The Best Online Computer Science Degrees

The online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science follows the same curriculum as the on-campus program.

The curriculum emphasizes the core competencies of data structure, operating systems, programming, and computer organization.

The program allows students to study a range of other aspects of computer and information science, including information security, computer and network systems administration, and data communication/networks.

Credit requirements: 120 total credits

Selection of online computer science degree classes:

• Programming I
• Computer Organization I
• Complexity and Analysis of Data Structures and Algorithms
• Theory and Structure of Databases
• Data Structures, Algorithms, and Generic Programming
• Object Oriented Programming

Online instruction style: synchronous and asynchronous

Learning enrollment options: Students can take the online CS degree program full-time or part-time

Degree in Computer Science Program length: Two to four years

The College of Online and Continuing Education serves the needs of non-traditional students. The College provides a variety of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. SNHU also offers fast online degrees - their bachelor's programs can be completed in 24 months.

The online Bachelor's in Computer Science degree exposes students to career-relevant topics such as software development lifecycle and object-oriented analysis and design.

SNHU offers these specialization options within the Computer Science program:

• Data Analysis
• Information Security
• Project Management for STEM
• Software Engineering

Students gain hands-on experience with languages including Python, Java, and C++, the operating environments of Linux, Windows, and mobiles, and testing platforms such as Netbeans, Eclipse, OpenGL and Maven.

Students must complete a capstone.

Credit requirements: 121 total

Selection of core online computer science degree courses:

• Introduction to Structured Query Language
• Foundation in Application Development
• Software Development Lifecycle
• Computational Programming Concepts
• Computer Science's Role in Industry
• Object Oriented Analysis and Design
• Computer Platform Technologies

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University received accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Simmons University is a private women's undergraduate university, and a co-ed graduate university. Simmons offers the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree online.

This degree program teaches students through face-to-face classes. Students learn how to design and develop apps, software, and websites.

Computer Science program courses include:

• Database Management Systems
• Computing Systems
• Foundations of Information Technology

128 credits are required to graduate, and students may transfer in up to 96 credits with qualifying courses. This is an ideal computer science program for women who want to get an online bachelor's in Computer Science.

The online Bachelor's in Computer Science degree focuses on highly-marketable career skills applicable to a variety of fields. Students gain an understanding of operating systems, designing and developing computer systems, networking infrastructures, computational processes, and more.

Graduates of the program can seek careers in programming, digital arts, software development, information security, network administration, data mining, and many other areas.

Credit requirements: 120 total credits, 54 credits for the major

Selected core online computer science program courses:

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Database Fundamentals
• Parallel and Distributive Programming
• Ethics for Computer Science
• Mobile and Smart Computing

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Learning enrollment options: Full-time or part-time

Program length: Four years

Start dates: Every eight weeks

Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) provides Regent University with accreditation.

Maryville University offers the online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree. Maryville has no application fee, and no SAT/ACT scores are required to apply. One interesting facet of this degree program is the concentration in Blockchain technology.

Transfer credits are accepted for qualifying classes. This program is a collaboration between the John E. Simon School of Business and College of Arts and Sciences.

There are 5 certificates available (students choose one):

• Artificial Intelligence
• Software Development
• Cybersecurity
• User Experience/User Interface
• Data Science

Online students learn relevant, industry-standard languages such as:

• Swift
• C
• Java
• R
• JavaScript
• MySQL
• PHP
• C++
• Python
• SAS

These languages are the necessary tools-of-the-trade for Computer Scientists in domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Programming, Software Development, and Cybersecurity.

Saint Vincent College offers the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. A minor is also available in Computer Science.

Core courses required are 47-48 credits.

Selection of required courses:

• Data Structures
• Engineering and Computing Ethics

Students must take nine electives, and 14 mathematics courses to fulfill the degree requirements.

Internships for course credits are an option.

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science is available in both traditional and accelerated formats. In the accelerated format courses run for eight weeks. Students gain hands-on experience with languages including Java, C#, and Python.

The online computer science courses review topics such as encrypting data, implementing artificial intelligence, designing reliable networks, developing mobile apps, and writing software.

The University also provide an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that's also taken online.

Credit requirements: 128 total credits, 46 credits for the major

Core online computer science courses:

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Programming Fundamentals
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Computer Organization
• Discrete Mathematics
• Client-Server Computing

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Lewis University with accreditation.

Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte offers the esteemed Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree. This bachelor's degree program has courses that are 8 -16 weeks long (depending on the class), and teach students how to solve problems.

Students learn how to identify problems, classify them, break them into component parts, and determine the method or methods of solving them.

Courses include:

• Information Security
• Problem Solving and Programming Concepts
• Computer Science I and II
• Systems Modeling and Simulation

The classes are flexible for online learners.

Point Park University offers the Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science degree.

This applied computer science degree has four concentrations from which students can choose:

• Networking and Security
• Software Development
• General Track
• Big Data and Analytics

Program length: 2 to 4 years

Credits required: 121

Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

Selection of courses:

• Intro to Natural Sciences I
• College Algebra
• World Lit: Drama, Poetry, Epic
• Intro to Visual Arts

Students must complete at least 30 credits at Point Park University.

William Jessup University offers the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Students learn software development, computer languages (writing and reading), and how to use development platforms and tools.

This program has Christian principles emphasized within the coursework, thereby creating technical experts who are also ethical.

Credits required: 128

Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

Selection of courses

• Introduction to Statistics
• Introduction to Mathematical Proofs
• Computer Networking

Students complete a senior thesis which equips students for creating, developing, and launching technology that is functional and commercially marketable.

The online Computer Science Bachelor's degree provides students hands-on and theoretical knowledge of analyzing business and technology problems and also designing and applying software solutions.

The curriculum includes vital topics such as mobile app development, user experience, and security considerations. Professors emphasize teamwork, effective communication, and project management skills.

Credit requirements: 120 credits total, 55 credits for the major

Selection of core courses:

• Math for Computer Science
• Introductory Programming with Java
• Modern Web Design
• Database Design
• Server-Side Development
• Language Design and Implementation
• Data Structures and Algorithms

Students complete the degree with a Computer Science capstone. Classes for the online Bachelor's in Computer Science degree run for seven weeks in duration.

Accreditation: Concordia University Saint Paul received accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Students can choose between the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degrees.

Both programs emphasize analytic, communication, and problem-solving skills along with vital field topics such as programming languages, hardware and software, and database technologies.

Students gain hands-on experience with networking, cloud computing, data management, and much more.

Credit requirements: 120 total credit hours, 37 credits for the major

Selection of core courses:

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Database Systems and SQL
• Networking
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Computer and Information Security

Students must complete a senior thesis and science seminar capstone.

The online Bachelor's in Computer Science degree exposes students to both time-tested theories and cutting-edge experimental techniques. Graduates of the program can seek positions such as computer systems analyst, web developer, database architects computer network support specialist, and more.

Credit requirements: 120 credits, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits through Old Dominion University.

Selection of core online computer science courses:

• Introduction to Discrete Systems
• Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
• Introduction to Software Engineering
• Computers in Society
• Principles of Programming Languages
• Object-Oriented Programming and Design
• Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms

Students may transfer up to 90 credits hours from a regionally accredited institution into the program.

Online instruction style: Both synchronous and asynchronous courses

Start dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer

Accreditation: Old Dominion University received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of Missouri-St Louis offers the online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Selection of required courses:

• Computer Science Experiences
• Web Programming
• Discrete Structures
• Elementary Linear Algebra

Students can choose different specializations that are offered in the Elective courses.

The University of Missouri-St Louis awards up to $50,000 dollars in predominantly merit-based scholarships each year.

FIU offers the online Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science degree through the School of Computing and Information Sciences. This program is unique, allowing students to get a degree with a focus in another area, such as business, economics, digital media, and other subjects.

This is a bachelor of arts degree, and isn't as focused on science and math as a bachelor of arts degree. As such, this degree can allow for the focusing on different subjects that aren't as technical, like Business or Economics.

Courses Include:

• Technology in the Global Arena
• Artificial Intelligence
• Introduction to Cloud Computing

Acceptance of Applications: Spring, Fall, & Summer terms

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science degree provides a broad foundation in topics such as programming and software development. Professors encourage students to think creatively and develop team working skills through group projects.

Students have the opportunity to display their work and research in weekly seminars. Graduates of the program can seek jobs in areas such as systems analysis and design, computer programming, software engineering, and more.

Credit requirements: 36 credits for the major

Core online courses:

• Introduction to Database Systems
• Advanced Programming I
• Web-Based Software Development
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Data Communications and Networking
• Data Structures and Algorithm

Accreditation: Troy University received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree provides students a solid foundation in Java and C++ programming, software engineering, and computer networking. The program's curriculum follows the guidelines put forth by the Report of the ACM/IEEE-CS Joint Curriculum Task Force.

Students in the program learn how to recognize, create, analyze, design, demonstrate, and explain a wide variety of aspects in the field.

Credit requirements: 120 total credits, 47 major concentration credits

Selected core online courses:

• Object/Structure/Algorithm I
• Object/Structure/Algorithm II
• Software Engineering I: Principles
• Computer Network II
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture
• Probability: Theory/Application

Students in the online bachelor's degree program must complete a senior capstone project.

Accreditation: Mercy College received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The Bachelor in Computer Science degree completion program offers a concentration in Software Engineering.

The online bachelor's degree preparers students for positions such as software engineer, technology project manager, mobile app developer, and more.

Credit requirements: 120 units total, 32 units for the major

Selection of core online courses:

• Intro to Computer Networks
• Introduction to Database Systems
• Multimedia Design and Programming
• Software Design
• Software Engineering
• Internet Programming
• Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• Graphics Programming
• Technology Tutors

Students in the program must complete a directed group capstone project and portfolio. Students must have a prior background in the field to attend the degree completion program. Classes typically run for eight weeks with lecture, video, and reading assignment content.

Accreditation: The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) provides California State University, Monterey Bay with accreditation.

Florida Atlantic University offers the online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree, that is available completely online.

Online students are taught under the categories of engineering, math, and psychology within a Computer Science context.

Online students gain competencies in these domains:

• Technical Solutions
• Math and Scientific Principles
• Software Design and Development
• Technical Communication
• The Human Context of Computing

Credits: 120: 62 are Major credits

The online Computer Science Bachelor's degree offers concentrations in Game Development and Bioinformatics. Students in the program pursue both familiar and cutting-edge technologies studying subjects such as artificial intelligence, medical imaging, real-time embedded systems, and quantum computing.

The online Computer Science degree prepares students for careers as database administrators, software developers, network security analysts, and more. Professors encourage hands-on internship experiences with the local companies.

Credit requirements: 120 total hours, with 48 hours in computer science

Selected core courses:

• Computer Theory
• Computer Organization and Assembly
• Computer Architecture
• Database Design
• Computer Law and Ethics
• Computer Networks
• Programming Languages
• Design and Analysis of Algorithm
• Big Data and Computation
• Data Mining
• Game Development
• Cybersecurity
• Real-Time Embedded Systems

Program length: Students can complete the online degree in four years. The degree requires students to complete 48 hours for the major, 20 hours of math, and 12 hours of laboratory science.

Start dates: Classes start in the fall and winter

Accreditation: Lamar University received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Department of Computer Science has accreditation from ABET.

The online Bachelor's degree in Computer Science includes core requirements which provide a solid foundation in the skills and theories vital to success in the field. The Department constantly updates the curriculum to meet the demands of the field.

Students select career-focused electives with the guidance of an academic advisor.

Credit requirements: 36 credit hours

Selection of core online computer sciences courses:

• Computer Organization
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Programming Languages

Students in the program must complete a capstone project.

Start dates: Spring and Fall admission

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides the University of Illinois, Springfield with accreditation.

The online Bachelor's in Computer Science degree offers a concentration in Computer Systems. The curriculum has an emphasis on programming and algorithm design. The program maintains a Liberal Arts foundation and expects students to complete a minor or second concentration in addition to the first.

Austin Peay State University provides several similar online degrees including a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Information Systems with concentrations in Systems Development or Information Security and Assurance, and a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Information Technology with concentrations in Internet and Web Technology, Database Administration, or Networking.

Credit requirements: 120 total credits, with 39 upper-division credits

The school provides courses such as:

• Introduction to Programming I
• Introduction to Programming II
• Computer Organization I
• Introduction to Web Development
• Principles of Information Security
• Principles of Database Management
• Systems Analysis and Design

Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) provides Austin Peay State University with accreditation. Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Central Methodist University with accreditation.

The online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree does not require students have previous knowledge or experience in the field. Classes cover a variety of important topics such as programming fundamentals, computer systems and networking, software engineering, user interfaces, and mobile and web development.

The online computer science degree program meets the needs of the industry for professionals trained in areas including software engineering, mobile and web development, and databases.

Credit requirements: 60 credits

Selected core courses:

• Introduction to Computer Networks
• Introduction to Databases
• Programming I
• Software Engineering I
• Analysis of Algorithms
• Discrete Structures in Computer Science
• Computer Architecture and Assembly Language
• Web Development
• Data Structures

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Learning enrollment options: Flexible enrollment with an accelerated option available.

Program length: Full-time students can complete the online degree in one year.

Accreditation: Oregon State University received accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science online degree completion program provides students valuable experience with computer network design, web and mobile app development, database management, and much more. The professors emphasize a practical hands-on learning of theoretical concepts.

Students in the program can gain skills to engage in a broad range of interdisciplinary subjects, including: Network platforms, information technology, database management, web and mobile app development, and computer network design.

The online degree completion program places classes into five terms per year. Students typically take two courses per term. The curriculum includes 18 core courses and two electives and assumes students have some prior background knowledge of the field.

Credit requirements: 60 credit hours

Selection of core courses:

• Data Structures
• Software Construction Fundamentals
• Discrete Structures
• Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
• Operating Systems
• Computer Ethics
• Mobile Applications Development

Program length: Students can complete the program in as little as two years

Accreditation: Auburn University received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree completion program offers two concentrations: Game Systems and Software Development.

The program provides a solid foundation in the language of programming, systems, and algorithms and builds upon the foundation into creative areas such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interactions, and computational finance.

Credit requirements: 192 credit hours

Selection of core courses:

• Python for Programmers
• Concepts of Programming Languages
• Technical Writing
• Data Structures I and II

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Program length: Students can complete the degree in four years

Admissions and transfer credit information: Freshmen applicants must submit official high school transcripts.

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides DePaul University with accreditation.

The online Computer Science Bachelor's degree provides a balance between theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. Additionally, the degree emphasizes professionalism, ethical practices, and a community perspective.

Classes review topics such as software development, programming languages, and networks.

Credit requirements: 120 total credits

Selection of core courses:

• Introduction to Programming
• Algorithms and Complexity
• Computational Foundations
• Computation Theory

Students may also complete the online bachelor's degree in tandem with a similar master's degree for a faster advanced degree track. Students in the online CS degree gain knowledge of current computing techniques and how to design and implement computer systems.

The online Bachelor's in Computer Science gives students access to the latest technology for research and study including a virtualized security/hacking infrastructure and an academic server room supporting Linux/Windows and network administration.

Students can take an extra year to combine the bachelor's program with a similar master's program for a more advanced degree upon graduation.

Credit requirements: 120 credits

Selection of classes:

• Information Security Fundamentals
• Assembly Language
• Data Structures
• Programming Languages
• Object Oriented Design
• Operating Systems
• Language Processing

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Dakota State University with regional accreditation.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program continuously changes with the emergence of new technology to meet industry demands. Students receive a solid foundation in programming, data structures, operating systems, and other essential areas. Students can elect to take the program entirely online or in a hybrid format.

Credit requirements: 120 total credit hours with 40 upper-division credit hours

Selection of required courses for the major:

• Programming Language Concepts
• Database Design and Programming
• Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Online instruction style: Asynchronous

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Eastern New Mexico University with accreditation.

The Bachelor's in Computer Science online degree program provides students a comprehensive education with a curriculum that covers information security, digital design/storage and retrieval, human computer interaction, networks, software, and more.

Students gain hands-on experience in computer systems as well as teamwork and communication skills.

Credit requirements: 120 total credits

Selected core classes:

• Foundations of Computing
• Java Programming
• Computer Operating Systems
• Systems Architecture
• Interactive Systems Design

Students must complete a capstone project.

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Fort Hays State University with accreditation.

The online Computer Science Bachelor's degree provides cutting-edge knowledge of computer programming languages, network systems, and software engineering. The program offers concentrations in cybersecurity engineering, data science, and software engineering.

Credit requirements: 183 total credits

Selection of core classes:

• Introduction to Programming
• Introduction to Computer Security
• Fundamentals of Networking
• Computer Algorithms
• Mobile Programming
• Java Programming C++ Programming
• Python Programming

Students in the program must complete a team project.

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Colorado Technical University with accreditation.

The online Computer Science Bachelor's degree prepares students for certification as a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert or an Oracle Certified Java Programmer.

Computer Science students gain experience with Java, C++, OpenGL, Octave, and MATLAB throughout their courses. In addition to programming students learn algorithm optimization and enhancement and the theory and math behind modern computing.

The professors emphasize real-world application and career relevant skills. The online program prepares students for employment in application design, software architecture, systems analysis, programming, engineering, and more.

Credit requirements: 120 total credits

Selection of core courses:

• Building Secure Web Applications
• Computer Systems and Architecture
• Intermediate Programming
• Introductory Programming
• Object-Oriented and Concurrent Programming

Start dates: Multiple start dates per term with rolling admission

Accreditation: The University of Maryland University College received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is comprised of two schools and several departments all of which provide students a well-rounded liberal arts foundation.

The Bachelor of Science in Information and Computer Science online offers specializations in Software Development, Networking and Security, and Data Management.

Professors prepare students in the Networking and Security concentration to sit for the Cisco Certified Network Associate exam. Students learn about the most recent technologies and gain a detailed understanding of programming languages and methodologies.

The program prepares students for a variety of careers such as web programmers, software engineers, IT project managers, applications programmers, database analysts, and more.

Credit requirements: 46 to 58 credits for the major

Selection of courses:

• Introduction to Programming
• Basic Concepts of Statistics
• Data Management Concepts
• Managing Information Systems
• Computer Networking
• Discrete Mathematics
• Technology in a Global Society

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Park University with accreditation.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree provides students with a broad foundation in liberal arts and a comprehensive knowledge of computation. The same faculty teach both on-campus and online classes.

The degree in computer science prepares students for careers as computer programmers, database administrators, software developers, IT support technicians, and more.

Credit requirements: 120 credits

Selection of core courses:

• Introduction to Computer Organization
• Programming Fundamentals I
• Applications of Discrete Structures
• Numerical Analysis: A Computational Approach
• Digital Logic and Computer Systems
• Information and Database Systems

Accreditation: The University of Florida received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Their online Computer Science degree provides hands-on, practical experience in essential field topics such as coding and testing, web app development, computer architecture, and object-oriented design.

Students gain exposure to Java, C, Scheme, and Prolog programming languages and JSP, XHTML, and XML technologies.

The program prepares graduates for employment as enterprise system developers, database administrators, software architects, web application developers, and more.

Credit requirements: 124 total credits, 38 for the major (including electives)

Selected core courses:

• Principles of Computer Networks
• Programming Language: Principles and Practice
• Application Server Programming
• Discrete Mathematics
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Program length: Four years

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission provides Franklin University with accreditation.