Computer Science Degrees Offered at Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University appears in our ranking of the Top 5 Most Affordable Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Degrees Online.
Colorado Technical University is a private technical school that offers a wide range of computer science programs online and on campus. The learning experience at CTU is designed to be convenient, rewarding and valuable for students of all ages and backgrounds. Class sizes at CTU are small, so every student can expect an intimate, personalized experience. Online classes are carefully crafted to help students succeed at their own pace and without the risk of falling behind. Some of the computer science programs offered at CTU include:
- B.S. Computer Science
- B.S. Computer Engineering
- B.S. Computer Science – Cybersecurity Engineering
- B.S. Computer Science – Data Science
- B.S. Electrical Engineering
- M.S. Computer Engineering
- M.S. Computer Science
- M.S. Systems Engineering
- Ph.D. Computer Science – Big Data Analytics
- Ph.D. Computer Science – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Aside from the two bachelor’s degree options in engineering, all of these programs are offered completely online. Several of the bachelor’s and master’s degree options in computer science are offered in the traditional on-campus format. Computer science students can choose from a wide selection of program specializations designed to make their degrees more useful and attractive to employers. From data science and cybersecurity engineering to software engineering and analytics, the degree focuses in the computer science department at CTU are highly relevant to today’s job market.
The B.S. Computer Science has two possible degree tracks and requires 183 credit-hours to complete. It’s offered online and on campus. During the first two years of the program, 51 hours are dedicated to general education credits while 88 hours are devoted to core courses in natural science and mathematics. During the final two years of the program, 44 hours are dedicated to the degree concentration. Computer science majors will learn about Linux programming, ethical hacking, user interface design, data analytics, network security, software assurance, Web development, data visualization, and machine learning.
The master’s programs in computer science take 48 hours of classroom time to complete. A master’s degree in this field can be obtained in about one to two years of full-time enrollment. The main degree concentrations are cybersecurity and data science, and each concentration begins with 28 credit-hours of core courses, including algorithm design, operating system architecture, computer networking, database systems, and systems engineering. For the cybersecurity concentration, students must complete 20 credit-hours of courses such as digital forensics, operating system security, and network security.
All of the Ph.D. programs in computer science at CTU are offered entirely online without any campus-based classes. These programs typically take about four years to complete although an accelerated option gives students the chance to graduate in just three years. A Ph.D. in computer science requires 100 credit-hours of classroom time as well as a residency requirement for research. Although the courses are all conducted online, students must spend time on campus to meet the residency requirements.
About Colorado Technical University
CTU is an accredited for-profit college that offers a large selection of degree programs in business, technology, computer science, nursing and related disciplines. It was founded in 1965 in Colorado Springs, and over the years it has transitioned from offering classes mostly on campus to offering them primarily online. Today, over 92 percent of CTU students are enrolled in online degree programs. While some graduate programs in technical and engineering disciplines have residency requirements, most programs can be completed entirely over the Internet. Residency requirements for online programs mostly apply to lab and research projects.
Colorado Technical University Accreditation Details
CTU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) while the computer science degrees are programmatically accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The HLC is a regional accrediting commission that provides official accreditation for universities throughout the Midwest and Southwest. Several other programs are independently accredited by special commissions and professional associations, including the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Program accreditation provides an extra layer of credibility and assurance to students looking to enter the job market after graduation. It also makes it easier to transfer credits to other accredited colleges.
Colorado Technical University Application Requirements
Anyone can apply to CTU by submitting an online application and including any relevant documentation. The acceptance rate of applications is kept private by the CTU administration, but enrollment counselors stress the importance of academic experience and readiness for an accredited online degree program. Application requirements differ slightly for undergraduate, graduate and transfer students. Applicants must provide the following documentation along with their online applications:
- High school or college transcripts
- SAT or ACT test scores for undergraduate applicants
- GRE test scores for graduate school applicants
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or professors
Transcripts should contain information about grade point average, class ranking, course schedule, and graduate date. Applicants without high school transcripts can submit proof of a GED with their applications. Enrollment counselors may need to interview applicants in person before accepting their applications to ensure that they have the experience and skills needed for online classes. To be accepted as a transfer student, an applicant must have completed at least 30 credit hours at an accredited college. Multiple start dates are available throughout the year for enrollment.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition costs at CTU are about $10,540 per year for Colorado residents and non-residents. Tuition rates for online and on-campus courses are the same, and graduate students can expect to pay about the same amount per year as undergraduates. When the cost of supplies, books, and living expenses is included, the total amount is increased by about $10,000 per year. By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online, students can apply for low-cost loans and federal student grants. Federally subsidized loans do not begin to accrue interest until the borrower drops below half-time enrollment. Subsidized and unsubsidized public loans do not need to be repaid while the borrower maintains at least half-time enrollment.
For working professionals and college students with family or personal commitments, Colorado Technical University offers a convenient online alternative to traditional residential colleges.
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