Akhil Bhadwal | 16 Jan, 2023

10 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs in 2024


Even before online learning platforms came to be, universities were already on the way to establishing online learning by offering online degrees. The advent of online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy has revolutionized the way students get their educational certificates and degrees. Following the trend, several recognized universities are also taking their offerings online. However, the pandemic accelerated this process, encouraging many educational institutions worldwide to provide an online version of their degree programs.

A degree in computer science opens up a wide array of career avenues for graduates. Computer science degree holders find work in business, creative industries, education, engineering, medicine, science, and more.

If you want to earn your diploma, this list of the ten best online computer science degree programs of 2024 can help. In this guide, we’ll also cover everything from choosing the best program to what kind of jobs you can find after you graduate! 

At a Glance: The Best Computer Science Degrees You Can Earn Online

Institution

Program Information

Cost

The University of London (in association with Coursera)

  • Handled entirely within Coursera’s learning platform 
  • Concentrations available in data science, games development, machine learning and artificial intelligence, physical computing and the internet of things, user experience, virtual reality, and web and mobile development
  • Modules totaling 360 credits required, program takes three to six years to finish

Total cost £11,229 - £16,790 or $13,780 - $20,604; your rate may vary depending on your geographical location (developing nations pay less)

University of Florida (UF Online)

  • Features strong foundational education in Computer Science but also gives students strong education in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and foreign languages
  • Online students get the same education and opportunities as on-campus students
  • Program takes four years to finish on average
  • $129.18 per credit for residents of Florida
  • $552.62 per credit for non-Florida residents

Oregon State University

  • OSU is classified a community engagement university by the Carnegie Foundation, which means it gets a lot of outside research funds (good for researchers
  • The BS in Computer Science at OSU is available in four levels of acceleration, choose whichever suits you
  • 180 credits required, program takes one to four years to finish
  • $403 per credit, based on current tuition rates

Old Dominion University

  • Online courses and programs follow Old Dominion University’s regular academic calendar
  • ODU offers discounted undergraduate tuition for active military
  • One of the most affordable online BSCS programs from a private institution
  • 120 credits required, program takes four years on average to finish
  • $356 per credit for Virginia residents
  • $407 per credit for non-Virginia residents

Florida State University

  • Fully online program is entirely the same as the on-campus version
  • Students receive continuous support thanks to an assigned mentor
  • Has an Office of Distance Learning to assist online students
  • BSCS program at FSU includes an embedded collateral minor in mathematics
  • 120 credits required, program takes two to four years to finish
  • $180 per credit for Florida residents*
  • $686 per credit for non-Florida residents*

 

* May include a distance learning fee on top - contact FSU for more information

University of Illinois Springfield

  • Students interested in the UIS BSCS program must have a minimum of 30 hours of transferable college credit at a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • 120 credits required, program takes four years on average to complete
  • Starting at $312.25 per credit

 

UIS has rules/guidelines for its pricing for online degree programs. More information is available here

DePaul University

  • Largest Catholic university in the United States
  • 100% BSCS program is in synchronous format (not self-paced) but students are free to review lectures at their convenience
  • BSCS program requires two capstone projects, one in sophomore year and one in senior year
  • 120 credits required, program takes four years on average to complete
  • $655 per credit

 

More information is available here

Regent University

  • Regent University is a private Christian institution that will teach its BSCS program with a Christian world view
  • 120+ credits required, program takes four years on average to complete
  • $395 per credit for full-time students
  • $450 per credit for part-time students

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Concentrations available in data analysis, information security, project management for STEM, software engineering
  • 120 credits required, program takes four years on average to complete
  • $320 per credit

Griffith University

  • Located in Brisbane Australia and has accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
  • The Bachelor of Computer Science program is conducted on a trimester basis. 3 years on campus full-time or 6 years part-time online
  • In the final/capstone year, students must complete their 20-credit point WIL (Work Integrated Learning) course
  • International students must submit an IELTS score of at least 6.5 + other requirements depending on country
  • $480 per credit point (Australian Dollars)

The Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs

1. The University of London (in association with Coursera)

Accreditation – Privy Council of the United Kingdom

Acceptance Rate –​​ 63%

Graduation Rate98.42%

Credits Required – 360

Cost – Total cost £11,229 - £16,790 or $13,780 - $20,604; your rate may vary depending on your geographical location (developing nations pay less)

Concentrations:

  • Data Science
  • Games Development
  • Machine Learning and AI
  • Physical Computing and the Internet of Things
  • User Experience
  • Virtual Reality
  • Web and Mobile Development

Duration – 3 to 6 years

The University of London, in collaboration with Coursera, offers the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science degree to aspirants from all over the globe. The institution has been offering distance learning for a long time in over 180 countries. Depending on your geographic location, the duration of the online degree varies from anywhere between 3 and 6 years.

The computer science degree offered by the University of London helps students master in-demand computer skills, develop the ability to solve complex, real-world problems, and refine their innate innovation and creativity.

This degree follows a hands-on project-based approach to help students develop the required technical skills that they need to enter a field of their choice in a desirable job profile. Students enrolled for the online degree access lecturers via the Coursera platform with continuous assessment and support offered by the UoL faculty and teaching assistants.

We believe this is one of the best online computer science degrees due to its accessibility through the Coursera online learning platform.

Highlights

  • Create a portfolio of coursework for presenting to current or potential employers
  • Knowledge of up-to-date industry applications and practices
  • Multitude of specializations
  • Offered twice per year, in April and October
  • Performance-based admission is available for candidates failing to meet the academic criteria for direct entry
  • A rigorous set of assignments and projects
  • Varied course material, ranging from entry-level subjects to specialized, in-depth subjects

You can signup here.

2. University of Florida (UF Online)

Accreditation – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Acceptance Rate – 31.1%

Graduation Rate – 88.5%

Credits Required – 70

Cost per Credit

  • $129.18 per credit for residents of Florida
  • $552.62 per credit for non-Florida residents

Concentrations: N/A

Duration – 4 years

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree offered by UF Online provides a robust foundation in computer science. It also offers a strong liberal arts education in the humanities, foreign languages, and social and behavioral sciences.

The BSCS course prepares students for employment as computing professionals alongside offering the freedom to choose coursework in other non-computer areas.

University of Florida’s BS in Computer Science degree is specially designed for learners unable to attend traditional campus classes. Students enrolled for the online degree get the same academic options as those enrolled offline. As a result, students enrolled online suffer no disadvantages compared to those learning on-campus.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program offered by UF Online has the flexibility to modify the curriculum to meet the academic strengths, interests, and skills of enrolled candidates. UF Online remains one of the best online schools for computer science, thanks to the flexibility afforded to students who need it.

UF Online’s BS in Computer Science degree is ideal for students who wish to get the technical education of computer science along with the flexibility to take non-technical courses in the form of a certificate or minor while spending much less on earning the degree.

Highlights

  • Access to UF’s exclusive career services
  • Dedicated academic advisor
  • Flexible academic options
  • One of the most affordable institutions with lots of financial aid and scholarships programs available
  • Requires a minimum of 29 credits in foundation coursework, 35 credits in core coursework, and six credits of major electives
  • Supports course equivalency requests
  • World-class faculty

You can signup here.

3. Oregon State University

Accreditation – Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Acceptance Rate – 82.2%

Graduation Rate – 66%

Credits Required – 180

Cost per Credit – $403 based on current tuition costs at OSU

Concentrations: N/A

Duration – 1 to 4 years

Located in Corvallis, Oregon State University is among the top research universities on the west coast. The Carnegie Foundation classifies it as a community engagement university, which means OSU works in partnership with the public and private sectors to provide and enrich opportunities in scholarships, creative activity, and research. As a result, OSU receives a handsome amount of research funds, making it an ideal option for researchers.

Douglas Engelbart, the man who created the computer mouse, and Stephen O. Rice, after whom the Rice Distribution and Rice’s Formula are named, are the Oregon State University alumni.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at OSU is offered by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The degree requires you to complete 60 credit hours, which is half what is typically required for a BS in Computer Science degree. As a result, you can complete the flexible program from OSU in one to four years, depending on whether you study part or full-time.

Highlights

  • All Oregon State instructors are working experts in the computer science industry
  • Online programs available throughout the USA and 40 other countries
  • The BS in Computer Science is offered at four varying levels of acceleration
  • You can complete the degree as quickly as a single year
  • The University offers over 900 courses as part of their eCampus offerings
  • Transferring options available

You can signup here.

4. Old Dominion University

Accreditation – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Acceptance Rate – 95.4%

Graduation Rate – 50.9%

Credits Required – 120

Cost per Credit

  • $356 (In-State Virginia Residents)
  • $407 (Out-of-State Students)

Concentrations: N/A

Duration – 4 years

Old Dominion University is one of the largest universities in Virginia. In 2019 alone, enrollments into the top research institution exceeded 24,000 students. The Old Dominion is actually a nickname of Virginia that King Charles II of England gave. 

ODU is one of the largest online/distance learning providers in America, with 168 degree programs available. Of these 168 programs, 70 are offered online at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Old Dominion University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a top-rated undergraduate program maintained and managed by the College of Sciences (Department of Computer Science). ODU’s BSCS is an excellent choice if you want to earn your computer science degree online without ever having to step on campus.

Despite being a private university, the BSCS program at Old Dominion University is one of the most affordable online computer science degree programs available.

Along with detailing the fundamentals of computer science, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program by ODU also includes lessons on data science, computer networking, information security, programming paradigms, and other sister fields of computer science. This BSCS also covers engineering methodology and experimental techniques.

Highlights

  • Affordable program
  • All online courses follow ODU’s regular academic calendar
  • Available in over 60 countries
  • Course material accessible from any location
  • Discounted undergraduate tuition rate for active-duty military students
  • Many ODU professors are Fellows in national societies and professional organizations in their respective fields

You can signup here.

5. Florida State University

Accreditation – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Acceptance Rate – 32.5%

Graduation Rate – 82.5%

Credits Required – 120

Cost per Credit

  • $180 (In-State)
  • $686 (Out-of-State)

Concentrations: N/A

Duration – 2 to 4 years

Florida State University is among the top 50 research universities in the USA. The public space and land-grant University has its primary campus in Tallahassee, Florida, and offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree to aspirants worldwide.

The computer science degree offered by the FSU is a fully online program equivalent to its offline counterpart. It requires students to have the equivalent of an AA degree. While full-time students can complete the BSCS program in 2 years, part-time students can take as much as four years to accomplish the same.

The coursework for the BS in Computer Science degree includes:

  • Distributed systems and networks
  • Programming exposure primarily in C, C++, and Assembly Language with less-intensive exposure to other programming languages, including C#, Java, Lisp, Scheme, Prolog, Perl, and HTML
  • Systems view of computing
  • Object orientation
  • Systems design
  • Computer organization
  • Operating systems

FSU is responsible for creating the first ETA10-G/8 Supercomputer in 1989, among other notable achievements in the field of computer science. It is the only University in Florida to have a national laboratory. The University aims to become a top 25 national public research university in the coming years.

Highlights

  • A top 50 American research university
  • Continuous support through an assigned Mentor
  • Flexible course duration
  • ODL (Office of Distance Learning) for providing support to online students, Assessment & Testing services, and administering course evaluations
  • The BSCS program includes an embedded collateral minor in mathematics

You can signup here.

6. University of Illinois Springfield

Accreditation – Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Acceptance Rate – 77.3%

Graduation Rate – 61.8%

Credits Required – 120

Cost per Credit

  • Starting at $312.25 per credit hour
  • UIS has rules/guidelines for its pricing for online degree programs. More information is available here

Concentrations: N/A

Duration – 4 years

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the University of Illinois Springfield is a public liberal arts university. It is part of the University of Illinois System and follows the Open Pathway, a 10-year cycle focusing on the assurance of quality and continuous improvement.

The University of Illinois is recognized as one of the top public schools in the Midwest. Other than 27 undergraduate degrees and 20 graduate degrees, UIS also offers a doctorate-level degree in public administration. The UIS started offering online degrees in 1999, which can be considered a precursor to online learning.

The UIS's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree requires candidates to have two semesters of Java programming and one semester of calculus, discrete or finite math, and statistics. You can obtain these prerequisites via the University of Illinois Springfield's general education requirements.

The United States Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency recognizes UIS as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Information Assurance/Cyberdefense Education. As such, the University of Illinois Springfield also offers an information systems security degree. A student can take a mixture of this degree and the BSCS through electives.

Highlights

  • Newest campus in the University of Illinois system
  • It offers one of the most affordable computer science degree programs
  • One of the earliest adopters of the online mode of learning
  • Recognized by NSA and United States Department of Homeland Security
  • Students taking proper coursework in Information Assurance (IA) might be eligible for additional grants and scholarships from the DoD (Department of Defense)
  • Once one of the two upper-division and graduate universities, UIS now accepts freshman, transfer, and graduate students

You can signup here.

7. DePaul University

Accreditation – Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Acceptance Rate – 70.2%

Graduation Rate – 72%

Credits Required – 120

Cost per Credit – $655

Concentrations: Game Systems, Software Development

Duration – 4 years

DePaul University is the largest Catholic University in the USA, where it is recognized and applauded for its focus on quality pedagogy based on service and experiential learning. It is among the top institutes offering an online computer science degree — in this case, their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. 

DU is regarded as one of the most tech-savvy educational institutions. It offers a multitude of tracking and organizational tools as well as online support services to its students.

Of course, DePaul University is one of the pricier institutes to get a BSCS. Still, it’s worth it owing to the University’s reputation as a top institute to gain and access state-of-the-art technology while grasping the basics and advanced aspects of computer science and its highly lauded computer science department.

Delivered online, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from DePaul University is not self-paced. Nonetheless, students are free to watch and review lecturers filmed on the campus at their convenience.

In addition to the general degree, DePaul University has two specializations for its BSCS offering. Completing the BSCS degree requires two capstone projects, one in the sophomore year and one in the senior year.

Highlights

  • Computer Science Society for facilitating collaborative projects among students
  • Flaunts a highly regarded computer science department
  • Many of the CS faculty research programs - belonging to AI, scientific computing, software engineering, visual computing, human-computer interaction, and more - are funded by the NSF (National Science Foundation)
  • One of the 100 most innovative organizations for information technology globally
  • One of the most diverse student bodies in the US
  • Talks and events belonging to the Studio X, a center for faculty development supporting research in the synergy of computing and humanities, are available for free to the public
  • Two capstone projects

You can signup here.

8. Regent University

Accreditation – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Acceptance Rate – 50.4%

Graduation Rate – 31%

Credits Required – 120+

Cost per Credit

  • $395 (full-time)
  • $450 (part-time)

Concentrations: N/A

Duration – 4 years

Another opportune university to grab an online computer science degree is Regent University. The private, Christian research university is located in Virginia and offers associate and doctoral level degrees with a wide range of online offerings, including a BSCS.

The University has notable alumni in film, law, and politics. It’s frequently recognized as one of the top 20 institutions for gaining a bachelor’s degree by OEDb and US News time and time again.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree offered by Regent University gives you the flexibility to augment your degree to fit your career goals and personal interests. The program's tuition rate is among the top 15 most affordable in the US.

During the regular coursework of BSCS, students also learn to explore ethical and social challenges connected to careers in computer science and technology, improve processing efficiencies, and solve complex computational problems, all from a Christian worldview.

Highlights

  • Affordable tuition rates
  • Learn computer science with a Christian worldview
  • Student transfer policy available
  • Top-class faculty
  • Well-known alumni in various fields

You can signup here.

You can signup here.

9. Southern New Hampshire University

Accreditation – New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Acceptance Rate – 93.5%

Graduation Rate – 32.7%

Credits Required – 120

Cost per Credit – $320

Concentrations:

  • Data Analysis
  • Information Security
  • Project Management for STEM
  • Software Engineering

Duration – 4 years

Learn C++, Java, and Python in the best way possible while earning a professional degree with the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program from Southern New Hampshire University.

The online computer science degree program by SNHU emphasizes the design and development of computer software and prepares students for quantifying and solving real-world problems. You’ll learn how to:

  • Apply collaborative strategies
  • Create a portfolio
  • Design and develop software using agile software methodologies
  • Do full-stack development
  • Secure and protect information systems

The BS in Computer Science from SNHU involves using industry-preferred software development and testing tools for a total of 120 credits. The institution is accredited by the NECHE (New England Commission for Higher Education).

The online computer science degree from SNHU is apt for learning user experience principles and the best coding practices for a full-stack developer. With this degree, you can enter a profession of your choice, such as a network analyst, a data engineer, a database administrator, a polyglot programmer, and whatnot.

Highlights

  • Aligned with the industry standards, employ top-quality development and testing tools like Cucumber with Maven, Eclipse, Junit Testing, Python, and OpenGL.
  • Degree-specific courses
  • General education classes with foundation, exploration, and integration courses
  • Get transfer credits for your IT certifications and credentials
  • Math credits available
  • Offers cloud-based virtual environments to offer state-of-the-art technology exposure

You can signup here.

10. Griffith University 

Griffith University

Accreditation – Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International

Acceptance Rate – About 50%

Graduation Rate – About 60%

Credits Required – 240 credit points

Cost per Credit – $480 (Australian Dollar)

Concentrations:

  • N/A

Duration – 3 years in-person; 6 years part-time (online only)

Griffith University is an institution located in Brisbane, Australia that is accredited by AACSB International. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t attend it if you aren’t from the land down under! Griffith accepts students internationally, although you will need to meet additional requirements — for example, you must have an IELTS score of at least 6.5. On top of your English proficiency test results, you must also meet varying requirements on a country-to-country basis. To check the requirements for your location, you can visit this link.

The Bachelor of Computer Science program at Griffith University is on a trimester basis, which means studying full-time will take you three years on campus. You can also choose a more flexible option and study part-time, though choosing this option will take up to six years — and you can only do this online.

Enrolling in this program means you’ll learn everything you need for success in the field of Computer Science. Students take courses in programming principles and fundamentals, foundational math, engineering math, programming, software engineering fundamentals, secure development operations, and more. In their final year, students must finish a WIL (Work Integrated Learning) course worth 20 credit points. This program can either be taken as a team-based project or a work placement.

Highlights

  • Griffith University is located in Brisbane Australia and has accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
  • The Bachelor of Computer Science program is conducted on a trimester basis. It takes three years to complete on-campus or six years online
  • In the final/capstone year, students must complete their 20-credit point WIL (Work Integrated Learning) course
  • This capstone WIL course can be a team-based project or a work placement
  • International students (students not from Australia or New Zealand or students who are not permanent residents of Australia) must submit an IELTS score of at least 6.5

You can signup here.

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What to Expect from an Online Degree in Computer Science

Students who enroll in an online computer science degree program can expect an educational experience that is flexible, more affordable than on-campus equivalents, and generally of the same quality as traditional in-person programs. However, your specific experience may vary depending on the school you choose, the format of the program you enroll in, and the course requirements.

Computer science majors learn how to think logically and analytically, helping them to evaluate and find solutions (such as designing algorithms) to complex problems. Students learn theory and development and then apply their knowledge through coursework. You can expect to learn foundational knowledge in computer science, followed by advanced classes that cover even more specialized knowledge.Students of computer science may also learn about legal and ethical issues they may encounter while working in the field.

Many who graduate with an online bachelor’s degree in Computer Science can find a job without having to also pursue further education such as a graduate degree.

Classes that students will commonly encounter include:

  • Programming languages, where students learn the fundamentals of programming various programming languages and gain practical experience in coding
  • Software security, which teaches students how to secure their written code and how to create software good enough to meet industry security standards
  • Project management, is a class that teaches students the basics of management and business principles — students usually also learn soft skills necessary for their future careers, such as communication, collaboration, and leadership
  • Full-stack development, where students learn to become a full-stack developer handling both front and back-end development (most likely using programming language frameworks)
  • Mobile architecture, wherein students learn how to develop, test, and then launch user-friendly and intuitive mobile applications

How to Choose the Best Computer Science Online Degree

With so many programs available to choose from, it can be difficult to select the right one for you. We’ve put together this list of things to consider to help you make this important decision. Let’s take a look:

  • Budget and cost - One of the first things you’ll probably decide as you start planning your education is your budget. Consider the cost of available programs and compare them to the amount of money you are willing to spend or borrow to complete your education. You can even create a shortlist of schools arranged from most to least expensive (or vice versa).
  • Location - When it comes to online degrees, your location doesn’t always matter as much. However, it’s worth noting that some institutions have lower rates for in-state students. If you can earn your degree from a school located in the state you reside in, you can potentially save a lot of money.
  • Financial aid availability - Many schools will have financial aid available for students seeking to complete one of their programs. Look at the available financial aid and see if any applies to you. Something this simple can help you make the ultimate decision between two nearly-identical programs with similar costs. If one has more financial aid available, why not choose the one that can save you money?
  • Program format - Because you want to earn your degree online, you’ll likely need to decide which format you prefer. Choose between synchronous (which follows the school’s set schedule for the program, classes, and so on) or asynchronous (fully self-paced) depending on your specific situation. Asynchronous formats are generally preferred by many who have other responsibilities to balance, such as work or family.
  • Course requirements and available specializations - It’s always a good idea to take a look at a school’s curriculum to see whether it’s the right one for you. You can also consider whether a school has certain specializations or concentrations that you may be interested in.
  • Online student support - Many schools with online degree programs offer student support services such as career counseling, tutoring, and mentoring. It may be worth evaluating your shortlisted schools and programs based on what type of support you’ll get as a student.

And finally, it is vital that you consider a school’s accreditation status prior to applying or enrolling. Accreditation shows that an educational institution meets the academic and professional standards set forth by the accrediting body. There are two types of accreditation: national and regional.

What Kind of Jobs Can You Get With an Online Computer Science Degree?

The job prospects for graduates of computer science programs are pretty good. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that from 2020 to 2024, computer and information technology-related occupations will grow faster than average at 13%, adding approximately 667,600 new jobs during this period. The demand for workers will come more from areas such as information security, cloud computing, and big data.

In May of 2021, the median yearly wage people in this field made was $97,430, nearly double the average for all occupations. Of course, your experience may vary depending on your location, what position you get, and your specializations, if any. It’s worth mentioning that people tend to earn more if they are located in areas where technology as an industry is more emphasized.

If you earn a degree in computer science, you can work in all sorts of industries, considering nearly all will require a computer/technology expert at some point. However, there are some more common occupations, such as:

1. Software Developer

Median Annual Pay as of May 2020: $110,140

Job Outlook from 2020-2030: 22%, way faster than the average!

Work in this position if you want to create software. Professionals in this field go through every step in the process of developing software programs, from designing to coding and finally, testing. Software devs are also responsible for updating and maintaining the programs they created (although they may also work on other software they themselves did not develop).

2. Web Developer

Median Annual Pay as of May 2021: $77,200 

Job Outlook from 2020-2030: 13%, faster than average

Web developers create, code, maintain, and update websites and web apps. Web developers also test a website and ensure that it is intuitive and user-friendly (though much of this responsibility falls to UX designers). The BLS lumps web developers in with digital designers on this page most likely because the two types of professionals often work together on projects. However, many web developers may also be proficient enough in design to do everything on their own.

3. Information Security Analysts

Median Annual Pay as of May 2021: $102,600

Job Outlook from 2020-2030: 33%, faster than average

Information security analysts specialize in planning and carrying out security measures that can help to protect computer networks and systems. They often work for consulting firms, computer companies, financial firms, and other types of businesses. You can often become an information security analyst with a computer science degree on its own, though there are also some schools that offer programs with concentrations in information security.

4. Database Administrators and Architects

Median Annual Pay as of May 2020: $98,860

Job Outlook from 2020-2030: 8%, about average

Database administrators and architects are professionals in charge of creating and organizing secure data storage systems. Many of these professionals work in companies with massive databases such as health companies, insurance companies, educational institutions, and more.

Conclusion

That sums up our list of the ten best online computer science degree programs. We hope that this list has helped you get an idea of the types of programs available today. 

Don’t forget that you can reinforce your computer science learning with additional material other than your coursework. You can learn from things such as YouTube lessons on the best tutorials for data science, internet security, web development, or any other computer science field of interest. You can even take separate online courses, attend seminars, and more!

All the best for your computer science learning!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best computer science degree to get?

The best computer science degree to get is the one that suits your situation best. Consider factors such as cost, online/offline, format (synchronous or asynchronous), credits required, and duration. You can also consider whether the programs have concentrations in which you are interested.

2. Is an online computer science degree worth it?

It certainly can be, especially if you are able to find a job that can secure a relatively quick return on investment on the cost of your degree. The BLS states that jobs in the field of computer and information technology are projected to grow by 13% to 2030, meaning the chances of you finding employment are relatively good. Additionally, some specialized fields in computer science are more in-demand than others (such as information security analysts, a job with a 33% projected growth rate to 2030).

3. Does a CS degree guarantee a job?

Generally, education does not guarantee you will get a job. The same applies if you earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (whether online or on-campus). However, the chances of you finding employment are higher in this field, especially considering the continuing growth of the computer sciences.

4. What can you do with a computer science degree?

Earning a computer science degree opens doors to careers in various industries. You can work in information technology, government, healthcare, business, law, and more. Graduates of computer science can be a programmer/developer or work as a consultant, and so on.

5. How much is a degree in computer science?

The costs associated with earning a degree in computer science can vary greatly. Prices can vary from school to school, with some costs going as low as $130 per credit hour. The prices on this list of the top online computer science programs start at $130 and go up to $650+ per credit hour at 120 credit hours for the entire degree program. Note that most institutions also impose additional fees on top of your tuition.

6. How long does it take to get a degree in computer science?

The time it takes to earn an online degree may vary, depending on the number of credits required and if the program has any accelerated tracks. BSCS programs generally require 120 credits, which students may more or less earn in four years (unless learning part-time, transferring in with previous college credits, or taking accelerated programs).

7. How much can you make with a degree in computer science?

The BLS states that those working in the field of computer and information technology earned a median annual wage of around $97,000 in May of 2021. However, your actual earnings may vary depending on your particular situation, your specialization if any, your location, whether you choose to work for a company or as a self-employed freelancer, and more.

8. Can you earn an online computer science degree part-time?

Yes! Many online computer science degree programs allow part-time study. To help you manage and balance your responsibilities better, seek programs that follow an asynchronous format (self-paced learning) that allows you to learn entirely at your convenience. Note that part-time studies do mean it may take you longer than average to complete your degree.

9. Do companies take online degrees seriously?

Perhaps a little over a decade ago, companies were less likely to respect and take online degrees seriously. Nowadays, many potential employers in various industries accept online degrees to be just as valid as traditionally-earned diplomas. Do make sure, however, that you earn your BSCS degree from an accredited university to show future employers the caliber of your education.

By Akhil Bhadwal

A Computer Science graduate interested in mixing up imagination and knowledge into enticing words. Been in the big bad world of content writing since 2014. In his free time, Akhil likes to play cards, do guitar jam, and write weird fiction.

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Muhammed Shahel

what about open Source University computer science curriculumn

2 years ago