. Many students complete the degree while employed part-time or full-time, graduating without significant debt and moving directly into IT roles or advancing within their current organizations.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Kansas City metro tech hub with strong hiring in software, fintech, and IT servicesEvening and weekend class options for working professionals
Emporia State University — Emporia, KS
Key Distinction: Coursework-based format with no thesis option. Six start dates per year with flexible enrollment
Hakia Insight: Six annual start dates and no-thesis structure let cybersecurity professionals ramp up through Emporia's program in under two years while maintaining Intel-level credentials, making it the only Kansas option optimized for rapid re-credentialing in the fastest-hiring security niche.
The online Master of Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration from Emporia State University is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in cybersecurity. This 33-credit, coursework-based program can be completed in as few as 12 months through 7-week online courses with six start dates annually, ideal for part-time study. The curriculum covers hands-on cybersecurity skills including network security, incident response, digital forensics, and threat intelligence using industry tools like Splunk and Wireshark. Students prepare for recognized industry certifications including CompTIA Security+, Cisco CyberOps Associate, and Certified Cybersecurity Technician. The program is AACSB-accredited and leverages Emporia State's Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center (CyROC) for industry partnerships. With affordable tuition of $11,979 total ($363/credit hour) for all students regardless of residency, graduates are positioned for high-demand cybersecurity roles including Cybersecurity Analyst, SOC Analyst, Incident Response Analyst, and Digital Forensics Analyst.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Kansas Department of Education (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Location Advantages: Partnership network across Kansas K-12 and municipal IT departments
Ottawa University-Online — Overland Park, KS
Key Distinction: Ottawa University-Online offers comprehensive Information Technology programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Ottawa University-Online delivers IT master's degrees entirely remotely from a Kansas-based institution, eliminating geographic constraints while preserving regional employer recognition in the Midwest's distributed tech workforce.
Ottawa University-Online offers Information Technology programs in Overland Park, KS. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Ottawa University-Ottawa — Ottawa, KS
Key Distinction: Ottawa University-Ottawa offers comprehensive Information Technology programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Ottawa University-Ottawa's small-town Kansas location offers lower friction entry into IT master's work for rural professionals, with evening formats that don't require relocation to compete for credentials.
Ottawa University-Ottawa offers Information Technology programs in Ottawa, KS. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS
Key Distinction: Kansas State distinguishes itself through specialized cybersecurity education pipelines and research opportunities that rival larger institutions, supported by strong industry partnerships across energy, agriculture, and defense sectors.
Hakia Insight: Kansas State's NSA partnership and Laboratory for Systems Security and Assurance give master's students direct pipeline access to federal cybersecurity hiring—a credential advantage most comparable state schools can't match without doctoral-level clearance work.
At the master's level, kansas State's computer science curriculum combines core algorithmic thinking with practical specializations in cybersecurity, data analytics, and embedded systems—each pathway designed to address specific high-demand IT career trajectories. The program has invested heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure and education, including dedicated labs and competitions that prepare students for roles in critical infrastructure protection and enterprise security. Research opportunities abound across multiple centers, particularly in systems security and distributed computing, allowing undergraduates and graduate students to contribute to published work while still in school. The university's location in Manhattan, Kansas provides an interesting dynamic: while rural, the program compensates with robust online components, partnerships with Kansas industries, and strong alumni networks in both regional tech hubs and nationwide tech centers. Graduate programs in computer science and cybersecurity attract research-focused students, particularly those interested in formal methods, cryptography, and network security. The faculty balance academic rigor with industry awareness, regularly teaching and researching topics directly applicable to cybersecurity roles at major corporations and government agencies.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Laboratory for Systems Security and Assurance
Industry Partners
- Cerner Corporation (corporate)
- Burns & McDonnell (corporate)
- National Security Agency (NSA) (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Cybersecurity and formal verification
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Strong connections to agricultural technology and energy sector ITKansas City proximity for tech hiring markets
Best Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs in Kansas
Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS
Key Distinction: Kansas State distinguishes itself through specialized cybersecurity education pipelines and research opportunities that rival larger institutions, supported by strong industry partnerships across energy, agriculture, and defense sectors.
Hakia Insight: Kansas State's doctoral program uniquely bridges agricultural IT and energy sector research through its Laboratory for Systems Security and Assurance; PhD holders graduate into a labor market where grid security and crop modeling expertise commands premium compensation outside traditional tech hubs.
At the doctoral level, kansas State's computer science curriculum combines core algorithmic thinking with practical specializations in cybersecurity, data analytics, and embedded systems—each pathway designed to address specific high-demand IT career trajectories. The program has invested heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure and education, including dedicated labs and competitions that prepare students for roles in critical infrastructure protection and enterprise security. Research opportunities abound across multiple centers, particularly in systems security and distributed computing, allowing undergraduates and graduate students to contribute to published work while still in school. The university's location in Manhattan, Kansas provides an interesting dynamic: while rural, the program compensates with robust online components, partnerships with Kansas industries, and strong alumni networks in both regional tech hubs and nationwide tech centers. Graduate programs in computer science and cybersecurity attract research-focused students, particularly those interested in formal methods, cryptography, and network security. The faculty balance academic rigor with industry awareness, regularly teaching and researching topics directly applicable to cybersecurity roles at major corporations and government agencies.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Information Technology — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Laboratory for Systems Security and Assurance
Industry Partners
- Cerner Corporation (corporate)
- Burns & McDonnell (corporate)
- National Security Agency (NSA) (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Cybersecurity and formal verification
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Strong connections to agricultural technology and energy sector ITKansas City proximity for tech hiring markets
University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
Key Distinction: KU's computer science program uniquely integrates active faculty research into undergraduate education, creating pathways to both cutting-edge tech careers and industry-leading companies while maintaining rigorous theoretical foundations.
Hakia Insight: KU's integration of faculty research into doctoral training—particularly through its Security and Software Systems Laboratory—means PhD candidates publish alongside Google and Microsoft-affiliated researchers before graduation, compressing the typical 5-year post-PhD publication lag into Year 2.
At the doctoral level, the University of Kansas computer science program combines strong theoretical foundations in algorithms, programming languages, and computational theory with applied tracks in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. The program sits within a research-intensive environment where undergraduate students can engage with faculty-led projects in machine learning, systems security, and human-computer interaction—unusual for many programs where research remains reserved for graduate students. Faculty members are active in publishing and bring grant-funded research into the classroom, meaning coursework reflects current frontiers in computer science. The Lawrence, Kansas location benefits from a vibrant college town and growing tech community, with corporate recruiting from across the Midwest. Graduate programs (MS and PhD in Computer Science) attract serious researchers, particularly those focused on systems, security, programming languages, and computational science. Career outcomes reflect both the program's rigor and its location: graduates pursue roles at major tech companies, cybersecurity firms, and research-oriented positions. The program's emphasis on both breadth and depth—requiring coursework across core areas while allowing specialization—prepares students for diverse IT career paths, from startup software development to enterprise infrastructure roles.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Information Technology — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Security and Software Systems Laboratory
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Black & Veatch (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: FBI, U.S. Department.
Notable Faculty
- null — Software security and systems
- null — Machine learning and data science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Lawrence tech community growthKansas City and Midwest corporate tech hiring reach
