A guide to Texas’ best IT degree programs in 2024.
In addition to its rich history, diverse culture, and world-class BBQ, Texas is a leading destination for information technology education. The state’s transformation into a tech powerhouse is driven by thriving cities like Austin, known for its "Silicon Hills" tech giants and startups; Dallas-Fort Worth's "Telecom Corridor" with major players like AT&T and Cisco; and Houston's innovative energy technology sector. For IT degree candidates, Texas offers vast opportunities for learning, networking, and career advancement.
On this page, we’ll spotlight the best information technology degrees in Texas and examine the pros and cons of studying IT in The Lone Star State.
What makes our rankings valuable?
Most college rankings online rely heavily on the National Center for Education Statistics, measuring institutional rates for graduation, retention, acceptance, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go beyond the stats to analyze the current and future relevance of the skills and credentials gained. We also delve deep into value and flexibility to consider accelerated, online, dual-degree, and certificate options.
| Best IT Programs in Texas | ||
| Rank | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX |
| 2 | Texas A&M University | College Station, TX |
| 3 | Rice University | Houston, TX |
| 4 | University of Texas at Dallas | Dallas, TX |
| 5 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX |
Texas’ Best Information Technology Degrees
We selected the best IT bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Texas based on numerous factors, including the relevance of the curriculum, depth of elective courses, school reputation, program features, flexibility, value, and institutional stats.
Here are the top schools for information technology degrees in Texas in 2024:
1. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
UT Austin offers the best technology degrees in Texas, fostering close connections with the city’s vibrant startup scene and major IT companies. The university’s undergraduate and graduate information technology programs are well-rounded, with coursework in hot domains like applied computer science, cybersecurity, and data analytics. UT Austin’s new Center for Generative AI is one of the world’s most powerful artificial intelligence hubs, adding to students’ education and career prospects in this white-hot field.
Top Information Technology Programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in Informatics (BA/BSI)
- Master’s Degree in Information Studies (MSIS)
- Computer Science Dual Degree Program
2. Texas A&M University (TAMU)
Texas A&M in College Station is lauded for its excellent degree programs in information technology and engineering, with its research endeavors underscored by its state-of-the-art Engineering Innovation Center. The university's close association with defense and aerospace, facilitated through partnerships with companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, provides students unparalleled access to cutting-edge technologies and research opportunities in cybersecurity and aerospace.
Top Information Technology Majors:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Information Technology Service Management
3. Rice University
Rice’s intimate campus in Houston is a hub for STEM innovation with acclaimed contributions to computational science, simulation engineering, and health informatics. Leveraging Houston’s status as a world leader in healthcare, Rice collaborates with the Texas Medical Center - the world’s largest medical complex - on projects that merge information technology with advanced medical research, offering students a unique pathway into the burgeoning field of health IT.
Top Technology Degree Focus Areas:
- Global Health Technologies
- Computational Science & Engineering
- Materials Science and NanoEngineering
4. University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas)
Located in the heart of Texas’ Telecom Corridor, UT Dallas’ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is at the forefront of information technology higher education. The university is renowned for its work in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with significant research funding and collaborative projects with local telecommunications giants like Ericsson and Cisco. This favorable business environment places students in a prime position for internships and lucrative careers in IT.
Top Information Technology Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering
5. Texas Tech University (TTU)
The Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering at Texas Tech University offers multiple top-tier technology degrees with hands-on training in hot domains like software engineering, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. For tech students with an entrepreneurial spirit, TTU’s National Science Foundation I-Corps program at the school’s Innovation Hub at Research Park supports researchers and entrepreneurs in transforming their innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Top Graduate & Undergraduate IT Programs:
- Software Engineering Master’s
- Computer Science Bachelor’s
- Computer Engineering Bachelor’s
Pros of Studying Information Technology in Texas
- Industry Connections: Home to tech behemoths like Dell in Austin, AT&T in Dallas, and HP in Houston, Texas offers IT students exceptional access to internships, mentorships, and employment. Major annual tech events like Austin's SXSW provide additional networking opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Texas has cultivated a thriving environment for tech innovation, especially in Austin's Silicon Hills and Dallas' Telecom Corridor. State initiatives like the Texas Emerging Technology Fund and numerous tech incubators and accelerators in the state support budding entrepreneurs in monetizing their innovative ideas.
- Diverse Tech Scene: Texas’ technology industry is quite varied, with strongholds in software development, telecommunications, medical technology, and renewable energy. This diversity opens up a multitude of career paths for IT degree graduates in TX.
Cons of Studying Information Technology in Texas
- Wide Geographical Spread: The sheer size of Texas means that its tech hubs - Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio - are spread out across the state. While this geographical diversity fosters opportunity, it may also require students to relocate to cities where the tech sector aligns with their IT degree specialization.
- Highly Competitive: The allure of Texas’ tech sector has drawn skilled professionals from across the globe, making the job market extremely competitive. Graduates must not only excel academically but also be proactive about networking and upskilling to stand out to employers.
- Cost of Living Variations: The cost of living in Texas's major technology hubs, especially Austin, has risen due to the booming tech industry and population growth. While certain Texas areas remain affordable, IT students should be mindful of the financial implications of living and studying in the state’s more expensive cities and plan accordingly to maximize the return on their education investment.
Conclusion
Texas offers a unique blend of academic rigor and industry engagement for students pursuing information technology degrees. With its dynamic tech hubs like Austin's Silicon Hills and Dallas-Fort Worth's Telecom Corridor, the state not only prepares students with the technical skills needed for a successful IT career but also provides vast networking and innovation opportunities. Despite a competitive job market, Texas’ diverse and growing tech scene makes it an attractive destination for tech degree seekers and aspiring IT professionals.
