Best Online Computer Science Degrees

A transfer-friendly program the University of Maryland-University College has an online BS in Computer Science that accepts a high amount of transfer credits. This curriculum focuses heavily on programming languages like Java, MATLAB, and C++. The program leaves room for up to 43 credits of electives or an additional minor. It is recommended that students have experience in the field. This school has higher out-of-state tuition rates. There is also a $75 application fee required. Some of your major courses will include Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms, Object-Oriented and Concurrent Programming, and Current Trends and Projects in Computer Science.

A tech leader in the region, Dakota State University delivers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that can’t be overlooked. Completable in 8 terms, this program integrates programming languages with statistics and math. You’ll have access to top faculty and industry-leading technologies. This school has a higher tuition rate for non-resident online students. If you are an out-of-state student, then you must verify state authorization. This program is not completely online as in-person proctors required for exams. Some courses you may take in this program include Structured Systems Analysis and Design, Algorithms and Optimization, or  Information Security Management.

CTU gives students lots of options when it comes to the online BS in Computer Science degree. First, students can specialize in three different options: Cybersecurity Engineering, Data Science, or Software Engineering. Even more, students can utilize the CTU Fast Track program to test out of material they already know. There is a $220 technology fee applied per term. The entire program is 183 total credits, which is more than most schools. If you transfer into CTU then you have to complete 25% of courses at CTU. Some elective/concentration courses you may take at this university are Fundamentals of Software Requirements, Introduction to Website Development, or Principles of User Interface Design.

Programming is the focus for Limestone College’s online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The Programming concentration allows students to have a career end-goal in mind. Courses in this curriculum include C# Programming, Object-Oriented Programming, and more. You will be required to submit SAT/ACT scores until you’re over the age of 21. There are 123 credits required for graduation, which is more than most programs. The elective courses in this program are not specific to Programming. You will be required to complete a capstone project for this program. You will have to research and plan a large scale project as well as provide weekly written status reports, write formal papers, and complete comprehensive exams.

Students in the online BS in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Springfield need to have significant experience in areas like Java programming, calculus, and finite math. But once admitted, students will experience a wide-ranging and rewarding curriculum. Concentration areas include Software Engineering or Systems Security & Information Assurance.  In order to be admitted, you will need two semesters of Java. There is a non-refundable application fee required. This program only offers 2 admission dates per year. You will be required to take one semester of each of the following classes: Discrete or Finite Math, Calculus, and Statistics.

Unique to Davenport University, the online BS in Computer Science comes with three concentration options: Artificial Intelligence, Gaming and Simulation, and Computer Architecture & Algorithms. These focus areas are great guides to future careers. There is also the option to minor in Mathematics. You will be required to take on field experience or an internship which will not be offered online. There is no accelerated program offered to full-time students. This school has a higher tuition rate per credit than other programs ($777/credit). This school gives you the option of completing a mathematics minor, which can give you a competitive advantage in the job market.

Students are presented with two concentration options with Baker Colleges’ online BS in Computer Science: Database Technology or Computer Programming. Both require 121 total credits, with 76 devoted specifically to the major and 18 devoted to the concentration. This program is transfer-student friendly. There is a $100 technology fee applied per term. You’ll also be required to pay a $30 non-refundable application fee. Some courses you will take in this program are Data Management and Design, Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Technology, and Introduction to Discrete Mathematics. You will also be required to have work experience classes.

Embedded within the Regis University BS in Computer Science program are three core concentrations: Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, and Information Technology. This is a 128-credit online program. Students have the option, however, of extending it into a combined BS/MS degree for 152 credits. There is a non-refundable $50 application fee required. This school has higher tuition rates during the fall semester. This program has more credit hours required than other programs. Some foundation courses you may take in this program are Introduction to Programming, Principles of Programming Languages, or Mobile and Enterprise Computing.

Delivered through accelerated, 4-week courses, National University offers an online BS in Computer Science that rivals the rest. This program is popular with military students and veterans since it caters to adult learning. Students take one course at a time. Although it is popular, this school is not officially affiliated with the U.S. Military. This program has only 2 electives built into the curriculum. If you’re an international student, there is a $60 student fee. Some courses you will take in this program are Scientific Problem Solving, Linear Algebra and Matrix Comp, and Data Structures and Algorithms. 

If you’re a transfer student with existing credits, California State University-Monterey Bay has an online degree completion program that is perfect for you. You’ll graduate with a BS in Computer Science but it will only take you around 24 months to complete. Students move through the program with a cohort. This program is only available as a degree completion program, meaning you cannot enter as a freshman. There are prerequisites still required for students with a BS. You will be required to pay a $55 non-refundable application fee. Some courses you will take in this program are Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Multimedia Design and Programming, and Introduction to Database Systems.

Saint Leo University changes things up with an online BS in Computer Information Systems. This 120-credit program dives into Network Theory, Database Programming, and Information Security. Students will devote 30 credits to major courses, with ample room for additional electives. The tuition rates at this school are not fixed, meaning they can increase every year. There is a non-refundable $45 application fee. There is also a $25 technology fee applied per course. Graduates of this program have gone on to work in many different careers including the Hillsborough County Government, University of South Florida, and Carnival Cruise Lines.

Fully deliverable online, students at Concordia University-Saint Paul will earn a BS in Computer Science. The major itself covers 55 credits (within the 120 credit requirement). Highlight topics that are covered include User Experience, Web Design, Object-Oriented Programming, and more. There is only 1 elective course included in the curriculum. The transfer policy at this school is somewhat limited to area schools. The curriculum is pre-set so there is not much room for customizing your degree. This school has a good reputation as 95% of CSP grads receive job offers within one year of graduation.

Lewis University delivers an accelerated online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that covers 128 credits. This program is specifically for transfer students with at least 30 credits. The program includes numerous focus areas, including Game/Simulation Programming, Cyber Security Operations, Data Science, and more. There is a prior Learning Assessment fee applied for transfers. This school requires more credit hours than others. You will be required to complete a capstone project for this program. Some of the core classes you will take in this program include Algorithms and Data Structures, Introduction to Networks, and Programming Fundamentals.

The 120-credit-hour BS in Computer Science at Mercy College takes students 4 years to complete. Students can attend either online or in person. The major courses in the curriculum, which covers 47 credits, includes classes like Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Computer Architecture. This school does not have an accelerated option available. There is a $40 non-refundable application fee. The registration fees per term are very steep at $166-$330. The tuition rates at this school are lowest among private schools in NY. This program follows the most recent guidelines of the Report of the ACM/IEEE-CS Joint Curriculum Task Force.

Students can choose to attend Fort Hays State University online or on-campus. Either way, the BS in Computer Science requires 120 credit hours, with 65 of those devoted to the major. Courses range from Operating Systems to Object-Oriented Programming to Data Structures. There is a $30 application fee for US students and a $50 application fee for international students. Out-of-state students have a higher GPA requirement, they must have a 2.5. Graduates of the Department of Computer Science have gone on to work in multiple industries including Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, and research organizations.