A bachelor's degree in computer science provides an intellectual and practical foundation in computer science theories and uses. This degree is the foundation for most computer-focused careers, including computer engineering, cybersecurity, and systems analysis.
Earning your degree online can shorten your time to graduation and save you money. Plus, you can work an entry-level job in the field while going to school, giving you practical experience along with your classroom education.
Specialists in this field will likely face a strong job market. Explore our guide below to discover the best online computer science degrees, what to expect in an online program, and how to turn your degree into a career.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
10 Best Online Computer Science Degrees
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Why Get a Computer Science Degree Online?
Computer science is among the most popular undergraduate majors in the U.S., due to the market's strong demand for experts. Despite intense interest in the field, the market is not oversaturated. The demand will likely intensify as machine learning, big data, and quantum computing expand.
Surprisingly, computer science is an ancient field. Mechanical devices that aid calculations date back to the Babylonians. However, computer science as we now consider it began post-World War II and ramped up in the 1980s.
Today, computer scientists talk about topics such as computer vision, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 2.6 million people work in computer science, earning a median annual wage of $90,000. Jobs in the field cover virtually every industry and include engineering, analysis, management, security, and leadership roles.
Most of these positions call for at least a bachelor's degree, and many also require a graduate degree or professional certifications. Earning your degree online can save you time and money while sharpening your computer science skills.
Courses in Computer Science Online Programs
Each college or university creates its own computer science curriculum based on its research, faculty expertise, and view of the CS landscape. Which courses you take depends on where you attend. However, many schools include classes like:
Computer Architecture: Students explore modern computer systems design and organization. Topics may include system performance, system efficiency, processors, memory, input, and output.
Data Structures and Algorithms I and II: The first course explores data dynamics, analysis, and infrastructure implementation. Topics may include trees, queues, stacks, lists, bags, and hash tables. The second course dives into efficient design techniques using object-oriented design and abstract data types.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: This course builds on a background in algorithms, statistics, and data structures to introduce fundamental AI and robotics principles and practices. Students analyze relationships and create models to solve AI problems.
Fundamentals of Information Security: Students learn about the terms, principles, and processes of information security. Topics may include recognizing vulnerabilities and techniques for protecting information assets
How Much Does an Online Computer Science Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), computer science majors pay an average of $17,545.70 in tuition and fees. That number drops to $11,480 for fully online computer science degrees.
Of course, broad averages may not apply to individual situations, and many factors affect a school's price. How prestigious is its brand? Is it public or private? Do you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition? Do you qualify for discounts through your parents' employer? All of these questions help determine your tuition.
Remember that you may incur other costs during your studies, such as paying for textbooks, internet access, or other educational materials. Once you graduate, you may also have to pay for certifications before securing a job.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Much Do Computer Science Majors Make?
In December 2023, Payscale reported that the average base salary for a computer science major was $72,000. A broad average only tells us so much, however, because salaries ranged from around $40,000 to more than $160,000.
More education can mean higher wages. For example, computer and information research scientists, who hold a master's degree or doctorate, earn a median salary of $136,620, according to the BLS.
What Jobs Can I Get With an Online Degree in Computer Science?
Computer science majors can enjoy access to several fast-growing, high-paying careers across various industries. Consider the following career choices:
Career: Computer Network Architects
Description: Sometimes called network engineers, these professionals design and manage computer networks. They may research new technology, upgrade hardware, document processes, and troubleshoot network issues.
Median Annual Salary:$126,900
Job Outlook (2022-32): +4%
Career: Database Administrators and Architects
Description: Database architects design and build the systems that secure and organize data. Administrators manage those systems. Architects and administrators may work in education, healthcare, insurance, or other industries that store large quantities of information.
Median Annual Salary:$112,120
Job Outlook (2022-32): +8%
Career: Information Security Analysts
Description: Information security analysts plan and manage corporate cybersecurity initiatives. They may work in virtually any industry and enjoy one of the highest growth rates of any career.
Median Annual Salary:$112,000
Job Outlook (2022-32): +32%
Career: Computer Systems Analysts
Description: Computer systems analysts research systems to determine how to improve a company's technological structure.
Median Annual Salary:$102,240
Job Outlook (2022-32): +10%
Career: Computer Programmers
Description: Programmers write, modify, and test code for computer applications. This career is slowing down due to automation.
Median Annual Salary:$97,800
Job Outlook (2022-32): -11%
More Questions About Computer Science Online Degrees
Is it OK to get a computer science degree online?
Getting a computer science degree online is okay if you earn your credentials through an institutionally accredited college or university. During the initial COVID outbreak, almost all students learned online. As of 2021, about 28% of students are learning exclusively online, according to the NCES. The online education boom has bolstered distance learning's standing in the marketplace.
Is accreditation important for online computer science programs?
Accreditation is essential for any postsecondary educational program, regardless of major. At a minimum, your school should hold institutional accreditation from a regional accrediting agency. Programmatic accreditation from ABET is less critical, but it may indicate how invested an institution is in its computer science degrees.
Is it easy to get hired with a computer science degree?
Computer science is a valuable major in the marketplace. In 2022, the BLS projected that computer and information technology occupations would experience 377,500 job openings yearly from 2022 to 2032.
However, getting a hot, technology-related job is not as simple as graduating and nailing the interview. You need to stay ahead of the industry trends, be realistic about what employers are looking for, and recognize that macroeconomic winds influence hiring in every sector, including technology.
Is computer science the hardest degree program?
Computer science is a challenging degree that demands learning complex theory, math, and technological applications. However, other majors like law, nursing, dentistry, biomedical engineering, and aerospace engineering may be equally or more difficult than computer science.
If you choose to major in CS, go into your program well-prepared, study hard, and take advantage of your school's resources to help ensure your academic success.
How fast can I get an online CS degree?
With enough transfer credits, you can earn a computer science degree in as little as one year. Typically, however, you should plan on 3-4 years if you study full-time and up to six years if you work on your degree part time. Schools that offer computer science programs online may also provide accelerated learning options.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Best College Reviews. Page last reviewed January 2, 2024.
