Online Computer Science Degrees and Careers

Founded more than 130 years ago by a Catholic congregation, Duquesne University is rated a top tier university by U.S. News & World Report. The school serves over 9,000 students while maintaining a low 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Duquesne’s BS in computer systems technology focuses on solving practical technology issues. Courses include information technology for modern organizations, web technologies and applications, and technical communication and writing. Students also take a course in social, ethical, and legal issues in computing technology in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field.

The school accepts admissions on a rolling basis. New students may begin in the spring or fall terms. Transfer students must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA and grades C or higher. Duquesne accepts 60 credits from previous two-year schools, and up to 90 credits from previous four-year schools. Transfer students must complete the last 30 credits at Duquesne. Duquesne prides itself on providing extensive resources for its online students, including an online learning support center, an online writing center, and an online library. Out-of-state students pay the same tuition as their in-state counterparts.

With 97% of its students receiving financial aid, Lewis University strives to make education affordable for all learners. Although it is a Catholic university that teaches Lasallian values, Lewis serves students of all faiths and backgrounds. The school’s accelerated online bachelor’s degree in computer science allows students to graduate with their degree in a short amount of time. Students may choose between a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science. Topics include programming languages, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

The eight-week online schedule allows students to complete their studies faster than usual. Only transfer students qualify for this degree option. Applicants must possess at least 30 transferable credit hours and hold a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Students with prior programming and coding experience may earn credit for prior learning. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate.

Located in Chicago’s business district, DePaul University serves students from all 50 states and 114 countries. The award-winning school has been ranked one of the best national universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the best Midwestern colleges by the Princeton Review. DePaul’s online bachelor’s degree in computer science is a degree completion program for students who have already completed prior college coursework. Notable courses include software development, database systems, and applied computing. Seniors complete a capstone software project.

Incoming students must provide proof of a minimum of 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours of transfer credit, including one semester of C++ or Java. Applicants must also hold a cumulative 2.0 GPA. The school grants scholarships to students that demonstrate academic excellence, school involvement and leadership, and a dedication to serving others. In-state and out-of-state tuition for this online bachelor's in computer science degree are the same.

The University of Illinois at Springfield promotes student engagement through volunteerism, student committees, NCAA athletics, clubs, and civic outreach. The school offers an online BS in computer science and an online BS in information systems security. Students in the computer science online degree take core coursework in operating systems, data structures and algorithms, and programming languages. Learners may choose electives such as HTML design, intrusion detection, and internet in American life.

The online version of this program requires 30 previous college credits and a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. DePaul accepts new online students every fall and spring semester. Distance learners may complete internships in their hometowns for academic credit. All online students qualify for a low e-tuition rate.

Consistently ranked one of the nation’s best universities, the University of Florida conducts cutting-edge research in every discipline. UF students and faculty have made breakthroughs in battling brain cancer, detecting gravitational waves, and protecting Florida’s environment. Despite its prestigious status, the school ensures its education is affordable; over half of UF’s students graduate with no student loan debt. The online BS in computer science at UF emphasizes technical knowledge and communications skills. Students learn programming basics and complete coursework in digital logic and software engineering.

Transfer students with less than 59 hours of previous credit must hold a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Additionally, they must have taken analytic geometry and calculus 1. Students with 60 or more transferable hours must have passed analytic geometry, calculus 1, 2, and 3, and physics 1. Applicants need a C or higher in prerequisite courses in order to be competitive.

Located in Riverside, California Baptist University uses the latest educational technologies to deliver high-quality online education. The BS in computer information technology focuses on solving technical and computer problems in organizations. Unique courses offerings include legal and ethical practices in information technology and e-commerce systems development. Since CBU built its institution on Christian values, all students must take overview of the Bible and foundations of Christian thought.

Transfer students must have a minimum of 24 prior credits and a 2.0 cumulative GPA.The average length to graduate from this program is approximately 16 months. Courses to begin every 8 weeks, allowing students to finish their program quickly. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate.

City University of Seattle offers programs in eight countries, including China, Canada, and Mexico. The bachelor of science in applied computing from CityU gives students hands-on experience in tech. Distance learners develop skills in Python, information security, and systems analysis and design. The program requires a capstone project at the end where students demonstrate the knowledge they learned through examinations, written work, and oral presentations.

CityU maintains a year-round schedule and a rolling admissions policy. Applicants must show proof of a cumulative 2.0 GPA. This degree requires 180 credit hours for students to graduate. Students may transfer a maximum of 135 transfer credits towards this degree. Prior learning assessments give students with practical the chance to apply their knowledge for school credit. Students coming from out-of-state do not pay higher tuition.

Located in Denver, Regis University offers a completely online BS in computer science. Interesting course offerings include ethical leadership in computer science and computer architecture. A class in intelligent systems gives students a solid foundation in artificial intelligence technology.

Students in this major must complete 128-133 credit hours, depending on general education credits and if a minor is chosen or not. Since the school is Jesuit, online students must take religion courses. Regis allows a maximum of 90 transfer credits from a recognized college, as long as student earned a C- or higher. Regis also grants credits for related work experience. Out-of-state students pay the same in tuition as their Colorado counterparts.

The BS in computer science from Oregon State University is a unique post-baccalaureate degree. All students already hold a bachelor’s degree, and the program is tailored for students who want to develop technical skills on top of their current credentials. This program offers one-year, two-year, three-year, and four-year tracks so students can fit their studies into their schedules. The accelerated one-year program is designed for those individuals who can commit to a full-time online course load.

This post-baccalaureate computer science online degree does not require any experience or education in computer science, only a bachelor's degree in any field. Students may start in any of the four terms, except summer if they apply for the one-year track. Students must exhibit excellent time management skills and dedication to succeed.

Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University offers more than 100 programs, including online and distance learning options. The online BS in computer science heavily emphasizes coursework in science and mathematics. Degree seekers take interesting courses, such as computers in society, principles of programming languages, and cryptography for cybersecurity. Graduates have the skills to excel in technology careers, including software engineering, database development, network administration, and system design.

This online computer science degree requires students to complete at least 30 credits at ODU. Depending on the course, professors may require students to meet online, turn in assignments, and take exams at certain times. New students may begin the program in spring, summer or fall.

California University of Pennsylvania offers an interdisciplinary BS in computer information systems program to students interested in business technology. Distance learners take courses like visual programming, decision support systems, web programming, and concepts in enterprise resource planning. In their last two semesters, students apply what they learned by creating a real-world computer information system project for a company or organization. Credit hours obtained through local internships give students hands-on experience within the field.

Classes for this online computer science degree begin every fall and spring semester. Asynchronous online courses allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 24 months. Applicants with backgrounds in college algebra, trigonometry, business, or pre-calculus fit well with this program. Transfer students must show proof of a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA and good academic standing from previous schools.

Charleston Southern University offers a BT in computer science for students who hold associate degrees in approved technical fields. This online bachelor's in computer science degree consists mostly of upper level classes that prepare students for a successful career in technology. Since each student comes from a different background, faculty members work with each individual to create a program that fits their schedule and education.

Transfer students beginning with the maximum of 89 hours often graduate within two years. Associate degrees that fit best with this program include engineering technology, computer technology, and telecommunications management. Prior to enrollment, prospective students must complete a college math course and an in-person programming class in C++ or Visual Basic. Students need a minimum of 125 credit hours to graduate.

Park University, located in Missouri, offers a BS in information and computer science degree that gives students the skills to pursue graduate studies or professional tech positions. Students choose a specialization in one of five areas: computer science, software development, networking and security, information technology, or data management. Courses like writing for online environments, user interface design, and computer architecture educate students in the fundamentals of technology. Depending on their chosen focus, students can pursue careers as applications programmers, systems analysts, information technology specialists, database analysts, web programmers, or software engineers.

Students in this online bachelor's in computer science program take Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) courses that prepare them for the CCNA certification exam. Transfer students need a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher to be considered for admission. Students from out-of-state pay the same in tution as their in-state counterparts.

Founded as a Christian high school in the 1920s, Concordia University Texas maintains strong ties to the Lutheran church. The school offers a BA in computer science for working students looking to pursue a career in software design or computer programming. Students benefit from the school’s location in Austin, a technology hub with ample internship opportunities.

This online computer science degree requires students to complete a minimum of 128 credits to graduate. CTX boasts a strong Christian foundation and requires all students to pass religion-based courses. Transfer students need a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA if transferring between 12 and 83 credits or a 2.5 GPA if transferring less than 12 credits. Out-of-state students pay the same as Texas residents. The Texas Transfer Scholarship offers students $2,000 in financial aid if they graduate with an associate degree in the state or qualify for the Texas Core Complete program.

Located in Gaffney, South Carolina, Limestone College is the largest private college in South Carolina. It's a small school, with only 1,000 traditional day students and 2,500 extended campus students. The completely online BS in computer science, computer and information systems security focuses on securing private data for businesses, government agencies, and institutions. Courses include cryptology and access control, continuity and disaster recovery planning, and security architecture and design. Students must complete a capstone project, which consists of a large-scale project that draws on knowledge from previous courses.

Classes are structured in eight-week sessions with six terms each year. Students take two courses per term. Transfer students who have an associate degree from a South Carolina technical college do not have to complete general education requirements. All other transfer students may bring a maximum of 66 credits from a two-year school or 92 credits from a four-year college. Out-of-state students pay the same tuition as in-state students.

The oldest Catholic university in Florida, Saint Leo University has instructed students for more than 125 years. The school began offering online courses in the 1990s. SLU offers a BS in computer science with a specialization in information assurance to students interested in forensics and internet security. Distance learners take courses in artificial intelligence, disaster recovery, penetration testing, and network design.

Transfer students may apply up to 64 credits to their degree. SLU holds an agreement with more than 40 community colleges across the U.S., allowing associate students to easily transfer into the program. SLU requires students to complete 120 credits to graduate. Since Saint Leo is a private school, in-state and out-of-state tuition are the same.

Fort Hays State University's Virtual College offers students a low cost alternative to in-classroom learning from a reputable institution of higher education. The school provides more than 50 online degree options, including an online BS in computer science. Distance learners may choose a concentration in business or networking. Business classes include managerial finance and management, while networking classes include advanced routing and interwork troubleshooting.

This online computer science degree prepares students for fulfilling careers such as computer engineer, software engineer, network architect, and web developer. FHSU's partnership with the Kansas community college system allows qualified students to easily transfer courses to FHSU. Course formats may be asynchronous or synchronous. Students must complete 120 credits in total in order to graduate.

Located in Madison, South Dakota, Dakota State University boasts a high employment rate for graduates, with a 94% employment rate for the latest class and a 100% employment rate in certain majors. DSU’s online bachelor’s degree in computer science gives students access to the newest technologies so they can stay ahead of their peers. Courses include assembly language, object-oriented design, and database management. Graduates often pursue careers as programmers, software engineers, or tech startup entrepreneurs.

DSU schedules on-campus and online courses at the same time, so both student groups have the opportunity to collaborate with each other on projects. All computer science professors have a Ph.D. This program requires transfer students to have 24 credit hours or more. Applicants must hold a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Located 45 minutes from New York City, Mercy College offers more than 90 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. The school promotes education for underrepresented groups such as minorities and first-generation students. Mercy Online’s BS in computer science combines theoretical technical knowledge with hands-on skills. Courses include forensic and electronic discovery, artificial intelligence, and network security.

Mercy requires students to obtain 120 credits in order to graduate. The college accepts up to 75 transfer credits from a two-year school or 90 credits from a four-year school. Mercy prides itself on offering affordable tuition compared to other private institutions in the area. No matter state of residence, all students pay the same tuition. Outstanding transfer students are eligible for scholarships.

Located in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin University designs all of its programs for busy, working adults. As a result, the school offers dozens of flexible online programs. Franklin’s online BS in computer science is language-independent, meaning students’ skills stay relevant even if their primary coding language becomes obsolete. Notable classes for this online computer science degree include human-computer interaction, object-oriented analysis and design, and mobile programming.

This degree requires students to complete 124 credits in order to graduate. Franklin accepts a maximum of 94 transfer credits. Distance learners must complete a final capstone project in order to demonstrate their knowledge and technical skills. All students pay the same tuition regardless of their state of residency.

Florida Institute of Technology boasts impressive alumni, including astronauts, the first female four-star general, and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Florida Tech’s online BS in computer information systems prepares students for careers in the technology industry or private businesses. Core courses include electronic commerce, internet applications, and business computer skills.

Courses are delivered asynchronously so students to have the freedom to complete work at their own pace. Students learn through discussion boards, chat rooms, videos, and interactive media. Florida Tech requires students to complete a total of 124 credits to graduate. Transfer students may receive credit for classes in which they earned a C- or higher. Out-of-state students pay the same tuition as Florida residents.

Located in West Haven, Utah, Independence University has provided distance education for 37 years. The school was founded in 1891 and holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. IU's BS in software and mobile applications development degree teaches students how to design, code, and test software. Courses include computer law, solution concepts, webpage programming, and programming concepts. Graduates pursue careers such as mobile app developer, web developer, IT entrepreneur, and software developer.

Without an elective requirement, students can complete this degree in as little as 36 months. IU requires learners to complete 180 credit hours minimum to graduate from this major. IU provides all students with a new tablet at the start of the program, and a laptop during the fourth module to keep upon graduation.

Located in Fayette, Missouri, Central Methodist University prides itself as a four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Distance learners at CMU can complete an online BA or BS in computer science. Courses include scientific computer programming, web page design, mobile application development, and a capstone seminar. Students learn how to examine and solve a variety of software issues, such as flaws in the code.

Courses last either eight or 16 weeks. Transfer students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to apply. This online computer science program requires a minimum of 124 credits. Out-of-state students pay the same in tuition as their in-state counterparts.

Located in La Jolla, California, National University offers more than 100 distance education programs, including an online bachelor’s degree in computer science. Core requisites for this online computer science program include computer ethics, programming languages, and digital logic design. The program features a strong foundation in calculus and science. Students complete labs in which they create and test their own code.

Online classes take place over a one month period. National holds agreements with many California community colleges, making it easy to transfer credits. The school offers a Transfer to Success Scholarship that awards up to $5,000 to transfer students who come from a community college in California, Nevada, or an approved out-of-state program. Qualifying students for this scholarship must already have 30 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.