Puerto Rico Computer Science Schools

After the 2017 hurricanes took a serious toll on Puerto Rico, the island’s government and residents made it a priority to use technology to rebuild its economy and future. They partnered with SunRun and Tesla to update its energy grid as well as Google and Facebook to restore internet connections.

These improvements in infrastructure may provide optimism for students interested in pursuing computer science degree programs in Puerto Rico. The significant focus on technology shows that it’s likely for these students to land meaningful employment after graduation.

Puerto Rico’s Technology Education Initiatives

Business leaders and nonprofit organizations on have implemented several initiatives to foster technology and promote IT careers on the island. A few of the most notable initiatives include:

• Improving technology and human capital: Ric Elias, a Puerto Rican who founded Red Ventures, a multi-billion dollar marketing and technology company launched Forward787. This initiative injected $100 million into various companies on the island so they could improve technology and human capital. Its goal is to help professionals who graduate from computer science schools succeed.
• Creating smart cities: In an effort to assist Puerto Rico in creating smart cities, a new technology center in Bayamon was developed. Its focus is on the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. AT&T, IBM, and Microsoft are a few of the companies expected to support this operation, which may hire computer science students.
• Encouraging technology jobs: The Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust is a nonprofit organization that is dedicating to promoting technology-related jobs on the island to students and current professionals.
• Supporting technology startups: An accelerator called Parallel18 partnered with Facebook to establish Startup Hub Caribbean, a 12-week program that aims to help 10 tech startups solve its challenges and give them the tools they need to thrive.

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 Colleges for Computer Science and IT in Puerto Rico

In order for Puerto Rico’s technology industry to thrive, an educated workforce is essential. Prospective students who are interested in pursuing technology-focused degree programs in Puerto Rico can select from a variety of institutions. Based on our analysis of the data, here are the best IT schools in Puerto Rico.

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Spotlight on Computer Sciences Schools in Puerto Rico

Several schools that offer particularly interesting IT degree programs in Puerto Rico include:

• Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo: Students at this school can pursue an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science. At the associate and bachelor’s level, a computer and network technology degree program is available. Other technology options at the bachelor’s level include video game design and development.
• Atlantic University College: AUC offers a bachelor’s degree program in video game design with a concentration in programming. It aims to prepare students to become programmers in the video game industry and consists of courses like concepts of video game design and integration of interactive elements.
• University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez: The program that culminates in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering also offer students a variety of technical electives. Options include bioinformatics algorithms, big data analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructures.

IT Salaries and Career Outlook in Puerto Rico

Computer network support specialists, software developers, and information security analysts are a few examples of IT professionals that are expected to grow in demand on the island. Wovenware, an artificial intelligence and software development firm, Claro Puerto Rico, one of the largest telecommunications companies on the island, and Cortelco Systems, an international distributor of telecommunication systems may all potentially employ these types of professionals. Many of these companies are located in or near the capital of San Juan.

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

Computer Science Scholarships for Puerto Rico Students

Since computer science degree programs in Puerto Rico (or anywhere!) can get expensive, students may be able to find scholarships that can reduce some of the expense. Here are a few examples of these scholarships.

• The Southeastern DX Club Scholarship: This award is for eligible part-time and full-time undergraduate students who live in Puerto Rico (and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Georgia, and Alabama). Students must be pursing a degree in computer science, data processing or engineering technology.
• The Computer Science Department at the University of Puerto Rico Piedras: Several different awards may be available for undergraduate and graduate computer science students. For example, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (PR-LSAMP), has scholarship opportunities for undergraduate research students in STEM fields like technology and computer science.

Puerto Rico Professional Organizations and Resources

There are a few professional organizations and resources that IT professionals and computer science students in Puerto Rico may find useful. These include:

• Information Systems Security Association: The Puerto Rico Chapter of ISSA offers educational forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities for Puerto Ricans in the information security industry.
• Computer Science for All in Puerto Rico: This organization helps incorporate computer science in Puerto Rico schools and colleges. Their primary focuses are on information exchange, curriculum development, networking for educators, and professional development for teachers.