Computer-related majors are popular, not the least because they generally offer graduates excellent job prospects and good salaries. You can find over 30 colleges in the Boston area where you can study computer science and related fields.
When it comes to the names of computer science majors, there can be some confusion. Each school may have slightly different names, and it is important to check in detail what each program offers before making any decisions. Here are some general definitions:
Computer science covers in-depth how computers operate and how they are applied. It focuses on technologies and concepts and involves mathematics, programming, and the development of algorithms. Compared to informatics, computer science is more geared towards the technology and application of computer systems. It is a very versatile degree, as graduates can be employed in many different industries. Examples of colleges in Boston with computer science degrees are Boston University, MIT, and the Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Informatics is very similar to computer science, and in many schools, they are used interchangeably. However, informatics generally involves a broader understanding of the underlying mathematical and logical concepts and may involve interdisciplinary knowledge of other areas such as math, science, language, and more. Increasingly, informatics focuses on data and how to use it to solve complex real-world problems. In the Boston area, Northeastern University has an informatics major. Northeastern University offers this degree in the Boston area.
Computer and Information Science is somewhat similar to Computer Science but focuses on information technology as a whole and how to solve real-life problems with computers, software, and technology. This degree is for students who want to be involved directly with developing computer applications, and there are over a dozen Boston colleges with these degrees, such as Suffolk University, Salem State University, and Brandeis University.
Programming majors focus on developing computer programs for various applications. This is a major that is very specific about programming and should offer good job prospects. The University of Massachusetts offers programming majors in Boston.
Information technology (IT) focuses on computer use and application in businesses and organizations and may cover hardware, software, data, and the general logistics of computers in everyday use. It is a large field with many job openings on all levels and is offered by many Boston colleges, including the University of Massachusettsand Bunker Hill Community College.
Boston Computer Science Colleges - Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Following are the Boston area four-year colleges and universities with Computer Science related majors, comparing cost, selectivity, size, location and degrees available. The schools are listed by the number of students attending, not rank. Please click on the name for more information.
School | Tuition | Selectivity | Size | Location | Computer Degrees - Popular majors |
Boston Unversity | Information Science, Computer Science, Networking and Telecommunications |
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Harvard University | Computer Science |
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Northeastern University | Computer/Information Science, Informatics, Information Science, IT, Networking and Telecommunications |
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University of Massachusetts | Computer Science, IT, Programming |
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Boston College | Computer Science, Information Science |
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MIT | Computer Science, Computer and Information Science |
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Bridgewater State University | Computer Science |
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Tufts University | Computer Science, Human-Computer Interactions |
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Salem State University | Computer/Information Science |
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Suffolk University | Computer/Information Science, Computer Science |
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Framingham State University | Computer/Information Science |
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Brandeis University | Computer/Information Science, Computer Science, IT Management, Security |
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Bentley University | Computer/Information Science, IT, User Interface |
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Endicott College | Computer Science, IT, IT Management and Administration |
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Simmons College | Computer/Information Science, Information Science, Web Design |
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Wentworth Institute of Technology | Computer Science, Networking and Telecommunications |
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Curry College | Computer/Information Science |
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Merrimack College | Computer Science, IT |
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Wellesley College | Computer/Information Science |
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Gordon College | Computer Science |
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Fisher College | Computer and Information Science |
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Amherst College | Computer Science |
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Newbury College | Computer and Information Science |
Boston Computer Science Colleges - Two-Year and Community Colleges
Two-year colleges can be a convenient and inexpensive way to get started in the computer field. They generally offer associate degrees and can be a good starting point to get a job, acquire a new skill or advance to a four-year college. Two-year colleges have broad and practical courses and flexible hours. Following are the Boston two-year colleges that offer computer science degrees. The colleges are listed by school size, not rank. Please click on the name for more information.
School | Tuition | Selectivity | Size | Location | Computer Degrees - Popular majors |
Quincy College | Computer Science |
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Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology | Software Technician, Systems Technician, Computer Technician |
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Bunker Hill Community College | Networking and Telecommunications, IT, IT Management and Administration, Programming, Security, Web Development, Computer Science |
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North Shore Community College | Computer/Information Science, Computer Science, Programming, Networking, Web Design |
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Northern Essex Community College | Computer/Information Science, Programming |
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Massachusetts Bay Community College | Computer Science, IT Services, IT, Web Development |
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Roxbury Community College | Computer/Information Science |
Salaries for Computer Science Professionals in the Boston Area
Source: Mass.gov