Online Degree in Computer Science

Getting an Online Degree in Computer Science these days is a plus and added advantage to you irrespective of your initial acquired degree or area of specialization, as it prepares you for technology jobs now and soon. In this article, we will talk about online degrees in computer science.

Why Get a Computer Science Degree?

An Online Degree in Computer Science has many personal and professional advantages, which include skills acquisition, salary increment and promotion, financial security, and employability.

Specialties for an Online Computer Science Degree

In preparation for an online degree in Computer Science, candidates are usually given several specialization options. Candidates should choose specializations corresponding to their interests and career aspirations. Some of the most popular program concentrations include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer and Network Security
• Computer Forensics
• Data Analytics
• Database Management
• Healthcare Informatics
• Information Security
• Software Development
• Software Engineering

Prerequisites for an Online Computer Science Degree

To pursue an online degree in computer science, all interested students must have a high school diploma or a GED diploma. Also, most online computer science programs will require the SAT or ACT, but the minimum score in this exam varies by institution.

How to Pay for an Online Computer Science Degree

Getting an online degree in computer science might be expensive for most people. Apart from sponsoring yourself or sourcing funds from family, there are ways you can raise money for your online degree program.

• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• Look for scholarships.
• Look into federal loans.
• Look for employer or veterans’ assistance.
• Consider private loans.

How Long Does an Online Computer Science Degree Take to Complete?

Generally, online computer science degrees take 120 credits to complete. On a traditional schedule with five classes per semester, that would usually mean four years. As you wish, you may take a different amount of online courses per semester or enroll in classes year-round.

Some programs allow you to graduate in less time as they offer accelerated tracks. If you are transferring from another school, like a community college, some programs also accept transfer credits for general education requirements, which can shorten the time to complete an online degree.

Requirements for an Online Degree in Computer Science

Students who wish to pursue an online bachelor’s degree in computer science must have a high school diploma or a GED diploma.

In addition, most programs require students to take the SAT or ACT, but kindly note that minimum scores vary by institution.

How to Choose the Best Online Computer Science Degree Program

The following factors should be put into consideration when students are looking for an online degree in Computer Science:

• Accreditation for online colleges: 

Students should only consider accredited online colleges. The Computing Accreditation Commission, under ABET, is a national body responsible for the best on-campus computer science degree accreditations.

These accreditations are necessary, especially when it comes to finding a job after graduation, as they serve as evidence showing students are ready to enter the industry.

• Cost of the program and salary projections for particular job tracks.
• Program’s coursework and opportunities for specialization.

Universities Offering an Online Degree in Computer Science

A college or university offering an online degree in Computer Science must be regionally accredited and offer this degree online or in a hybrid format. Some of the institutions with certified accreditation include;

• Austin PeayState University (offers BS in Computer Science)

APSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Baker College (offers BS in Computer Science-Computer programming)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Baker.

• California State University-Monterey Bay (BS in Computer Science)

CalStateis certified by ​the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

• Charleston Southern University(BT in Computer Science)

Charleston Southern is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Colorado Technical University (BS in Computer Science-General)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Colorado Tech.

• Columbia College (BS in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Colombia.

• Concordia University (BA in Computer Science)

Concordia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Dakota State University (BS in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Dakota.

• Davenport University (BS in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Davenport.

• Depaul University(BS in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Depaul.

• Florida State University(BA&BS in Computer Science)

Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

• Fort Hays State University(BS in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits FHSU.

• Franklin University (BS in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Franklin.

• Herzing University (BS in Computer Programming)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits herzing.

• Lamar University (BS in Computer Science)

Lamar is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Lewis University (BA in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Lewis.

• Limestone College (BS in Computer Science)

Limestone is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Mercy College (BS in Computer Science)

Mercy College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

• National University (BS in Computer Science)

The WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits NU.

• Old Dominion University (BS in Computer Science)

ODU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Oregon State University (BS in Computer Science)

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits Oregon State.

• Pace University (BS in Professional Technology Studies)

Pace is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

• Park University (BS in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Park.

• Regent University (BS in Computer Science)

Regent is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Regis University (BS in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Regis.

• Saint Leo University (BS in Computer Science – Information Assurance)

Saint Leo is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Salem University (BS in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Salem.

• Southeast Missouri State University (BS in Computer Information Systems)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits SEMO.

• Southern New Hampshire University (BS in Computer Science)

The New England Commission of Higher Education accredits SNHU.

• Trident University (BS in Computer Science)

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission accredits Trident.

• Troy University (BS in Applied Computer Science)

Troy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• University of Denver (BA in Information Technology)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits DU.

• University of Florida (BS in Computer Science)

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UF.

• University of Illinois-Springfield (BS in Computer Science)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits UIS.

• University of Maryland Global (BS in Computer Science)

UMUC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Top Online Schools for Computer Science

Below are the top online schools for computer science

• The University of Florida Gainesville, Florida (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science)

 

Features

• Spring, summer, and fall application deadlines/start dates
• 120 credits
• Exit interview required in last semester

Degree Cost:

• $552.62 per credit non-resident
• $129.18 per credit in-state –includes tuition and fees
• Total: $66,314 non-resident, $15,502 in-state

 

• The City University of Seattle, Swatter (Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing)

Features

• Rolling admissions
• 180 credits (quarter schedule)

Degree Cost:

• $390 per credit for lower-level courses
• $456 per credit for upper-level courses
• $489 per credit for Tech Institute courses

 

• Pace University, New York (Bachelor of Science in Professional Technology Studies)

Features

• Rolling admissions
• 120 credits
• Recognized by the National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

Degree Cost:

• $555 per credit
• Total: $67,400 (including technology fees)

 

• Florida International University, Miami (Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science)

Features

• Spring, summer, and fall application deadlines/start dates
• 120 credits

Degree Cost:

• $345.87 per credit non-resident
• $228.81 per credit in-state
• Total (tuition and fees): $42,374 non-resident, $28,327 in-state

 

• Saint Leo University Saint Leo, Florida (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science)

Features

• Rolling application
• 120 credits

Degree Cost:

• $370 per credit
• Total: $45,400 (tuition and fees)

How Much Does an Online Degree in Computer Science Cost?

Ranging from about $15,000 to $80,000 total, an online degree in Computer Science can still be expensive. Though they cost less when compared to the traditional degrees.

For many schools, tuition can be less for online students who live in the state. Other colleges, however, charge the same tuition regardless of a student’s resident state.

Below are some of the Institutions and their degree costs:

• University of Florida

Degree Cost: 

• $66,314 non-resident
• $15,502 in-state

 

• Florida International University

 

Degree Cost: 

• $42,374 non-resident
• $28,327 in-state

 

• Pace University

Degree Cost: $67,400

Job Outlook and Salary

The demand for computer science is high in this technological age, and the salary is handsome. Many careers in Computer Science made it to the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs.

The No. 1 career on the list is Software Development due to its high number of projected jobs and high median salary, among other factors. A profession like Computer network architect and security analyst is also featured on the list.

Licensing Requirements for Computer Science Careers

The information technology field is one of the fields that emphasizes what you can do with your license or certification. If you are very good at what you do, you will get hired, but for some things, you may need accreditation for some positions.