Computer science is a broad field that encompasses every facet of computer and smartphone software development and design. This list provides the reader with the essential information for all the online computer science programs offered by accredited universities in the United States. The information presented includes undergrad net cost and available computer science and closely related degrees. Computer science is closely related to software engineering, software development, and computer programming, so we also listed schools that offer these degrees online in this list. Each entry also includes a link to the program’s website.
Most of the degrees offered online are generalist degrees with few, if any, specializations. Indeed, many of the specializations within the computer science field have become their own degrees. Software engineering, software development, and computer programming all used to be minors and concentrations, and now are degree programs in their own right. So one of the best ways to specialize when looking for an online computer science program is to choose one of these specialized degrees instead of just looking for a concentration within a computer science program proper. Net cost is taken from NCES College Navigator data, which is collected directly from the institutions themselves and is representative of the institution’s average net cost of one year of undergraduate education. Your actual cost may vary (especially in the case of a graduate-level program), so check with the institution for specifics.
Quick Links to Online Computer Science Schools:
Schools A-C
Schools D-G
Schools H-M
Schools N-Q
Schools R-T
Schools U-Z
Degree Reference
The Value of an Online Computer Science Degree
Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Online Master’s in Computer Science
Theoretical vs. Applied Computer Science
Career Specializations for Computer Science Majors
Alpha List of Schools with Online Computer Science Programs
Arizona State University
Website
Net Cost: $15,390
Online Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree: B.S. in Software Engineering
Baker College
Website
Net Cost: $6,900
Online Computer Science Programs: A.A.S. in Computer Programming, B.C.S. (Bachelor of Computer Science) in Computer Science
Bellevue University
Website
Net Cost: $6,450
Online Computer Science Programs: B.S. in Software Development
California State University-Monterey Bay
Website
Net Cost: $5,963-$17,123
Online Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree: B.S. in Software Development
Central Methodist University
Website
Net Cost: $7,200
Online Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree: B.A. or B.S. in Computer Science
Champlain College
Website
Net Cost: $15,395
Online Computer Science Programs: A.S. and B.S. in Software Development
Charleston Southern University
Website
Net Cost: $22,840
Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science: B.S. in Computer Science
Colorado Technical University
Website
Net Cost: $11,283
Online Computer Science Programs: M.S. in Computer Science, Doctor of Computer Science
Dakota State University
Website
Net Cost: $7,506-$9,986
Online Computer Science Programs: B.S. in Computer Science
Florida State University
Website
Net Cost: $6,507-$21,673
Online Computer Science Programs: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Franklin University
Website
Net Cost: $11,161
Online Computer Science Programs: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Science
Herzing University
Website
Net Cost: $12,250
Online Computer Science Programs: A.S. in Software Development, A.A.S. in Software Development, B.S. in Software Development
Limestone College
Website
Net Cost: $23,000
Online Bachelor’s Computer Science: B.S. in Computer Science
National University
Website
Net Cost: $12,384
Online Computer Science Programs: B.S. in Computer Science
Old Dominion University
Website
Net Cost: $10,350
Online Computer Science Programs: B.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Computer Science
Oregon State University
Website
Net Cost: $8,130
Online Bachelor’s Computer Science: B.S. in Computer Science
Regis University
Website
Net Cost: $14,732
Online Computer Science Programs: B.S. in Computer Science, M.S. Software Engineering
Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Website
Net Cost: $6,630-$8,274
Online Bachelor’s Computer Science: B.S. in Computer Science
Stevens-Henager College
Website
Net Cost: $16,968
Online Computer Science Programs: B.S. in Computer Science, Associate’s in Computer Science,
Thomas Edison State College
Website
Net Cost: $5,871-$8,647
Online Computer Science Programs: B.S. in Computer Science with Software and Mobile Apps Development emphasis
Trident University International
Website
Net Cost: $8,400
Online Computer Science Programs: B.S. in Computer Science, B.S. in Computer Engineering
Troy University
Website
Net Cost: $7,824
Online Bachelor’s Computer Science B.S. in Computer Science
University of Advancing Technology
Website
Net Cost: $21,150
Online Bachelor’s Computer Science: B.A. or B.S. in Computer Science
University of Florida
Website
Net Cost: $3,357-$15,000
Online Computer Science Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Advancing Computer Science
University of Illinois-Springfield
Website
Net Cost: $11,367-$20,517
Online Computer Science Programs: B.S. in Computer Science and Information Technology
University of Maryland University College
Website
Net Cost: $6,744-$12,336
Online Computer Science Programs: B.S. in Computer Science
Western Governors University
Website
Net Cost: $6,070
Online Bachelor’s Computer Science: B.A. in Computer Science
The Value of an Online Computer Science Degree
Payscale.com places computer science #8 among the top ten best paying majors available at the undergraduate level. Computer science starts the average employee at $59,800 per year, and the average mid-career salary is $102,000 per year. The best news is that these numbers reflect the earning potential of undergraduates that never earn a higher degree, and thus are achievable with just a bachelor’s in computer science.
Payscale.com also provides numbers on those with gradaute degrees in computer science. Graduate degrees in this field are a great way to advance your career. Being a lead, or principal computer scientist on a project can lead to earnings in the range of $130,000-$160,000 per year.
The return on investment of a computer science degree is even greater if students can find a way to lower the initial investment, and that’s where online programs come in. There are degrees available at high quality state universities like the University of Florida that cost half the price of taking the classes on campus for out of state residents, and that’s just tuition savings, not to mention room and board (if you can live with family).
Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science
This list primarily concerns undergraduate programs in computer science and related programs. Having an online bachelor level computer science program was the primary requirement for inclusion on this list. The benefits of online programs are numerous. They allow flexibility, and students can often take classes during the summer. It’s easier to mold online programs to your schedule, allowing you the flexibility to hold a job regardless of what hours you work.
One thing worth noting is that computer science is a challenging degree. There is a lot to learn and every class for the major is packed full of information. It’s important that students take the online classes just as seriously as they would a traditional class. Students seeking to earn their computer science degree online should be independent learners, as you won’t have as much access to traditional support programs most universities have, like writing labs, computer labs, and tutors.
Online Master’s in Computer Science
This list isn’t about online computer science graduate programs, however we have included graduate programs in the “programs” section if they are available from that school. It should be noted that there are many schools out there offering M.S. in Computer Science programs online that aren’t included in our list. Indeed, online M.S. in Computer Science programs are much more readily available than undergraduate programs, but that’s natural as most schools offer more online programs at the graduate than the undergraduate level. The Master’s in Computer Science is the highest level of education necessary to reach the heights of the field. The only areas requiring further education beyond the master’s level are research and academic positions.
Theoretical vs. Applied Computer Science
Students of theoretical computer science will often seek positions as researchers and academics. They focus on moving computing forward. Researchers are currently concerned with major areas like the theory of computation, information and coding theory, algorithms, data structures and more. Theoretical computer scientists design and implement programming languages, and develop the best practices of the field.
Applied computer science is a massive field. Some applied computer scientists work in research with theoretical computer scientists, helping to make theory into reality. Others work all over the field as programmers, software engineers, developers, and designers. High-level applied computer scientists are working on developing artificial intelligence, robotics software, and analyzing and improving computer performance. Applied computer scientists are also working on cyber security and cryptography. Computers now have an effect on every facet of life in the western world, and computer scientists are responsible for that.
Career Specializations for Computer Science Majors
Software Engineering
Software Engineering melds the disciplines of computer science and engineering. Specifically, this specialization involves incorporating engineering into the development, design, and maintenance of computer software. Software engineers work on high-level software projects, such as the design of operating systems and networking software. Software engineers are valued in a wide range of fields including medical, industrial, military, aerospace, business, and science.
Software Development
Software development is focused on the whole process of programming, documenting, testing, and bug-fixing required to develop software. Software developers are masters of the software release cycle, monitoring the whole process of software creation, implementation, upgrading, and maintenance. There are multiple approaches to handling this process, and new approaches are being developed all the time. This means that to stay successful, software developers must keep up with all the innovations in their field on both the technical side, and the development model side.
Computer Programming
If software developers are big picture thinkers, programmers are in the trenches. It used to be that computer programmer was a term used to describe self-taught programmers without formal training. However, this is changing. These days the complexity of software development is such that companies are moving toward hiring programmers that have formal training. They can at least be certain that these programmers have a reasonable command over the most essential programming languages on top of whatever other knowledge they might bring to the table.
Security and Cryptography
Security and cryptography experts are more essential than ever before in our digital age. Humanity has become expert at integrating new technologies into our lives. We adopt new devices and functionality with gusto and use them to make our lives more efficient. We rely on these devices for some of our most important activities, such as banking or filling out a wide range of applications. We make payments through our electronics, and now sometimes we even make payments with our electronics. Security and cryptography professionals are responsible for securing those communications from malicious actors. The creation and implementation of cryptography is one of the most important issues facing the world today, as making your communications truly secure is very difficult. Cryptographers don’t just work on creating new crypto; these days their biggest challenge is making it easy enough to use that the average person is capable of securely implementing it on their own.
Health Informatics
With the advent of the Affordable Care Act, one of the major requirements was for doctors to digitize their medical records. Electronic Health Records are essential to medical practice in the 21st century, and a whole new field for computer scientists was born. Computer scientists fill the role of designing and implementing the systems used to keep and transfer EHRs in a secure and effective manner. But that just scratches the surface. Computer scientists are also working on designing new software that can be used by doctors to more effectively perform their duties on multiple fronts.
Artificial Intelligence
The development of artificial intelligence is the big problem of computer science. Computer scientists have been theorizing about the creation of intelligent machines since the invention of computers, maybe even since the idea of computational machines was first conceived. We’ve managed to develop incredibly sophisticated software that automates much of our lives and thus has increased human efficiency greatly. However, we have not cracked the problem of creating artificial intelligence. Another issue with artificial intelligence (in terms of creating software that is self-aware) are the ethical issues involved with such ideas. If you create a self-aware AI to perform specific tasks, could forcing it to do so be considered slavery? How do you incentivize AI? How do you pay it? These are all major issues considered by computer scientists as they strive to create artificial intelligence.
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