Computer Science Programs in Connecticut
Updated November 9, 2023
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Major industries, including financial services, media, healthcare and bioscience, and advanced manufacturing, have long anchored Connecticut's economy. Tech professionals in the state enjoy many opportunities as these sectors continue to embrace innovation.
According to CompTIA, Connecticut also hosts a fast-growing technology industry that includes more than 95,000 jobs, with tech employment accounting for a healthy 5.4% of all employment in the state. Investing in technology education can foster a stable and growing network of well-paid employment opportunities.
Connecticut computer science programs occur at every level, including bootcamps, undergraduate degrees, and graduate programs. Learn more about the state's tech education and employment opportunities with this data-rich, state-specific research guide.
Connecticut at a Glance
- Number of Public Higher Learning Institutions: 18
- % of Workforce in Tech: 5.4%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $19 billion
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $104,080
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Computer Science in Connecticut?
Connecticut's extensive higher education network offers computer science students many available programs. Beyond traditional campus-based degrees, Connecticut-based learners can participate in distance learning and hybrid programs. Independent and college-affiliated bootcamps are also increasingly prevalent throughout the state.
The Constitution State's proximity to Boston and New York — two of the Northeast region's largest and most vital economic centers — allows for easy travel to internships and networking opportunities.
Meanwhile, Connecticut continues to build a thriving domestic technology industry. In 2023, Connecticut ranked 19th in the United States for the percentage of its workforce in technology occupations. In the 2023 edition of its annual Cyberstates index, CompTIA also tracked more than 45,000 tech job postings in Connecticut. That year, median tech wages in Connecticut far outpaced national median wages for all industries.
Education Statistics for Connecticut
| Higher Education Statistics | Connecticut Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 25 | 2,520 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 12 | 1,216 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 49.6% | 59% |
Sources: NCES
Connecticut hosts an extensive college network, considering its relatively small population of approximately 3.63 million. Learners can choose from 37 degree-granting institutions of various sizes in the state.
Many Connecticut computer science schools offer hybrid and 100% online programs. However, the state's distance education engagement rates fall below the national average. This data suggests the state's traditional campus-based learning experience offers strong opportunities.
Accreditation for Connecticut Schools
Institutional accreditation indicates that a reputable independent agency has evaluated a school to ensure that it meets acceptable academic standards. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) has historically served as the primary accrediting body of Connecticut colleges.
However, the U.S. higher education accreditation system has recently changed. Under the new system, any accreditor recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED) can provide school-wide accreditation. Students should only consider attending schools accredited by CHEA or ED-recognized agencies.
Learners can also look for schools and programs with programmatic accreditation. These specialized endorsements signal elevated program quality.
Widely recognized programmatic technology accreditations and endorsements come from providers like ABET and the National Centers of Academic Excellence (NCAE). NCAE endorsements extend specifically to cybersecurity education and are backed by the National Security Agency.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Considerations for a Computer Science Degree in Connecticut
Students should consider many factors while evaluating Connecticut computer science schools and programs. These typically include quantitative metrics such as tuition costs and post-graduation placement rates. They also cover more personal factors, such as:
- Available degree specializations or concentrations
- Supported learning formats (on-campus, online, or hybrid)
- The school or program's diversity profile
- Financial aid availability
- Networking opportunities and career services
The information in the following tables and subsections can help you determine whether Connecticut's computer science study opportunities match your budget, preferences, and career-building needs.
Computer Science Concentration Options
Learners studying computer science in Connecticut can choose generalist or specialized programs. Specialized programs feature concentrations that focus on particular computer science subtopics.
Higher learning institutions offer many different computer science concentrations. The following three examples are particularly relevant to the Connecticut tech job market:
Information Technology
IT degrees focus on data storage, retrieval, management, and security — usually on an organizational level. Completing this versatile specialization allows graduates to pursue several careers in computer and information systems management. Projections Central anticipates strong growth for information management careers from 2020-2030.
Cybersecurity
Many of Connecticut's leading industries have advanced cybersecurity needs. Examples include financial services, biotechnology, and healthcare. Cybersecurity degrees provide advanced training in device, system, and network protection.
Software Engineering
Projections Central anticipates a 27.6% job growth rate for software development careers in Connecticut from 2020-2030. Software engineer schooling and similar concentrations offer an ideal way to train for these appealing opportunities.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Paying for Your Computer Science Degree
Connecticut hosts an excellent higher education network. However, as the table below indicates, students in the state typically face higher-than-average costs. Learners in need of financial assistance should first attempt to secure non-repayable sources of aid, such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
Online learning can also reduce costs, and its flexibility makes it easier for students to work while studying. As a last resort, consider federal or private loans, which require repayment with interest.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Students attending public colleges outside their home states typically pay higher tuition fees. Reciprocity agreements offer a measure of relief: These compacts extend in-state rates to students hailing from qualified external jurisdictions.
The New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) maintains a tuition reciprocity program. Known as the NEBHE Tuition Break, the program allows residents of other New England states to qualify for in-state tuition at Connecticut colleges.
Connecticut's Cost of Living
Local living costs have a major impact on student budgets, particularly for learners in traditional campus-based programs. Connecticut computer science students should plan carefully, as the state's living costs are significantly higher than the national average.
The cost of living index uses 100 as a baseline to analyze the cost of basic necessities in a specific state. As of Sept. 2023, Connecticut's cost of living index score is 113.1, indicating that prices for food, shelter, clothes, and other necessities in Connecticut are 13.1% higher than the U.S. national average.
Schools With Computer Science Degrees in Connecticut
Associate Degrees
- Connecticut State Community College–Middlesex
- Connecticut State Community College–Quinebaug Valley
- Connecticut State Community College–Three Rivers
- Manchester Community College
- Three Rivers Community College
Bachelor's Degrees
- Central Connecticut State University
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Quinnipiac University
- Sacred Heart University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Trinity College
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Connecticut
- University of Hartford
- University of New Haven
- Western Connecticut State University
- Yale University
Master's Degrees
- Central Connecticut State University
- Quinnipiac University
- Sacred Heart University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- University of Connecticut
- University of Hartford
- Yale University
Doctorate Degrees
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in Connecticut
Employers throughout the United States continue to experience strong demand for qualified technology professionals. The trend extends to Connecticut and its developing tech industry, which had more than 45,000 technology job postings in 2023. According to CompTIA, Connecticut ranked 19th in the United States in 2023, with 5.4% of its labor force working in tech.
Multiple major Connecticut employment sectors handle large volumes of sensitive information while adapting to technological change. Sectors such as education and health services, financial services, government, and manufacturing have an ongoing need for skilled tech professionals to manage these efforts.
The subsections below explore Connecticut computer science employment trends and options in greater detail. Use the accompanying data to inform your school, program, and career-planning research.
Select Computer Science Careers in Connecticut
Software Developer
Software development professionals participate in the creation and development of computer applications for mobile and desktop systems. While some hold general computer science degrees, they increasingly opt for concentrated software development programs.
Computer Network Architect
These professionals lead the design and creation of networked systems for organizations, along with implementing cloud computing solutions and other security technologies. They typically hold bachelor's degrees in computer science or information technology and ascend into the role after accruing network and system administration experience.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts audit organizational computing networks, seeking to identify areas for performance and security improvement. Most people entering the profession hold bachelor's degrees in computer science, information technology, or other relevant subjects.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Computer Science Employers in Connecticut
Harman International: This Samsung company designs and manufactures connected products. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Harman International specializes in enterprise automation, audio-visual systems, and connected devices for the automotive industry. The company self-reports its global workforce at approximately 30,000 people globally.
SS&C Technologies: Based in Windsor, Connecticut, SS&C Technologies focuses on the investment operations industry. The company develops and provides technological solutions to its industry partners. According to the company, businesses manage more than $45 trillion in assets with SS&C Technologies solutions.
Charter Communications: Stamford-based Charter Communications provides cable and broadband internet services to more than 32 million people across 41 states. As of Sept. 2023, the company reports that almost 500 million unique devices connect to its networked technologies.
Connecticut Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 2,300 | 185,700 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 2,130 | 167,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | -7.4% | -9.9% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 9,820 | 482,000 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 10,900 | 534,600 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +11.0% | +10.9% |
| Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 1,910 | 199,400 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 2,160 | 224,900 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +13.1% | +12.8% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Connecticut Employment | Connecticut Annual Mean Wage | National Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developers | 710 | $92,850 | $87,580 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 1,880 | $106,030 | $97,160 |
| Computer Programmers | 2,490 | $93,320 | $102,790 |
| Database Administrators | 890 | $114,910 | $102,530 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 6,430 | $106,300 | $107,530 |
| Information Security Analysts | 1,450 | $123,310 | $119,860 |
| Software Developers | 16,200 | $120,180 | $132,930 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 640 | $131,760 | $140,830 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 60 | $125,9100 | $155,880 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 9,750 | $155,830 | $173,670 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Connecticut computer science students seeking entry to stable, in-demand career paths may want to prioritize software development and IT management roles. Based on job numbers, these career paths rank among the leading technology specializations in Connecticut.
Like many other states, Connecticut appears poised to post strong demand for information security analysts from 2020-2030. Projections Central anticipates that labor market demand for this well-paid role will rise by nearly 23% in this period.
To maximize opportunities for professional development and networking, consider joining a professional organization. These associations offer member benefits such as access to discounts, workshops, and conferences. The following list includes a few professional computer science organizations in Connecticut.
Professional Computer Science Organizations in Connecticut
ISSA Connecticut
The Information Systems Security Association's Connecticut chapter focuses on professional development and career-oriented networking. ISSA-CT also links Connecticut-based professionals with the parent organization's national presence, including informative conferences and special events throughout the country.
CT Tech Council
Established in 1994, the CT Tech Council aims to represent and grow Connecticut's technology industry within the state's overall economy. It engages companies, public officials, and tech professionals to advance its objectives. As of Sept. 2023, more than 70 Connecticut companies hold membership.
Association for Computing Machinery
ACM supports technology education, professional networking, and career development. This organization operates a student chapter in partnership with the University of Connecticut. Learners can engage year-round with student-led workshops, projects, and activities.
FAQ About Computer Science Degrees in Connecticut
Is computer science a good major in Connecticut?
Yes — Connecticut has a growing need for computer science and technology professionals. Beyond technology, Connecticut hosts many major industries with technology and information security needs, including financial services, education, and healthcare.
What computer science jobs are there in Connecticut?
BLS data from May 2022 identifies software developers, computer and information systems managers, and computer systems analysts as Connecticut's leading computer science and technology jobs. These careers also posted average salaries of more than $100,000 per year. Connecticut computer science professionals can also thrive in other specialized roles.
Does Connecticut have online computer science programs?
Yes — Connecticut computer science schools offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Online learners can also pursue non-degree and diploma programs at select Connecticut institutions.
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