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 in the nearest future. Computer Science is now considered a foundational science as it connects with many areas such as Communication, Education, Entertainment, Finance, Medicine/Healthcare, and Law Enforcement.
Amidst your busy schedule, you can acquire new skills or develop existing skills with an online degree in Computer Science. Pursuing this degree provides individuals worldwide with computing technology skills that will prepare them to take jobs as:
- Software Developers
- Network Engineers
- Database Engineers
- Operators or managers
- Information Security analysts
- System Integrators
- Computer scientists and others, across all industries.
Are you good with computers? Are you good at solving real-world problems and staying on top of ever-changing trends and technologies? Are you good at organizing, analyzing situations, and thinking creatively & logically? Then, you might be a good fit for an online degree in Computer Science!
The candidate’s qualities needed for this degree are:
- Analytical skills
- Detail-oriented personality
- Communication skills
- Logical thinking skills
- Critical thinking skill
- Concentration
- Ingenuity
Why Get a Computer Science Degree?
An Online Degree in Computer Science is of many personal and professional advantages which include: Skills acquisition, Salary increment and Promotion, Financial Security, Employability, and other long-term benefits.
Specialities for an Online Computer Science Degree
In preparation for an online degree in Computer Science, candidates are usually given several specialization options to choose from. 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 programme will require 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 for funds from family, there are ways you can raise money for your online degree programme.
1. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
2. Look for scholarships.
3. Look into federal loans.
4. Look for employer or veterans’ assistance.
5. Consider private loans.
There are many options available for students that want to study to get funded, some of them are listed above. One of the ways to get funded for your education is by applying for a scholarship, grant or bursary
Students can also apply for a Free Application for Federal Student Aid to get funded. The FAFSA gives financial aid to students in form of student loans, federal grants and other aid from either the state or the school.
Employed students can walk up to their employer to ask if they provide financial assistance for an employee to continue their education.
If you cannot get a scholarship, grant or loan, you can get private student loans from a bank, credit union or online lender. Private loans have higher interest rates.
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 enrol 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, and this 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 are required to 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. As the Computing Accreditation Commission, which falls under ABET is a national body responsible for the best on-campus computer science degrees accreditation, some smaller regional entities accredit some of the best online programs.
These accreditations are important, 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 must offer this degree online or in a hybrid format. Some of the institutions are listed below in alphabetical order:
1. Austin PeayState University (offers BS in Computer Science)
APSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
2. Baker College (offers BS in Computer Science-Computer programming)
Baker is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
3. California State University-Monterey Bay (BS in Computer Science)
CalStateis accredited by ​the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
4. Charleston Southern University(BT in Computer Science)
Charleston Southern is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
5. Colorado Technical University (BS in Computer Science-General)
Colorado Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
6. Colombia College (BS in Computer Science)
Colombia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
7. Concordia University (BA in Computer Science)
Concordia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
8. Dakota State University (BS in Computer Science)
Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
9. Davenport University (BS in Computer Science)
Davenport is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
10. Depaul University(BS in Computer Science)
Depaul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
11. Florida State University(BA&BS in Computer Science)
Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
12. Fort Hays State University(BS in Computer Science)
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
13. Franklin University (BS in Computer Science)
Franklin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
14. Herzing University (BS in Computer Programming)
Herzing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
15. Lamar University (BS in Computer Science)
Lamar is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
16. Lewis University (BA in Computer Science)
Lewis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
17. Limestone College (BS in Computer Science)
Limestone is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
18. Mercy College (BS in Computer Science)
Mercy College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
19. National University (BS in Computer Science)
NUÂ is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
20. Old Dominion University (BS in Computer Science)
ODUÂ is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
21. Oregon State University (BS in Computer Science)
Oregon State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
22. Pace University (BS in Professional Technology Studies)
Pace is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
23. Park University (BS in Computer Science)
Park is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
24. Regent University (BS in Computer Science)
Regent is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
25. Regis University (BS in Computer Science)
Regis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
26. Saint Leo University (BS in Computer Science – Information Assurance)
Saint Leo is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
27. Salem University (BS in Computer Science)
Salem is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
28. Southeast Missouri State University (BS in Computer Information Systems)
SEMOÂ is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
29. Southern New Hampshire University (BS in Computer Science)
SNHUÂ is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
30. Trident University (BS in Computer Science)
Trident is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
31. Troy University (BS in Applied Computer Science)
Troy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
32. University of Denver (BA in Information Technology)
DUÂ is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
33. University of Florida (BS in Computer Science)
UFÂ is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
34. University of Illinois-Springfield (BS in Computer Science)
UISÂ is reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
35. University of Maryland Global (BS in Computer Science)
UMUCÂ is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Top Online Schools for Computer Science
Below are the top online schools for computer scien
1. The University of Florida Gainesville, Florida (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science)
- 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)
- 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)
- Rolling admissions
- 120 credits
- Recognized by the National Centers of 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)
- 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)
- 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 example, in terms of cost difference, At the University of Florida, an in-state student would pay about $15,500 for an online bachelor’s in computer science while a Campus-based in-state student in this same institution, would pay about $10,000 more just in tuition and fees over four years, not even counting room and board.
For many schools, tuition can be significantly less for online students who live in the state. For instance, the University of Florida would charge a non-resident online student $50,000 more tuition than one who lives in Florida. 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 technology age and the salary is very attractive. 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 a 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 emphasise what you can do that your license or certification. If you are very good at what you do, you will get hired but for some things, you may need certification for some positions. What we are saying is certification or not, there are opportunities for you.
You can boost your career by getting certification from Microsoft or Cisco. The training for the certification will come from the company itself.
Take a bold step; invest in yourself today…
A real investment of time, money, and effort in an online degree in Computer Science usually pays off at the end of the day as the knowledge gained will be beneficial and will always pave way for greater opportunities and chances for adequate provision for self, business, comfortable retirement plans, and family life.
Whatever expense(s) and efforts incurred over your online studies might come back with tangible and intangible benefits. Also, the excitement that comes in being involved in technology that rules the world today motivates a lot to invest in an online degree in Computer science.
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