Indiana Computer Science Schools

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Labor ranked Indianapolis fourth in the nation for technology job growth among all U.S. cities. The state is now often referred to as “Silicon Valley of the Midwest” or as part of the “Silicon Prairie” because of its growth in the technology sector. In addition to the state’s high number of computer science graduates, Indiana’s affordability factor is another reason why so many tech company founders may consider locating their business in the state.

Tech industry statistics show that computer science degree programs in Indiana may be a wise investment for many adults. The tech industry’s labor pool in central Indiana grew by more than 27 percent between 2015 and 2016. Prior to the that, tech industry employment in the state rose by 25.7 percent. In addition, TechPoint, the tech community accelerator in Indiana found technology investments in Indiana to grow and total more than $235 billion in 2017.

Indiana’s Technology Education Initiatives

Indiana has taken steps to promote and grow the state’s technology sector and IT degree programs in Indiana through a number of initiatives. Let’s take a closer look at several of them.

• Incorporating computer science in public school curricula: Starting in 2021, public school districts throughout Indiana are expected to include computer science in their curricula for students. This initiative is designed to encourage students to eventually pursue computer science degree programs in Indiana.
• Increasing the number of minorities in STEM: The IU-MSI STEM Initiative is an academic and research partnership between Indiana University and multiple Minority Serving Institutions (MSI). Its main objective is to provide additional substantive STEM research opportunities for MSI and IU students.
• Preparing students for tech careers: Hire Tech has prepared 7,000-plus high school students for high-tech careers since 2012. It has also awarded more than 8,300 industry-recognized credentials and 16,000-plus college credits. High Tech’s mission is to inspire students and to develop a skilled talent pipeline.
• Connecting teachers with leaders in the IT sector: Nextech, a nonprofit in Indianapolis, has launched an initiative to connect computer science teachers with leaders in the local tech sector. It allows them to gain firsthand knowledge about trends and computer-related job opportunities in the state.

Southern New Hampshire University

• Some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
• Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
• Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access
• Offering over 200 online degree programs

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Purdue University Global

• Experience world-class education online with more than 175 programs at associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
• Apply eligible work experience and prior college credits toward up to 75% of your undergraduate degree.
• You have the option of trying out a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period. There’s no cost beyond the application fee.
• Competency-based ExcelTrack™ programs may allow you to earn your degree faster and for less money

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Best Computer Science and IT Colleges in Indiana

Similar to other states in the country, computer science and IT degree programs in Indiana are offered by large public colleges and universities, smaller private institutions, and a number of small community colleges and tech schools. Most larger schools focus on bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in computer science and related fields, while Indiana’s technical schools and community colleges focus mainly on associate and certificate programs.

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Spotlight on Computer Sciences Schools in Indiana

Here’s a brief overview of several innovative computer science programs offered by IT schools in Indiana:

• Indiana University Bloomington: IU’s accelerated master’s in computer science program grants students the opportunity to earn two degrees (a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Computer Science) in five years.
• Taylor University: Computer science students at Taylor, a Christian liberal arts institution, may participate in programming practicums and semester-long research programs. They may also study abroad with Taylor’s Center for Computing Missions.
• Indiana Institute of Technology: Indiana Tech has an entire school dedicated to computer science programs. In addition to its challenging computer science major, students may choose to pursue software or network engineering, information systems, or cybersecurity, among other options
• Purdue University: Purdue’s Department of Computer Science offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, including an online M.S. and a joint master’s in computer science and statistics. Purdue also partners with a number of corporations in order to offer students internship opportunities.

IT Salaries and Career Outlook in Indiana

According to Indiana Career Ready, the IT-related occupations that are showing significant growth in Indiana include software developers, computer and information systems managers, and web developers.

2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

SupplyKick, which helps businesses succeed on Amazon, Fizziology, a social media research firm, Formstack, an online form builder, and Lewellyn Technology, a provider of electrical and combustible dust safety solution all hire these types of IT professionals. Most of these companies are located in the Indianapolis area.

Computer Science Scholarships for Indiana Students

Scholarships for Indiana residents who hope to pursue online IT programs — or campus-based ones — in Indiana may be available to qualified applicants. Here’s a closer look at a few of them.

• LHP Scholarship: The LHP Scholarship is for residents of Indiana’s Bartholomew County who are enrolling in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Posey County Co-op Scholarship: Designed for graduating high school seniors who reside in Posey County, Indiana, this award supports those who wish to pursue post-secondary education in several fields, including computer technology, at an accredited institution.
• CountryMark Technical Trade Scholarship: High school seniors and residents of Posey County may also apply for this scholarship if they are pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in technology at any the state’s accredited colleges, universities, or vocational schools.

Professional Organizations and Resources in Indiana

Indiana is home to a number of professional organizations and resources for students who are attending computer science schools and professionals in the IT sector. A few of these include:

• Indiana Technology & Innovation Association: ITIA acts a Indiana’s premier voice for technology in public policy and political arenas. Their 2019 agenda includes bringing high-speed broadband to underserved areas and supporting the adoption of a bias crimes law.
• Association for Computing Machinery: ACM is the largest international organization for computing technology professionals. There are a dozen student chapters in Indiana which offer educational resources and networking events.
• Computer Science Teachers Association: CTTSA is a national association committed to computer science education. The Indiana Hoosier Heartland chapter provides resources that aim to improve K-12 computer science education in the state.
• TechPoint: This organization brings together Indiana’s tech companies, universities, governments, and talent to create opportunity. Headquartered in Indianapolis, it is known as a growth accelerator for the tech ecosystem in the state.