Best Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs in Washington
North Seattle College — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: North Seattle College's IT program uniquely combines immediate workforce preparation through specialized certificates with seamless pathways to bachelor's degrees, offering both foundational computer literacy and sophisticated technical training in emerging cyber careers.
Hakia Insight: North Seattle College's stackable certificate model means students can earn immediate industry credentials (like CompTIA or cyber certifications) within their first year while completing the associate degree, letting them enter the job market with both credentials and continued educational momentum.
At the associate's level, north Seattle College's Information Technology program offers a comprehensive range of educational pathways from certificates to bachelor's degrees, designed to meet the diverse and evolving demands of 21st-century computing careers. The program spans fundamental computer literacy to advanced technical specializations including network infrastructure, cybersecurity, application development, and emerging cyber careers. Students can pursue the Application Development Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree, which builds upon associate degrees in IT-related fields, or choose from specialized certificates in areas like Cybersecurity, Linux Network and Security, Network and Server Administration, and Web Application Technologies. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for immediate employment in IT positions or advanced study. With excellent preparation pathways for computer science degrees and strong industry connections, the program serves students seeking career entry, skill upgrades, or career transitions in technology fields.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.5.
Requirements: A.A.S. or A.A.S.-T degrees in Information Technology-related fields, Any two-year degree with 2.5 or better GPA including all IT-related courses
Location Advantages:
Columbia Basin College — Pasco, WA
Key Distinction: A flexible, affordably priced two-year program with clear transfer pathways and stackable certifications, serving working adults and community students in the Tri-Cities region.
Hakia Insight: Columbia Basin College's location in the Tri-Cities energy sector gives its IT graduates unusual leverage: they can transfer to four-year programs or immediately fill roles at regional power plants and manufacturing facilities where IT infrastructure is mission-critical and salaries often exceed typical tech markets.
At the associate's level, columbia Basin College's information technology programs occupy a strategic middle ground: they're rigorous enough to prepare students for four-year university transfer or immediate employment, yet flexible enough to accommodate working adults and community members retraining into tech. The college operates a comprehensive sequence spanning CompTIA certifications, networking fundamentals, and cybersecurity essentials, with dedicated tracks for those pursuing either an associate degree or stackable certificates. The curriculum reflects real demand in the Tri-Cities region—energy, manufacturing, and government agencies frequently hire CBC IT graduates into systems administration and technical support roles. Faculty prioritize experiential learning: students build networks in labs, troubleshoot actual systems, and work on projects that simulate workplace scenarios. What distinguishes this program is its accessibility: CBC keeps tuition affordable, offers evening and hybrid course options, and maintains transparent pathways to either the workforce or bachelor's degree completion at nearby universities like Washington State University or Central Washington University. For students seeking a practical, regionally rooted IT education without prohibitive cost or rigid scheduling, Columbia Basin College delivers.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Location Advantages: Service to Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco) energy sector and manufacturing
Olympic College — Bremerton, WA
Key Distinction: Olympic College's IT program uniquely combines traditional computer information systems education with cutting-edge drone piloting technology and offers stackable certificates that provide flexible, career-focused pathways for students at any level.
Hakia Insight: Olympic College's integration of drone piloting technology into its core IT curriculum addresses a genuine workforce gap in the Puget Sound region—students graduate job-ready not just for traditional helpdesk roles but for the emerging unmanned systems sector where FAA certification adds market value.
At the associate's level, olympic College's information technology programs are designed for Puget Sound region residents—particularly working adults, career-changers, and community college students—who need flexible, affordable pathways into tech careers without the time and cost burden of a four-year university. The college offers a mix of short-term certificates and a two-year associate degree, each aligned with CompTIA and vendor certifications that employers in the Seattle metropolitan area actively recruit for. The curriculum prioritizes hands-on lab work: networking, cybersecurity, help desk support, and systems administration are taught through direct engagement with hardware and software rather than theory alone. What makes Olympic College distinctive is its intentional integration with the broader Puget Sound tech ecosystem; the college maintains connections with employers across Bremerton, Olympia, and the greater Seattle region, creating internship and direct-hire opportunities for graduates. Faculty bring current industry experience, meaning students learn not just what to do but how professional IT departments actually operate. For anyone in the Kitsap County or nearby areas who can't relocate and needs to work while studying, Olympic College delivers credential-backed, regionally embedded IT education.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Cisco (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Puget Sound tech market and Seattle metropolitan area employersService to Kitsap County and surrounding communities
Pierce College District — Lakewood, WA
Key Distinction: Pierce College's IT programs uniquely combine healthcare specialization with traditional business technology, offering direct transfer pathways to four-year universities and industry-recognized Microsoft Office Specialist certification preparation.
Hakia Insight: Pierce College's healthcare IT specialization is strategically positioned: the program prepares students for medical records and EHR system roles—fields with lower competition than general IT but comparable salaries—while guaranteeing transfer pathways to four-year programs through partnerships with Central Washington and Bellevue.
At the associate's level, pierce College District's Information Technology programs offer comprehensive career-focused education through multiple specialized pathways. The Business Information Technology (BTECH) program provides associate degrees and certificates in Administrative Assistant roles for both medical and general office settings, with completion in approximately 4 quarters for certificates and 8 quarters for degrees. Students gain proficiency in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and Microsoft Office Suite, preparing for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification. The Health Information Technology and Analytics (HITA) program addresses the fast-growing healthcare IT field with degrees and certificates designed for entry-level IT positions in healthcare, including data analyst, database developer, and systems analyst roles. Both programs offer transfer opportunities to Central Washington University for bachelor's degrees in Information Technology and Administrative Management (ITAM). Special funding through Workforce programs and Opportunity Grant Scholarships supports career transitions.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Central Washington University (corporate)
- Bellevue College (corporate)
- Green River College (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: College-level reading, College-level math, College-level English, CIS 121: Intro to Computer Information Systems
Accreditations and Certifications
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam preparation
Location Advantages: Workforce funding available for unemployed workers and low-wage working parentsPrior Learning Assessment available for career changersOpportunity Grant Scholarship eligibility
Best Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines technology management with business principles in Seattle's thriving tech hub, offering direct access to industry leaders at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing through exclusive networking events and company partnerships.
Hakia Insight: UW-Seattle's mandatory internship requirement isn't just resume-building—it's a hidden pipeline: students work directly with Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing before graduation, making the transition from student to full-time hire nearly automatic and explaining why the program attracts such density of Fortune 500 recruiters.
At the bachelor's level, the ABET-accredited B.S. in Information Technology program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving with mandatory internship experience. Unlike Computer Science or Computer Engineering, it prioritizes deployment, configuration, and development over theoretical concepts, focusing on application-based learning in system design, networking, security, programming, web development, and data science.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Materials and Devices for Information Technology Research
- Clean Energy Institute
- Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand
- Molecular Engineering Materials Center
- Center for Scalable Predictive Methods for Excitations and Correlated Phenomena
- eScience Institute
- Institute for Nano-Engineered Systems
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Boeing (partner)
- Google (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- Blue Origin (employer)
- T-Mobile (employer)
- lululemon (employer)
- Costco (partner)
- Expedia (partner)
- Nintendo (partner)
- Nordstrom (partner)
- NVIDIA (partner)
- PACCAR (partner)
- Remitly (partner)
- Starbucks (employer)
- Zillow (partner)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Apple (employer)
- EY (employer)
- Nestlé USA (employer)
- Salesforce (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Google, Meta, Blue Origin, Deloitte, Starbucks.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Yong Tan — Information Systems and Operations Management
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Seattle's thriving tech ecosystemProximity to major technology companies like Amazon and MicrosoftConnection to Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryAccess to Boeing Advanced Research Center
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — Tacoma, WA
Key Distinction: The program offers a unique hybrid delivery model with Saturday in-person and weekday online components, positioning graduates for high-demand leadership roles in the rapidly expanding IT sector with specialized tracks in emerging technologies.
Hakia Insight: UW-Tacoma's Saturday in-person/weekday online hybrid model is deliberately engineered for working adults and career-switchers who can't afford to step out of employment, yet the ABET accreditation means the degree carries identical weight to its Seattle sibling despite costing substantially less.
At the bachelor's level, the ABET-accredited B.S. in Information Technology program emphasizes practical, application-based learning with hands-on experience including a required internship, focusing on deployment and configuration over theoretical concepts to prepare students for real-world problem-solving in emerging technology trends.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Data Science
- Center for Brazilian Studies
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Raj Katti — Engineering and Technology leadership
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.5 cumulative prerequisite GPA, 2.0 overall. Application Deadline: Priority: July 1, Final: August 31.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Western Washington University — Bellingham, WA
Key Distinction: WWU's IT programs uniquely combine traditional computer science education with specialized tracks in cybersecurity and internet studies, serving a diverse student population from community college transfers to graduate students through innovative partnerships and multiple campus locations.
Hakia Insight: Western Washington's Internet Studies Center and specialized cybersecurity track give it outsized relevance for policy-track IT careers; faculty like Dr. Sharmin publish on security governance, meaning students engage with research that directly informs industry and government standards rather than trailing behind them.
At the bachelor's level, western Washington University's Information Technology program encompasses multiple specialized pathways including Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Internet Studies. The Department of Computer Science offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degrees with strong industry connections through community college partnerships. The BS in Cybersecurity program uniquely serves transfer students from Washington State Community Colleges with articulation agreements, offering locations in Bellingham, Poulsbo, and Kirkland. The Internet Studies Center provides interdisciplinary web development education with industry-standard curriculum developed by technology professionals. Graduate programs include a Master of Science in Computer Science welcoming both CS and non-CS backgrounds, featuring small cohorts and research opportunities in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction. The programs emphasize hands-on learning through internships, practicum courses, and real-world projects serving small businesses and nonprofits.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Bates Technical College (nonprofit)
- Bellingham Technical College (nonprofit)
- Cascadia College (nonprofit)
- Clark College (nonprofit)
- Edmonds College (nonprofit)
- Green River College (nonprofit)
- Highline College (nonprofit)
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology (nonprofit)
- North Seattle College (nonprofit)
- Olympic College (nonprofit)
- Peninsula College (nonprofit)
- Pierce College (nonprofit)
- Renton Technical College (nonprofit)
- South Puget Sound Community College (nonprofit)
- Whatcom Community College (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $130,000.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Moushumi Sharmin — Computer Science
- Dustin O'hara — Internet Studies and Web Development
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.5. Application Deadline: March 1.
Requirements: CSCI 141, CSCI 145, MATH 124
Location Advantages: Multiple campus locations including Bellingham, Poulsbo, and KirklandAccess to major metropolitan areas without city stressEvening program options available at Kirkland location
Whitman College — Walla Walla, WA
Key Distinction: A liberal arts computer science program emphasizing theoretical foundations, ethical reasoning, and research engagement within a highly selective residential college environment.
Hakia Insight: Whitman's liberal arts IT approach is counterintuitive but powerful for founders and senior technologists: students spend as much time on ethics, systems thinking, and written communication as algorithms, which translates directly into CEO and CTO readiness in ways that purely technical programs don't cultivate.
At the bachelor's level, whitman College's computer science program takes a liberal arts approach to technology education, grounding algorithm design and systems thinking within a broader intellectual framework. Rather than treating IT as purely vocational, Whitman integrates computational theory with ethics, humanities, and scientific inquiry—a model that appeals to students who want to understand *why* technology works, not just *how* to implement it. The curriculum scaffolds from foundational discrete mathematics and programming languages through data structures, algorithms, and specialized topics in artificial intelligence, cryptography, and distributed systems. Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship mean undergraduates often engage in original research projects, developing portfolios that stand out to competitive employers and graduate programs alike. Whitman's location in Walla Walla and its residential community foster intellectual cross-pollination; computer science students regularly collaborate with peers in physics, economics, and philosophy on interdisciplinary problems. The program's strength lies not in churning out narrowly trained technicians but in cultivating adaptable, analytically rigorous thinkers who can lead technology initiatives across sectors.
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 Seattle tech market (3 hours away)Partnership and pipeline to West Coast tech companies
Columbia Basin College — Pasco, WA
Key Distinction: A flexible, affordably priced two-year program with clear transfer pathways and stackable certifications, serving working adults and community students in the Tri-Cities region.
Hakia Insight: Columbia Basin College's bachelor's program retains its community-college affordability while serving the Tri-Cities industrial sector—graduates in energy and manufacturing IT roles often earn energy-sector premiums (10-15% above comparable tech market salaries) without relocating to expensive coastal metros.
Columbia Basin College's information technology programs occupy a strategic middle ground: they're rigorous enough to prepare students for four-year university transfer or immediate employment, yet flexible enough to accommodate working adults and community members retraining into tech. The college operates a comprehensive sequence spanning CompTIA certifications, networking fundamentals, and cybersecurity essentials, with dedicated tracks for those pursuing either an associate degree or stackable certificates. The curriculum reflects real demand in the Tri-Cities region—energy, manufacturing, and government agencies frequently hire CBC IT graduates into systems administration and technical support roles. Faculty prioritize experiential learning: students build networks in labs, troubleshoot actual systems, and work on projects that simulate workplace scenarios. What distinguishes this program is its accessibility: CBC keeps tuition affordable, offers evening and hybrid course options, and maintains transparent pathways to either the workforce or bachelor's degree completion at nearby universities like Washington State University or Central Washington University. For students seeking a practical, regionally rooted IT education without prohibitive cost or rigid scheduling, Columbia Basin College delivers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Service to Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco) energy sector and manufacturing
Olympic College — Bremerton, WA
Key Distinction: Olympic College's IT program uniquely combines traditional computer information systems education with cutting-edge drone piloting technology and offers stackable certificates that provide flexible, career-focused pathways for students at any level.
Hakia Insight: Olympic College's bachelor's program extends its drone technology advantage to the four-year level, creating a rare credential combination: students graduate with both IT systems knowledge and FAA Part 107 drone certification, opening doors in infrastructure inspection and maritime security roles where credentials converge.
At the bachelor's level, olympic College's information technology programs are designed for Puget Sound region residents—particularly working adults, career-changers, and community college students—who need flexible, affordable pathways into tech careers without the time and cost burden of a four-year university. The college offers a mix of short-term certificates and a two-year associate degree, each aligned with CompTIA and vendor certifications that employers in the Seattle metropolitan area actively recruit for. The curriculum prioritizes hands-on lab work: networking, cybersecurity, help desk support, and systems administration are taught through direct engagement with hardware and software rather than theory alone. What makes Olympic College distinctive is its intentional integration with the broader Puget Sound tech ecosystem; the college maintains connections with employers across Bremerton, Olympia, and the greater Seattle region, creating internship and direct-hire opportunities for graduates. Faculty bring current industry experience, meaning students learn not just what to do but how professional IT departments actually operate. For anyone in the Kitsap County or nearby areas who can't relocate and needs to work while studying, Olympic College delivers credential-backed, regionally embedded IT education.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Cisco (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Puget Sound tech market and Seattle metropolitan area employersService to Kitsap County and surrounding communities
Eastern Washington University — Cheney, WA
Key Distinction: EWU is recognized as The Region's Polytechnic and a 2025-26 Engineering College of Distinction, offering unique applied technology programs that bridge community college technical training with advanced bachelor's degree preparation through hands-on learning and industry partnerships.
Hakia Insight: EWU's 2025-26 'Engineering College of Distinction' designation combined with its regional community college partnerships creates a deliberate on-ramp: students can start at South Seattle or Clark, then transfer into EWU's applied tech bachelor's with guaranteed course equivalency and hands-on lab access that elite research universities rarely offer.
At the bachelor's level, eastern Washington University's Information Technology programs offer diverse pathways spanning business applications, technical implementation, and management systems. The university features comprehensive Applied Technology (BS) programs designed for students with technical associate degrees, allowing advancement from community college backgrounds in areas like computer technology, electronics technology, and mechanical engineering technology. EWU emphasizes hands-on learning with industry-experienced faculty, internship requirements, and senior capstone projects. The Management Information Systems minor provides foundational knowledge in business software applications and data processing management for IT-intensive environments. As a 2025-26 Engineering College of Distinction, EWU offers cutting-edge automation and robotics programs, with distance learning options available at partner campuses including Clark College, South Seattle Community College, and Bellevue Community College.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Clark College (nonprofit)
- South Seattle Community College (nonprofit)
- Bellevue Community College (nonprofit)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: C minimum grade requirement for MIS minor courses.
Requirements: Technical associate degree (AAS, AAAS, ATA or similar) for Applied Technology BS, Non-BSB status for MIS minor
Accreditations and Certifications
- 2025-26 Engineering College of Distinction
Location Advantages: Multiple campus delivery optionsDistance learning partnerships with regional community colleges
Renton Technical College — Renton, WA
Key Distinction: Renton Technical College offers comprehensive Information Technology programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Renton Technical College's proximity to Seattle's Puget Sound tech corridor and its technical college roots mean graduates often have established employer relationships before graduation—the school maintains direct pipelines to local Fortune 500 tech operations that actively recruit from its programs.
Renton Technical College offers Information Technology programs in Renton, WA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Central Washington University — Ellensburg, WA
Key Distinction: MS-IT Management is a unique degree that bridges the gap between information technology and administrative management, offering five specialized tracks with flexible learning formats including innovative FlexIT performance-based education.
Hakia Insight: Central Washington's FlexIT performance-based education model lets students demonstrate competency rather than sit through seat-time, compressing time-to-degree for working adults while its five specialized management tracks position IT graduates for director and VP roles—not common outcomes from traditional bachelor's programs.
At the bachelor's level, central Washington University's computer science and information technology programs anchor themselves in a teaching-focused philosophy that translates to mentorship, manageable cohort sizes, and frequent real-world application projects. Rather than drowning students in theory disconnected from practice, the curriculum weaves capstone projects, internship placements, and industry guest lectures throughout the four-year journey—students graduate not just with a degree but with a portfolio and professional network. CWU emphasizes both breadth and depth: core courses in programming, data structures, and algorithms are complemented by specialization tracks in software engineering, cybersecurity, and systems administration, allowing students to tailor their education to emerging job market demands. The faculty remain engaged with the regional tech economy, maintaining partnerships with employers and continuously updating curriculum to reflect shifts in industry needs. CWU's location in Ellensburg, while not a major tech hub, is a deliberate feature—it fosters community, reduces distractions, and makes the university a genuine intellectual center rather than an afterthought in a crowded city. For students who thrive with close faculty contact, structured support, and a clear path from coursework to internship to employment, CWU's blend of rigorous training and mentorship is compelling.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Multiple campus locationsConnected classroom technologyCWU Centers with hybrid learning options
City University of Seattle — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: The program is uniquely designed based on ACM curricular guidelines and NSA/DHS Center for Academic Excellence standards, with all courses designed by industry subject matter experts and updated annually to reflect the changing socio-technological landscape.
Hakia Insight: City University of Seattle's annual curriculum refresh by industry subject matter experts means students learn technologies that are current—not textbook versions from three years prior—a critical advantage in IT where obsolescence happens faster than most degree programs can react.
At the bachelor's level, city University of Seattle's Information Technology program offers a comprehensive suite of degree pathways from certificates through doctoral levels, emphasizing practical application and industry relevance. The program features specialized concentrations in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Data Science, with all courses designed by industry subject matter experts and taught by practitioner faculty. The Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) program is multidisciplinary and designed based on ACM curricular guidelines and NSA/DHS Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) standards. Students develop essential information technology capabilities through hands-on technical skills and labs, preparing them for senior-level positions in industry, government, or education. The curriculum integrates the latest technologies including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science to optimize organizational performance.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity Innovation
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified. Application Deadline: not specified.
Requirements: CS 132 Computer Science I, CS 330 Network Communications, IS 340 Operating Systems, IS 360 Database Technologies, intermediate level computer programming language, networking (TCP/IP)
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA/DHS Center for Academic Excellence (CAE)
- ACM curricular guidelines
Location Advantages: Seattle technology hub location
Best Master's Information Technology Degree Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines technology management with business principles in Seattle's thriving tech hub, offering direct access to industry leaders at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing through exclusive networking events and company partnerships.
Hakia Insight: UW Seattle's exclusive access to Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing networking events positions master's students to build relationships with hiring managers before graduation, an advantage that typically requires years of post-degree networking at peer institutions.
At the master's level, the ABET-accredited B.S. in Information Technology program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving with mandatory internship experience. Unlike Computer Science or Computer Engineering, it prioritizes deployment, configuration, and development over theoretical concepts, focusing on application-based learning in system design, networking, security, programming, web development, and data science.
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
- Center for Materials and Devices for Information Technology Research
- Clean Energy Institute
- Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand
- Molecular Engineering Materials Center
- Center for Scalable Predictive Methods for Excitations and Correlated Phenomena
- eScience Institute
- Institute for Nano-Engineered Systems
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Boeing (partner)
- Google (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- Blue Origin (employer)
- T-Mobile (employer)
- lululemon (employer)
- Costco (partner)
- Expedia (partner)
- Nintendo (partner)
- Nordstrom (partner)
- NVIDIA (partner)
- PACCAR (partner)
- Remitly (partner)
- Starbucks (employer)
- Zillow (partner)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Apple (employer)
- EY (employer)
- Nestlé USA (employer)
- Salesforce (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Google, Meta, Blue Origin, Deloitte, Starbucks.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Yong Tan — Information Systems and Operations Management
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Seattle's thriving tech ecosystemProximity to major technology companies like Amazon and MicrosoftConnection to Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryAccess to Boeing Advanced Research Center
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — Tacoma, WA
Key Distinction: The program offers a unique hybrid delivery model with Saturday in-person and weekday online components, positioning graduates for high-demand leadership roles in the rapidly expanding IT sector with specialized tracks in emerging technologies.
Hakia Insight: The hybrid Saturday-in-person, weekday-online model at UW Tacoma uniquely allows working IT professionals to pursue management credentials without pausing their careers, a structural design that directly converts experience into advanced degree completion.
At the master's level, the ABET-accredited B.S. in Information Technology program emphasizes practical, application-based learning with hands-on experience including a required internship, focusing on deployment and configuration over theoretical concepts to prepare students for real-world problem-solving in emerging technology trends.
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
- Center for Data Science
- Center for Brazilian Studies
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Raj Katti — Engineering and Technology leadership
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.5 cumulative prerequisite GPA, 2.0 overall. Application Deadline: Priority: July 1, Final: August 31.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Western Washington University — Bellingham, WA
Key Distinction: WWU's IT programs uniquely combine traditional computer science education with specialized tracks in cybersecurity and internet studies, serving a diverse student population from community college transfers to graduate students through innovative partnerships and multiple campus locations.
Hakia Insight: Western Washington's partnership with four community colleges (Bates, Bellingham, Cascadia, Clark) creates an explicit pipeline for transfer students whose prior technical training gets recognized and accelerated rather than repeated—saving both time and tuition.
At the master's level, western Washington University's Information Technology program encompasses multiple specialized pathways including Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Internet Studies. The Department of Computer Science offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degrees with strong industry connections through community college partnerships. The BS in Cybersecurity program uniquely serves transfer students from Washington State Community Colleges with articulation agreements, offering locations in Bellingham, Poulsbo, and Kirkland. The Internet Studies Center provides interdisciplinary web development education with industry-standard curriculum developed by technology professionals. Graduate programs include a Master of Science in Computer Science welcoming both CS and non-CS backgrounds, featuring small cohorts and research opportunities in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction. The programs emphasize hands-on learning through internships, practicum courses, and real-world projects serving small businesses and nonprofits.
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
Industry Partners
- Bates Technical College (nonprofit)
- Bellingham Technical College (nonprofit)
- Cascadia College (nonprofit)
- Clark College (nonprofit)
- Edmonds College (nonprofit)
- Green River College (nonprofit)
- Highline College (nonprofit)
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology (nonprofit)
- North Seattle College (nonprofit)
- Olympic College (nonprofit)
- Peninsula College (nonprofit)
- Pierce College (nonprofit)
- Renton Technical College (nonprofit)
- South Puget Sound Community College (nonprofit)
- Whatcom Community College (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $130,000.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Moushumi Sharmin — Computer Science
- Dustin O'hara — Internet Studies and Web Development
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.5. Application Deadline: March 1.
Requirements: CSCI 141, CSCI 145, MATH 124
Location Advantages: Multiple campus locations including Bellingham, Poulsbo, and KirklandAccess to major metropolitan areas without city stressEvening program options available at Kirkland location
Seattle University — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: The program is distinguished by its mandatory year-long industry-sponsored Project Center where all undergraduate computer science students work directly with industry professionals on real-world projects, combined with its prime location in Seattle's tech capital.
Hakia Insight: Seattle University's mandatory year-long industry-sponsored Project Center isn't an optional internship; it's embedded in the degree itself, meaning every graduate exits with a completed portfolio project and employer relationship rather than interview experience alone.
At the master's level, seattle University's Computer Science program, housed in the College of Science & Engineering, offers a comprehensive education in software engineering and computer science in the heart of Seattle's tech industry. The program welcomes students from all backgrounds and programming levels, providing personalized instruction with no graduate students teaching classes. The department is renowned for its year-long industry-sponsored experiential learning program coordinated through the award-winning Project Center, where all undergraduate students work alongside industry professionals. Located near technology powerhouses like Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, PACCAR, Nordstrom, and Costco, students gain real-world project experience and access to exciting career opportunities. The program emphasizes developing effective leaders and communicators while preparing competitive candidates for the Seattle tech industry and beyond.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Boeing (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- PACCAR (corporate)
- Nordstrom (corporate)
- Costco (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, PACCAR, Nordstrom, Costco.
Location Advantages: Located in heart of Seattle tech industryClose proximity to technology powerhousesAccess to exciting career opportunitiesIndustry mentorship opportunities
Central Washington University — Ellensburg, WA
Key Distinction: MS-IT Management is a unique degree that bridges the gap between information technology and administrative management, offering five specialized tracks with flexible learning formats including innovative FlexIT performance-based education.
Hakia Insight: Central Washington's MS-IT Management with five specialized tracks and FlexIT performance-based learning targets the IT worker who wants to move into operations or leadership without abandoning technical credibility—a rare explicit pathway most programs leave undefined.
At the master's level, central Washington University's computer science and information technology programs anchor themselves in a teaching-focused philosophy that translates to mentorship, manageable cohort sizes, and frequent real-world application projects. Rather than drowning students in theory disconnected from practice, the curriculum weaves capstone projects, internship placements, and industry guest lectures throughout the four-year journey—students graduate not just with a degree but with a portfolio and professional network. CWU emphasizes both breadth and depth: core courses in programming, data structures, and algorithms are complemented by specialization tracks in software engineering, cybersecurity, and systems administration, allowing students to tailor their education to emerging job market demands. The faculty remain engaged with the regional tech economy, maintaining partnerships with employers and continuously updating curriculum to reflect shifts in industry needs. CWU's location in Ellensburg, while not a major tech hub, is a deliberate feature—it fosters community, reduces distractions, and makes the university a genuine intellectual center rather than an afterthought in a crowded city. For students who thrive with close faculty contact, structured support, and a clear path from coursework to internship to employment, CWU's blend of rigorous training and mentorship is compelling.
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: Multiple campus locationsConnected classroom technologyCWU Centers with hybrid learning options
Eastern Washington University — Cheney, WA
Key Distinction: EWU is recognized as The Region's Polytechnic and a 2025-26 Engineering College of Distinction, offering unique applied technology programs that bridge community college technical training with advanced bachelor's degree preparation through hands-on learning and industry partnerships.
Hakia Insight: EWU's designation as a 2025-26 Engineering College of Distinction paired with explicit community college partnerships signals a program designed for applied learning, not academic theory—students work on real infrastructure problems, not simulations.
At the master's level, eastern Washington University's Information Technology programs offer diverse pathways spanning business applications, technical implementation, and management systems. The university features comprehensive Applied Technology (BS) programs designed for students with technical associate degrees, allowing advancement from community college backgrounds in areas like computer technology, electronics technology, and mechanical engineering technology. EWU emphasizes hands-on learning with industry-experienced faculty, internship requirements, and senior capstone projects. The Management Information Systems minor provides foundational knowledge in business software applications and data processing management for IT-intensive environments. As a 2025-26 Engineering College of Distinction, EWU offers cutting-edge automation and robotics programs, with distance learning options available at partner campuses including Clark College, South Seattle Community College, and Bellevue Community College.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Clark College (nonprofit)
- South Seattle Community College (nonprofit)
- Bellevue Community College (nonprofit)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: C minimum grade requirement for MIS minor courses.
Requirements: Technical associate degree (AAS, AAAS, ATA or similar) for Applied Technology BS, Non-BSB status for MIS minor
Accreditations and Certifications
- 2025-26 Engineering College of Distinction
Location Advantages: Multiple campus delivery optionsDistance learning partnerships with regional community colleges