Computer Science Programs in Texas
Updated April 22, 2024
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Sometimes called the "Tech Hub of the South," Texas is home to innovative digital companies like Apple, WiPro, and Dell Technologies. Over 17,600 Texas technology firms employ more than 203,700 workers. Austin, the state's capital, can claim the nation's best migration rate for tech workers.
As a result, Texas is a top state for studying computer science. Computer information researchers, programmers, and database architects are some of the Lone Star State's most popular careers. CompTIA also projects high job growth in cybersecurity, cloud engineers, and emerging tech leaders.
Texas colleges and universities help to prepare leading computer science experts to fill these roles. Use the following guide to learn more about earning a computer science degree in Texas.
Texas at a Glance
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 225
- Percentage of Workforce in Tech: 6.4%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $160 billion
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations, 2022: $105,070
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Popular Online Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Get a Computer Science Degree in Texas?
Earning a computer science degree in Texas can offer many potential benefits. The state features computer science programs at various degree levels across the state, including in central Texas, Dallas, and Houston.
If you stay in the state after graduation, you can benefit from local connections that may lead to job opportunities. You can also enjoy Texas's lower-than-average cost of living and higher-than-average tech wages. Cyberstates' report indicates that tech workers in the state earn 126% higher salaries than median national wages as of 2024.
| Higher Education Statistics | Texas Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 136 | 2,522 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 89 | 1,257 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 54.8% | 53% |
Sources: NCES
As the second-most populous state, Texas has more than 200 higher learning institutions, including community colleges and research universities. Many Texas students learn online, possibly due to the state's large rural population.
Accreditation for Texas Schools
Accreditation is a third-party process that affirms schools' academic excellence. Institutional accreditation is crucial for receiving federal financial aid, transferring credits to other institutions, and entering graduate school. Look for accredited schools using the Council for Higher Education Accreditation's databases and directories.
Some programs that offer computer science degrees in Texas hold separate programmatic accreditation from agencies like ABET. ABET accreditation indicates that a computer science program meets quality standards and can prepare students for careers in the field.
Although not an industry requirement for computer science professionals, an ABET-accredited program can help you stand out in the job market, qualify for professional certifications, and pursue advanced degrees.
Considerations for a Computer Science Degree in Texas
Applicants should consider many factors to find the right college and computer science program in Texas. Prospective students must consider whether a school offers their desired degree level, concentration, and delivery format.
Undergraduate vs. Graduate Programs
Texas schools offer undergraduate (associate and bachelor's) and graduate (master's and doctoral) computer science programs. Many computer science jobs require a bachelor's degree at minimum, which usually takes four years of full-time study. Associate programs usually take two years and prepare students for entry-level roles as computer support specialists.
Master's and doctoral programs build on foundational computer science knowledge and let learners develop expertise by specializing their studies. Graduate programs can help you qualify for advanced career opportunities, which often come with higher salaries.
Computer Science Concentration Options
Students who earn computer science degrees in Texas can pursue various concentrations, but the following specializations may especially help learners prepare for popular careers in the state.
IT Management
An IT management concentration focuses on data management and organization. IT management is relevant for Texas computer science career fields like computer systems management and network systems administration.
Software Development
A software development concentration prepares learners to work as software developers, one of the most popular computer science jobs in Texas. Students learn to design and create software.
Data Science
A data science specialization can prepare you to work as a data scientist. Projections Central estimates data scientist employment in Texas to grow by 49.6% from 2020-2030. Topics include data mining, data analysis, and data visualization.
On-Campus vs. Online Programs
In addition to on-campus programs, multiple Texas schools offer online computer science degrees. Some schools offer hybrid programs, which combine online and in-person learning components like distance learning coursework and on-campus residencies.
According to 2021 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, students in Texas participate in distance education at about the same rates as the national average.
Paying for Your Computer Science Degree in Texas
Earning your degree in Texas can be a costly investment. Typically, in-state tuition at public institutions is the most affordable option for pursuing a computer science program.
Out-of-state students may qualify for tuition discounts through reciprocity programs like the Bordering States Waiver. This agreement lets learners from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma pay reduced nonresident tuition at several public universities in Texas.
Online programs may also charge lower tuition rates — some schools even extend in-state tuition to all learners, regardless of their state residency.
Financing options for computer science degrees in Texas include scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Many students also take out loans to help pay for their education.
Schools With Computer Science Degrees in Texas
- American InterContinental University
- Angelo State University
- Austin College
- Austin Community College District
- Collin County Community College District
- Hallmark University
- Houston Christian University
- Huston-Tillotson University
- Lamar University
- LeTourneau University
- Lone Star College System
- McMurry University
- Midwestern State University
- North American University
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- Parker University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- St. Edward's University
- Sam Houston State University
- Schreiner University
- South Texas College
- South University-Austin
- Southern Methodist University
- Southwestern Adventist University
- Southwestern University
- St. Mary's University
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Sul Ross State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University System
- Texas Christian University
- Texas College
- Texas Lutheran University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Wesleyan University
- Trinity University
- University of Houston System
- University of North Texas
- University of St Thomas
- University of Texas System
- University of the Incarnate Word
- West Texas A&M University
Explore Our Rankings for the Best Computer Science Programs
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in Texas
Texas' growing tech sector offers many career opportunities for computer science graduates, especially in Austin. Cyberstates reports the tech industry generated a $159 billion economic impact on the Texas economy in 2022. Leading tech industry sectors in the state include IT and custom software services, telecommunications and internet services, and tech manufacturing.
Learn more about what you can do with a computer science degree in Texas and explore some of the state's most promising career paths below.
Select Computer Science Careers in Texas
Computer User Support Specialists
These specialists help computer users with technical issues. Job tasks include setting up computer equipment, troubleshooting, and training people to use new software. Education requirements for computer user support specialists vary, with some roles requiring an associate degree and others requiring only a high school diploma.
Annual Mean Wage in Texas, May 2023: $55,990
Video Game Designers
Video game designers develop games for computers and consoles. They write code, develop plots, and fix bugs. Some employers require video game designers to hold bachelor's degrees.
Annual Mean Wage in Texas, May 2023: $105,320
Database Administrators
Database administrators oversee systems that hold important data. Employers typically seek candidates with bachelor's degrees. They design databases, back up data, and change database structures.
Annual Mean Wage in Texas, May 2023: $100,490
Computer Science Employers in Texas
Hewlett Packard Enterprises: Headquartered in Spring, Texas, Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) is a multinational information technology corporation. A 2022 Fortune article named HPE one of the best workplaces in Texas. HPE hires various computer science professionals, including software engineers, IT project managers, and cloud engineering managers.
Dell Technologies: Originally founded in 1984, Dell Technologies has grown to become one of the world's top enterprise IT companies. Consequently, the company offers a host of computer science jobs.
Texas Instruments, Inc.: Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and founded in 1930, Texas Instruments is a Fortune 500 company and a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. In 2022, the company generated over $20 billion in revenue. Texas Instruments hires various computer science professionals, including hardware and software engineers.
Texas Employment Trends
Please note that Projections Central forecasts in decades. These figures reflect the most recent data from Projections Central.
| Year | State | National | Computer Network Architects |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Employment | 14,510 | 180,200 (2023) |
| Projected Employment, 2030 | 17,040 | 186,600 (2023) |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +17% | +4% (2022-2032) | Penetration Testers |
| 2020 Employment | 31,120 | 449,400 (2023) |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 37,480 | 493,100 (2023) |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-30 | +20% | +10% (2022-2032) | Computer Hardware Engineers |
| 2020 Employment | 4,470 | 78,100 (2023) |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 5,090 | 81,600 (2023) |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +14% | +5% (2022-2032) |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Texas Employment | Texas Annual Mean Wage | National Annual Average Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developers | 6,130 | $98,090 | $95,570 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 33,700 | $97,380 | $100,580 |
| Computer Programmers | 7,530 | $100,470 | $107,750 |
| Database Administrators | 6,900 | $100,490 | $104,810 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 50,680 | $115,240 | $110,800 |
| Information Security Analysts | 14,870 | $119,480 | $124,740 |
| Software Developers | 138,510 | $125,890 | $138,110 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 3,590 | $119,260 | $147,770 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 1,580 | $139,340 | $157,160 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 62,620 | $169,900 | $180,720 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Graduates who remain in Texas after graduation can qualify for tech jobs in the state, including computer and information systems manager, software developer, and computer systems analyst.
The highest-paying computer science jobs in Texas include computer and information systems managers, computer and information research scientists, and computer hardware engineers.
Computer Science Organizations in Texas
Austin Technology Council
Formed in 1992, this is the largest tech industry organization in central Texas. Its mission includes supporting member businesses, encouraging networking, and advocating for the industry.
Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications
TASSCC includes Texas state agencies, companies, and higher education institutions working together to advance the information technology profession.
Computer Science for Texas
CS4TX is an organization that advocates for access to computer science education in Texas. It includes parents, business leaders, and teachers.
FAQ About Computer Science Degrees in Texas
Is computer science a good major in Texas?
Computer science can be an excellent major in Texas, where, according to research from CompTIA, technology contributes $160 billion to the state's economy and employs 6.4% of its workforce. The BLS projects an average wage for computer and math professionals in Texas of $105,070.
What computer science jobs are there in Texas?
Fast-growing computer science jobs in Texas include computer and information research scientist, computer and information systems manager, and computer user support specialist. Other popular computer science jobs in the state include network and computer systems administrator, software developer, and computer systems analyst.
Does Texas have online computer science degree programs?
Students looking for an online computer science degree in Texas have multiple options. For example, Texas A&M University-Central Texas and the University of Texas at Austin offer online computer science programs. You can also enroll in out-of-state online computer science programs while living in Texas.
Where can I study computer science in Texas?
You can study computer science at public schools in Texas like the University of Texas at Austin or Texas State University. Private institutions like Baylor University, St. Edward's University, and Texas Lutheran University also offer computer science degrees.
Page Last Reviewed June 13, 2023.
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