Computer science deals with computing processes and computational thinking and their impact on the world. While it can cover software and hardware integration, computer science primarily focuses on the problem-solving capabilities of information and software applications. The field also comprises many subdisciplines, such as programming, operating systems, and artificial intelligence.
Computer science has had an enormous impact on the development of computers, with industry icons like Larry Page and Brendan Eich graduating from the discipline. For future graduates, the career outlook appears very promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the addition of more than 530 000 new information technology jobs between 2019 and 2029.
Here, we examine the best online computer science degrees, along with some of the different educational pathways prospective students can take.
1. Pennsylvania State University World Campus
University Park, PA
With more than 150 online programs, Pennsylvania State World Campus enrols roughly 20 000 students every year.
Pennsylvania State World Campus offers one of the best online computer science degrees in the country. The ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in software engineering includes 126 credit hours of interdisciplinary coursework.
Eighty-six credit hours of prescribed classes cover topics such as software design, discrete mathematics, and computer programming. Approved electives include applied machine learning and engineering security in software.
Applicants provide transcripts for consideration. Transfer students applying directly to the major must meet designated GPA requirements.
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
2. Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI
Established in 1866, DU serves about 6,500 students each year. DU offers more than 60 academic programs at 10 Michigan campuses and online.
DU’s online computer science bachelor’s degree integrates 120 credit hours of general education, core, and specialization coursework. Online learners choose from two speciality areas: artificial intelligence or computer theory and algorithms.
Qualified applicants to DU may receive full-tuition scholarships through cooperative programs with the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. Students can apply industry certificate credits to the degree or sit for industry certifications upon completing the required classes within the curriculum.
Davenport University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
3. Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
OSU provides over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs to students around the world. Online degrees at OSU include a bachelor of science in computer science.
Students complete the 180-credit-hour curriculum in four years or less. Required coursework in mathematics, computer science fundamentals, and engineering precede a three-part senior software engineering project.
Learners can also pursue an applied computer science option to focus on security issues in the discipline.
Applicants provide transcripts for consideration. ACT and SAT scores are optional.
The Northwest Commission regionally accredits Oregon State University on Colleges and Universities.
4. Regis University
Denver, CO
Established in 1877, Regis offers 120 academic programs infused with Jesuit beliefs and values. Regis’s 7,000 enrollees benefit from the school’s 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Regis’s online bachelor of science in computer science provides an accelerated option for learners. Students can transfer up to 66 credit hours into the 120-credit-hour program.
Required coursework in software engineering and artificial intelligence accompany concentration electives. Elective areas include general computer science and computer information technology systems, information technology, and cybersecurity.
To apply, individuals submit transcripts, a resume, and an application essay.
Regis University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
5. University of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, IL
UIS, founded in 1969, became part of the University of Illinois System in 1995. UIS enrols nearly 4500 students annually.
UIS’s online bachelor’s degree in computer science prepares students for careers across technology fields and for graduate study. Learners choose a 36-credit-hour concentration in software engineering or information systems security.
The software engineering emphasis includes coursework in programming languages and data structures, while the information systems security specialization focuses on information assurance and systems and networks security.
Applicants must provide a statement of purpose, transcripts, and have previous coursework in Java programming, calculus, statistics, and discrete or finite mathematics.
The University of Illinois at Springfield is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
6. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL
With locations throughout the state, Saint Leo holds the distinction as the oldest Catholic university in Florida. Saint Leo offers more than 160 academic programs to roughly 2400 students each year.
Saint Leo’s online computer science bachelor’s degree features a curriculum based on recommendations from the Academy of Computer Machinery and IEEE. Major coursework includes computer systems, programming, and information security.
Saint Leo provides learners access to state-of-the-art computer labs and prestigious internship opportunities. To apply, individuals submit transcripts, relevant professional training documentation, and applicable standardized exam scores.
Saint Leo University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
7. Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
Lewis University is one of 60 Catholic universities sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, offering its 6400 enrollees a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Lewis provides nearly 120 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Lewis’s online bachelor of arts in computer science includes 128 credit hours. Core courses within the accelerated curriculum explore topics such as operating systems, legal and ethical issues in computing, and data structures.
Designed for adult learners, Lewis’s online computer science degree uses innovative Cloud-based technology to facilitate hands-on learning. Applicants may earn up to 30 credit hours from previous work and personal experience through a prior learning assessment.
Lewis University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
8. Husson University
Bangor, ME
Founded in 1898, Husson offers 110 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Roughly 3000 learners benefit from an emphasis on real-world learning across academic disciplines.
Husson’s online integrated technology bachelor’s degree focuses on software development through 121-124 credit hours of coursework. Students complete required business and software classes alongside general education, advanced mathematics, and elective courses.
Applicants submit transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and a personal essay for consideration. Husson’s transfer policy allows transfer students to earn an online degree in integrated technology in fewer than 24 months.
Husson University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
9. Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SC
As the only Christian university in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, CSU traces its origins to 1964. Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, CSU enrols nearly 3,500 students each year.
CSU’s online bachelor of science in computer science emphasizes the fundamentals of computer science and mathematics. The ABET-accredited program integrates 125 credit hours of coursework in computer architecture, data structure analysis, and database management.
The online computer science degree culminates in a senior portfolio review and a project design, construction, and implementation requirement.
To apply, individuals provide transcripts and optional SAT or ACT scores.
Charleston Southern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
10. Champlain College
Burlington, VT
With additional campuses in Canada, Ireland, and online, Champlain sits on 27 acres overlooking its namesake, Lake Champlain. Champlain enrols over 2000 students in over 90 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.
Champlain’s online bachelor of science in software development blends general education, professional, and technical coursework. As part of the 120-credit-hour curriculum, students can earn a specialized certificate in C++ programming.
Applicants submit a transcript, a resume and short answer essay questions for consideration. Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours of coursework into the program, including those earned…