Is Virginia Tech a good school for Computer Science

Computer scientists study the design, implementation, performance and usability of software and data-driven systems. Since modern life increasingly involves software-enabled systems, computer scientists have unprecedented opportunities to design and build systems that serve society and improve the human condition.

Computer science majors acquire a strong foundation in algorithms, problem-solving and software development. A diverse set of elective courses provides experience with areas such as artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, blockchain, data mining, graphics, human computer interaction, mobile and web development, networking, parallel computing, and software engineering.

AT A GLANCE

The Department of Computer Science is part of the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, ranked No 13 for its undergraduate program, moving the college upward in this national ranking against peers and aspirational peers. Founded in 1970, the department has an energetic and engaged faculty of 52 tenured, tenure-track, and teaching faculty members.  The department enrolls over 900 undergraduate majors and over 250 graduate students.  During academic year 2018-19, we awarded 300 BS degrees, 52 MS degrees and 21 PhDs.

CS Website
CS Faculty Listing
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs

Undergraduate Office
114 McBryde Hall (0106)
225 Stanger Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061

(540) 231-6931

Graduate Office
Blacksburg Corporate Research Center
2202 Kraft Drive
Blacksburg, VA 2060

(540) 231-9195

The four best colleges for computer science in Virginia are all respected across the nation, and all four public universities offer a great value for computer science majors.

Computer science prepares you for a job as a software developer—named the best job in America by U.S. News and World Report. Software developers code the systems, programs and apps that we couldn’t live without, and they get paid well to do so. The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports a median annual salary of $105,590, and these jobs aren’t going away. The OOH predicts 21% job growth over the next ten years.

If you’re interested in computer science, you can also check out College Guidepost’s rankings for the best value colleges in computer science, as well as the best overall. In this article, we’ll just look at the best colleges for computer science in Virginia.

In our honorable mentions, we’ll list the ABET-accredited computer science programs in Virginia that didn’t make it into our top four.

Honorable Mention: Hampton University, Liberty University, Norfolk State University, Radford University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State, University of Virginia’s College at Wise

4. George Mason University

George Mason is a public university enrolling over 37,000 students. Their computer science department boasts 42 tenure-track professors, with research expenditures over $14 million annually. Ranked 57th nationally in computer science by CSRankings, George Mason offers two B.S. degrees, in computer science and applied computer science. Applied computer science majors will choose one of four tracks: Bioinformatics, Computer Game Design, Geography, or Software Engineering.

With opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and accelerated Master’s degrees, George Mason is a great choice for computer science majors, and in-state tuition is under $14,000 a year.

3. College of William and Mary

Chartered way back in 1693 by King William and Queen Mary, this public research institution enrolls about 6,000 undergraduate students. Boasting an 11:1 student to faculty ratio with 100% of classes taught by faculty, W&M has ranked 5th in the nation in undergraduate teaching. Other accolades include a Forbes ranking of 9th in the nation for public universities.

With in-state tuition and fees of around $23,000, William and Mary offers a personal learning environment normally reserved to prestigious private institutions. The students seen to love it, with Princeton Review ranking W&M 6th nationally in student happiness (they rank that?) and 12th in quality of life.

William and Mary’s computer science program offers a familial environment with opportunities to do research at the undergraduate level. Even though we’re ranking it 3rd here, William and Mary is a unique school in many ways. If you’d rather attend W&M than our 1st choice, we won’t judge you.

2. Virginia Tech University

Virginia Tech is a public research university enrolling over 34,000 students, with 110 undergraduate majors offered. With a 14:1 student to faculty ratio, Virginia Tech offers academic excellence in technical fields along with great opportunities to interact with professors.

Virginia Tech’s computer science department is ranked 40th nationally at the graduate level, with in-state tuition of $16,000 a year. It’s a great value, and the 2nd best computer science program in Virginia.

1. University of Virginia

Founded by Thomas Jefferson himself, Virginia’s flagship university is home to 16,000 students and enjoys one of the best reputations in the U.S. Virginia Tech was named the 4th best public university by U.S. News, while Princeton Review ranked it 1st in the nation for best value. With tuition and fees under $17,000 a year for Virginia residents, the University of Virginia is a great value in many majors, and computer science is no exception.

The computer science department offers both a B.S. and a B.S., with an option to specialize in cyber security. Whatever you choose, you’ll get to learn in a program that CSRankings placed 36th in the nation.

While the best colleges for computer science in Virginia offer plenty of competition, the University of Virginia takes 1st place. It’s the best program and the best value in the state.

Thanks for reading! If you’d like to see the best colleges for computer science in another state, you can find the index here.

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