According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in information technology occupations is projected to grow 12 percent by 2028, which is “much faster than the average for all occupations.” This growth would add around 546,200 new jobs to the U.S. economy.
To enter into many of these positions, you need to have a college degree. Indeed, jobs in technology are more competitive than ever, and having an academic credential is a good way to differentiate yourself when applying for tech jobs.
Online computer science degrees have become popular over the last few years. These programs allow you to build your theoretical and practical knowledge of computer science, which you can apply to a wide range of modern technology jobs.
We’re going to break down the top 10 online computer science degree programs. We’ll discuss the background of these schools, their tuition, and how each school structures their computer science degree program.
Online Computer Science Degree Rankings in 2020
There are dozens of online computer science degree programs out there that can prepare you to become a computer scientist. To help you decide which program is right for you, we’ve prepared a list of the top online computer science degree programs.
#1: Florida International University
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
- Tuition: $229/credit (in-state) or $346/credit (out-of-state)
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university based in Miami, which offers more than 190 degree options.
The school’s Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science degree teaches students the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a career in technology. Their online computer science degree is good for students interested in computer programming or database management.
FIU’s online bachelor’s program focuses more on computing than math and science, unlike other computer science courses. To graduate from the program, students need to take classes in topics such as computer programming, database management, technical writing, and operating systems principles. There are also elective courses to choose from.
#2: University of Florida Online
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Tuition: $129/credit (in-state) or $553/credit (out-of-state)
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
The University of Florida is a public research university with over 200 research and education centers. The University is ranked in the top five by the U.S. News & World Report for the quality of its online bachelor’s degree programs.
The school’s computer science degree program prepares students for a wide range of different careers, ranging from web developer to computer programmer. Its course covers topics such as data structures, digital logic, and databases.
#3: Southern New Hampshire University
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Tuition: $320/credit
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
Southern New Hampshire University offers more than 200 career-focused programs to over 100,000 students both online and on its campus.
The school’s computer science curriculum covers software design and development, operating systems, full-stack development, and other aspects of computer science and software engineering.
There are also four concentration options from which students can select. This allows students to develop a deeper understanding of one specific area in computing. These areas are information security, STEM project management, software engineering, and data analysis.
#4: The University of Illinois at Springfield
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Tuition: $359/credit
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
The University of Illinois at Springfield is one of three universities in the University of Illinois system. The university provides an online bachelor of science in a computer science program, which covers a wide range of different technical topics.
In this degree, you can expect to learn about data structures, programming languages, algorithms, operating systems, how computers are organized, networking, and more. There is a software engineering capstone project that must be completed as part of the program.
Students can choose to specialize either in software engineering or systems security and information assurance in their degree program.
#5: Oregon State University
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Tuition: $499/credit
- Duration: 2 years
- Credit Requirement: 60 credits
Oregon State University is a public research university in Corvallis, Oregon, which offers more than 200 undergraduate degree programs. Over 70 of those programs are available online.
The university’s computer science degree curriculum covers topics such as operating systems, computer programming, and data structures. In the course, students learn about assembly languages as well as the architecture behind computing systems.
This program is for learners who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another subject, and who are looking to attain a degree in computer science.
#6: Auburn University
- Degree: Bachelor of Computer Science
- Tuition: $511/credit
- Duration: 2 years
- Credit Requirement: 60 credits
Auburn University is one of the largest universities in the American South. The school services more than 30,000 students each year and provides courses in over 140 fields of study.
Auburn’s bachelor’s degree in computer science aims to prepare students with the insights they need to excel in a career in computing. Its online bachelor’s degree program is administered entirely online and is targeted toward people who have already started their degree and are looking to finish their studies.
This course covers a wide range of interdisciplinary topics, which range from operating systems to computer network design to database management.
#7: University of Colorado Boulder
- Degree: BS in Applied Computer Science
- Tuition: $834/credit
- Duration: 2-3 years
- Credit Requirement: 45 credits
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university based in Boulder, Colorado. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate and professional degrees.
The school’s online bachelor’s in computer science program covers data structures, discrete structures, algorithms, principles of programming languages, software development methods and tools, and more.
The course also requires students to complete 19 credit hours of elective courses. The elective courses available include data science algorithms, cognitive science, data mining, information visualization, and artificial intelligence.
#8: Florida State University
- Degree: BS in Computer Science
- Tuition: $180/credit (in-state); $686/credit (out-of-state)
- Duration: 2 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
Florida State University is a public space-grant and sea-grant research university based in Tallahassee, Florida. The school offers more than 50 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The university’s bachelor’s computer science program provides a systems view of computing that covers design, object orientation, and distributed systems and networks.
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Students develop a broad-based background in working with computers through learning about programming, database structures, and more. In this program, students work with C, C++, and Assembly programming languages.
#9: Fort Hays State University
- Degree: BS in Computer Science
- Tuition: $219/credit
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
Fort Hays State University is a public university based in Hays, Kansas. The school offers a number of virtual programs including an online bachelor of science in computer science.
The school’s bachelor of science in computer science program covers an array of subjects. Students learn about software engineering, object-oriented programming, data structures, operating systems, computer graphics, and more as part of this course.
This course also teaches students to manage front end and back end web development projects. There are also areas in which students can specialize which allows them to develop a deeper understanding of a specific discipline.
#10: Old Dominion University
- Degree: BS in Computer Science
- Tuition: $356/credit (in-state); $407/credit (out-of-state)
- Duration: 2-4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits (or 30 credits if you are completing an existing degree)
Old Dominion University is a public university based in Norfolk, Virginia. The school offers more than 50 online undergraduate programs, one of which is a bachelor of science in computer science.
Old Dominion’s online computer science program emphasizes preparing students to enter the world of software development and other in-demand computer science jobs. Its curriculum covers a wide span of topics, from introduction to software engineering to theoretical computer science to data structures and algorithms.
Online Computer Science Degree Offerings
Are you looking to pursue a career in technology? If so, an online computer science degree can be a good option to explore.
Online degrees provide more flexibility than in-person offerings and are often more affordable than their in-person counterparts. Many schools offer financial aid for students in their online programs because they are accredited degree programs.
There are four types of online computer science degrees you can earn:
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral Degree
Online Computer Science Associate Degree
Online associate degrees are a good way in which you can start your career in technology.
In an associate degree program, you will learn the basics of information technology and develop a strong understanding of the hardware and software that powers computers. The knowledge you acquire in an associate degree will act as a good foundation to help you pursue an entry-level job in technology.
Online CS Associate Degree Admission Requirements
To enter an online computer science associate degree program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. You may also need to submit standardized test scores and letters of recommendation from your teachers.
Computer CS Associate Degree Online Curriculum
Every computer science online degree program offers its own curriculum with unique specializations. However, there are some classes that make up the foundation of an online associate degree:
- Introduction to Computing: Learn the basics of coding and how to use logical methods to build computer programs.
- Introduction to Operating Systems: Understand how modern operating systems work and interact with the hardware and software on a computer.
- Networking: Learn how computers communicate with each other and how to manage these connections.
- Databases: Master the basics of databases, why they are used, and how to interact with them using a query language such as SQL.
Online CS Associate Degree Tuition and Program Duration
Most associate degrees in computer science cost between $4,000 and $19,000 per year. These degrees last two years and usually require 60 credits to complete.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Computer Science
Bachelor’s degrees in computer science teach the fundamentals of information technology that power the tech we use every day. In a bachelor’s degree program, you’ll explore a wide range of topics in-depth, from programming and software to the architecture of a computer. While this program is heavily weighted toward theory, you will graduate with the skills you need to apply to real-world computer science problems.
Online Bachelor’s Degree in CS Admission Requirements
To enroll in a computer science degree online, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to submit standardized college entrance exam scores.
CS Bachelor’s Degree Online Curriculum
The curriculum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science program is focused on helping students understand the theory of computer systems. Here are the main courses you can expect to encounter in this degree program:
- Data Structures: Learn about the fundamental data structures and algorithms that underlie computers, as well as how to write, analyze, and apply algorithms to modern computer science problems.
- Operating Systems: Delve deeper into how operating systems work and their components.
- Computer Programming: Build software using programming languages, combining your knowledge of data structures, algorithms, logic, and computation, and applying your skills to real-world programs.
- Advanced Specializations: Explore topics such as networking, computer architecture, machine learning, ethics, and human-computer interaction.
Tuition and Length
The tuition for online bachelor’s programs varies between schools. Most programs charge between $6,000 and $47,000 per annum. To graduate from this degree program on time, you should complete 120 credit hours over a period of four years.
Online Master’s Degrees in Computer Science
Once you have completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science, you can advance to a master’s degree program. These programs offer students an opportunity to explore computing in more depth, and to specialize in one particular area of study.
Requirements
To enter into a master’s degree program, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school. Most programs require either a major or minor in computer science or a relevant field.
Many master’s programs also ask for professional experience. Some schools ask for specific work experience, whereas others expect that you have worked in a job related to computer science for a period of two to three years. You may also have to submit test scores, personal essays, recommendations, and a letter of intent, in order to enter into a master’s program.
Curriculum
The curriculum of a master’s program is similar to that of a bachelor’s program. However, you will explore all the disciplines in a master’s program in more depth than you would in a standard bachelor’s program. For instance, your master’s program could cover data structures and algorithms, software architecture and design, database systems, computational statistics, deep learning, networking, among other fields of computing.
Online Doctoral Degrees in Computer Science
Doctoral degrees in computer science are best suited for people who want to explore a specific field in computing in significant depth. Ph.D. programs are oriented around a major research project, during which you will be expected to make a unique contribution to the field of computer science using the knowledge you have acquired.
Requirements
To enter into an online doctoral degree in computer science, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in computer science. A degree in a similar field, such as mechanical engineering or physics, may be accepted, depending on the courses you have studied.
To qualify for admission, you will also need to demonstrate previous success in computer science. This could be done by showcasing prior projects or referencing past work experience in the field of computer science. There may also be a minimum GPA and GRE score required to enter into a specific program.
Curriculum
Doctoral degrees involve both theory and practical work. In a doctoral degree, most of your work will be positioned toward a research project.
This is where you will delve deep into a specific computer science problem and present a conclusion based on your findings. To produce this research you will work with a professor, and to earn your degree you will need to present your findings to a dissertation committee.
In your practical coursework, you will explore fields such as networking, operating systems, databases, and web development in significant depth. The courses you cover as part of your doctoral degree will depend on the program in which you are enrolled.
Tuition and Length
The average tuition for doctoral programs is around $20,000 per year. Doctoral programs usually take between four and eight years to complete, depending on the program.
What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?
While computer science degrees are not focused on training for any specific career in technology, the skills you acquire in a degree program will prepare you for a wide range of roles in technology. Indeed, there are many different specializations in tech which you can pursue, and the one that you explore should depend on your unique skills and interests.
Here are a few of the career options available to computer science degree graduates:
- Software Developer: Software developers use programming languages to build software programs that can run on computers and mobile devices. These developers are responsible for planning, testing, developing, and maintaining software.
- Database Administrator: Database administrators use their knowledge of data to build and maintain databases. They will assist in scaling databases as they grow, and use their problem-solving skills to ensure the security and integrity of the data stored.
- Web Developer: Web developers build applications that run on the internet. They create the technical structure for a website, implement that structure, and ensure that a website can run on multiple devices.
- Information Research Scientist: Information research scientists study complex problems and identify ways in which computers can enhance our world.
- Data Scientist: Data scientists turn raw data into meaningful insights that businesses can use to improve their organizations. Data scientists extract, gather, analyze, and interpret data from different sources and use that data to make actionable recommendations to a business.
- Computer Engineer: Computer engineers use hardware skills to design circuits, personal computers, microprocessors, and other pieces of hardware.
- Systems Analyst: Systems analysts use analysis and design to solve business problems with technology. Systems analysts often serve as change agents who help design and implement new systems that can improve productivity and efficiency within a business.
- Cybersecurity Engineer: Cybersecurity engineers are professionals who create systems designed to protect and secure networks against hackers and vulnerabilities. They regularly test and monitor systems, and ensure that all the systems in a network are updated and work as expected.
- Mobile App Developer: Mobile app developers create, maintain, and implement the source code used to run a mobile application. They build applications for devices powered by iOS, Android, and other mobile operating systems.
- Quality Assurance Engineer: Quality assurance engineers review the code written by other developers to ensure it meets a specific standard. They will prepare and implement tests, and identify any bugs or problems that may interfere with a program running as expected.
Career Prospects for Computer Science Degree Graduates
Computer science degree graduates have strong career prospects. While the exact salary you can expect to earn varies on your area of specialty, most computing-related positions offer favorable salaries.
This is because there is a high demand for people who have a background in technology, and so companies often set competitive salaries to attract the best talent to their organizations. To help you get a better sense of the salaries you can expect to earn as a computer science degree graduate, consider these average salaries, collected from Glassdoor:
- Software Developer: $92,046
- Database Administrator: $78,779
- Web Developer: $68,524
- Information Research Scientist: $77,173
- Data Scientist: $113,309
- Computer Engineer: $92,046
- Systems Analyst: $64,616
- Cybersecurity Engineer: $99,834
- Mobile App Developer: $96,016
- Quality Assurance Engineer: $70,827
Indeed, jobs in computer science can offer lucrative salaries. If you are just getting started in your career in technology, you will earn an entry-level salary. This may be lower than the statistics presented above, but will still be favorable.
Once you gain some experience working in computer science, your salary will increase commensurately. For instance, senior systems analysts earn an average of $74,045 per year, which is substantially higher than the $64,616 earned by the average systems analyst.
The location in which you work will also influence the salary that you command. Technology workers in areas like New York City or Silicon Valley typically command higher salaries, due to the high concentration of technology companies in those areas. With that said, technology jobs are available all across the United States, and you should have no trouble finding a job that pays you a favorable salary.
Do I Need a Computer Science Degree?
Before you enroll in an online computer science degree program, you may find yourself asking, “Do I really need one of these degrees?”
The answer to this question depends on your career ambitions.
If you want to work at a company like Microsoft or Amazon, having a degree in computer science can be very helpful. That is because positions in these companies are competitive. A computer science degree is a good way to demonstrate you have what it takes to be an effective contributor in a technical environment.
With that said, having a computer science degree is not required to start a career in technology. Alternatively, you can teach yourself how to code, then build your professional development skills on the job. For instance, you could learn how to code, then work for a local software development company to help you build your skills.
There are also coding bootcamps which you can use to acquire technical skills. While college degrees are focused mainly on theoretical knowledge, coding bootcamps position their services as an option for people who want to build practical skills in a short period of time.
Conclusion
Online computer science degrees are a great investment if you are looking to pursue a career in technology. In a computer science degree program, you’ll learn the theory behind computers, and you will learn how to build applications using programming languages.
Online programs come with added flexibility because you don’t need to reside in a particular area in order to participate. Online programs are often cheaper than their in-person counterparts, too, which make them even more accessible.
If you’re thinking about a career in computing or technology, an online computer science degree could be a good option to consider.
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