When choosing an online computer science degree program, there are several important factors to consider. Taking time to ensure that there is a perfect fit between your goals, objectives, and budget is crucial to your ultimate success in any computer science degree program.
Degree programs ranked by a third-party organization like U.S. News and World Reports can give important clues about special features of a college or university, like student-faculty ratio, satisfaction of graduates, accreditation status, financial aid opportunities, and more. These rankings can make it easier to find the best academic fit for your own personal situation and goals when comparing programs. In addition, a school’s accreditation is very important as it’s an assurance of academic standards and also something that employers often look for as a sign that an applicant has the right training.
Computer Science degrees are three to four year programs designed around mathematical and theoretical knowledge of computer science. Accelerated programs are available and can be especially useful for students who already have some academic or job training. Accelerated programs can be as short as five to seven weeks of intensive study. Having good math and logic skills are generally prerequisites for entering the field of computer science.
People with bachelor’s degrees in computer science sometimes go on to further graduate studies and sometimes directly enter the information technology workforce. People with bachelor’s degrees in computer science move into occupations like lead applications developer, applications architect, business intelligence analyst, and help desk technician, although some of these jobs may require some on the job training before advancement.
Depending on the college or university, there are several different degrees that are conferred, including Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science, Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Computer Science, and Bachelor of Science (BSc or BS) in Computer Science. Each degree type has a slightly different focus of study and there are also regional and institutional variations in names of degrees.
Attending a brick and mortar school can be great for younger students, those who live near an institution, and those who value the activities provided on a campus. Online learning is becoming increasingly available and often works well for continuing students, people who already have jobs or families or who do not live near a campus that offers the degree they want.
Ranking the Top Online Schools for Computer Science Degree Programs
The following institutions all offer bachelor’s degrees in computer science with online options. They are listed in alphabetical order and tuition is for undergraduate credit hour unless otherwise stated.
American Public University
Summary: This school offers over 170 online certificates and degrees including a BA in computer science. A majority of students enter with credits transferred from other institutions, and 96 percent of graduates express satisfaction with getting their degree from this university. Highly competitive tuition, financial aid, and a grant program for cost of books keeps costs low. They accept Federal Student Aid and Armed Forces Tuition Assistance.
Tuition: $250 per credit hour