A degree in computer science is rewarding whether it’s earned online or on campus, as we will be talking about online degrees in computer science.
The IT field provides several job opportunities, from information technology analysts to data analysts. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is rewarding and has a better job prospects.
Statistics for employment look promising for individuals with a degree in computer science. First, it all starts with earning a degree in computer science, then you are a step closer to getting lucrative jobs in the IT field.
There are several options available offering a degree in computer science. However. It’s important you choose the best institutions with valid accreditation for your online degree in computer science.
In this article, we will be discussing the best online degrees in computer science and a few important to consider as a student.
How to Choose the Best Online Degree in Computer Science
As a student seeking an online degree in computer science, you should do thorough research about your preferred online college.
Firstly, do your research to find out the cost at the college you want to study and also check its accreditation status.
Some of the best computer science degrees offered on-campus are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission- ABET, while some of the best online computer science degrees are accredited by smaller regional organizations.
The University of Florida for example is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Always verify if your institution of choice is accredited by a recognized body. Employers out there will only hire graduates with degrees from accredited institutions.
Consider the Cost for the Program
The cost to earn an online degree in computer science will vary based on the institution of choice. You should look at the cost of the program to determine if it’s a good investment.
Online degree programs can be quite steep. For example, it could cost over $67,000 for an online bachelor’s in professional technology studies at Pace University.
At the University of Florida, in-state online learners could pay about $15,500 for an online Bachelor of Science in computer science.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for all computer and IT occupations was over $97,000 back in 2021.
Also Read: 15 Best Computer Science Undergraduate Schools in 2024
What Is the Cost of an Online Computer Science Degree?
Online computer science degrees can sometimes be more expensive than traditional degrees.
Take the University of Florida for example where in-state students pay about $15,500 for an online undergraduate degree in computer science. In-state students learning on-campus will about $10,000 for tuition and fees, excluding room and board for four years.
For out-of-state students, they pay more for an online bachelor’s degree at UF. While other online colleges charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, the University of Florida charges out-of-state learners about $50,000.
List of the Best Colleges Offering Online Degrees in Computer Science
Here are the best online colleges that offer online computer science degrees.
- George Mason University
- Bellevue University
- Oregon State University
- University of Florida- Online
- University of Illinois at Springfield
- DePaul University
- Florida State University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Old Dominion University
- Regent University
- Central Methodist University- College of Graduate and Extended Studies
- National University
- Auburn University
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Florida Institute of Technology
Best Online Degrees in Computer Science
Let’s explore the best online degrees in computer science.
#1. George Mason University
- Location: Fairfax, Virginia
George Mason University offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science.
The online graduate program consists of 30 credits and it’s taught by world-class faculty at this university.
To enrol in this online master’s program, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree and complete at least any of the following courses- Automata Theory and Formal Languages, Computer Architecture, Calculus I & II, Data Structures and Algorithms, with a substantial course in discrete maths.
The online master’s program offered at this university is designed to expatiate students’ knowledge in programming languages, visual computing, and artificial intelligence.
Get more information about this online master’s degree by visiting the university’s website.
#2. Bellevue University
- Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Bellevue University is a private institution that offers an online degree in computer science. This university offers a computer information systems degree.
This online program focuses on software development, data science, business analytics, IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
This university’s faculty are experts with years of experience in the IT field. With a team of experts guiding students online, you should expect nothing less than acquiring the best knowledge to excel in the IT field.
#3. Oregon State University
- Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Oregon State University is home to thousands of students and a good number of students are enrolled in online courses.
OSU offers a post-baccalaureate degree which allows its online learners to combine their online undergraduate degree in computer science with a previous bachelor’s degree. This allows students to acquire broader skills in the IT field.
The online programs offered at OSU can be completed within a year, two years, three years, or four years. Oregon State University provides a flexible start date throughout the academic year.
#4. University of Florida- Online
- Location: Gainesville, Florida
The University of Florida is an institution with a large student body. More than 29,000 students study on-campus at Gainesville, FL. UF also offers online programs in different fields of study.
UF Online provides lots of options for online learners. The university’s online bachelor’s program in computer science focuses on liberal arts and students are required to complete courses in social sciences, foreign languages, and humanities.
This online program is the best option for students with some college credits. You can apply as a lower-division applicant with 12 to 59 transferable credits. To apply as an upper-division applicant, you need up to 60 or more transferable credits.
All applicants are required to present a minimum GPA of 2.50 from their previous classes.
Also Read: 15 Best Schools In Florida For Business 2024
#5. University of Illinois at Springfield
- Location: Springfield, Illinois
The University of Illinois Spring is among the top public institutions in the Midwest. UIS offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs on campus to over 4,000 students.
It also offers one of the best online degrees in computer science. The online bachelor’s program offered at UIS requires applicants to have a least two semesters of Java programming and a semester of Calculus, statistics, and discrete or finite math.
These prerequisites are available at UIS’s general education requirements.
#6. DePaul University
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
This university is a private Catholic research institution with an enrolment of over 22,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
DePaul University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The online programs cover important topics like data analysis, Python programming, Java programming, computer systems, etc.
Students can complete this online program in three or four years depending on their transfer credits.
DePaul University is one of America’s largest Catholic universities, where students can get top-quality education online.
#7. Florida State University
- Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Florida State University is an institution with a reputable background for providing top-quality education. Its online bachelor’s degree in computer science is designed to prepare students for successful career paths in the IT field.
The program’s curriculum incorporates a broader study of computer science. Graduating from this online bachelor’s degree prepares students to excel as professional software designers, web programmers, database designers, etc.
Florida State University and its Department of Computer Science are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Computer Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology.
#8. Southern New Hampshire University
- Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire offers an online computer science degree program. The online programs focus on the design and development of computer software. Students enrolled in this online program go on to become experts in the IT field.
At SNHU, you will learn how to do full-stack development, create a portfolio, apply collaborative strategies, design and develop software using agile software methodologies, and secure and protect information systems. The online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offered at SNHU consists of 120 credits.
The program offers general education courses and classes that may include an introduction to the structured query language, a foundation in application development, and computer platform technologies.
#9. Old Dominion University
- Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Old Dominion University is one of Virginia’s largest public universities with an enrolment of over 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
ODU offers a variety of academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Out of the 168 academic programs available at ODU, about 70 are online programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
ODU offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This online bachelor’s program is one of the best computer science degrees available online.
It’s a fully online bachelor’s degree program and it’s one of the most affordable programs you will find online.
Also Read: 15 Best Schools In Florida For Engineering 2024
#10. Regent University
- Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Regent University is another institution that provides several options for online learners. The university offers one of the best online degrees in psychology as well as an online bachelor’s degree in computer science.
The online computer science degree programs offered at Regent University consist of 120 credits. It includes general education courses and major core courses. Expect classes in data structure and algorithms, introduction to Computer Science, introduction to Earth Sciences, and ethics for computer science.
#11. Central Methodist University – College of Graduate and Extended Studies
- Location: Fayette, Missouri
Central Methodist University is a private institution that is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university is accredited to offer associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
You can earn an online bachelor’s degree in computer science at CMU. The online program covers key subjects like database systems, SQL, data structure and algorithms, and networking. CMU will also teach you how to program with Java or Python.
#12. National University
- Location: La Jolla, California
National University is a private university with several campuses across the state of California and a satellite campus in Nevada. NU offers a variety of online programs.
The university’s online bachelor’s in computer science programs educated students on how to program using C++ and Java.
Through NU’s online program, you will develop skills in algorithm, database, and digital logic design.
#13. Auburn University
- Location: Auburn, Alabama
Auburn University provides an online bachelor’s of arts degree in computer science. Online learners can complete this bachelor of arts degree in two years. The program comprises 60 credits alongside 20 courses.
Online learners at this university take two courses each term. It takes seven and a half weeks to complete a course.
Classes may include Introduction to Computer Science I and II, Mobile Application Development I and II, Software Construction Fundamentals, Web Application Development I and II, and Computer Organization Science I and II.
Also Read: 15 Free Online Computer Courses With Certificate in 2024
#14. Southeast Missouri State University
- Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. SEMO has other regional campuses that offer full degree programs.
SEMO offers an online bachelor’s degree in computer science. The programs consist of 124 credit hours, with general education courses.
If you want to establish a career as a software developer, Southeast Missouri State University is the perfect place for you to study.
#15. Florida Institute of Technology
- Location: Melbourne, Florida
Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). FIT offers one of the best online degrees in computer science.
The online bachelor’s programs offered at FIT prepare students for successful careers in the field of Information Technology.
Conclusion
An online degree in computer science is rewarding. Although it may cost more to earn an online degree, the future looks promising for individuals with computer science degrees.
