8 Best Computer Programming Schools
Some schools offer associate's degrees in computer programming, but bachelor's and master's degrees in computer programming are more common. Doctoral-level degrees in this field can also be found. Some of the best colleges for computer programming include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the University of Texas. We've narrowed down some of the best programming language programs for undergraduates with details about some of the best computer programming degrees.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Carnegie Mellon University
3. Stanford University
4. University of Illinois - Urbana - Champaign
5. University of California - Berkeley
6. Cornell University
7. University of Pennsylvania
8. University of Texas
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA
School Highlight: This school is primarily focused on technology and business management.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, commonly referred to as MIT, is a private research facility and school that ranked first for its programming languages programs by U.S. News & World Report in 2021. MIT awards a Master of Science in Computation for Design and Optimization, offered in conjunction with the engineering, science, and management schools. The program focuses on analyzing and implementing the computational approaches used to design and maintain computer programs.
2. Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA
School Highlight: CMU is known for its science and technology programs.
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research institution that ranked second among programming language programs by U.S. News & World Report in 2021. At the university's School of Computer Science, students can pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in computer science and language technologies. Once enrolled, students become familiar with designing and monitoring computer programs for current systems and technologies.
3. Stanford University in Stanford, CA
School Highlight: Stanford offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science.
Stanford University is a private research institution that ranked third among top programming languages programs by U.S. News & World Report for 2021. Stanford's Computer Science Department awards both undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in field-related research and programming. Program emphasis is on teaching future computer programmers how to analyze software systems and understand the mathematical foundations of computing.
4. University of Illinois - Urbana - Champaign
School highlight: The Grainger College of Engineering serves as the university's programming school, offering extended options for computer science majors. The CS + X program allows students to combine skills in the arts and sciences with their computer science degree, including advertising, animal sciences, anthropology, astronomy and many more.
One of the computer programming colleges that has moved up on the U.S. News and World Report list is the University of Illinois-Urbana in Champaign, IL. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Statistics and Computer Science. Students can also opt into a five-year program, in which they can earn both a bachelor's and master's degree. The university offers a flexible program called CS + X, allowing students to incorporate another field with their degree. Both master's and doctorate degree programs are also available.
5. University of California - Berkeley
School Highlight: This school offers research and instructional programs through the Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) department.
According to U.S. News and World Report in 2021, the University of California in Berkeley ranks fifth for top programming languages programs. At the undergraduate level, they offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. Students in these programs are required to take courses in the natural sciences, mathematics, electrical engineering and computer science, as well as programming languages. The school also offers a BS to MS five-year program that is designed for students who are interested in pursuing graduate education. At the graduate level, the school has Master of Science and Ph.D. in Computer Science programs.
6. Cornell University in Ithaca, NY
School highlight: Cornell University offers computer science degrees at both the master's and doctorate levels.
Some of the best programming schools actually tied for one of the top spots. Cornell University is tied with two other universities, ranking in sixth for programming languages, according to U.S. News and World Report best colleges rankings. The university offers bachelor's degrees where students can take computer programming programs in the engineering department: Computer Science, Information Science, Systems and Technology (ISST), and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students learn about algorithms, programming, data structures, information systems and digital systems processing.
7. University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA
School highlight: The University of Pennsylvania also offers a training program for those looking to gain skills in a matter of weeks called the Penn LPS Coding Boot Camp. The 12-24 week program offers training in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery and agile methodologies, and students receive a certificate of completion.
Another university ranked at the same sixth spot in the U.S. News and World Report's list is the University of Pennsylvania. Students can opt for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Science, which allows students to combine programming course work with liberal or fine arts course work. Students can continue their education by earning a Master of Computer and Information Technology degree or a Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science. The university even has a programming language club where students meet to discuss all things programming.
8. University of Texas at Austin
School highlight: Like the University of Pennsylvania, UT also offers a Coding Boot Camp, allowing students to earn a certificate of completion for courses covering HTML5, Bootstrap, JavaScript, command line and much more. Courses can be either 12 weeks or 24 weeks.
One of the top colleges for computer programming majors that is also tied at sixth is the University of Texas at Austin. UT offers several concentrations with its bachelor's computer science degree program, including big data, computer systems, cybersecurity, game development, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and mobile computing. Students can further their education with either an on-campus or online master's program, as well as a Ph.D. program.
Other Top Computer Programming Schools
There are many other colleges for programming with departments that offer topics within computer science. Students can also consider local computer programming trade schools in their area. If you're looking for more of the best colleges for computer science, we've featured a few more programming colleges below.
| School Name | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Princeton University | Includes six residential colleges | Princeton, NJ |
| Blackhawk Technical College | Associate's degree programs in computer programming | Janesville, WI |
| Winter Park Tech | Certificates programs in computer and information sciences and support services | Winter Park, FL |
| Western Dakota Technical Institute | Computer systems networking and telecommunications programs | Rapid City, SD |
