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Oregon, also known as the Beaver State, originally derived its name from the economy's reliance on fur sales and exports. According to the Oregon Secretary of State, its economy has continued to grow and diversify significantly, adding 123,500 jobs in 2020 and 98,500 in 2021.
Oregon's modern economy allows graduates with bachelor's degrees in computer science to pursue multiple career paths, including web development, computer programming, and software development. The state's economy currently supports 2.2 million workers and has a 3.8% unemployment rate, according to IBIS World.
The Beaver State hosts 32 four-year colleges and offers computer science degrees with various concentrations. Discover more about Oregon's online computer science degrees and employment opportunities with this in-depth guide.
Oregon at a Glance
- Number of Public Higher Learning Institutions: 25
- % of Workforce in Tech: 6.7%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $29 billion
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $100,300
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Computer Science in Oregon?
Oregon's government has enacted a "40-40-20" plan to increase the number of graduates in the state. The plan states that 40% of Oregonians will achieve a four-year degree, 40% will achieve a two-year degree, and 20% will earn a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Oregon's legislature hopes to meet its goals by increasing funding for education. The state has implemented multiple grants, including the Oregon Opportunity Grant, Oregon Promise, and Oregon Tribal Student Grant.
Individuals looking to work in Oregon can benefit from networking events for students, professors, and local business leaders. Learning institutions are spread throughout Oregon in Portland, Eugene, and Klamath Falls, allowing in-person attendees to choose locations that meet their future needs.
Helpful resources:
- BLS "Economy at a Glance" state pages
- BLS "Occupational Employment Statistics" state pages
- BLS occupation profiles
- CyberStates' interactive map
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Education Statistics for Oregon
| Higher Education Statistics | Oregon Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 32 | 2,520 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 19 | 1,216 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 55% | 59% |
Sources: NCES
Oregon has relatively few two-year and four-year colleges, possibly due to the state's sparse population. The state has a similar percentage of attendees enrolled in at least some distance education to the nationwide average.
Accreditation for Oregon Schools
Applicants should ensure that prospective schools have received institutional accreditation. Accredited institutions have demonstrated a certain standard of learning to third-party agencies like the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, which accredits schools in Oregon.
Many master's and doctorate programs require applicants to hold bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions. Prospective enrollees can check a school's accreditation using the Council for Higher Education Accreditation's (CHEA) free online search tool.
Within institutions, programs and departments may receive programmatic accreditation. Agencies like ABET offer individual computer science program accreditations, indicating high quality and adequate preparation for the workforce.
Considerations for a Computer Science Degree in Oregon
Students should consider multiple factors when researching available institutions and programs, including coursework, potential career paths, degree levels, and costs. Similar programs may vary in curriculum, degree concentrations, and distance learning availability.
The majority of students in Oregon have enrolled exclusively or in some online learning courses. Oregon's online computer science degree attendees may have increased flexibility but fewer networking opportunities than their in-person counterparts.
Computer Science Concentration Options
Computer science students will likely encounter many concentrations. The following table explores specialties that can benefit prospective professionals.
Big Data
Big data programs teach students computational and analytical skills to mine, store, and analyze large data sets. Graduates can pursue data science employment, which experts project to grow by 38% in Oregon from 2020-2030.
Machine Learning
Machine learning allows computers to solve complex problems without direct human interference. Many professionals consider machine learning an advanced technology suitable for computer and information research scientists, who earn an average salary of $171,700 in Oregon as of 2022.
Computer Engineering
A computer engineering concentration covers digital systems, circuits, and hardware designs. Prospective computer hardware engineers, who earn an average salary of $131,950 in Oregon as of 2022, can pursue this concentration.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Paying for Your Computer Science Degree
Average Oregon program tuition costs fluctuate around the nationwide average. Students have multiple options to assist with paying for college tuition.
- Financial Aid: This term refers to any funds received from an outside source to help cover tuition and other fees.
- Scholarship: Scholarships are a form of funding that apply various requirements but do not require repayment
- Fellowships: This type of financial aid, usually reserved for graduate students, covers tuition and includes a stipend.
- Grants: Grants usually come from government institutions and do not need to be repaid.
- Loans: This form of financial aid, which may come from the federal government or independent organizations, lends money that needs to be repaid with interest.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
In-state and out-of-state enrollees often pay different tuition rates, with non-residents typically paying higher rates. Public schools receive state funding, allowing them to offer reduced tuition to in-state learners.
The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) offers discounted out-of-state tuition for Oregon residents. Residents must choose a participating WICHE college among its 16 member states. Applicants need to pay a maximum of 150% of the tuition cost of in-state students to qualify.
Oregon's Cost of Living
When budgeting, attendees should consider Oregon's cost of living. This figure includes housing, transportation, food, and other necessities. Each state has a different cost of living against a national average of 100.
Oregon received a cost of living index score of 115, indicating that the average costs for essential goods in the state are 15% higher compared to the national average. Make sure to factor the cost of living into your overall budget beyond tuition and college costs alone.
Schools With Computer Science Degrees in Oregon
- Eastern Oregon University
- Oregon State University
- Southern Oregon University
- University of Oregon
- Western Oregon University
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in Oregon
According to IBIS World, Oregon has a GDP of $229.5 billion, with top contributing sectors in manufacturing, real estate, and healthcare. These industries use tech to build programs, work with data, and learn with AI.
CompTIA reports that tech workers in Oregon represent 6.7% of the overall workforce, which is the 10th highest in the country. Technology manufacturing and packaged software have grown 4.1% and 2.8%, respectively, in Oregon over the past year, according to CompTIA.
Sector growth may contribute to why Oregon's highest-paying sector was the information industry. Individuals interested in pursuing a computer science career in Oregon can learn more about careers, employers, and employment trends below.
Select Computer Science Careers in Oregon
Full-Stack Developer
Full-stack developers use multiple programming languages to build applications and websites. These developers can work alone or within teams to test applications, design programs, and monitor online traffic.
Data Scientist
Data scientists employ computer science, math, and business to gather, clean, and analyze data. Professionals can use this data to create algorithms, make forecasts, and present solutions to organizational problems. Employers typically require candidates to possess bachelor's degrees, though graduates of the best data science master's programs may have a competitive edge.
Information Technology Architect
Information technology architects analyze companies' IT requirements, discuss solutions with management, and implement new technologies. These professionals may need to simplify complex technological ideas, discuss costs and benefits, and train team members to use new software.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Computer Science Employers in Oregon
Amazon: Amazon, a giant online retailer, is also one of Oregon's largest employers. This tech company employs computer scientists to handle many tasks, including running its online marketplace, building technology products, and developing its cloud server platform. Computer science specialists with knowledge of various programming languages can pursue careers at Amazon.
Nvidia: Nvidia, best known for its design and manufacturing of graphic processing units (GPUs), has an office in Hillsboro, Oregon. The company combines AI with its GPUs to increase realism in video games. Additionally, Nvidia has diversified its products with a virtual version of Earth, metaverse projects, and technology that assists scientists. Prospective computer science graduates with an interest in video games, AI, and software development can pursue roles with Nvidia.
Schrödinger: Schrödinger offers software that helps pharmaceutical companies with a digital chemistry platform that advances the drug research pipeline. Its software uses a combination of physics, machine learning, and data analytics to discover prospective drug compounds. Individuals with an interest in technology and helping people by discovering medications can explore Schrödinger's job board.
Oregon Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 1,520 | 185,700 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 1,420 | 167,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | -7% | -9.9% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 6,120 | 482,000 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 7,220 | 534,600 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +18% | +10.9% |
| Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 2,680 | 199,400 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 3,130 | 244,900 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +17% | +12.8% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Oregon Employment | Oregon Annual Mean Wage | National Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developers | 2,680 | $57,450 | $87,580 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 4,970 | $97,190 | $97,160 |
| Computer Programmers | 1,520 | $102,210 | $102,790 |
| Database Administrators | 1,520 | $100,240 | $102,530 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 6,240 | $106,730 | $107,530 |
| Information Security Analysts | 1,260 | $119,990 | $119,860 |
| Software Developers | 18,180 | $121,230 | $132,930 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 1,350 | $131,950 | $140,830 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 220 | $171,700 | $155,880 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 6,120 | $140,310 | $173,670 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Projections Central anticipates computer science careers in Oregon to grow more quickly than the national average. Computer science specialists in the state often receive an annual mean salary similar to the national average. Individuals looking to pursue the growing opportunities in Oregon can enroll in a computer science, data science, or other related program in the state.
Professional Computer Science Organizations in Oregon
Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association
The Oregon CSTA supports computational approaches in multiple subjects, provides opportunities for teachers, and encourages joint educational projects between schools and industry.
Computer Science For All in Oregon
This organization aims to democratize access to computer science for all students in Oregon. The CS for Oregon team conducts research, designs courses, and partners with schools to teach computer science in K-12 classrooms.
American Mathematical Society
The AMS, founded in 1888, promotes mathematical learning and resources through publications, meetings, and advocacy. The society connects math professionals globally to advance the status of mathematicians and share knowledge.
FAQ About Computer Science Degrees in Oregon
Is computer science a good major in Oregon?
Yes — computer science is a good major in Oregon due to the state's local industries and career opportunities. Labor agencies project several computer science roles to grow by double digits from 2020-2030 in Oregon.
What computer science jobs are there in Oregon?
Oregon's diverse economy supports multiple computer science jobs within the state, including software developers, computer systems analysts, and database administrators. Computer science salaries in Oregon compare similarly to nationwide averages.
Does Oregon have online computer science programs?
Yes — and Oregon's online computer science programs may include various concentrations in the field. Enrollees can find programs with asynchronous classes, allowing them to work while studying. Over 50% of students in Oregon attend at least some classes online.
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