The Buckeye State features a thriving job market for established computer science professionals and recent graduates. Job seekers find opportunities with computer hardware and software vendors, universites, hospitals, banks, government agencies, insurance firms, and other large organizations. The diverse selection of computer science careers in Ohio includes positions such as computer scientist, software engineer, web developer, Java developer, and technology solutions professional.
There is a diverse selection of computer science careers in Ohio.
Prospective students choose from a variety of excellent online computer science programs in Ohio. The state's low cost of living increases its appeal to students and recent graduates. As Ohio's economy continues to evolve beyond manufacturing, IT companies increasingly find the state an attractive, low-cost place to do business.
Higher Education in Ohio
There are 386 public and private institutions of higher learning in the state of Ohio. Ohio's public universities include state universities, regional campuses and branches, community colleges, technical colleges, and medical colleges. Among their most well-known public institutions are Ohio State University in Columbus, Miami University, and the University of Cincinnati. Ohio also has a number of reputable private universities and colleges. Most notable is Oberlin College, a private liberal arts college and one of the oldest coeducational liberal arts schools in the nation.
These institutions of higher learning offer both on-campus and online learning options.
Online education is becoming more and more prevalent in today's higher education landscape. Ohio State University, for example, offers 46 fully online degree programs spanning from associate certificates to doctorates. If you are interested in pursuing a degree in computer science, it's worth exploring online computer science schools in Ohio.
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.
Computer Science Programs in Ohio
There are several different types of computer science degrees in Ohio: associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate. The most commonly offered computer science degrees are the bachelor's degree and the master's degree. A computer science bachelor's degree provides students with foundational knowledge of databases, operation systems, programming languages, and software development. Program requirements typically include 99-126 hours of coursework culminating in a capstone course.
Computer science master's degrees are shorter but provide students with more specialized and advanced knowledge. These programs usually require 30 credits of coursework and culminate in a thesis or project. Ohio State University's computer science master's program offers a research track (with a thesis) and a coursework track (without a thesis). In the coursework track, students are required to take a comprehensive examination covering three of the five core areas in the program.
Online computer science programs in Ohio typically require the same amount of coursework as their traditional on-campus counterparts. They often offer benefits like scheduling flexibility, self-paced courses, and geographic mobility. They may also be more time-efficient and affordable, depending on the school and program. For instance, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio offers winter courses that are only a month long and come at a discounted rate. Getting an online computer science degree in Ohio may be particularly beneficial for students with busy schedules or childcare duties.
Types of Computer Science Degrees
Prospective students looking to earn their online computer science degree in Ohio can find associate, bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs. Generally, the more advanced degree a student earns, the better their job opportunities and salaries. Graduates of online computer science programs in Ohio pursue computer science and information technology careers like computer scientist, senior manager of information technology, consultant, computer engineer, computer science teacher, and data science practitioner.
Graduates of associate in computer science programs hold the basic computing skills and knowledge necessary to work in entry-level IT positions like support specialist and entry-level software developer. They take introductory classes that explore topics like computer programming languages, networking, and web design. Most full-time students take two years to complete an associate degree.
Many of those who earn an associate in computer science later pursue a bachelor's to expand their job and compensation potential. Ideal learners for computer science associate programs include recent high school graduates, tech workers who want to broaden their employment opportunities, and individuals in unrelated fields who want to explore computing.
Students pursuing a bachelor's in computer science choose from many online computer science programs in Ohio. The average program takes four full-time years to complete, although some distance education programs offer accelerated degree options. Ideal applicants include students with an associate in computer science, high school graduates interested in pursuing computing-related careers, and working professionals in IT and other fields who want to expand their job and salary prospects.
Bachelor's in computer science programs explore advanced computing concepts and practices and offer courses in software design, mathematics, computer systems, algorithms, and data structures. Graduates can find lucrative computing-related job opportunities with potential to grow in nearly every industry. These include hardware and software development, customer support, quality assurance, documentating, sales and marketing, and training. Positions include software engineer, systems analyst, network administrator, and database administrator.
Master's in computer science programs offer students advanced computing skills and knowledge in programming, design, and applications. Graduates find work as software engineers, computer research scientists, instructors, systems engineers, and information security managers. Master's programs take a deeper approach to the concepts students begin learning in bachelor's in computer science programs. They take operating systems, programming languages, and multimedia systems courses.
Ideal students for this degree include recent bachelor's degree in computer science graduates and working computing professionals seeking to increase career opportunity and earning potential. Computer science master's programs require significant computing knowledge and skills. Most student finish a master's in computer science in two years.
Earning a Ph.D. in computer science prepares graduates for high-level, research-oriented careers in academia, industry, and research labs. Many doctorate in computer science graduates pursue college and university teaching jobs. Doctoral computer science programs give learners a high level of expertise in a specific subset of the field. In many programs, students choose an area of concentration such as cognitive systems, graphics and interactive media, or computer engineering.
A dissertation is typically a part of these programs' graduation requirements. Students take courses like analysis of algorithms, computational biology, and numerical analysis and convex optimization.
The ideal student for these programs possesses a strong academic record, research experience, and advanced knowledge of computer science concepts and skills. Most full-time students earn their computer science Ph.D. in 4-5 years.
Computer Science Careers in Ohio
Nationally, the demand for computer science graduates is increasing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for information security analysts will increase by 33% from 2020 to 2030, roughly four times the average growth rate for all occupations. Other professions such as computer systems analysts and computer network architects are also expanding. These occupations often require a degree in computer science or a related field, which makes it a secure and profitable degree to have in the coming decade.
Computer science positions can also be found within other seemingly unrelated fields. In fact, many top-paying jobs for computer systems analysts fall outside of the technology industry. Computer professionals may work in finance and insurance, management, information services, and government. The state's largest employers include national retailers, healthcare institutions, and educational institutions, all of which employ computer science and information technology professionals.
The following table features three careers open to computer science graduates and lists their mean salaries.
Computer Science Employers in Ohio
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Procter & Gamble: According to Forbes, Procter & Gamble is the top Ohio employer for 2021, clocking in at 99,000 employees. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati and offers data engineer and IT manager positions.
- Nationwide Children's Hospital: The Columbus-headquartered hospital, ranked the second-best Ohio employer by Forbes, employs 12,984 people. Current available computer science jobs for the hospital include systems engineers and IT system analysts.
- Microsoft: Though headquartered in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft ranks as Forbes' third-most top Ohio employer. With 96,000 employees, available computer science jobs for the company range from technology leads and applications developers to software engineers.
How Much do Computer Scientists Make in Ohio?
Computer science professionals are generally well-paid and enjoy stable and lucrative careers. However, as with any profession, their salaries fluctuate depending factors such as geographic location, demand in the labor market, education level, experience in the field, and specific occupation or position within the company hierarchy. As illustrated in the table below, the average annual wage for computer and mathematical occupations in Ohio is roughly $8,000 less than that of computer and mathematical occupations in the United States. This may be due to differing computer science jobs available in Ohio.
It is also worth noting that the cost of living in many Ohio cities is relatively low compared to other cities in the United States. Many technology hubs such as Silicon Valley are notoriously expensive to live in. For example, the cost of living in Cleveland, Ohio is 52% lower than that of San Francisco, California. Therefore, computer science in Ohio can be a profitable profession and sustain a comfortable standard of living.
|
Employment |
Annual Mean Wage |
| Ohio |
580 |
$112,530 |
| United States |
30,220 |
$130,890 |
Source: BLS
Professional Computer Science Organizations in Ohio
Professional organizations in computer science can help students find mentors, internships, and jobs in the field. They also help working professionals, researchers, and educators to publish research, network, and pursue opportunities in career development and continuing education. In addition, these organizations often feature great resources for underrepresented populations in technology and computer science fields.
- Association for Computing Machinery: The largest computing organization in the world, ACM advocates for the computing profession and represents more than 100,000 computing professionals, researchers, students, and educators. The organization offers professional development opportunities, networking, a job and career center, a digital library, and subscriptions to a magazine and newsletter.
- Computing Research Association: CRA represents computing research organizations in North America, including computer science departments, professional societies, and laboratories. The group advocates for computing education and works to foster innovation. In addition, CRA offers mentoring programs, professional development opportunities, policy work, and educational resources.
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics: SIAM advocates for innovation in applied mathematics and computational methodologies to solve real-world problems. The association fosters professional community, produces publications, and conducts research. SIAM also coordinates conferences, a job board, numerous publications, student resources, and research opportunities.
Top Computer Science Programs in Ohio
See the top five rankings for the best computer science courses in Ohio. Explore our ranking methodology by clicking the link below.
#1 Computer Science Programs in Ohio
Denison University
- Granville, OH
- 4 years
- Campus
A private liberal arts institution, Denison is known as one of the earliest colleges established in the geographic area. The university enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students on its 850-acre campus.
Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Denison offers a bachelor of arts degree, a bachelor of science degree, and a computational science concentration option. The curriculum focuses on the application of core principles, such as networking, data analytics, robotics, AI (artificial intelligence), and software engineering.
Full-time students can sign up for a 10-week summer research program involving AI, algorithm design, and cluster computing. Students participate in a year-long research project during their senior year to concentrate on a specific long-term topic. A major thesis is required for those who take the eight-semester hour research project.
The computational science concentration focuses on analyzing and solving scientific and engineering problems using algorithms and computer simulations. This track also emphasizes developing math models and numerical solution strategies.
Applying to Denison
Admission requirements for first-year students include:
- An application
- An admissions interview (optional)
- Optional ACT/SAT scores
- Official high school transcripts
- A counselor recommendation
- A School Report
- A teacher evaluation
- Applicant recommendations (for homeschooled applicants)
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $1,795 per semester hour
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 40%
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Computer Science Programs in Ohio
The College of Wooster
- Wooster, OH
- 4 years
- Campus
College of Wooster, located 45 minutes from Cleveland, was founded in 1866 as a private, liberal arts institution. Wooster hosts a yearly undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,900 students.
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
The bachelor of arts in computer science degree at Wooster prepares students to work in the computer software industry or to continue their education in a computer science graduate program. The curriculum focuses on applying learning objectives to research projects and using new skills during practicums and internships. A team approach to academic research is employed to work on focused areas of computing and mathematical sciences.
Program competitions, internships, and independent research projects provide opportunities for hands-on learning. Students can also participate in off-campus paid research experiences, such as those offered by the Applied Methods and Research Experience program.
Applying to Wooster
The admission requirements for first-year students include:
- An online application
- Official high school transcripts
- Secondary School Report
- A school counselor and teacher recommendation
- An essay
- Optional ACT or SAT scores
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $1,783 per credit hour
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 48%
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Computer Science Programs in Ohio
Cedarville University
- Cedarville, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cedarville was originally affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Today, the institution is a private, Baptist college with a yearly undergraduate enrollment of approximately 4,000 students.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Christian-based bachelor of science in computer science degree at Cedarville prepares students to work in cybersecurity, web development, and software engineering.
The cyber operations track allows students to specialize in defensive and offensive cyber operations. This concentration is certified by the National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.
Students gain hands-on training and professional experience, such as the paid co-op program. Internships and global outreach opportunities are also available.
Applying to Cedarville
Admission requirements for first-year students at Cedarville University include:
- An online application
- An official high school transcript
- A recommendation from a Christian leader
- A minimum TOEFL score of 80 and IELTS score of 6.5
All students must provide proof of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as part of the admissions process.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Tuition: $17,249 per semester for full-time students (12-17 credits); $1,306 per credit hour for part-time students
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 46%
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Computer Science Programs in Ohio
Ohio Wesleyan University
- Delaware, OH
- 4 years
- Campus
Located in Delaware, OWU was founded in 1842 as a Methodist college but is now a nonsectarian liberal arts institution. OWU hosts 1,400 undergraduates yearly on its 200-acre campus.
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
OWU's bachelor of arts in computer science degree begins with introductory computer science and programming courses, then introduces basic software and hardware issues. The curriculum involves AI, advanced programming languages (e.g., Scheme and C/C++), the UNIX system, and assembly language.
The advanced computer science courses at OWU focus on analysis of algorithms and computation theory. A combined degree track involves a computer science and engineering degree students can complete in five years.
Required undergraduate research projects include working with a faculty member, performing projects using grant funding, or engagement in a summer science research program. Recent research performed by undergraduate students include applying AI to the development of computer games, computer graphics, and quality control.
Applying to OWU
The admission requirements for first-year students include:
- An online application
- Official high school transcript
- SAT or ACT scores
- A Secondary School Report PDF
- An admission essay
- A teacher evaluation PDF (optional, but encouraged)
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $49,962 per year (up to 5.5 academic units per semester)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: Hybrid with some intro courses online
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 64%
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Computer Science Programs in Ohio
Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Steubenville, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private, Catholic institution, Franciscan University of Steubenville enrolls just over 2,000 undergraduate students on its 241-acre campus. The university offers 40 undergraduate degree programs and 40 graduate degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The computer science degree focuses on building strong ethics and instilling the knowledge and skills needed for careers in the computer science and computer information science fields.
The computer science track follows the Association for Computing Machinery guidelines and focuses on applying computing to statistics and mathematics. Students learn about design, operation, and up-to-date systems.
Students can pursue the computer science information track, which explores software and hardware operations, business administration, accounting, and economics. The curriculum follows the Association of Information Technology professional guidelines.
A senior thesis project is required for both computer science tracks.
Applying to Franciscan
Franciscan has a rolling admission deadline. Admission requirements include:
- A free admission application
- Submission of official high school transcripts
- Submission of ACT or SAT scores
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $15,310 (12-18 credit hours) per semester for full-time students, $1,020 per credit hour for part-time students
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus,
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 61%
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
