Top 25 Online Computer Science Degree Programs [Accredited]

Published February 12, 2023 · · Updated May 12, 2024 · 11 minutes · by Kamerpower ·

Top 25 Online Computer Science Degree Programs [Accredited]. Computer science degrees generally aim to teach you the basic mathematical and scientific concepts behind computers and their programs. A degree in computer science can have you designing software and hardware, learning programming languages, data structures, and artificial intelligence concepts. Computer science degrees might require mathematics, statistics, or engineering courses. 

Admissions requirements and prerequisites for online bachelor’s degrees in computer and data sciences will vary based on the university and program. In general, most undergraduate-level computer and data science programs require a high school diploma or GED, academic transcripts, a minimum GPA score, ACT or SAT scores, personal essays or a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV.

An online bachelor’s in data or computer science can take four years or less to complete. Timelines vary depending on your program of choice as well as your preferred schedule , full time or part time and if you enroll with prior college credits.

Job Outlook and Salary For Computer Science Degree

The job outlook for people with computer science degrees is excellent, and salaries are typically high. From 2021 to 2031, the BLS expects employment in the computer and information technology field to grow by 15%, resulting in about 682,800 new jobs. The median salary for computer and IT positions was $97,430 as of May 2021.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Computer Science Degree Online??

Online computer science degrees generally take 120 credits to complete. On a traditional schedule with five classes per semester, that would usually mean four years. But you may take a different amount of online courses per semester or enroll in classes year-round. Some programs offer accelerated tracks, which allow you to graduate in less time. 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.

What is the difference between computer science and data science?

Data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help business stakeholder’s make informed strategies and better decisions. Typically, data scientists share their insights in charts and/or graphs for clarity and accessibility. On the other hand, computer scientists blend conceptual ideas with complex algorithms to design or modify technology, from software to hardware.

Best Universities For Online Computer Science Degree Programs

1. Austin Peay State University

The university serves over 11,000 students, and it offers over 56 majors in the liberal arts & sciences and the professionals. The academic programs of this school are complemented by the use of technology, cooperative learning, and collaborative research. Austin Peay State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

2. California State University – Monterey Bay

California State University- Monterey Bay B.S. in Computer Science is formally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

3. Champlain College

Champlain College is a leading private college located in the middle of Brighton’s most desired residential neighborhood, the Hill District. It offers on-campus and online certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs. Online Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Systems at Champlain College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC).

4. City University of Seattle.

CityU is an individual, not-for-profit university in Seattle, Washington, and it has a total enrollment of 6,700 students. Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing at City University of Seattle holds regional institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

5. Colorado Technical University

CTU is a private university that started as a Technical college, which trains vets in job-specific skills and related technical skills. Colorado Technical University Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

6. Computer Science, BS – Davenport University

Davenport University is a privately-owned university. The university serves over 7,000 students, and it has over 50 academic programs. Also, it offers online courses and traditional campus-based learning. Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – DePaul University 

This university has two campuses in Chicago, Illinois. The Lincoln Park campus is the larger branch of this university, sitting on a 36-acre land and serving about 2,300 students. The Loop campus in downtown Chicago, on the other hand, is home to approximately 1,700 students. DePaul University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

8. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Florida State University.

Florida State University is a public university located in Tallahassee, Florida. It is a research university known for its focus on both STEM and Non-STEM research. The Carnegie Foundation (CFAT) recognized this university for its Very High Research. It is also classified as a national sea-grant and space-grant college. Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

9. B.S. Computer Science – Franklin University

Franklin University is an independent, non-profit university. Beside campus-based learning, the college also offers comprehensive undergrad and graduate online distance-learning programs for adult students and professionals. Franklin College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

10. Limestone College – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Limestone College is a private-run Christian university that doesn’t affiliate itself to any specific Christian denomination. The college is located in Gaffney, South Carolina, and it hosts about 2,000 students, which are divided almost equally, with a 55:45 male-female ratio. Limestone College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

11. National University – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

National University has several campuses dispersed throughout the suburbs of California. It is organized into two professional schools and four colleges as well as an online school. All of which offer undergraduate and graduate courses to more than 23,000 students.

12. Oregon State University – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Oregon State University is a public university located in Corvallis, Oregon. It is classified as a research institution: land, sea, space, and sun-grant university. The school prides itself on having graduated over 230,000 graduates, and it currently hosts more than 31,000 students. Oregon State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

13. Regent University – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Regent University is a non-state-run, evangelical affiliated university located in coastal suburban Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is among the best online baccalaureate-level programs and online MBA programs. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

14. Saint Leo University: Online Computer Science Degree – Information Assurance

Saint Leo University is a private university. A majority of Saint Leo’s 11,000 students pursue their courses through the school’s online college. Only 1/3 of the students go through the traditional campus learning system. Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

15. Southern New Hampshire University – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) uses an open enrolment program, and it is one of the few universities with record-high student enrollments. Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

16. University of Florida – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The University of Florida is a state-run university located in Gainesville, Florida. It is one of the leading research universities, and it is classified as a space-granted, sea-granted, and land-granted university. The campus is home to over 56,000 students who are pursuing different undergraduate and graduate courses, with a good number of students enrolled in the school’s online college programs. The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

17. University of Colorado Boulder – Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science

The University of Colorado Boulder is a public space-granted university located in Boulder, Colorado. The campus is home to over 35,000 students, with Computer Science, Psychology, Integrative Physiology, Finance, and Aerospace Engineering Sciences as the popular courses. CU-Boulder is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

18. Weber State University – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The school is home to over 26,000 students, and it offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate studies. The enrollment process is built around the student’s demonstration of competence. The freshmen are welcome through a fun and interactive orientation program. Weber State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

19. Auburn University – Online Bachelor of Computer Science

Auburn University is reputed to be a go-to university that offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. It was awarded R1: classification for its revolutionary STEM and non-STEM research. Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

20. Baker College – BS Computer Science

The college has 14 ground campuses and an online academy that serve over 16,000 students. The school focuses mainly on job-specific training, but it also offers academic training for students looking to advance their professional careers. All classrooms and labs in this school are equipped with advanced learning tools that simulate a real work environment. Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

21. Central Methodist University – Online Bachelor of Computer Science

The university’s undergraduate and graduate education programs are designed to inspire both academic and professional excellence. As a United Methodist Church-affiliated university, it incorporates core values, like ethical leadership and social responsibility, into the learning process. Central Methodist University is accredited and/or recognized by the Higher Learning Commission.

22. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University is a private university located in Northern Charleston, South Carolina. As a Southern Baptist affiliate, the college strives to shape students who are morally upright and intellectually brilliant. Today, CSU serves over 3,600 students, and it offers over 50 undergrad majors and graduate programs. Charleston Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

23. Colorado State University Global Campus – Online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

Unlike the traditional campus education systems, CSU Global campus is a legally sanctioned, non-profit online university. It runs completely on a web-based course management system and serves about 19,000 students. Colorado State University Global Campus is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

24. Concordia University Texas – Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science.

The Concordia University Texas is a Lutheran Church affiliated, private university. It is a coed institution that aims to develop morally upright, academically brilliant students who will be tomorrow’s leaders in their fields. Concordia University Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

25. B.S. in Computer Science – Fort Hays State University

This university offers 60 undergraduate and 20 graduate majors to 15,000 students. It also participates in the NCAA Division II MIAA with their basketball team holding four national records. FHSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commisssion and is granted the authority to award degrees by the Kansas Board of Regents.

What is Required for a Degree in Computer Science?

A bachelor’s degree in computer science typically requires earning about 120 credit hours: that’s usually around 40 classes. Some of those courses may cover general education requirements like calculus, writing, history and psychology. Most others should address computer-specific topics. For example, you may take classes like Introduction to Programming Languages, Windows and Linux Systems, Database Management, Web Development, and Data Structures.

List of Computer Science career paths and skills

To excel as a computer scientist, you need to leverage programming languages and other technical skills to solve problems as they arise. Other important qualities include:

• Communication: Utilize accessible language and visuals to clearly express your data findings to other business stakeholders.
• Empathy: Build trust with your fellow stakeholders and identify biases hidden within your data research.
• Teamwork: Collaborate with teams from diverse segments of business to achieve company goals.
• Software tester: Analyze software quality through manual and automated tests. Remove bugs and develop preventative measures to reduce future hiccups.
• Full-stack developer: Design, develop, and maintain the front end and back end of computer systems and processes.
• Creativity: Leverage your creativity to build streamlined software and hardware.
• Business mindset: Understand business goals and operations to present your data insights more accurately.
• Computer scientist: Develop conceptual ideas and conduct experiments to design advanced software and technology.
• Data scientist: Collect, analyze, and compile data to better understand business outcomes. Build research-backed plans to advance your company in the competitive marketplace.
• Data analyst: Utilize your technical expertise to guarantee the validity and quality of data from various sources. Design and present easy-to-follow charts and graphs to help business stakeholders make better decisions.
• Data engineer: Locate hidden trends in raw datasets with modern algorithms and techniques.
• Data architect: Build, maintain, and secure your company’s data framework, the digital structure that ensures data flow and organization.
• Data storyteller: Leverage your data literacy to communicate new insights as clear narratives and visualizations.
• Machine learning scientist: Blend data insights and algorithms to create machine learning models.
• Database administrator: Manage and monitor high volumes of data with cutting-edge software.
• Curiosity: Develop new algorithms and explore fresh conceptual ideas to push innovation forward.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with team members and consider their ideas and methods to strengthen your projects.
• Independence: Take the initiative to solve problems, fix bugs, and monitor security threats as a confident professional.
• Web developer: Ensure website functionality, collaborate with designers, and meet technical problems with expert solutions.
• Computer systems analyst: Teach companies to efficiently use their current technology and introduce them to new, cost-effective alternatives.
• Network architect: Design and maintain local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets for your company or organization.
• Software engineer: Leverage your creativity and technical abilities to develop innovative software or to modify existing applications.

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