Massachusetts is known for its quaint towns, cobblestone paths, colonial history, and sports. They’re also rightly known for higher education. There are 114 colleges and universities in Massachusetts that are Carnegie Classified. Of them nine are research universities, and most are private institutions. Massachusetts is home to some of the finest higher education institutions in the country — and even the world — including the home of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard, Boston University, and Brandeis University. It may be of no surprise that there are some extremely innovative start ups taking place in Boston. In fact did you know that in 2016, over 20 healthcare start up companies were formed just in Boston? Combine this new revolution with the traditional industries that make Massachusetts’ economy boom and you have a very diverse economy with a plethora of jobs in myriad of fields but especially computer science.
“The Old Colony State”, “The Bay State”, “The Baked Bean State”, “The Codfish State”, and “The Health Care Informatics State.” Well, not really but you will see what we mean. Right now when we search for Health Care Technology Jobs in Boston alone we found 3,611 jobs, and that was through just one job search site. These jobs require individuals with a wide range of computer science experience including iOS engineering, software engineering, web architecture, business analysts with SQL experience and more. We have found that in today’s climate, computer science is more than just programming, though there is plenty of that, it’s about being versatile. Like in Boston, diversity is key when you are ready for a career in information technology. You will need soft skills as well as technical skills, in-depth knowledge of another discipline like health or shipping, and a willingness to learn as this field is always innovating. Throughout our recorded history, Massachusetts has been home to some of the most innovative thinkers, and now you too can be part of that tradition.
Massachusetts Educational Costs
Even with its high number of of prestigious colleges and universities, Massachusetts public institutions cost below than the national average: $7,625 compared to $9,404 at four-year schools for 2015-16. Though most of the best schools in Massachusetts are private institutions that cost on average $44,022 per year compared to the average cost of tuition for private schools in the US which is $34,740. Many top universities in the nation (and there are a high concentration in Massachusetts alone) are need-blind, meaning that those without the means to pay who make it into a top university, will go for little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Massachusetts State Tech Salaries
- Web Developer:$76,490
- Software Applications Developer:$80,310
- Computer Systems Analyst: $66,139
- Database Administrator: $71,565
- Data Scientist: $122,598
- Information Technology Manager: $138,600
Brandeis University is a private research institution located in Waltham, Massachusetts. There are 5,729 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Brandeis University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. U.S. News ranks Brandeis as the 34th best university in the nation, 27th best value school, and 82nd for best computer science department. Carnegie classifies Brandeis as an R1 research university with the “highest research activity.” Though a small school by enrollment, Brandeis offers a vast array of degrees in a number of disciplines including: Neuroscience, East Asian Studies, Creative Writing, Medical Informatics, and Anthropology. When it comes to online education, Brandeis offers a number of quality options for nontraditional learners such as a Master of Science in bioinformatics, and Master of Science in Software Engineering. If you are looking for a quality high value school, it is hard to beat Brandeis University.
We selected Brandeis University for the high number of online programs available and for the quality of educational programming. Brandeis University offers a nine online master’s degrees in computer science-related fields including:
- Master of Science Bioinformatics
- Master of Science Digital Marketing and Design
- Digital Innovation for FinTech (MS)
- Health and Medical Informatics (MS)
- Information Security Leadership (MS)
- Instructional Design and Technology (MS)
- Project and Program Management (MS)
- Robotic Software Engineering (MS)
- Software Engineering (MSE)
- Strategic Analytics (MS)
- Technology Management (MS)
- User-Centered Design (MS)
The MS in Bioinformatics is a 30 credit hour program that requires a total of 10 courses for completion: 6 core courses and 4 electives. This program is multidisciplinary in its approach and covers courses like mathematical modeling for bioinformatics, biological sequence analysis, drug discovery and development, and bioinformatics scripting and Python Programming. The Master of Science of Digital Marketing and Design is set up similarly to the program in bioinformatics but with entirely different content. This 30 credit hours degree leads to a specialization in the lucrative field of digital marketing and includes courses like: digital imaging video and media production, innovation and user-centered design, special topics in digital marketing and design, and foundations of data science and analysis. “Robotics is today’s industrial revolution” read the header of this innovative online MS in Robotic Software Engineering. We like that Brandeis University offers a wide range of degrees in computer science. This online master’s in robotic software engineering covers a wide range of topics like: Modern C++ and Robotics Frameworks, Design and Architectural Patterns for Robotics, Machine Learning, and more.
- Homepage
- Computer Science Zone Score:99/100
- Total Number of Degrees: 12
Northeastern University is a private institution founded in 1898 and is located in Boston Massachusetts. There are 20,381 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 10:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Northeastern University to award bachelor’s, master’s, nd doctoral degrees. According to U.S. News Northeastern ranks as the 40th best university in the nation, 69th best value school, 51st for best online graduate business programs, and 76th for best online MBA programs. Carnegie ranks Northeastern as and R1 university with the “Highest Research Activity.” Northeastern offers a vast array of quality academic programs in some unique fields like philosophy, peace studies and conflict resolution, acting, Russian Studies, and International Economics. There are 10 online degrees including in fields like bioinformatics, computer information sciences and support services, computer and information systems security, and more.
We selected Northeastern University for the high academic quality and for the number of online degrees in computer science including:
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
As well as graduate programs like:
- Business Analytics Master’s Degree
- Engineering Management Master’s Degree
- Geographic Information Technology Master’s Degree
- Homeland Security Master’s Degree
- Informatics Master’s Degree
- Information Assurance Master’s Degree
- Project Management Master’s Degree
- Technical Communication Master’s Degree
- Urban Informatics
The bachelor of science in information technology is a fully online bachelor’s degree that you can study from anywhere. You will develop strengths in applied design, development analysis, and management of information technology. Some of course from you major include: and introduction to programming (Java), computer engineering programming and analysis, data structures and algorithms, object-oriented programming and more. Their graduate degrees are even more diverse and cover myriad of computer science related degrees like their Master’s Degree in Technical Communication. This online degree prepares you for a career as a technical writer, editor, tool expert or a technical trainer. You will study according to your area of concentration of which there are several including an open elective concentration where you can design your own focus. All students will study technical and professional writing, editing technical content, information architecture, usability, and complete a technical communications capstone. The Masters degree in Geographic Information Systems is a fully online master’s degree that is divided into two component parts: core courses, and electives. All students are required to fulfill the following classes: introduction to geographic information systems,, fundamental of GIS analysis, fundamentals of remote sense, and advanced spatial analysis. As you can see, Northeastern offers the full gambit of online computer science degrees.
- Homepage
- Computer Science Zone Score: 97.5/100
- Total Number of Degrees: 9
Boston University (BU) is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. There are 32,695 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 10:1 indicating high levels of research. In fact, according to Carnegie BU is designated as a research university with the highest level of research activity. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits BU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees along with professional certifications. BU is our highest ranked pick according to U.S. News – the 37th best university in the nation! In addition, it is also ranked highly as a best college for veterans, and best value school. Boston University is lauded for its world class faculty, high class research institution, diverse community of students (from over 130 countries), and its recipients of several Nobel, Pulitzer, and Fulbright awards. Academic programming is rich filled with options for those pursing degrees in the arts and sciences as well as computer sciences. Online there are over 20 degrees with the most popular by enrollment in the fields of business, health and education. There are a number of computer science-related programs including the online master’s in computer science, and online master’s in information science.
We chose Boston University for the high quality academic prestige as well as for the number of online programs in computer science like:
- Database Management & Business Intelligence
- IT Project Management
- Master’s in Computer Information Systems
- Master’s in Computer Networks
- Master’s in Health Informatics
- Master’s inSecurityWeb Application Development
The Database Management and Business Intelligence certificate may be taken online, in person or as a hybrid. All student will take the following four courses: Database Design and Implementation for Business, Database Security, Data Mining, and Advanced Database Management. Those who complete this certification will be ready for a career as a computer and information systems manager. Upon completing a master’s in project management, you may wish to hone you skills further with an online certificate in IT project management. This online certificate focuses on the following courses: information technology project management, software quality testing and security management, agile software development, and enterprise architecture. BU also offers a number of online Masters degrees in computer science like their Online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems. The curriculum include core material, a course in quantitative methods of information and 16 credit hours of electives. The core courses are as follows: business data communication and networks, database design and implementation for business, information systems analysis and design, and IT strategy and management.You may choose to take either Java or Python.The elective options are vast and really help you to tailor your online degree to match your interests.
- Homepage
- Computer Science Zone Score: 96.5/100
- Total Number of Programs: 4
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts. there are 6,642 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits WPI to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. U.S. News ranks WPI as the 61st best school in the nation, 49th best value school, 61st best engineering school, 25th best online MBA program, and 42nd best online graduate engineering program. When it comes to academics, WPI clearly shines, and offer a wide range of programs for all types of interests including fields like biochemistry, information technology, aerospace engineering, psychology and computer science.Their online offerings continue to grow and WPI currently offers 11 fully online degrees and professional certifications including the online master’s in civil engineering, and online master’s in mathematics and computer science.
We selected Worcester Polytechnic University for its high quality of academic programming and number of online degrees in computer science like:
- Master of Science in Electrical And Computer Engineering (Ece)
- Master of Science in Electrical And Computer Engineering (Ece) – Analog / Rf Design
- Master of Science in Electrical And Computer Engineering (Ece) – Digital Design
- Master of Science in Electrical And Computer Engineering (Ece) – Power Systems
- Master of Science in Electrical And Computer Engineering (Ece) – Systems Engineering
Home to the first building in the nation devoted to electrical engineering, it’s no wonder WPI has a top-notch engineering program. The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering is diverse including research focus areas like healthcare/quality of life, security and privacy, CyberPhysical systems, robotics, and energy and sustainability. The robotics program examines robotics controls, automata theory, optimization, machine vision and more. While the healthcare/quality of life program examines wearable sensors, MRI/medical imaging methods, biomedical signal processing, and more. All of the programs are cross disciplinary- combining computer science and their state of the art engineering programming.
- Homepage
- Computer Science Zone Score: 96/100
- Total Number of Degrees: 5
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) has 5 campuses and one online campus- UMass Online. There are 30,037 students enrolled at the flagship location in Amherst and the student to faculty ratio is 18:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits UMass to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks UMass as the 75th best school in the nation, 38th best college for veterans, 16th for best online MBA programs, 16th for best online bachelor’s programs, and 36th for best online graduate business programs. UMass Online is massive offering 147 fully online programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.
We selected UMass Online both for its high quality academic programming and for the number of online degrees in computer science:
- Associate of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor’s in Information Technology: Business Minor
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Second Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology
- Master of Arts in Security Studies: Industrial and Economic Security Concentration
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Security Studies: Cyber Security Concentration
- Online Master’s Degree in Information Technology
With 8 online degrees in computer science, there’s a lot to choose from. We recommend taking a look at not only the course name but also the curriculum to help you determine which online program will match your interests and career needs. The AAS in Information Technology is a 60 credit hours online degree that will help you land a career. This online degree in computer science is versatile and includes courses like business writing, precalculus, Information and program writing, and Microsoft Office. The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology will take you to the next step of your career. You will lean to program in C, and focus heavily on project-based information systems.The Master of Science in IT requires ten courses including operating systems, network systems, and virutal systems. Additionally this course requires that you learn to manage software,and complete network infrastructure courses like cloud computing, and secure mobile networks. All students may choose 4 elective courses to further hone their degree. If you are looking for an affordable and accessible online degree in computer science you have a number of great options at UMass Online.
- Homepage
- Computer Science Zone Score: 96/100
- Total Number of Degrees: 8
Directory of Online Computer Science Degrees in Massachusetts
| Boston University> | Boston, MA | Online CS Degrees: 4 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (617) 353-2000 Boston, MA |
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| Bay Path College> | Longmeadow, MA | Online CS Degrees: 4 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (413) 565-1000 588 Longmeadow St, Longmeadow, MA |
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