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Computer Science Professor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Computer Science Professor information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$125.5K

$169.5K

How much do computer science professor jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer science professor in Virginia is $125,526.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $151,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Computer Science Professor Do?

A computer science professor teaches at a technical college or university. You create and teach courses in computer science (CS) or related programming or technology subjects. In this career, you prepare the syllabus for each class, deliver lectures and instructions, and use exams and quizzes to assess the performance of students. In many computer science classes, your responsibilities include allowing students to practice the subject matter in a computer lab. You facilitate this practice and offer guidance during lab sessions. In addition to your teaching duties, you sometimes give academic or career advice to students in CS degree programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Science Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Science Professor, you need an advanced degree in computer science or a related field, strong research background, and expertise in core topics like algorithms, programming, and systems. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), programming environments, and publication platforms is typically required, along with a record of scholarly publication and potentially relevant certifications. Excellent communication, mentorship, and curriculum development skills help foster student engagement and support academic growth. These skills and qualifications are vital for delivering high-quality instruction, advancing research, and contributing to the academic community.

What are some common challenges faced by Computer Science Professors in balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities?

Computer Science Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including delivering lectures, guiding student projects, conducting original research, publishing papers, and participating in departmental or university committees. Balancing these can be challenging, especially during peak periods like exam seasons or major research deadlines. Effective time management and prioritization are crucial, as is seeking support from colleagues and administrative staff. Many professors also find it helpful to establish a clear schedule and set boundaries to maintain productivity and job satisfaction.

What is the difference between Computer Science Professor vs Software Developer?

AspectComputer Science ProfessorSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a Ph.D. in Computer Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field; certifications optional
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research labs, universitiesCorporate offices, tech companies, startups
Industry UsageResearch, teaching, academic publishingSoftware development, product creation, coding
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve computer science knowledge, a Computer Science Professor primarily focuses on teaching, research, and academic publishing, often requiring a Ph.D. and working in educational institutions. In contrast, a Software Developer applies programming skills to create software products in corporate or startup environments, typically with a bachelor's or master's degree. The roles differ in work environment, responsibilities, and career paths but share foundational computer science expertise.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Computer Science Professor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Computer Science Professor job openings:
Professor and Chair, Computer Science Department

Professor and Chair, Computer Science Department

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department: Col of Engineering and Computing
Classification: 12-month Instructional Faculty
Job Category: Instructional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Works with Minors check: Yes
About the Department:
The objective of the Department of Computer Science, within the College of Engineering and Computing, is to provide education at the undergraduate and graduate level and perform research that makes technology accessible to all. We aim to provide a challenging and rewarding multidisciplinary education to our students; establish and conduct nationally-recognized research; and serve the University as a nexus for opportunities.
With over 80 full-time faculty members and 12 administrative staff, the Department of Computer Science at George Mason University is the largest department in the College of Engineering and Computing, the largest department on campus, and the largest Computer Science department in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The department offers two Bachelor of Science programs with over 2400 students enrolled: the B.S. in Computer Science and the inter-disciplinary B.S. in Applied Computer Science; three M.S. programs in Computer Science, Information Systems, and Software Engineering with a total enrollment of over 700 students; and a Ph.D. program in Computer Science of over 220 students. The department's faculty also teach in the inter-disciplinary M.S. in Data Analytics Engineering, M.S. in Artificial Intelligence, and the Ph.D. in Information Technology programs.
The department has a world-class faculty with research strengths in all areas of computing, and a strong commitment to teaching. We now rank among the Top 35 Computer Science Departments in the US.
About the Position:
Reporting to the Dean of the College, the Department Chair is the chief academic and administrative leader for the department and serves as a key member of the College's leadership team. The Chair of Computer Science (CS) provides vision and leadership to advance the department, positioning the department as a leader in innovation, research, and education in computer science, and related
fields. The Chair guides a robust scholarship and research agenda, promotes excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and works to develop collaborative academic programs across the university.
Responsibilities:
  • Serves as the chief academic and administrative leader for the department, provides vision and leadership to advance the department, and serves as a key member of the College's leadership team;
  • Interacts with college and university leadership, collaborating on college and university strategic goals;
  • Positions the department as a leader in innovation, research, and education in computer science;
  • Elevates the status of the department, college and university among peer institutions and external partners;
  • Responsible for personnel hiring, oversight, and development within the Department, including renewal, promotion, and tenure;
  • Oversight of all educational and research programs within the Department;
  • Teaches courses each academic year per college workload policy;
  • Provides budgetary oversight for the department; and
  • Provides oversight of departmental facilities usage.

Required Qualifications:
  • Terminal degree in a related field;
  • Must qualify to become a tenured full professor in the department;
  • Competitive candidates will have an outstanding record in research with a strong record of funding, along with a genuine understanding of the teaching mission, and the importance of providing undergraduate and graduate students with the highest quality educational experience;
  • Should have demonstrated potential for excellence and productivity in research, and a commitment to high-quality teaching;
  • Unassailable personal and academic integrity;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, and a focus on openness and transparency;
  • A demonstrated commitment to the effective mentoring of junior faculty; and
  • Leadership skills and vision to advance the department to new heights, which includes a strong sense of where the field is headed and an understanding of its sub-disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous administrative experience; and
  • Has the ability to foster strong interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments within the college and across the university.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Professor and Chair, Computer Science Department at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent, CV, a Research, Teaching and Leadership Statement, and an optional copy of your transcript for review.
Posting Open Date: January 21, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 9, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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