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10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Computer Science Programs

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: March 29, 2024, Reading time: 17 minutes

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Are you searching for the best computer science degree online? If so, we’ve got your back. As we all know, computers are an important part of today’s world.

From the moment we wake up until we call it a day, computers are part and parcel of our daily life, predicting and even dictating our actions.

We’re talking about the Fitbit you are wearing, the computer you are so fond of watching cat videos on, and of course, the smartphone you frantically search for when it suddenly goes out of sight for some reason. Isn’t that the worst feeling?

Thanks to computer science, all these daily items and so much more exist. As computer science permeates our lives, it is a promising discipline to make a career out of. Enrolling in an Online Computer Science degree program will get you started.

Begin your detailed college search for the best online computer science programs here.

Quick audio summary here:

THE LOWDOWN

It’s very rare these days to see anyone NOT engaged in any type of technology, right? From smartphones to computer laptops, this type of technology is essential for everyday life. Given that fact, we can come to the realization that career opportunities in the field of computer science are on the rise and will provide many options for you. Consider earning an online Bachelor’s in Computer Science degree today!

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Coding is the Modern Language

Computer Science students study theories, experimentation, and engineering behind computers. It focuses on the design, function, and use of computers and computer systems.

Simply put, it is the study of computers. Central to the field are the complexities of software and software systems. Artificial intelligence is the brainchild of some of the world’s greatest computer scientists.

If robots go on a coup against humans, computers would be taking the blame. It might sound like a far-fetched story, but it does illustrate how impactful computer science can be as a field of discipline.

As our dependence on computer systems is at its peak, computer scientists are important in the current state of the world. They are the professionals who run perfect codes into computer hardware and software engineering, so they perform without error. They take care of the intangibles while also ensuring that the product runs smoothly and securely.

As we move into the future, the world needs more computer scientists. Why not consider a degree in Computer Science? Studying computer science is a lifelong commitment, but here’s the catch: you can earn your degree from home.

Online Computer Science Programs Stats

Jobs in computer science are projected to rise by 23% in ten years. With a median pay of over $136,620 per year, it is a lucrative industry to explore.

The tech business is booming, and computer scientists are needed in every industry. Companies want secure, safe, and innovative computer systems to protect their assets and technology.

Methodology

If you want to get a leg up in the increasingly vital and continuously evolving field of computer science, be sure to conduct a detailed college search and explore your options for computer science degrees.

Take your pick from world-renowned academic institutions that make the Computer Science degree available at your fingertips. Continue reading to discover more about the prognosis for particular computer science fields.

Our list of the Best Online Bachelor’s of Computer Science degree programs is meant to provide you with the best educational options! These institutions feature:

See our Methodology page for more information about how we chose these online Computer Science degrees.

Best Online Bachelor’s of Computer Science Programs

University of Florida

University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) offers the top online Computer Science program in the country. Through their Liberal Arts and Sciences program, students explore their courses and immerse themselves in the fields of information and computation science.

Computer science majors in CLAS take core computer science courses while maintaining a holistic academic track in liberal arts education. Students are exposed to the humanities, social sciences, and foreign languages.

This ensures that Computer Science graduates are multidimensional and can take up any job. The course requires a 29-credit foundation course, 35-credit in core courses, and 6-credit in major electives of your own choosing.

The approach of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences computer science program focuses on offering a unique opportunity for students to engage in a broad range of disciplines.

Students will graduate with competence and efficiency in applying the knowledge of science, mathematics, programming languages, data structures, and computer architecture to the complexities of computer science.

This field may require technical depth, but it also should allow non-professionals to understand the basic concepts.

College: Liberal Arts and Sciences

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Credits for Degree: 120

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges

Contact information: 1-855-994-2867

Check out UF’s online Bachelor of Computer Science degree program today!

Oregon State University

online bachelor's of Computer Science

Computer Science is “a degree built for the future,” and Oregon State University’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) will prepare you for the future. The program, offered through OSU Ecampus, is 100% online.

It is the perfect postgraduate program for individuals who already have an online bachelor’s degree in any field. You do not need to have a computer science background to sign up.

Students in the program gain the knowledge and skills that are fundamentally important in programming, software engineering, and computer and operating systems.

You can start building a career by integrating these new skills with your previous online bachelor’s degree. The multi-dimensionality of your educational background will give you an edge in employment.

Take advantage of the flexibility of the program. Manage your rigorous coursework with your personal life. You can opt to finish the degree in one year, one and a half years, two years, or even four years.

College: College of Engineering

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Credits for Degree: 60 credit hours

Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

Contact information:  800-667-1465 | 541-737-9204

Would you like more information about OSU E-Campus? Check out: BS in Computer Science

Regis University

online bachelor's of Computer Science

Upholding the university’s social responsibility, Regis University’s B.S. in Computer Science (CS) aims to expose CS students to a balance of theory and practice. The online program focuses extensively on the theoretical foundations of the craft. This is to ensure that computational solutions are efficient.

Bachelor’s in Computer Science graduate from Regis University is proficient in software engineering and web development that uses different programming languages that currently control computer systems. This online program prepares students to respond to the challenges of the job.

Being #JesuitEducated at Regis University promises full online lectures. You can enjoy the freedom to take control of your schedule while you pursue a college degree. Earning a specialized set of skills while keeping your day job is an opportunity that is available today.

College: College of Computer & Information Sciences

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Credits for Degree: 120 credit hours

Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

Contact information: 1-800-388-2366

It’s time to check out Regis University’s BS in Computer Science degree program!

Johns Hopkins University

online bachelor's of Computer Science

Johns Hopkins University is arguably one of the top universities in the country. With the onset of distance learning, the university has made an effort to make its most notable programs available online.

Today, Johns Hopkins offers dozens of online degree programs, including undergraduate, master’s, certificate, and credit programs.

Because of the support from Coursera, you do not need to be on campus to earn a Johns Hopkins education.

Johns Hopkins hopes to equip students with real-world problem-solving skills. The Bachelor’s in Computer Science program in the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals is a unique program for full-time, part-time, online, and professional students.

Computer science majors can’t go wrong with the CS degree online, for Hopkins education offers an undeniable advantage.

College: Whiting School of Engineering

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Credits for Degree: 126 credit hours

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Contact information: 410-516-8000

https://youtu.be/IzRQTz64RuY

Learn more about the online degree programs at Johns Hopkins University’s BS in Computer Science degree.

University of Illinois at Springfield

online bachelor's of Computer Science

The Springfield branch of the University of Illinois System (UIS) is an important part of the university. It is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges and the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

It offers a wide range of degree programs to a sizable number of students in the state and worldwide. UIS partners with the other University of Illinois campuses to offer online degrees through the global campus.

UIS’ online Bachelor’s in Computer Science program has Computer Science as a concentration. Through this program, students can familiarize themselves with the various areas of knowledge in the field.

The UIS curriculum for the online computer science degree program focuses on equipping students with basic and advanced skills in dealing with:

This, in turn, allows them to adapt to rapid technological changes.

College: Computer Science Department

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Credits for Degree: Please click here to check the courses and corresponding credit

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Contact information: 217-206-6600

Check out more about the University of Illinois – Springfield’s online Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science today!

East Central University

East Central University

The Computer Science degree program offered at East Central University prepares students for careers in technology. Choosing a Computer Science major will reward you with lucrative salaries and the chance to work on interesting and challenging projects.

You can earn your Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from East Central University Online and gain hands-on experience working with cutting-edge computer applications.

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) guidelines guide the curriculum, preparing students for various career paths, including computer programming, coding, software engineering, data analysis, testing, debugging, and cybersecurity.

College: College of Health and Sciences

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Credits for Degree: 124 total credits

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission

Contact Information: 580-332-8000

Check out more about the University of East Central University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science today!

Simmons University

Simmons University

Simmons University offers an online BS in Computer Science where you will be trained to be a computer scientist who can solve problems related to hardware and software.

The advancements they make can be found in many fields, from global communications to health care, public policy, scientific discovery, and climate change research.

By studying online computer science, you will develop critical, logical, and abstract thinking skills to approach challenges creatively and scientifically.

Students learn new approaches to solving highly technical problems through live, face-to-face classes with Simmons faculty. Your work may include writing groundbreaking software, designing innovative websites, developing next-generation apps, or creating brand-new technology that improves people’s lives.

There are core computer science, software engineering, and programming courses, plus electives that match a wide range of career interests.

Through this program, students can build a rewarding career and positively impact their organizations and communities.

College: College of Organizational, Computational, and Information Sciences.

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Credits for Degree: 128 total credits

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Contact Information: +1 617-521-2000

Check out more about Simmons University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science today!

Lewis University

Lewis University

The BA in Computer Science program at Lewis University offers a less rigorous program. Bachelor of Science graduates are preferred by some employers and graduate schools, but this is not always the case. Computer Science and other interests allow you to achieve a well-rounded education.

At Lewis, students majoring in Computer Science have access to the latest technology in today’s most influential field.

Whatever your interest, you can learn it at Lewis and position yourself for a great career that will shape the future, whether in software development, cyber security, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, or video game programming.

College: College Of Aviation, Science And Technology

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Credits for Degree: 128 total credits

Accreditation:  the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information: +1 815-838-0500

Check out more about the Lewis University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science today!

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Another great option is to study for an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science at Southern New Hampshire University.

As part of its online degree program, SNHU will train you to learn programming languages like Java, Python, and C++ to create industry-standard software. Taking a course in full-stack development and integrating it with Cloud services is a great way to expand your toolbox. 

With these computer science skills and proficiency in programming languages, you will be proficient with employers’ software – a tremendous advantage that will help you advance in the workplace. 

College: College of Computer Science

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Credits for Degree: 120 total credits

Accreditation:  New England Commission of Higher Education

Contact Information: +1 800-668-1249

Check out more about the Southern New Hampshire University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science today!

Western Governors University

Western Governors University - Logo

Earning a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science online combines theoretical depth with technical expertise, complementing your experience and certifications. In computer science, the IT Program Council knows exactly what it takes to succeed in an online degree program.

This computer science degree offers the skills you need to become a key member of your organization. The program emphasizes core IT skills and algorithms and data structures, artificial intelligence, robotics, database and information retrieval, communication between humans and computers, numerical and symbolic computations, and other technologies.

College: College of Computer Science

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Credits for Degree: 120 total credits

Accreditation: The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Contact Information: 1-801-274-3280

Check out more about Western Governors University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science today!

Frequently Asked Questions

online bachelor's of Computer Science

Should I consider earning online computer science degrees?

The computer science business is expected to grow substantially faster than other industries during the next several years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They project a 23% growth rate. While some regions of the profession are likely to expand faster than others, computer science skills are a good choice for a career with a bright future and high wages.

What kind of Computer Science jobs can you expect with a Bachelor’s degree?

Information Security Analyst

This is one of the fastest-growing jobs in computer science, focusing on protecting online information and the security of network infrastructure. The BLS expects this profession to grow by 32% by 2032 as technology progresses and the demand for increased security grows. The average yearly income for a professional as an Information Analyst is $112,000.

Computer Systems Analyst

Professionals in this profession are in charge of creating information technology solutions that meet the demands of businesses and testing and maintaining these systems. Job opportunities for computer systems analysts are predicted to expand by 10% by 2032, resulting in around 37,600 new positions. The average yearly income for a systems analyst is $102,240.

Software Developer

Software developers are responsible for creating, developing, and testing new software programs and applications, making them one of the most creative careers in computer science.

Because of the rising usage of technology and the continued demand for more complex programs, the career outlook for software engineers is expected to grow by 25% by 2032. The average salary for a software developer is $127,260.

Web Developer

These individuals are in charge of creating and developing new websites for corporations and organizations. As more website technology becomes available, professions for web developers are predicted to grow by 16% by 2032, resulting in around 19,000 new positions. The average annual income for a professional web developer is approximately $80,730.

Computer and Information Research Scientist

Researchers in the computer science business are responsible for developing novel computing methodologies, new types of hardware and software, and solving computing challenges in various industries. This position is predicted to rise by 23% by 2032. The average yearly pay for computer and information research scientists is $136,620.

Other professions in the computer science and information technology fields, in addition to the ones discussed below, are expected to grow during the next decade. If you want to work in this industry, the first step is to get a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology.

By pursuing a career in computer science, you will be entering a field that is predicted to have strong job growth through 2032 and beyond.

What can I expect in a Bachelor’s in Computer Science online program?

There are many similarities between online and on-campus degrees in computer science. In-person classes are often mirrored in distance learning programs. The same professor usually teaches both courses. The resources available to distance learners are similar to those available to on-campus students.

However, there are several critical differences between online and on-campus programs. For instance, you can have more flexibility regarding how long you can finish an online program compared to a face-to-face program. 

Is Computer Science sought after?

During the next decade, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth in computer and information technology professions. Compared to all occupations, the increase in job growth is faster. Organizations will seek to expand their digital footprints and create more efficient computer systems so that computer science careers will be in high demand for the next decade.

However, job opportunities will also vary based on your location. To be successful in computer science, aspiring professionals should conduct careful research and check availability by region. 

What is the highest-paying job related to Computer Science?

What is the highest-paying job in Computer Science?

There are many computer-related jobs that you can find, but if you’re wondering which jobs pay more. One is computer network architecture.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer network architects can earn a median annual salary of $126,900. Another high-paying job is UX design, with professionals earning a median annual salary of $116,207

However, it’s important to note that compensation levels are never guaranteed. Different companies and locations may offer different salaries to graduates. Generally, higher salaries are offered in places with more competition for IT workers.

Key Takeaways

Computer Science is the most expansive among the numerous college degree programs. It focuses on innovation, technological creation, software design, and business.

Demand for computer scientists will continue to increase in the foreseeable future. There is an abundance of jobs related to the field. If you have a computer science diploma, it promises you a bright future ahead.

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