School and Ranking Information
Though no colleges or universities located directly in Tampa offer computer science studies, students can choose from two schools found within about 30 miles of the city. Based on school distinctions, number of degrees awarded and student-to-faculty ratio, the following college is considered a top school in the Tampa area for computer science degree programs:
- Winner: Located 20 miles southwest of Tampa in St. Petersburg, FL, Eckerd College awarded the most bachelor's degrees in computer science among area schools in 2013. The college's computer science program was established in 1983.
School Info Chart
| Category | Eckerd College |
|---|---|
| Ranking | #130 among Best National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022)* |
| Location | St. Petersburg, Florida |
| School Type | 4-year, private not-for-profit |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | Undergrad: $47,704** |
| Computer Science Degrees Offered | Bachelor's |
| Computer Science Degrees Awarded in 2020-2021 | 7** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2015 Entering Class | 68%** |
| Noteworthy | Named among Loren Pope's Colleges That Change Lives***; No. 1 producer of Hollings Scholar in the country***, Ranked second in the nation for the number of students who participate in short-term study abroad and sixth for overall study abroad*** |
Sources: *U.S. News and World Report; **NCES College Navigator; ***Eckerd College
Eckerd College
- 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Computer science program has four specialized facilities, including a microcomputer lab, server lab, integrated media lab and teaching studio
- Computer science students actively involved in professional faculty-led research projects
Founded in 1958, Eckerd College is a private liberal arts and science college that sits on a 188-acre waterfront campus. It offers undergraduate degree programs in over 38 majors. The 4-year computer science program aims to prepare students for either directly entering the computing industry or continuing their studies in a graduate program.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science curriculum focuses on a traditional computer science program that balances both theoretical and practical foundations. Students learn the basics of data structures, computer architecture and computing theory, while also receiving a solid mathematics foundation. Students are required to either complete a senior thesis or pass a comprehensive final exam during their senior year. Students can expect to learn about topics such as networking, software systems, programming languages, algorithm analysis, computer architecture, user interface design and artificial intelligence.
