New Mexico Computer Science Schools

New Mexico has more than 67,000 tech workers, according to a 2019 report published by CompTIA, a leading technology industry association. The same report also notes that New Mexico’s tech sector contributes $9 billion to the state’s total economy. In 2018, New Mexico saw a 51 percent increase in the number of job postings related to the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, drones, virtual and augmented reality, and other emerging technologies.

Such an active tech sector can be great news for students pursuing computer science degree programs in New Mexico. New graduates are likely to find interesting opportunities and meaningful employment in their industry upon completion of their degrees.

New Mexico’s Technology Education Initiatives

There are a number of initiatives in the Land of Enchantment that are designed to support and grow New Mexico’s IT sector and the “new collar” workforce — blue collar jobs that increasingly require 21st-century skills. These activities range from K-12 programs designed to channel students into IT degree programs in New Mexico — creating a pipeline of future workers — to business development — bringing more tech jobs to the state. Let’s take a look at several of them.

• Setting standards for computer science education: In December 2018, New Mexico’s education leaders adopted computer science standards for the state’s K-12 students as a way to bring consistency to learning opportunities across the state.
• Inspiring students to tackle STEM challenges: The 2019-2020 New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge encourages high school students (and their teachers) to create a project model that addresses the theme, “keeping the world safer using technology.” This event is a collaboration between the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, New Mexico Public Education Department and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
• Educating the public about STEM: The New Mexico STEM Connection created an easily searchable site to help New Mexicans from all walks of life — students, parents, teachers, and administrators — explore and develop their interests in STEM. Visitors to the NM STEM-H site can find programs, projects, events and connect with others who are interested in learning opportunities at all educational levels.
• Growing software jobs: The DART initiative was created to persuade out-of-state companies and agencies to contract with and hire software development firms in New Mexico. The organization hopes to attract revenue from out-of-state to create high-paying jobs and encourage local software developers to stay in New Mexico.
• Recognizing women in tech: Every year, the New Mexico Technology Council hosts a Women in Technology Celebration to recognize outstanding New Mexico women who work in STEM. The goal of the annual event is to promote STEM careers to other women in the state.

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Best Computer Science and IT Colleges in New Mexico

More than two dozen higher education institutions in New Mexico offer degree programs in a computer science or IT-related field. Students can find education opportunities at public or private schools in the state that result in earning an associate, bachelor’s or advanced degree. Based on an analysis of data from the National Center for Education Statistics, these are the best New Mexico schools for those preparing for a career in the technology field.

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Spotlight on Computer Science Schools in New Mexico

Computer science schools in New Mexico can help students prepare for fulfilling careers in IT. Here some schools with programs that are particularly interesting:

• University of New Mexico: At the UNM, students can enroll in a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science shared-credit degree program in computer science. This program allows undergraduate computer science students to count 12 credit hours towards both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. UNM’s annual Mobile App Contest also give students the opportunity to apply their coding skills to make useful applications for the community.
• New Mexico State University: NMSU offers both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in computer science. The Bachelor of Science is heavy on math and science while the Bachelor of Arts is designed for students that have interests outside computer science and wish to study other disciplines in some depth.
• Eastern New Mexico University: A Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Information Systems and Programming Design Concentration is available at ENMU. It provides students with advanced knowledge in computer programming and the application of information systems for business.

IT Salaries and Career Outlook in New Mexico

According to the New Mexico Workforce Connection, occupations like computer and information research scientists and information security analysts are expected to see the fastest growth in New Mexico in the coming years. Check the table below to see more projections for tech-related occupations.

New IT and computer science professionals may look for employment at tech startups such as RiskSense, a cyber risk management company, LAVU, a cloud-based point of sale system, and Twistle, an automation tool employ. Larger and more established companies such as Honeywell, Ideal Vacuum Products, and the New Mexico Hospital Association may also hire graduates from IT schools in New Mexico.

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

Computer Science Scholarships for New Mexico Students

Scholarships in New Mexico can make campus-based or online computer science programs more affordable. In additional to general scholarships that may be available to eligible New Mexico students, here are some examples of tech-related scholarships available to students in the state:

• Annual Women in Technology Celebration Scholarship: The New Mexico Technology Council awards one scholarship to one of its members who hope to receive funding that will enable them to switch to a career in technology or gain the skills needed to advance in her technology career.
• NMOST Advancing Young Women in STEM Scholarships: This scholarship opportunity was created in order to inspire female innovators and to address the gender gap in STEM-related fields, including computer science.
• Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program: High school students in the Albuquerque metro and who have strong math or science credentials are encouraged to apply for this $10,000 award.

New Mexico’s Professional IT Organizations and Resources

There are several professional organizations and resources for IT professionals and students enrolled in IT degree programs in New Mexico. Working professionals and students may find these to be beneficial for their learning and networking opportunities.

• New Mexico Technology Council: NMTC is an association of businesses, organizations and tech professionals who work together to promote the growth and success of New Mexico’s technology business sectors. It hosts various tech events and programs throughout the year.
• Computer Science Teachers Association of New Mexico: CSTA-NW holds member events to discuss new ways to promote learning about computer science, curriculum, and best practices for teaching K-12 students about this topic.
• TechHire New Mexico: TechHire is a technology-focused job resource for professionals seeking employment in four New Mexico counties: Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia. It offers accelerated technological training, career counseling, job placement, and apprenticeships.