Exploring College
[College Options] [High School Preparation]
[Choosing a College Path :
Public Universities, Community Colleges, Private Colleges]
A Mosaic of College Options
Right here in Oregon, all seven public universities, most community colleges, as well as several private universities offer computer science degrees.
Before you make a choice on which college is right for you, you should know that there is a lot that you can do right now in high school to prepare you for your college success and broaden your opportunities. Choosing a College Path below provides details on and links to the many different programs offered.
Prepping for computer science while you’re in high school…
Students with all types of backgrounds can succeed in a computer science degree program in college. Yet there are some basics that colleges and industry leaders in Oregon suggest that you take as a good foundation for success.
Pre-requisites for success in college computer science programs include:
- High school courses in mathematics, to the highest level possible beyond Algebra, such as Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Why? Because computer science students need to be comfortable with mathematical concepts and be good at problem solving. All computer science fields, including gaming, use math to a high degree. Take math now so you don’t hit a wall later.
- A year of chemistry and physics or other higher level science courses. Why? To be able to translate back and forth between something very concrete and abstract, and approach mathematical concepts in a logical way.
- Four years of English. Why? So that you have competence in written communication (the ability to express yourself clearly in writing and in an organized way), and in oral communication, as teamwork and communicating ideas are important components of work in the computer science field. People who are able to express their ideas, concerns, and needs move up faster and faster in their careers.
What if I don’t have a solid math background?
You will have to do more “catch up” in college if you don’t have a solid math background and experience in the “hard” sciences. Some colleges offer summer “bridge” courses before you start college to hone your skills; or you may want to beef up your skills at a community college before tackling a four-year college. Remember that any remedial work you do in college you will pay for just as you do any class. It’s better to take challenging courses in high school so you’re ready for college-level work. Some students catch up on math and science classes at lower-cost community college courses either before they start a four-year program or at the same time.
Click here for a list of out-of-school programs for high school and middle school students that offer computer science, science, math, engineering, and related classes that you can take to supplement your in-school course work. Another good option is your local community college; check its website for course offerings and other information.
Many high school programs do offer computer science and software classes. By all means, take advantage of your high school’s offerings if they are available.
What’s Next…
Remember, an interest in and passion for computer science can also be an important pre-requisite. So don’t count yourself out if you don’t have all the math and science recommended above. Your experience and background in computer science is also worth a lot towards your ability to succeed in college. Talk to your teachers and counselors about your options.
[Public Universities] [Community Colleges] [Private Colleges]
Computer science education can take many different pathways. You may
- go straight into a computer science major a 4-year public or private university,
- start with general education, a technical certificate, or a two-year degree at a community college and transfer to a university,
- see a large computer science or engineering program as key so that you can specialize, or
- decide a smaller department setting is best for you.
Oregon’s Public 4-Year Universities: The Oregon University System
Each public Oregon university – Eastern Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Oregon, Southern Oregon University, and Western Oregon University – has basic courses as well as those unique to their campuses’ specialty areas. So you can decide which campus is the right fit for you based on course offerings, campus location, size, and other factors. General information and links on OUS campuses, academic programs, admissions, costs, financial aid, and transferring to OUS can be found on the Prospective Students website here.
The chart below compares the computer science degrees offered at each OUS institution. For more details on a specific campus, click on the campus name for a brief summary of their computer science programs, or click on the computer science program department link for all the details.
Comparison of Computer Science Degree Programs at |
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Campus |
Degree(s) Offered |
Program Features |
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Oregon Institute of Technology
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Oregon State University
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Portland State University
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Southern Oregon University
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University of Oregon
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Western Oregon University
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Oregon’s Community Colleges
Oregon’s 17 community colleges offer a wide arrange of computer science and technology certificate, degree, and transfer programs throughout the state. For more details on a specific campus, click on the department links for details on their computer science related programs. Information on tuition, costs, and financial aid at Oregon’s community colleges can also be found through the links in the chart below.
Comparison of Computer Science Degree Programs at |
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Campus |
Degree(s) Offered |
Blue Mountain Community College |
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Central Oregon Community College |
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Chemeketa Community College |
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Clackamas Community College |
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Columbia Gorge Community College |
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Klamath Community College |
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Lane Community College |
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Linn-Benton Community College |
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Mount Hood Community College |
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Portland Community College |
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Rogue Community College |
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Southwestern Oregon Community College |
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Tillamook Community College |
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Treasure Valley Community College |
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Umpqua Community College |
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Oregon’s Private Colleges and Universities
Oregon’s private college and universities offer a number of undergraduate programs to Oregon students. Click on the department link for the details. The chart below also includes links to tuition, costs, and financial aid information at these institutions.
Comparison of Computer Science Degree Programs at For Undergraduates |
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Campus |
Degree(s) Offered |
Corban College |
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George Fox University |
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Lewis & Clark College |
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Linfield College |
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Northwest Christian College |
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Oregon Graduate Institute (OHSU) |
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Oregon Health & Science University |
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Pacific University |
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University of Portland |
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Willamette University |
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Eastern Oregon University
The Computer Science/Multimedia Studies program offers depth in the structural, analytical, creative, and artistic mastery areas. Students choose one of three tracks: computer science, statistical/scientific computing, or multimedia studies. The core sequence acquaints students with the theories behind computer applications and prepares the ground for becoming creative problem-solvers and architects of new technology. This combined and avant-garde baccalaureate was designed to support rapidly changing and cross-disciplinary nature of computer technologies. This degree program also speaks loudly to the needs and demands of our regional students and adult and life-long learners. Also see: http://cs.eou.edu
Oregon Institute of Technology
The Computer Engineering Technology (CET) degree encompasses hardware and software aspects of both computer design and applications. Computer design emphasizes the structure of a computer and requires expertise in computational applications, digital design, microcomputer systems, and computer architectures. Computer applications emphasize the use of computer software in engineering and require both low-level and high-level programming techniques, the use of mathematical algorithms, and a general knowledge of computer operating systems. The Software Engineering Technology (SET) degree uses concepts developed in the theory of computing, together with sound engineering principles, to design and implement economical, reliable and maintainable software of all types. OIT provides the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering Technology and Software Engineering Technologies. Also see: http://www.cset.oit.edu
Oregon State University
OSU offers an innovative and flexible undergraduate Computer Science degree. Students choose from three different options: 1) computer systems, 2) information systems, and 3) applied computer science. We strive to give students an environment that fosters teamwork, hands-on projects, and creative learning experiences. Our goal is to provide a "playground for learning" where you can be creative while getting a quality education. EECS has embarked on a significant effort to reform the undergraduate program with the introduction of the platforms for learning® concept: a set of common, unifying objects or experience that weave together the various classes in a curriculum. By employing this common platform in each class, it illustrates the interrelationships and interdependencies of the classes. Also see: http://eecs.oregonstate.edu/undergraduate/
Portland State University
The computer science program prepares students for a professional career in the computing industry and for graduate school. The world-class faculty includes experts in Networking, High Performance Computing, Open Source Software Engineering, Hardware-Software Co-verification, Data Intensive Systems, Computer Security, and many other topics. The program is accredited by ABET (the major accreditation agency for engineering programs) and recognized by the National Security Agency. Seniors work in teams to carry out projects for industry and community partners during the two-term capstone course in software engineering. Internships are readily available in our industry-rich location; Portland State also participates in the industry-run MECOP internship program. Portland State offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a five year BS in Computer Science and MS in Biomedical Informatics, a Minor in Computer Science, and an Honors Program in Computer Science. Also see: http://www.cs.pdx.edu
Southern Oregon University
Our programs address principles of computer science as well as applied information technologies. Small class sizes, accessible faculty, and lab availability help computer science majors develop individual interests and participate in group projects. A student can earn a BA or BS in computer science in the following options: Computer information science (CIS); Computer programming and software (CPS); Computer security and information assurance (CSIA); and Computer science and multimedia (CMM). These programs can be completed in three years by students participating in our Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program. Also available: a Computer Science-Mathematics co-major (CSMA), a graduate degree in CS, and minors in computer science and applied multimedia. Also see: http://www.sou.edu/CS
University of Oregon
University of Oregon offers strong computer science and combined math and computer science degrees in a comprehensive research-oriented university. U of O is Oregon's sole member of the Association of American Universities, an association of 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada (other members include Harvard, UC Berkeley, and University of Washington). The computer science department emphasizes inter-disciplinary study and research, and offers multiple career-oriented tracks and an industrial internship program, as well as a strong foundation for graduate study. Undergraduate student involvement in research projects is encouraged, and many U of O computer science students continue to graduate school; some of our alumni are currently in the top Ph.D. programs in the country. Also see: http://www.cs.uoregon.edu
Western Oregon University
The BA/BS degrees in Computer Science at WOU integrate classroom theory with practical industry skills and lead to careers in business, industry, and government. The BA/BS degrees in Information Systems combine the strengths of the Division of Business and the Division of Computer Science with WOU’s expertise in the Liberal Arts creating a program whose graduates are technically proficient and who have excellent communication and management skills. WOU also offers a dual major in Mathematics and Computer Science, which is ideal for a student wishing to attend graduate school. These degrees all comply with the guide for Computing Curricula published jointly by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Also see: http://www.wou.edu/las/cs/
