Christopher Newport is among the top schools when it comes to computer science education in Virginia. The University is recognized in the 2027 rankings by Research.com as No. 3 in Virginia for “Most Valuable Computer Science Degree Program.”

In addition to the computer science ranking, two other CNU programs were recognized by Research.com:

• No. 6 Best Social Work Degree Program in Virginia
• No. 9 Best Finance Degree Program in Virginia

Research.com is an online education research platform that helps students find the right university and academic program at the right cost. Data scientists at Research.com compile their Best College rankings based on post-graduation employment and salaries, research opportunities, student experience, and overall affordability. Institutions with lower attendance costs received higher scores because of the importance Research.com places on affordability in its ranking methodology.

Dr. Roberto Flores, associate professor in the School of Engineering and Computing (SEC), says Christopher Newport’s computer science curriculum has been successful because it offers students a strong, technical foundation alongside an applied, project-driven approach that prepares students for the techniques and processes they will use on the job.

“This means that students don't just study theoretical concepts; they regularly use industry-standard tools, version control systems, and collaborative software engineering methodologies within their coursework. This focus helps our graduates hit the ground running with practical knowledge in the same environments, tools and concepts used in industry,” said Flores. 

“Beyond technical skills, our computer science curriculum provides students with the core principles of computer science, which are required for long-term learning and adaptability. They learn algorithmic thinking and computational foundations, which builds a solid foundation that looks beyond current trends in programming languages and frameworks. This conceptual foundation empowers our graduates to continuously learn, adapt, and thrive in a continuously evolving technological landscape.”

Students are also offered opportunities to do undergraduate research, a cornerstone of the SEC and computer science experience, working alongside faculty both during the academic year and through funded summer programs, particularly Summer Scholars.

Extracurricular life in the School of Engineering and Computing offers dynamic opportunities for students to put their problem-solving abilities to use through competitive coding, as computer science students regularly participate in internal contests alongside their SEC peers, as well as in external competitions such as the annual International Collegiate Programming Competition (ICPC), which includes teams from universities across the region. These events cultivate rapid technical thinking, teamwork under pressure, and an engaged community of student developers.

The new computer science ranking reflects the University’s growing investment in science and technology, including the recently opened Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC). The facility features state-of-the-art laboratories, including a two-story Drone and Robotics Lab, that provide students with hands-on learning and research opportunities in emerging technologies.

“To be ranked among the best computer science programs is especially exciting at a time when SERC is giving our students unprecedented access to advanced technologies, research opportunities, and collaborative spaces that will prepare them well for a field that is growing but also changing at speeds we’ve never seen before,” said Dr. Anton Riedl, associate dean and head of the School of Engineering and Computing. “In addition, we provide students with extensive opportunities to connect with industry professionals through initiatives such as our Pizza My Mind series, which brings a different company to campus each week, discipline-specific career fairs, and the SEC Mentorship Program, which helps our students build meaningful professional relationships well before graduation.”