Top 10 Online Computer Science Bachelors Degree Programs
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Computer science is one of the most valuable bachelor’s level degrees, preparing students for entry-level programmer positions that average over $70,000 a year in initial salary. Students pursuing online bachelor’s degrees in computer science often learn a broad base in computing, including object-oriented programming, coding, distributed systems and networks, and basic design and testing methods. Computer Science is also among the fastest bachelor’s degrees to pursue, especially if you look into a degree completion program. Check out 10 of the best online bachelor’s degree programs in computer science below.
Computer Science Career Outlook:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer programmer jobs are expected to expand as fast as average (8% increase) until 2022. Throughout all industry sectors and organizational levels, however, there is a massive shortage of technically skilled workers. While a computer science degree prepares graduates for entry-level programming positions, senior-level programmer knowledge takes several years to build, and senior developers are perpetually in very high demand.
Computer Science Jobs and Salaries
- Computer Programmer: $74,280 a year
- Data Scientist: $118,000 a year
- IT Professional: $81,327
- Web Developer: $62,500
Best Computer Science Schools Methodology:
- Academic Reputation (1/3): the relative ranking of the program’s parent institution according to other high-profile rankings such as US News.
- Affordability (1/3): the estimated average out-of-state per credit hour tuition for the program.
- Student Satisfaction (1/3): average student satisfaction with online bachelor’s degrees in computer science and review scores adjusted for a number of reviews.
Top 10 Online Computer Science Degrees
1. Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University offers a fully online bachelors in computer science degree with multiple start dates yearly. Program offerings center around learning C++, C#, Object Oriented Programming, and how to begin thinking like a programmer. The program offers increased flexibility through its CTU fast track program, in which students can obtain credit for program skillsets they can prove they know through competency checks. Fast Track offerings are free and can accelerate time until degree and lower program costs by up to 30%. Colorado Technical University is classified as a national university according to US News and is ranked 1st and 2nd of programs surveyed in regards to student happiness and student reviews, respectively.
- Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour: $325
- Computer Science Degree Program Homepage
- School Profile
2. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University offers a fully online bachelor’s in computer science degree that mirrors the university’s traditional on-campus offerings. The program requires 120 credit hours but offers a generous transfer policy, including the ability to obtain guaranteed admission to the program for students graduating from select Virginian community colleges. 96% of students who have attended Old Dominion Online were very satisfied with their experience, and student happiness and reviews ranked 7th and 2nd of programs surveyed, respectively. Old Dominion University is classified as a national university according to US News.
- Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour:$345
- Computer Science Degree Program Homepage
3. Thomas Edison State College
Thomas Edison State College offers a fully online bachelor of arts in computer science degree that seeks to blend a quality background in the liberal arts with a specialized knowledge of computer science. Thomas Edison State College’s motto is “exclusively for adults”, an adage they promote through the heightened flexibility of programs, and the additional support for non-traditional students or those seeking to complete a degree they began some years ago. A full 61% of students complete their degree in 3 years or less due to a generous transfer policy and support for degree completion. Thomas Edison State College was ranked 3rd and 2nd of programs surveyed in student happiness and reviews, respectively.
- Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour: $251
- Computer Science Degree Program Homepage
4. DePaul University
DePaul University offers a fully online degree completion program in computer science that leads to a bachelor of science in the discipline. The program is built around students who have completed the equivalent of one year of a computer science degree and wish to continue their studies online. The computer science degree completion process is generally laid out into three years of study for students who have taken some general education requirements and a semester in either Java or C++, though degree completion plans are tailored to individual students. DePaul University was ranked 7th and 2nd of programs surveyed for student happiness and reviews, respectively. According to US News DePaul is a nationally ranked university.
- Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour: $585
- Computer Science Degree Program Homepage
5. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university that is headquartered in Gainesville, Florida. It was founded in 1853, and is one of the first few universities to be part of the State University System of Florida and is also one of the first institutions to be elected as part of the Association of American Universities. The AAU is a group of North American Research universities, and UF (as the school is most often abbreviated) is the only one in Florida. Their College of Liberal Arts is the particular division that has a Bachelors in Computer Science degree. It is a 120 credit program that paves the way for careers in software engineers, researchers, computer systems analysts, and programmers or gives students the foundation they need to further their education at the graduate level.
- Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour: $500
- UFL Homepage
6. Colorado State University – Global Campus
Colorado State University’s Global Campus offers online bachelors degree programs in both information technology and management information systems & business analytics. A number of specializations are available to both offerings, including cybersecurity, data management and analysis, information technology management, and information technology operations. Both bachelors degrees require 120 credit hours. Reduced rate COMP TIA exams also help students to gain job-ready credentials at the end of their program. Degree optimization also helps with job readiness, affording students certifications when they complete set groupings of courses with related skillsets. Colorado State University ranked 7th in student happiness and is a nationally ranked university according to US News.
- Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour: $350
- IT Degree Program Homepage
7. Trident University
Trident University offers a fully online bachelors in computer science degree as well as an optional concentration in cybersecurity. Currently the computer science degree requires 120 credit hours to complete. Education through Trident University follows a “case-based” path, in which students are placed into real world application type scenarios throughout their educational process. Trident University ranked 3rd and 19th of programs surveyed for student happiness and reviews, respectively. According to US News, Trident University is classified as a national university.
- Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour: $375
- Computer Science Degree Program Homepage
8. Athens State University
Athens State University offers a fully online bachelors in computer science degree. Traditionally, Athens State University has operated as a two-year upper-level college, or a school that does not offer the first two years of undergraduate degrees, but rather upper division coursework. Athens State University ranked 6th and 2nd of surveyed schools for student happiness and student reviews, respectively. According to US News, Athens State University is classified as a regional university.
- Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour: $368
- University Homepage
9. Park University
Park University offers a fully online bachelors of science in information and computer science degree with four specializations: computer science, data management, network security, and software engineering. Park University also partners with the Cisco Networking Academy to offer pertinent job training for future IT professionals who plan to work in networking. A certificate in computer networking is also available. Park University ranked 7th and 2nd of schools surveyed for student happiness and reviews, respectively.
- Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour: $369
- Computer Science Degree Program Homepage
10. Florida State University
Florida State University offers a fully online bachelors of science in computer science degree. The program can be completed in two years for full-time students, or within four years for part-time students. Students are expected to become competent in C, C++, and Assembly Language. Required coursework is also composed of the equivalent of a minor in mathematics and physical sciences. Currently, Florida State University is ranked 7th and 10th of programs surveyed in student happiness and student reviews, respectively. According to US News, Florida State University is a nationally ranked university.
- Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour: $811
- Computer Science Degree Program Homepage
- School Profile
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