1. Virginia Tech — Blacksburg, VA
Consistently ranked among the top 35 CS programs nationally (U.S. News)
Virginia Tech’s School of Computing is ABET-accredited and globally recognized, offering degrees covering all facets of computing and software.
Notable Programs & Curricula:
- The CS department offers a comprehensive curriculum with concentrations in networking, software engineering, and artificial intelligence, allowing students to tailor their degree.
- M.S. in Data Science — a non-thesis degree taught by industry experts, with a hands-on Capstone project in the second year covering real-world data science applications.
- Graduate Cybersecurity — curriculum covers cybersecurity governance and risk management, security program design and operations, and strategic leadership in technology-based organizations.
- Undergraduate Cybersecurity Minor — covers information security, network security, and computer system security, preparing students for careers in secure system design and operations.
2. University of Virginia (UVA) — Charlottesville, VA
UVA’s Department of Computer Science, part of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, delivers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses focused on software engineering, systems, and theoretical foundations.
Notable Programs & Curricula:
- Ranked #1 master’s in Data Analytics program in Virginia by Hakia, with annual tuition of $18,823 and a 96% graduation rate. The program features a mandatory capstone project.
- Strong connections to tech companies and local startups, excellent internship and co-op opportunities.
- UVA’s College at Wise opened the first undergraduate software engineering program in the Commonwealth, with graduates regularly placed at software development companies across Virginia.
3. George Mason University (GMU) — Fairfax, VA
GMU’s CS program is part of the Volgenau School of Engineering and is highly regarded for strong curriculum and notable research areas in cybersecurity and machine learning. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. provides numerous internship and networking opportunities with government agencies and tech companies.
Notable Programs & Curricula:
- Several excellent cybersecurity programs to choose from, with average annual cost of ~$19,551.
- Research focus areas include cyber, defense intelligence, and military AI applications, with strong ties to federal contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and Northrop Grumman.
4. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) — Richmond, VA
VCU’s College of Engineering includes a Cybersecurity Center and a RAMs (Robotics, Autonomy, and Mechatronics) Research Team, as well as a School of Business with a Human-AI ColLab addressing challenges in cyber, healthcare informatics, AI ethics, and digital transformation.
5. Old Dominion University (ODU) — Norfolk, VA (Local to you!)
ODU’s School of Data Science collaborates with Jefferson Lab on the Joint Institute on Advanced Computing for Environmental Studies (ACES). In 2025, ODU launched an AI incubator for higher education called MonarchSphere, powered by Google Cloud. ODU also has a Maritime Autonomous Systems Test Site (MASTS) providing hands-on experience in maritime autonomy technologies. MastersInAI
6. William & Mary — Williamsburg, VA
The CS program at William & Mary offers an engaging academic experience, combining a strong CS foundation with a liberal arts approach. The department encourages undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, and independent studies.
7. James Madison University (JMU) — Harrisonburg, VA
JMU’s CS department offers an updated curriculum including concentrations in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity.
8. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) — Multiple Campuses
NOVA is one of the largest feeders for tech talent in the state, with roughly 294 CS students graduating annually. It’s an affordable entry point for students looking to transfer to UVA, VCU, GMU, or Virginia Tech.
🌐 Statewide Initiative to Note
Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CyberX), led by Virginia Tech, is a statewide hub connecting UVA, ODU, GMU, James Madison, Norfolk State, and several community colleges to push research and graduate programs in cybersecurity, data analysis, computer science, and unmanned vehicle systems. Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Virginia’s tech ecosystem is particularly strong due to its proximity to D.C., Amazon HQ2 in Northern Virginia, and a dense network of federal contractors — making it one of the best states in the country for tech education and career placement.
