Computer consultant education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a computer consultant. Computer consultants usually study computer science, business, or computer information systems. 62% of computer consultants hold a bachelor's degree, and 21% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 6,408 real computer consultant resumes to see exactly what computer consultant education sections show.

The most common colleges for computer consultants are the DeVry University and the DeVry University.

There are also many online computer consultant courses to help get the education required to be a computer consultant.

There are certain computer consultant certifications that you should consider. These computer consultant certifications include Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) and Management Consultant Professional (MCP).

What education do you need to become a computer consultant?

What degree do you need to be a computer consultant?

The most common degree for computer consultants is bachelor's degree, with 62% of computer consultants earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 21% and associate degree degree at 9%.

Bachelor's, 62%

Associate, 21%

Master's, 9%

High School Diploma, 3%

Other Degrees, 5%

What should I major in to become a computer consultant?

You should major in computer science to become a computer consultant. 24% of computer consultants major in computer science. Other common majors for a computer consultant include business and computer information systems.

Computer Science, 24%

Business, 14%

Computer Information Systems, 9%

Electrical Engineering, 8%

Other Majors, 45%

Most common colleges for computer consultants

Computer consultants often get their degrees at DeVry University, University of Phoenix, and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Here are the most common colleges for computer consultants in the US based on their resumes.

Computer consultant common college	Percentages
DeVry University	9.28%
University of Phoenix	9.28%
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey	6.79%
University of California - Davis	5.88%
Temple University	5.20%

Show more common computer consultant colleges

Best majors for computer consultants

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Computer Science	24.5%
2	Business	14.3%
3	Computer Information Systems	9.0%
4	Electrical Engineering	8.3%
5	Information Technology	5.4%

Show more common computer consultant majors

Best colleges for computer consultants

The best colleges for computer consultants are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A computer consultant with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for computer consultants. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become computer consultants.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

5. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Enrollment

9,142

6. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

7. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

8. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

9. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,530

Enrollment

4,571

20 best online courses for computer consultants

Advertising disclosure

1. Computer Hardware and Software

This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...

2. Akamai Customer Consulting and Support

Are you interested in end-to-end project management? Want to deliver the best solutions to our customers while collaborating with teams from all over the world? You will never stop learning in this fast-moving environment and across our cutting-edge technologies. This beginner level certificate is designed to provide you with in-demand skills that range from internet technology fundamentals, networking, operating systems and problem solving techniques.\n\nThis certificate program consists of...

3. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

4.1

(314)

For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...

4. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support

4.7

(1,213)

Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...

5. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support

(409)

Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...

6. Computer Networks Fundamentals

4.6

(487)

Use this course to cover your Computer Networking basics!...

7. Computer Networking Fundamentals

4.2

(309)

Learn all about the basics of computer networking fundamental concepts and network security concepts...

8. IT/Desktop Computer Support- Troubleshooting for Technicians

4.2

(306)

Learn how to troubleshoot desktop computer issues as an IT Support Technician on real-world organisational networks...

9. Build Your Own Custom Computer!

4.2

(547)

Learn everything you need to know about computers including how to do your own troubleshooting!...

10. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

4.4

(1,591)

Learn Computer Networks fundamentals and Wireshark Basics; Build Strong, Successful Foundation in Computer Networking...

11. Computer Networks Foundations - Best Starter Course [2023]

4.5

(444)

Learn foundations of computer network systems in a simplified manner...

12. The Complete Computer Basics Guide for Beginners: 2023

4.3

(1,163)

Computer Basics, Basic Computer Course, Windows 11 Basics, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Basic Computer Skills,2023...

13. The Complete Computer Basics Course: Become a Power User

(374)

Basic Computer Course - IT Support - Computer Fundamentals - Desktop Support - Basic Computer Skills...

14. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting

4.2

(1,443)

Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...

15. ComputerCavalry: Slow Computer Repair and PC Maintenance

4.2

(256)

Is your computer run slow? Take this course and learn how to speed up a slow computer!...

16. Advanced IT Troubleshooting for Helpdesk Support Technicians

4.2

(1,080)

Learn some of the less common IT troubleshooting techniques for Windows computers...

17. Learning Computer Forensics With Infinite Skills

4.5

(404)

What to gain a solid understanding of Computer Forensics? This training course is the ideal way to get started...

18. CS101 Bootcamp: Introduction to Computer Science & Software

4.2

(1,036)

A Computer Science & software programming / coding bootcamp for absolute beginners. No coding background necessary...

19. Computer Basics for the Simple Beginner

4.3

(1,203)

A guide for new computer users or those who want to know more to get started with the basics!...

20. Cloud Computing and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Fundamentals

4.4

(735)

Examine the Key Principles of Cloud Computing including Service Models, Deployment Models, & Foundations of AWS...

Top 10 most affordable universities for computer consultants

The most affordable schools for computer consultants are California State University - Bakersfield, suny farmingdale, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for computer consultants are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for computer consultants.

1. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

2. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

4. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

6. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

8. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

9. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

10. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for computer consultants

The hardest universities for computer consultants to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for computer consultants are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for computer consultants based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

8. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY • Private

Admissions rate

43%

SAT average

1,415

9. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

42%

SAT average

1,380

10. University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,422

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for computer consultants

The easiest schools for computer consultants to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, barry university, and nyack college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a computer consultant without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for computer consultants.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

4. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

99%

SAT average

1,008

5. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

6. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

7. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

8. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,035

9. Iona College

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,089

10. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

Average computer consultant salary by education level

According to our data, computer consultants with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $114,081 annually. Computer consultants with a Doctorate degree earn an average annual salary of $108,740.

Computer consultant education level	Computer consultant salary
Master's Degree	$114,081
High School Diploma or Less	$88,092
Bachelor's Degree	$98,716
Doctorate Degree	$108,740
Some College/ Associate Degree	$90,081

Computer consultant education FAQs

What is the best college for Computer Consultants?

Have more questions? See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.

Search for computer consultant jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs