Maryland Computer Science Schools

Maryland’s largest city, Baltimore, is also one of the fastest-growing technology markets in the country, according to Time magazine, which gathered data from the job search site, ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter also found the year-over-year growth in tech jobs in Baltimore to be 109 percent from 2016 to 2017. This growth is nurtured in part by companies such as JHU FastForward Accelerator and Betamore — both of which specifically support entrepreneurs in the tech space. All of this growth can be great news for adults who are interested in IT degree programs in Maryland.

Maryland’s Technology Education Initiatives

In addition to business incubators and accelerators, there are a number of other initiatives in place that are designed to grow and support technology in the state, including motivating students to pursue IT degree programs in Maryland. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable ones.

• Promoting STEM to students: The Maryland STEM Festival strives to inspire all students to take a greater interest in STEM and pursue careers related to it. Each year’s festival highlights a particular area of STEM, such as STEM and military careers or STEM and agriculture. Organizations that participate in the festival include libraries, museums, private companies, and public and private schools throughout Maryland.
• Strengthening STEM teaching and learning: STEMnet is an online platform developed by Maryland Business Roundtable that provides tools, resources, programs, and workforce connections to strengthen teaching and learning in STEM. Through STEMnet, STEM professionals can engage students in hands-on learning experiences, allowing them to explore potential STEM careers and opportunities.
• Computer science classes in public schools: The Achieving Computer Science Collaborations for Employing Students Statewide (ACCESS) Act of 2018 requires public schools in Maryland to offer certain computer science and coding classes. The state expects to spend $80 million on this initiative over the next 10 years.
• Encouraging women to pursue STEM careers: Part of the state’s ACCESS plan includes partnering with the nonprofit Girls Who Code organization to expand clubs across Maryland. This initiative aims to increase ultimately gender diversity in the tech field. Since the challenge has been announced, the number of Girls Who Code clubs across Maryland has quadrupled.

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 Maryland

Prospective students considering a computer science education in Maryland can select from campus-based or online IT programs across the state. IT degree programs are available in Maryland at both the undergraduate and graduate level, along with computer science concentrations such as database systems, network administration, web development, cybersecurity, software development and more.

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Spotlight on Computer Science Schools in Maryland

Prospective students can choose from a variety of computer sciences schools in Maryland. Here are some of the schools with innovative degree programs and interesting, related activities:

• Loyola University Maryland: Students enrolled in the computer science program at Loyola may qualify to be a part of the CPaMS Scholars Program. CPaMS students may benefit from cohort-style learning where they take all of their classes in sequence, and graduate together after completing their courses. In addition, they may gain access to internship opportunities.
• Towson University: Towson University was one of the first IT schools in Maryland to offer a computer science bachelor’s degree with a specialization in cybersecurity. Students who opt for this program can expect to take classes such as operating systems security, case studies in computer security, and reverse engineering and malware analysis.
• Salisbury University: Computer science majors at Salisbury University may participate in the Cyber Security Study Abroad Program in Estonia, a country in Northern Europe that is home to NATO’s Cyber Defense Center. The NATO Cyber Defense Center strives to serve as the main source of expertise in cyber defense.
• Morgan State University: This public urban research university offers both a B.S. in computer science and a M.S. in Bioinformatics. A primary focus in their program is learning through collaboration. The school’s computer science club, Society for the Advancement of Computer Science, established in 1964, is now a student affiliate of the Association for Computing Machinery.

IT Salaries and Career Outlook in Maryland

Graduates of IT degree programs in Maryland can look to start careers with a variety of companies in Baltimore and neighboring cities. Some of the largest ones include Merritt Companies, which consists of Merritt Properties, Merritt Construction Services, and Merritt Clubs; Bon Secours Baltimore Health System, a not-for-profit Catholic health system; KCI Technologies, Inc. an engineering, consulting and construction firm; and ICF, a strategic consulting company.

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

Computer Science Scholarships for Maryland Students

Maryland offers a few state specific scholarships to students who are pursuing computer science degree programs in Maryland. Here’s a brief list of some of them:

• CPaMS Scholars Program: This scholarship program awards up to $10,000 annually to qualified students who are pursuing computer science (or mathematics or physics) degrees at Loyola University in Maryland.
• The AFCEA Washington, DC Chapter Scholarship is for residents of Maryland who live in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and who are enrolled in a four-year, full-time STEM curriculum at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Maryland Professional Organizations and Resources

Becoming a member of a Maryland-specific professional organization can help students enrolled in computer science schools and professionals make connections and stay on top of the latest trends in the industry. These professional organizations include:

• Maryland Tech Council: The MTC is the largest technology trade association in the state of Maryland. Its more than 600 members have opportunities to learn, share, and connect with each other. Its vision is to position Maryland as a top-three innovation economy for technology and life sciences.
• Maryland Technology Development Corporation: TEDCO is a resource of mentoring, funding and networking for Maryland entrepreneurs. It focuses on start-ups who are mainly in the IT space and need support as they bring innovative concepts to market.
• Northeastern Maryland Technology Council: NMTC is Maryland’s fast-growing technology council with over 200 members, advocates and supporters. It provides access to technology, industry, academic and government leaders in Harford County, Cecil and Baltimore Counties.
• Cybersecurity Association of Maryland: CAMI is a statewide, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization founded in 2015. Its mission is to generate sales and jobs through Maryland’s cybersecurity industry.