The demand for tech-oriented jobs continues to increase as technology becomes more prevalent in society. Because of this demand, earning an online degree in computer science can lead to lucrative positions, especially in Texas.
According to sources such as Business Insider and Bloomberg, Texas' tech industry has grown steadily over the past decade. For example, major companies like Facebook have established operations in the state. As a result, earning a computer science degree in Texas can lead graduates to jobs in software engineering or systems management.
This guide explores education statistics, employment data, market trends, and other useful information to show the pros and cons of pursuing a computer science degree in Texas.
Texas at a Glance
Top Texas Schools for Computer Science
- Concordia University Texas
- Lamar University
- South Texas College
- Southern Methodist University
- LeTourneau University
- Texas A&M University
- University of St. Thomas
- Austin College
- University of Dallas
- Baylor University
Considerations for a Computer Science Degree in Texas
Many factors play into finding the right computer science program, starting with the intended degree level. Students should consider whether they want an online degree, in-person instruction, or a hybrid program. Pursuing computer science in Texas can come with networking opportunities, so online learners outside the state might miss these benefits.
Check out the guides below to learn more about the different degrees available and which type fits your goals.
Computer Science Concentration Options
Computer science concentrations allow students to match their coursework to their career goals. The concentrations below cater to Texas' developing tech market.
Concentrating in data science develops skills in data analysis, data visualization, and software development. These topics particularly serve computer systems analysts, who process and present data within an organization.
Software engineering explores topics like quality assurance and software architecture and design. This concentration can set up students for careers as software developers, the most prominent tech position available in Texas right now.
With the increasing digitization of sensitive data, concentrations in cybersecurity have emerged to meet rising industry needs. Students learn to detect network vulnerabilities and protect systems against cyberattacks.
Why Go to College for Computer Science in Texas?
In 2021, NBC News reported a trend of large companies relocating to Texas from Silicon Valley. Companies like Oracle and Hewlett Packard Enterprises followed this trend. Other companies like Google have already established branches in Austin. Austin also hosts a U.S. Army command center specializing in modernization.
The tech industry's economic impact in Texas is worth over $150 billion as of 2021. The state's median tech wages also surpass median national wages by 96%. Current residents can enjoy lower in-state tuition rates and a lower cost of living compared to the respective national averages.
Education Statistics for Texas
Educational data in Texas matches national statistics in several categories, such as the percent of students enrolled in online programs. Over 240 institutions grant degrees in Texas.
Higher Education in Texas
|
Texas Data |
National Data |
| Number of Four-Year Colleges |
183 |
2,679 |
| Number of Two-Year Colleges |
96 |
1,303 |
| Percentage of Students Enrolled in Distance Education |
27.4% |
72.8% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree, 2015-2019 |
29.9% |
32.1% |
Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census Bureau
Accreditation for Texas Schools
Accreditation verifies that a school meets third-party standards for academic excellence. Learners who attend accredited schools can feel confident in the quality of their education. Institutions must renew accreditation every few years to make sure their programs still meet basic guidelines.
Three types of accreditation exist: regional, national, and programmatic. Programmatic accreditation comes from a professional agency and verifies whether a degree prepares students for careers in a specific field. National accreditation usually applies to vocational and trade schools. This accreditation often includes fewer regulations because it's difficult to judge different trade programs under a unified set of standards.
Accreditation verifies that a school meets third-party standards for academic excellence.
By comparison, regional accreditation includes strict unified guidelines. As a result, students and employers tend to regard regional accreditation more favorably.
For regional accreditation, Texas schools fall under the jurisdiction of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This agency plans to implement new technology into classrooms and educational programs as part of the accreditation process.
Online students can also seek schools participating in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). The organization standardizes distance education on a national level to ensure an online degree fulfills requirements in multiple states. While NC-SARA membership is not a form of accreditation, schools must be accredited to join the agreement.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Paying for Your Computer Science Degree
Average annual tuition and fees for Texas public colleges fell slightly below the national average for the 2019-20 academic year.
To help pay for college, learners can apply for loans and financial aid. Students can also seek scholarships and grants specific to the state, field of study, and school. For more information on types of financial aid and other payment options, check out the guide below.
In-State Vs. Out-of-State Tuition
Public colleges usually charge out-of-state students higher tuition rates. Private school tuition rarely considers state residency, but private schools charge higher tuition rates in general, often exceeding out-of-state tuition for public schools.
At some schools, learners enrolled in 100% online programs pay flat-rate tuition regardless of residency. Students attending hybrid programs do not qualify for online-only rates.
Depending on the school, learners can apply for out-of-state tuition waivers. Each school stipulates different requirements for the waivers. For example, the University of Texas at Austin requires students to receive at least $1,000 in scholarship aid before they can apply.
Texas's Cost of Living
The local cost of living can impact local learners' budgets and expenses. The cost of living in Texas falls slightly below the national average, according to the World Population Review. The Lone Star State scored 91.5 on the index, compared to the national average of 100. This data suggests that students can save money by moving to Texas. Still, cost of living varies by area. Large urban hubs like Dallas and Austin may feature higher costs of living than suburban or rural areas.
Selecting Your Computer Science Program
Prospective computer science students should also consider other factors when choosing a program. Learners can seek ABET-approved departments to ensure their degree meets tech industry standards. Students should also look at each prospective program's available internships, relevant courses, and networking opportunities.
To begin your search, check out the top-ranked computer science programs by degree type.
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in Texas
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the computer and information technology field will grow by 13% from 2020-2030, outpacing the projected growth rate for all occupations nationwide. Texas enjoys a particularly strong position for growth in the tech industry.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Texas the ninth-best state for economy and 10th for projected growth. The state also ranked 10th in the nation for fiscal stability. Texas saw 363,600 tech job postings and 73,500 emerging positions in 2020, according to data from Cyberstate.
With the tech industry's projected rise in Texas, the following careers have become some of the most prevalent in the state. We also explore top employers, salary statistics, and general trends in the job market below.
Select Computer Science Careers in Texas
Developers often create applications for computers and mobile devices or maintain underlying systems and interfaces. The job requires at least a bachelor's degree, but competitive employers often seek candidates with a master's and professional experience. Businesses outside the tech industry need software developers and analysts to keep their work programs running efficiently.
Average Annual Salary for Software Developers in TX: $109,570
Job Outlook in TX: +31% (2018-28)
Systems analysts assume more business-oriented roles in their companies by uniting technology and operations. They research and implement new software and systems to improve the company's efficiency. This role usually requires a bachelor's degree, but employers might favor candidates with a master's in computer science or even an MBA. Employees sometimes specialize in roles such as quality assurance or analyzing code for improvements.
Average Annual Salary for Systems Analysts in TX: $104,690
Job Outlook in TX: +16% (2018-28)
These workers maintain networks and hardware. Network and systems administrators often work with hardware and equipment. Employers usually require a bachelor's degree and certifications for the specific hardware on-site.
Average Annual Salary for Network and Systems Adm inistrators in TX: $86,840
Job Outlook in TX: +13.5% (2018-28)
Computer Science Employers in Texas
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) announced the relocation of its headquarters to the Houston area in 2020, with plans for a 440,000-square-foot campus. Relocation remains optional to existing employees in California, which means computer science positions could open up in 2022 as the campus is finished. HPE has already posted dozens of computer science job openings for data analyst engineers and information security analysts.
In 2020 and 2021, Dell Technologies received multiple workplace honors and awards. For example, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation designated Dell a best place to work for LGBTQ+ equality. As of January 2022, Dell's website lists over 550 open positions in software engineering for Texas, with others in information technology and cybersecurity.
Headquartered in Dallas, AT&T is a major player in the mobile phone market. The company acquired WarnerMedia in 2018, which includes properties like HBO, Warner Bros., and TNT. With AT&T's extended portfolio of media companies, computer science graduates can apply for a variety of positions like network services managers, UX/UI designers, and software engineers near Dallas and other areas in Texas.
Texas Employment Trends
Computer Programmers
|
Texas |
National |
| 2018 Employment |
22,300 |
250,300 |
| 2028 Projected Employment |
22,010 |
232,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 |
-1.3% |
-7.2% |
Computer and Information Systems Managers
|
Texas |
National |
| 2018 Employment |
22,620 |
414,400 |
| 2028 Projected Employment |
27,400 |
461,100 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 |
+21.1% |
+11.3% |
Web Developers
|
Texas |
National |
| 2018 Employment |
9,780 |
160,500 |
| 2028 Projected Employment |
11,820 |
181,400 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 |
+20.9% |
+13% |
Source: Projections Central
Between the high projected job growth and substantial salaries, graduates can expect a very competitive job market in Texas. While most popular computer science positions only require a bachelor's degree, earning a master's degree or industry certifications can distinguish graduates from other applicants.
Students may also benefit from taking business courses alongside their computer science degree, as business courses can make students attractive to employers in industries outside technology. However, this depends on a student's career goals. Specialized jobs in cybersecurity or artificial intelligence might demand a graduate degree from an intensive computer science program, with little emphasis on business knowledge.
Curious About Other Computer Science Jobs? Explore More Here.
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Texas Rankings
Learn about the top ranking computer science degree programs in Texas for 2022. Our ranking process involves strict adherence to selecting the highest performing schools for prospective students.
#1 Online Computer Science Programs in Texas
Austin College
- Sherman, TX
- 4 years
- Campus
AU is a private liberal arts institution located in Sherman affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. AU has an average enrollment rate of about 1,300 students.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Degree
A computer science degree at AU emphasizes computer design, mathematics, and engineering and communications and programming. Students learn computer science skills that apply to professional careers and future educational opportunities.
Students can select from four concentrations, including:
- Game development and design
- Data science and analytics
- Student development apps
- Core fundamentals
The core fundamentals track includes writing programs, such as artificial intelligence, languages, creating algorithms, and TCP/IP protocols.
Students can also enroll in a five-year integrated BS/MS computer science degree.
Applying to AU
The admission process at AU includes an application, a 250-word essay, two letters of recommendation, and official high school transcripts, as well as standardized tests for non- native English language speakers.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $1,514 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state tuition
- Program Length: 120 credit hours/four years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 54%
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Computer Science Programs in Texas
Baylor University
- Waco, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Baylor in Waco, Texas, is a private Christian university and research institution that offers graduate and professional education programs, such as law, business, health, and sciences. The total enrollment in 2021 was over 20,000 students.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS)
The bachelor of science in computer science degree at Baylor offers upper-level computer science, math, and science courses. The BSCS course requires a minimum of 124 credit-hours for completion; 56 credits must be core computer science courses.
BSCS concentrations include:
- Computer science
- Cybersecurity
- Software engineering
The computer science concentration focuses on a broad range of computing topics. The cybersecurity concentration covers advanced cybersecurity courses, including a cybersecurity lab. The software engineering concentration emphasizes production and maintenance of quality software.
Applying to Baylor
Admission requirements include an application, three relevant references, a resume, a 250-650-word essay, official transcripts, and English proficiency tests for international students. The GRE requirement is not required for the 2022 calendar year.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Tuition: $2,093 per credit hour (11 hours or less)
- Program Length: 124 credit hours/four years
- Delivery Format: Hybrid synchronous courses, including online video classes and in-person classes
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 42%
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Online Computer Science Programs in Texas
Texas Lutheran University
- Seguin, TX
- 4 years
- Campus
TLU is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The university has an annual enrollment of around 1,400 students who call the Seguin campus home. The faith-based university is known for its professional programs and offers 27 majors, 64 specializations, 12 professional programs, and four graduate programs.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
TLU offers two computer science degrees, including a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS) in computer science. TLU's computer science major curriculum provides students with analytic thinking skills to apply practical applications to practical situations.
The program uses up-to-date software, such as MAPLE, which allows students to eliminate accumulated round off mathematical miscalculations. Students complete professional projects using Minitab statistical software.
Students are offered internships, tutoring, and grading opportunities, which can lend themselves to mathematics education majors' career development. Mathematics majors must complete a research paper. Learners perform research projects under mathematics faculty supervision.
Applying to TLU
Admission requirements include an application, a personal essay, submission of an official high school transcript, and SAT/ACT scores.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Tuition: $52,822 per academic year (12 credit hours or more per semester)
- Program Length: Four years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 62%
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Online Computer Science Programs in Texas
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
TAMU is a public research institution founded in 1876 in College Station, Texas. TAMU boasts a full-time enrollment of over 59,000 students, including more than 9,000 part-time enrollees.
Bachelor of Science-Computer Science
The bachelor of science-computer science degree at Texas A&M University prepares students for the growing field of computer technology. The program's curriculum follows the guidelines set forth by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer Computer Society and the Association for Computing Machinery.
The computer science bachelor's degree curriculum focuses on mathematics, English, statistics, science, and math. A 12-credit-hour concentration in another department is required. Electives include language, algorithm and computability, networking, architecture, software, AI, and robotics.
The BS in computer science is offered at both the College Station and Galveston locations.
Applying to TAMU
Admission requirements include an online application, a $75 non-refundable application fee, and submission of official high school transcripts.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET
- Tuition: $9,548 for in-state students; $22,764 for out-of state students (15 credit hours for both the fall and spring semesters)
- Program Length: Four years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 31%
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Online Computer Science Programs in Texas
Saint Edward's University
- Austin, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
St. Edward's is a private, Catholic institution founded by the Jesuit mission, originally affiliated with the College of the Holy Cross. Today, St. Edward's offers undergraduate and graduate programs to over 4,000 students on its 155-acre campus in Austin, Texas.
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
St. Edward's computer science bachelor's degrees offer a curriculum grounded in technical knowledge, including special projects, research, internships, and study abroad programs. St. Edward's computer science graduates have a high rate of job placement, particularly through local internship contacts.
Major team projects incorporate the program's software engineering component, including maintenance, management, design, implementation, and evolution of software. St. Edward's offers several computer science degree tracks.
- Bachelor of arts in computer science
- Bachelor of science in computer science
- Bachelor of arts in computer information science
The bachelor of arts in computer science benefits students seeking a double major or a broad technical degree. This track allows for more non-computer science courses than the bachelor of science track, only requiring 58 hours of computer science major courses.
The bachelor of science in computer science focuses on theoretical computer science and its application to specific aspects of industry and business. This track prepares students who plan to continue on to graduate studies in the computer science field. The bachelor of science degree requires 72 hours of computer science major classes.
The bachelor of arts in computer information science prepares students who want to apply computing skills to business practices. There is an emphasis on design and management practices, and multi-user computer systems. This track requires 63 hours of computer science major classes.
Applying to St. Edward's
Freshman admission requirements include an online application. Undergraduate students do not need to submit standardized test scores in 2022.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $1,555 per credit hour for under 12 credits per semester hour; or $46,690 per year for full-time students
- Program Length: Four years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 56%
Percent Online Enrollment
5%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
FAQ About Computer Science Degrees in Texas
Is computer science a good major in Texas?
Yes. Computer science is a good major to pursue in Texas. The BLS projects a 13% increase in computer and information technology jobs from 2020-2030. A number of high-profile tech companies are established or relocating there, including Dell.
What is the best field in computer science in Texas?
The "best" field depends on your career goals. However, jobs like software developer, computer hardware engineer, and computer and information systems manager all have strong growth prospects and offer six-figure salaries in Texas.
What computer science jobs are there in Texas?
As of May 2020, the most prominent tech jobs in Texas included software developers, systems analysts, and network administrators. Other roles include web developers, security analysts, hardware engineers, and computer research scientists.
Does Texas have online computer science programs?
Yes, Texas hosts several online computer science programs. For more information on specific schools, check out the top ten ranked online programs for a bachelor's or a master's degree in computer science.
Professional Computer Science Organizations in Texas
TASSCC promotes professional networking and continued education for information management and technology. The organization partners with groups from the public sector to provide IT services, industry news, conferences, and grant opportunities in the field.
Established in 1992, The Austin Technology Council is at the heart of the thriving tech industry in Austin. The organization offers professionals mentoring, networking, updates about trends in the industry.
With three separate chapters in Texas, UXPA focuses on the development and research of user experience and interfaces. Members enjoy access to career development resources like courses and job boards, and they can network with fellow professionals around the world.
TAGITM holds conferences and developmental programs to integrate technology solutions into government systems. TAGITM draws upon computer experts to apply new technology to local chapters of the government and increase its efficiency.
