One of the largest states east of the Mississippi River, Georgia's roots in rail and air transportation have made it a prosperous southern state. The city of Atlanta hosts headquarters and primary locations for several well-known technology companies, including Delta Airlines, Mailchimp, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and iMedX.
Georgia finds 7.8% of its workforce in the tech industry. This opens doors for computer science graduates seeking technology careers in the state. Some Georgia colleges and universities offer online computer science degree programs for flexible learning. Popular computer science careers in Georgia include computer information systems managers, web developers, and software developers.
The following data looks at educational opportunities for computer science graduates in Georgia. Use this page to determine if Georgia is the right place to start or continue your career.
Georgia at a Glance
- Population: 10,830,007
- Per Capita Income: $32,657
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 113
- % of Workforce in Tech: 7.8%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $56 billion
- Climate: — Average Annual Temperature: 63.5 ℉, Annual Precipitation: 50.7 inches
- Major Sports Teams: Atlanta Braves; Atlanta Falcons; Atlanta Dream; Atlanta Hawks
Considerations for a Computer Science Degree in Georgia
Many factors affect the college program selection process. The following data can help you decide whether Georgia is the right state for your computer science studies.
The first step toward selecting the right program is deciding what degree level to pursue. Keep in mind that there are different types of programs available, including in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats.
Computer Science Concentration Options
Students pursuing computer science degrees in Georgia may choose from a variety of concentrations. The following master's or bachelor's in computer science concentrations may particularly benefit students seeking computer science careers in Georgia.
One of the most popular computer science careers in Georgia, software developers design, program, and maintain computer systems and software. Students learn modern coding practices and languages, including HTML, CSS, and Python.
A database management concentration teaches database creation, maintenance, and implementation into a computer system. Students learn skills necessary for positions as database administrators and computer and information systems managers, two top computer science careers in Georgia.
A security concentration covers cyber threat prevention and detection, requiring learners to develop high-level problem-solving and analytical skills. This concentration suits students who want to become information security analysts or computer systems analysts, both in-demand tech careers in Georgia.
Why Go to College for Computer Science in Georgia?
Georgia's public universities and colleges host more than 450,000 students in on-campus and online programs. The school boasts a 54.5% 6-year graduation rate among undergraduate students.
Many Georgia schools are located in popular areas, such as Marietta, Athens, and Atlanta, which lead the state's tech industry. Learners can network with peers and faculty as they study, creating potential career opportunities with Georgia employers. Moreover, Georgia schools tend to charge below-average tuition rates.
Online learning allows out-of-state students to choose a school in the state where they would like to work and live. Distance learners make up 34.9% of Georgia's higher education students. Several computer science programs in the state offer online platforms, but some also mandate on-campus components. This makes it necessary for distance learners to consider proximity when choosing a school.
Education Statistics for Georgia
With more than 100 two-year and four-year colleges, Georgia offers plenty of options for students pursuing degrees in the state. The table below sums up what higher education looks like in Georgia.
Higher Education in Georgia
|
Georgia Data |
National Data |
| Number of Four-Year Colleges |
71 |
2,679 |
| Number of Two-Year Colleges |
42 |
1,303 |
| Percentage of Students Enrolled in Distance Education |
34.9% |
36.6% |
| Postsecondary Education Appropriations per Full-Time Student, 2019 |
$10,348 |
$8,636 |
| Percent of Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education, 2017 |
8.0% |
5.8% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree, 2019 |
7.8% |
8.5% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree, 2019 |
19.2% |
19.8% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher, 2019 |
12.1% |
12.4% |
Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey
Accreditation for Georgia Schools
Accreditation creates a golden standard for higher learning institutions. Accrediting bodies endorse colleges and universities with high-quality academics, faculty, and student bodies. Completing your master's, bachelor's, or associate in computer science at an accredited Georgia school may signal to employers that you are competent and qualified. Some employers also provide tuition reimbursement to graduates or enrollees of accredited programs.
Accrediting bodies can be regional or national. Regional accreditation comes from accrediting bodies that each govern a region of the United States. National accrediting bodies typically endorse institutions like vocational schools and technical colleges. Credits earned at regionally accredited schools may transfer more easily than those from nationally accredited institutions, and regional accreditation is often considered more prestigious.
Completing your master's, bachelor's, or associate in computer science at an accredited Georgia school may signal to employers that you are competent and qualified.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) provides regional accreditation for Georgia schools. SACSCOC looks for continuous improvement, accountability, and transparency in its members. Some subject-specific accrediting bodies endorse computer science programs in Georgia as well. These include ABET and the Computing Accreditation Commission.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Paying for Your Computer Science Degree
Georgia typically charges below-average tuition rates, but college is still costly. Learners may consider financial aid in the form of loans, scholarships, fellowships, work-study programs, and grants. Follow the link below to learn more about your financial aid options.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Out-of-state tuition is typically more expensive than in-state tuition, which remains true for Georgia's higher learning institutions. Online students who live outside the state usually pay out-of-state tuition rates.
However, as a member of the Academic Common Market (ACM), Georgia offers in-state tuition for eligible residents of 14 other ACM states. These include Oklahoma, Alabama, and Texas. To apply for ACM tuition, students must select an eligible program from a participating institution, complete the admissions process for that institution, and be a certified resident of their state.
Georgia's Cost of Living
The cost of living in the state in which you attend school directly affects your education budget. In addition to tuition, students must consider housing, utility, and grocery expenses, all of which contribute to a state's overall cost of living. World Population Review scores Georgia an 89.2 on its cost of living index, with the national average score being 100. This means Georgia has a lower cost of living than the national average.
Selecting Your Computer Science Program
Choosing the right computer science program in any state depends on several factors, including tuition, academic quality, student organizations and activities, overall campus life, and alumni opportunities. Computer science program rankings, like those listed below, can be helpful starting points as you search for the right program.
Explore our rankings for the best computer science programs:
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in Georgia
The computer science industry continues to expand across the U.S. with continued implementation of digital products and services. As a national leader in the technology sector, Georgia also offers ample opportunities for computer science graduates. The state ranks 18th in the country for tech employment, with more than 57,800 professionals working in programming, quality assurance, and software and web development jobs alone.
With an online computer science degree in Georgia, graduates can work in transportation, healthcare, or financial services, among other industries. Well-known domestic and international companies, including Port City Logistics, UPS, and Zaxby's, maintain primary locations in Georgia cities such as Athens, Marietta, Atlanta, and Savannah.
The data below covers some of Georgia's top careers for computer science degree-holders, including salary data, job growth projections, and employment trends.
Select Computer Science Careers in Georgia
Computer systems analysts diagnose and troubleshoot computer databases and systems to create more efficient computing systems for businesses and institutions. Computer systems analyst positions typically require a bachelor's degree. Georgia technology companies rely on these professionals to keep their digital databases and systems running smoothly.
Salary for Computer Systems Analyst in GA: $93,570
Job Outlook in GA: +10.5%
A computer and information systems manager is a popular career for graduates of a bachelor's in computer science program in Georgia. This role oversees computer and technology efforts within an organization, analyzing current practices and creating new systems to improve productivity and efficiency. Georgia businesses with a dedicated IT department generally employ computer and information systems managers.
Salary for Computer and Information Systems Managers in GA: $148,760
Job Outlook in GA: +14.2%
Software developers plan, design, implement, and test software and apps for a variety of uses. Software developers typically work on each aspect of software development, from inception to final testing. Although some software developers contract with multiple companies, tech-focused Georgia businesses often have in-house software developers to oversee continuous software projects.
Salary for Software Developers in GA: $103,830
Job Outlook in GA: +26.2%
Computer Science Employers in Georgia
Delta Airlines
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Delta Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the nation, with connecting flights to more than 50 countries. The company employs more than 75,000 people in various positions, some of which require computer science experience. Graduates can seek career opportunities as an AI engineer, software engineer, or full stack developer to keep Delta Airlines' digital systems secure and efficient.
The Home Depot
The Home Depot helps customers with their home improvement needs, from new appliances to construction supplies for renovations. With more than 2,200 locations, The Home Depot requires spot-on technology to meet customer and supply chain needs. The company employs software, cybersecurity, and systems engineers, as well as UX designers and senior analysts.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Although the company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics offers several opportunities in Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding areas. Lockheed Martin puts advanced technology systems at the forefront of everything the company creates, from aircraft technology to defense systems. Front-end web developers, software engineers, and lead systems engineers are a few available careers with the company.
Georgia Employment Trends
Computer Programmers
|
Georgia |
National |
| 2018 Employment |
5,280 |
250,300 |
| 2028 Projected Employment |
4,840 |
232,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 |
-8.3% |
-7.2% |
Computer and Information Systems Managers
|
Georgia |
National |
| 2018 Employment |
13,330 |
414,400 |
| 2028 Projected Employment |
15,220 |
461,100 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 |
+14.2% |
+11.3% |
Web Developers
|
Georgia |
National |
| 2018 Employment |
3,670 |
160,500 |
| 2028 Projected Employment |
4,100 |
181,400 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 |
+11.7% |
+13% |
Source: Projections Central
Georgia Employment Data by Career
- Web Developers: 3,600
- Network & Computer Systems Administrators: 8,440
- Computer Programmers: 4,280
- Database Administrators: 5,460
- Computer Systems Analysts: 18,210
- Information Security Analysts: 4,850
- Software Developers: 47,770
- Computer Hardware Engineers: 1,920
- Computer and Information Research Scientists: 720
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: 14,990
Software developers hold more than 47,000 positions in Georgia, while computer and information research scientists hold just over 700 jobs. Similarly, some professions, such as web developers and computer and information systems managers, expect much faster growth than others, like computer programmers.
Georgia employment and salary projections for computer science careers mostly align with national averages. This data gives workers a good idea of what to expect from their chosen career in Georgia. Currently, computer and information systems managers and computer hardware engineers earn among the highest average annual salaries in the state for computer science careers.
Curious About Other Computer Science Jobs? Explore More Here.
Professional Computer Science Organizations in Georgia
Since its founding in 1947, ACM has grown into the largest computing society of its kind. Members benefit from a digital learning center and library, exclusive discounts, event invitations, a job center, and a network of more than 100,000 other computer science professionals.
IEEE Computer Society provides research, digital media resources, and opportunities for computer science professionals of all career types and levels. The organization consists of communities and chapters for like-minded professionals to network and share resources.
CPSR focuses on modern social issues surrounding computer systems, including civil liberties, voting technology, and intellectual property. Members may participate in exclusive events and projects and receive affordable health coverage through a partner network.
AIS welcomes computer science professionals in its effort to expand the study of information systems. Members gain access to a research library, conferences and events, industry news, and networking and career advancement opportunities.
Top Computer Science Programs in Georgia
The following list of computer science programs in Georgia highlights the top five options for students interested in technology careers. Follow the link below to learn how we rank programs.
#1 Computer Science Programs in Georgia
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Athens, UGA has educated students for more than 235 years. The university provides opportunities for students from rural areas and supports projects that promote diversity in STEM fields.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
UGA's bachelor of science in computer science emphasizes mathematical reasoning and computing technologies' design principles. The 120-credit curriculum features foundational courses and major classes. Learners explore application design and systems design. Coursework also explores computing, ethics, and society.
Learners select electives and team-based courses. Students also take emphasis courses in eight categories, including applied data science, artificial intelligence, software design, and cybersecurity.
Computer science degree-seekers can participate in UGA's undergraduate assistant program. Participants gain practical experience as paid peer learning assistants or undergraduate teaching assistants.
Applying to UGA
Applicants declare their intent to major in computer science. Application materials include transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. Admission to the computer science major requires computer science and math prerequisites.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: ABET, SACSCOC
- Tuition: $2,909-$14,415/semester (depending on residency status and course load)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 32%
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Computer Science Programs in Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Atlanta, Georgia Tech opened in 1888 as a trade school. In 1948, the school began focusing on advanced scientific and technological research.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Georgia Tech's BS in computer science program emphasizes programming fundamentals and computational theory. Enrollees can follow a four-year or five-year plan. The latter combines academics with industry experience.
Required coursework includes wellness and general education classes in the humanities and sciences. Degree-seekers study math and statistics and computer science ethics, and they complete a design project.
The 124-credit program features eight threads, which serve as curricular pathways. Students choose two threads from options including computing and devices, computing and intelligence, and computing and people.
Applying to Georgia Tech
Prospective students submit the Common App, which features short-answer questions and requires personal essays. Georgia Tech evaluates applicants based on their academic preparation, prerequisites, standardized test scores, and community contributions.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: ABET, SACSCOC
- Tuition: $10,258/year (in-state), $31,370/year (out-of-state)
- Program Length: 4-5 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 24%
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Computer Science Programs in Georgia
Emory University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 years
- Campus
Founded in 1836 as a small Methodist school, Emory now enrolls more than 13,000 students. The university moved to its current 600-acre Atlanta site in 1915. Emory designated half of its campus as protected green space.
Bachelor of Arts or Science in Computer Science
Emory offers three computer science bachelor's degrees: a BA in computer science, a BS in computer science, and a BS in mathematics and computer science.
The computer science BA explores artificial intelligence, computational linguistics, database systems, and machine learning. The BS in computer science prepares learners for advanced positions through coursework in computer theory and physical sciences. The combined mathematics and computer science BS provides a foundation for interdisciplinary graduate studies.
Each degree requires core courses in calculus, computer science foundations, and systems programming. Learners also complete a computer science practicum.
Applying to Emory
The undergraduate admissions committee prefers applicants who have completed challenging academic preparation. Applicants submit recommendation letters, personal statements, essays, and examples of community contributions. Candidates apply online with the Common App or the Coalition Application.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Tuition: $54,660 per year
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 30%
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Computer Science Programs in Georgia
Morehouse College
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 years
- Campus
Atlanta-based Morehouse was established in 1867 to provide higher education to Black men. Morehouse enrolls about 2,200 learners across seven academic divisions.
Computer Science Major
Morehouse offers a computer science program that prepares students for graduate studies and careers in the field. The liberal arts program emphasizes the relationships between computer science and other fields, allowing students to combine their interests.
Enrollees complete 33-48 credit hours, including general education coursework. The curriculum includes 65 major credit hours. Coursework explores computer programming, data structures and algorithms, and software engineering. Learners choose a three-course sequence comprising classes in biology, electricity and magnetism, elementary inorganic chemistry, and mechanics.
Applying to Morehouse
Applicants submit the school's application or the Common App, high school transcripts, a high school evaluation form, and SAT or ACT scores. Applicants also provide letters of recommendation from a guidance counselor and a teacher.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Tuition: $27,038 per year
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 66%
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Computer Science Programs in Georgia
Georgia College & State University
- Milledgeville, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Milledgeville, Georgia College is a public liberal arts university. The institution enrolls about 6,600 students through four colleges. Chartered as a women's college in 1889, the school became coeducational in 1967.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Georgia College's business school delivers a bachelor of science in computer science program emphasizing industry preparation. Enrollees can access career services and networking opportunities. The skills-based curriculum explores bioinformatics, computer graphics, computer networking, computer security, digital forensics, and robotics.
Enrollees can concentrate on data science or information technology. Georgia College offers an internship program. Students with a minimum 3.4 GPA and requisite coursework can attend classes at Georgia Tech during the fall semester of their senior year.
Degree-seekers learn to design and implement software, develop new approaches to using computers, and solve computer problems.
Applying to Georgia College
The school accepts the GAfutures application and the Common App. Applicants submit transcripts, two essay responses, and ACT or SAT scores. Prospective students must have completed coursework in English, math, science, and language or computer science.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: ABET, SACSCOC
- Tuition: $2,222-$13,344/semester (depending on residency status and course load)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 42%
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently Asked Questions
Is computer science a good major in Georgia?
Yes. Computer science careers are widely available in many parts of the country, including Georgia. A computer science major offers numerous career options that are in demand in Georgia, such as software developer and computer systems analyst
What is the best field in computer science in Georgia?
Computer and information systems managers have an excellent job outlook in Georgia, with 14.2% projected growth over the next few years. Software developers are also in high demand in Georgia and can expect a 26.2% job growth in the state from 2018-2028.
What computer science jobs are there in Georgia?
Several computer science jobs are plentiful in Georgia, including computer and information systems managers, web developers, software developers, and computer systems analysts. Salaries for many computer science jobs in Georgia are similar to national averages.
Does Georgia have online computer science programs?
Yes. Some colleges and universities in Georgia offer online computer science undergraduate and graduate programs with fully online or hybrid schedules. Top options include the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Georgia.
