Which Computer Science Schools Are in the Chicago, IL Area?

Learn about computer science schools in the Chicago area. See degree and specialization options, program requirements and courses, and get career and salary info for the region. Schools offering Computer Science degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Career Info for Computer Science Professionals in Chicago, Illinois

Earning a computer science degree can qualify you for a variety of positions in network administration, software development and systems analysis. While many careers are obtainable with a bachelor's or master's degree, college-level computer science teachers typically need a doctorate.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted favorable job prospects for various computer occupations from 2010-2020 throughout the nation. For example, the number of network administrators was expected to increase 28% during that decade, while jobs for systems software developers were projected to grow 32%. The number of postsecondary computer science teaching positions was expected to increase 17% from 2010-2020, which is about as fast as average.

According to the BLS, there were about 9,000 network administrators in the Chicago area who earned an average salary of roughly $78,000 as of 2011. During that time, there were approximately 12,000 systems software developers in the same area who made about $92,000 per year. Roughly 800 postsecondary computer science teachers worked in the greater Chicago area as of 2011, and they earned an average salary of $64,000.

Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Chicago

Chicago State University

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Specialization Areas: Database and software engineering, communications and networks
  • Program Length: 4 years (full-time)
  • Tuition: $277 per credit hour for on-campus residents; $552 per credit hour for on-campus non-Illinois residents; $302 per credit hour for off-campus Illinois residents; $577 per credit hour for off-campus non-Illinois residents (as of Fall 2011)
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, completion of two C++ courses with a 2.0 or higher GPA
  • Requirements: Subject placement tests, SAT or ACT
  • School Type: 4-year, public; 5,700 undergraduates
  • Address: 9501 South King Dr., Chicago, IL 60628
  • Phone: 773-995-2102

Chicago State University is a public school with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and around 5,700 undergraduate students. Its bachelor's program in computer science covers C++ programming, Unix, assembly language, data structures, networking and databases; you can also take classes in natural science and advanced mathematics. While the database and software engineering specialization offers courses in data processing, systems analysis and object-oriented programming, the communications and networks specialization has courses in network security, network administration and TCP/IP internetworking. If you want to gain work experience during the program, you can pursue a computer science internship for elective credit.

Northeastern Illinois University

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Specialization Areas: Computer science, technical programming, computer security, information technology
  • Program Length: 4 years (full-time)
  • Tuition: $275 per unit for residents; $550 per unit for non-residents (from Fall 2011 to Summer 2012)
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
  • Requirements: SAT or ACT for students under 21
  • School Type: 4-year, public; 9,500 undergraduates
  • Address: 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
  • Phone: 773-442-4720

You can choose from four different concentrations in Northeastern Illinois University's computer science bachelor's program. If you'd like to eventually pursue a graduate degree, consider the computer science specialization; the other concentrations can prepare you for employment in programming, security, web development or networking roles. All students take courses in programming, operating systems, data structures and software engineering to meet core requirements. You may complete an internship and independent study project for elective credit.

Northwestern University

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
  • Program Length: 4 years (full-time)
  • Tuition: $13,864 per quarter (as of 2011-2012 school year, excluding Summer)
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
  • Requirements: ACT or SAT, letters of recommendation
  • School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; 9,500 undergraduates
  • Address: Technological Institute, 2145 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60208
  • Phone: 847-491-5410

Northwestern University in Evanston offers two programs in computer science designed to prepare you for a career in software and computers. While the BS program gives you an engineering background with several high-level math and science courses, the BA program provides a background in liberal arts courses. You can expect to take core classes in data structures, programming, computer systems and discrete mathematics; specializations are available in systems, theory, interfaces, artificial intelligence and security. Before you graduate, there is a project requirement that includes two quarters of special courses or independent study projects.

Computer Science Master's Programs in Chicago

Northeastern Illinois University

  • Program Name: Master of Science in Computer Science
  • Specialization Areas: Management information systems, computer science
  • Program Length: 2 years (full-time)
  • Tuition: $275 per unit for residents; $550 per unit for non-residents (from Fall 2011 to Summer 2012)
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree with at least a 2.75 GPA, prerequisite computer science courses for those without a computer science background
  • Requirements: GRE or GMAT, letters of recommendation, statement of goals and objectives
  • School Type: 4-year, public; 2,200 graduate students
  • Address: 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
  • Phone: 773-442-4720

Similar to its undergraduate computer science program, Northeastern Illinois University's master's program offers specializations designed for those who plan to pursue future graduate study or seek employment. The management information systems concentration covers project management, informatics, web application development and databases, and it prepares you for a role in business.

If you want to pursue a doctorate or want a career in systems programming, you can choose the computer science concentration, which includes courses in networking, computational theory, operating systems, software engineering and systems programming. You can either write a thesis or complete a software project to meet the program's project requirement for graduation.

University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Program Name: Master of Science in Computer Science
  • Program Length: 3-6 semesters (full-time)
  • Tuition: $5,192 per semester for in-state graduate students; $11,191 per semester for out-of-state graduate students (costs for 12 or more credits for Fall 2011 and Spring 2012)
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering with a 3.5 GPA from the last 60 semester hours of the program
  • Requirements: GRE, letters of recommendation, personal statement
  • School Type: 4-year, public; 11,000 graduate students
  • Address: 851 South Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607
  • Phone: 312-996-2290

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) master's program in computer science is intended for those with a computer science background. Common courses include artificial intelligence, software engineering, networking, databases and security. In addition to taking computer science classes, you can also earn credits in another field of interest. Although you won't have to take a comprehensive exam, you do need to complete a thesis or project to graduate.

Computer Science Doctoral Programs in Chicago

University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Program Name: Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
  • Program Length: 4-6 years (full-time)
  • Tuition: $5,192 per semester for in-state graduate students; $11,191 per semester for out-of-state graduate students (costs for 12 or more credits for Fall 2011 and Spring 2012)
  • Prerequisites: Previous degree in computer science or computer engineering (bachelor's degree must be in computer science) with a 3.5 GPA
  • Requirements: GRE, letters of recommendation, statement of goals and objectives
  • School Type: 4-year, public; 11,000 graduate students
  • Address: 851 South Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607
  • Phone: 312-996-2290

The doctoral program at UIC includes computer science coursework similar to that of the master's program. The number of courses you need depends on whether you hold a master's or bachelor's degree in the field. Doctoral programs typically focus on research and culminate in a dissertation. Additional graduation requirements include an oral preliminary examination and a written qualifying exam. You may be able to get a paid assistantship in which you perform research or teach classes; the assistantship covers tuition and fees, too.

To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:

  • 1. Degree Options:

Popular Schools

Copyright