Online Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree [2024]
Computer science is an amazing field that greatly impacts our daily lives. It offers an abundance of opportunities to learn and work with cutting-edge technology. Computer science has got you covered whether you’re interested in examining global issues, inventing new tools, or working remotely.
Plus, whether you earn your degree online or in-person, a bachelor’s degree in computer science offers a significant return on investment due to the high demand for skilled professionals.
In computer science, you’ll learn the fundamentals of computer programming, apply advanced mathematical concepts to your field of study, write code, develop knowledge of computer hardware, and learn how to combat information technology security threats that affect everyone. Some popular topics within computer science include software engineering, artificial intelligence, network security, robotics, and data science.
Computer science degree programs require students to complete both general education courses and computer science courses. Programs typically begin with introductory courses on programming and software engineering and progress to more advanced, specialized courses and a senior project.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer science degree holders can find job opportunities in several fields that are growing faster than average. Some of these careers include software developers, software quality assurance analysts and testers, web developers, and web and digital interface designers.
Computer scientists are responsible for developing technologies that power artificial intelligence, gaming systems, information systems, machine learning, search engines, and web browsers. They have opportunities to earn higher-than-average incomes in a wide range of industries by applying best practices and sometimes inventing new technologies.
If you love mathematics and logic and don’t mind spending most of your workdays on a computer, then studying computer science might be the perfect fit for you!
Top Schools with Online Computer Science Programs
| SCHOOL | QUICK FACTS | TUITION |
| Northwestern University |
|
$98,055 |
| University of Florida |
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$13,430 (in-state), $60,000 (out-of-state) |
| Purdue University |
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$50,400 (in-state), 66,780 (out-of-state) |
| The Pennsylvania State University |
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$77,500 to 83,000 |
| Florida State University |
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$21,659 (in-state), $82,325 (out-of-state) |
Jobs for Computer Science Degree Holders
| JOB TITLE | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY | PROJECTED EMPLOYMENT GROWTH RATE FROM 2021-2031 |
| Computer programmer | $102,790 | -10% |
| Software developer | $132,930 | 26% |
| Web developer | $87,580 | 30% |
| Computer network architect | $129,490 | 4% |
| Computer systems analyst | $107,530 | 9% |
Online Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
The prerequisites for an online computer science degree
The prerequisites required for a degree in computer science offered online are usually similar to other bachelor’s degree programs, either online or in-person.
Most programs require students to have a graduation certificate from a high school or GED before submitting standardized test scores or the SAT or ACT.
If the program is competitive, the course and the more competitive the test scores and grades that students might need to obtain admission. Students who transfer from other programs might be required to finish the coursework in calculus, geometry and physics before they can be admitted.
Online coursework
Computer science students online will finish their studies with an understanding of basic computer programming concepts and proficiency in the most popular programming languages such as Java, C and C++, as well as a sense of computer hardware and software Information technologies, security of IT, and more.
Students should anticipate that the curriculum within their computing degrees consists of a mixture of general requirements for education as well as special courses in computer science.
These courses range from introductory programming software engineering and languages to more advanced, specialized classes in computing ethics, theoretical information assurance, and computer science.
Because most work involves math and requires math, it is recommended to take several advanced math courses, including math courses like linear algebra or calculus.
In specific courses, online students can specialize in a particular area of computer science and complete studies that cater to specific interests in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Saint Leo University, for instance, requires all students studying computer science to focus on information assurance. They examine computer security, network forensics and penetration tests in this area. Furthermore, Purdue University offers a degree that analyses and prevents cybersecurity risks.
Specific programs require students to finish their capstone project, senior thesis or any other portfolio-building project designed to prepare them for careers in computer science.
How long does an online computer science degree take to complete?
Computer science courses for undergraduates are designed to last four years to finish, or at minimum, 120 credits of program credit.
The online programs are usually designed similarly, but one of the advantages of earning a degree online is the possibility to choose between taking more or fewer classes in a year according to the student’s schedule.
You could be able to attend an online school part-time, take self-paced courses and take longer to finish your degree, or even enroll in classes all year round and complete them faster.
Certain schools also offer accelerated or transferable programs and let students finish their education within less than four years.
Every online degree program requires students to be self-motivated and self-directed since they do not have the same accountability and structure as in-person classes.
Although students will be allowed to attend certain online schools from any location, they should think about programs near their homes to visit campuses and benefit from opportunities to meet face-to-face with instructors and interact with fellow students.
Cost and Return On Investment (ROI)
How much does an online computer science degree cost?
The price of a degree online can vary widely, based on the type of degree, ranging between $129.18 in credit hours of tuition for residents of the state (rounding up to more than $15,000 total) to more than $100,000 typically for more expensive tuition or private programs for residents outside of the state. The typical tuition for online in-state programs in this table is about $36,000.
For out-of-state programs, it is approximately $70,000. Online courses can be considerably less expensive than in-person classes. However, suppose you do decide to pursue your education online. In that case, you should be aware of tuition savings in the state – but on the flip side, more expensive out-of-state expenses are still applicable to remote students.
Most diplomas don’t state if the degree was awarded on the internet or in person. This means that online students could save money while receiving a degree with the same value to prospective employers as a traditional diploma.
| SCHOOL | IN-PERSON TUITION | ONLINE TUITION |
| Florida State University |
|
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| University of Florida |
|
|
| Arizona State University |
|
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| Purdue University |
|
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| Saint Leo University | $104,960 | $49,200 |
How to estimate the return on investment (ROI) of your degree
It is possible to estimate the return on investment of your computer science bachelor’s program by analyzing factors like the length of time you’ll stay in school, whether you’ll get a job during that time and if you’re able to apply for loans or an award, and what type of job and pay you could earn after completing this degree.
Information from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP) can be beneficial. FREOPP has determined the ROI of specific degree programs based on the median salary that graduates earn immediately after graduation and up to 45. The report then shows ROI by three methods that assume an 80% chance that you will be able to graduate, are adjusted to reflect the proportion of students who do not graduate and are then adjusted to account for completion rates and the underlying costs.
For instance, after adjusting for completion rates and expenses, the return on investment for a bachelor’s degree in computer science education at Northwestern University is $1,605,272. The average student who finishes this degree earns approximately $101,000 upon graduation and $174,000 when they reach the age of 45, as per the FREOPP.
As a comparison, those with the same degrees at the Penn State University-Main Campus could earn approximately $60,000 upon graduation and a little less than $97,000 when they reach the age of 45. FREOPP estimates the return on investment for this degree to be around $576,836.
According to research by the National Centre for Education Statistics, the bottom line is that people with bachelor’s degrees are likelier to obtain jobs than those who haven’t completed the required education. The unemployment rate in 2021 was much higher for those with higher degrees or a bachelor’s degree (86%) than those who had completed only high school (68%).
The investment return is likely to be higher for students with a computer science degree, mainly due to the high median incomes in computer-related areas and high job growth forecasts. The median annual wage for professionals who work in computer and information technologies was $97,430 as of May 2021, according to the BLS.
Job Outlook and Salary
The employment outlook for graduates of computer science programs is highly favorable due to reports of high salaries and expected growth rates for careers within technology. Computer science expertise can be applied to many disciplines, and businesses and organizations that aren’t part of the tech sector could employ web designers, IT managers, and app developers. This means that there are a variety of careers that can result from the diploma.
The employment rate for jobs involving information technology and computers is expected to increase by 15% between 2021 and 2031, According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS states that this rate is higher than average and suggests that this field will see 682,800 jobs added in the next decade. The BLS estimates an average of 418.500 job openings in computer and information technology each year due to a mix of employee turnover and growth.
There are no one-size-fits-all requirements for obtaining a computer programming license or workers in information technology. Still, they are typically required to demonstrate their proficiency with programming languages or any other particular skills in the interview process. Certain leading tech companies offer certificates. For instance, City University of Seattle has built its program in applied computing upon Cisco’s Certified Network Associate program and Microsoft’s Certified Systems Engineer and Certified Information Systems Security Professional programs.