25 Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs [2025 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on January 24, 2025
Explore online computer science degree programs for 2025. Compare schools and accelerated programs.
If you have a good mind for math and science and are interested in computing processes, then you may be a good candidate for a computer science degree. College courses in computer science can prepare you to work in the growing field of technology.
The field is expected to grow at a rate of 11%, and computer science professionals earn an average of $88,240 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Auburn University’s online Bachelor of Computer Science program requires 60 credit hours of computer science coursework comprised of 18 core courses and 2 electives. The 100% online curriculum is delivered in five 7.5-week terms annually.
Transfer students need 120 total credits, including 60 prerequisite hours. Students in the program join the “Auburn Family,” connecting with peers and professors through an online network.
Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Baker College offers a 120-credit-hour, online BS in Computer Science with a concentration in Computer Programming. It requires the completion of 75 credit hours in computer science, 15 credit hours in programming, a year-long senior project, and 150 hours of work experience.
The curriculum covers multiple programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and artificial intelligence. Courses are delivered in 8-week semesters.
Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
California State University – Monterey Bay offers an online BS in Computer Science that aligns with ACM guidelines. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts and applied IT skills and offers four concentration options: Data Science, Game Development, Software Engineering, or Network and Security.
A variety of extracurricular activities are offered as well, including clubs, teaching assistantships, and community events.
California State University- Monterey Bay is formally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Champlain College offers a 120-credit, online Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems that can be completed in fifteen 7-week terms (two terms per semester).
The curriculum covers network systems, web development, database management, and project management and offers hands-on experiences in key programming languages, technical platforms, and applications.
Champlain College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC).
Charleston Southern University offers an online Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science. It is designed for those who already have an associate degree in a technical field. It requires the completion of 125 credit hours and can be finished in 17 to 24 months.
Each student’s degree is customized based on their goals and transferred coursework.
Charleston Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
City University of Seattle offers a 180-credit BS in Applied Computer Science. It provides a foundation in IT and computing, offering preparation for tech careers or further education.
The curriculum covers analysis, design, integration, deployment, and information technology management. Six specialized areas of study are available: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or Customized (with approval).
City University of Seattle holds regional institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Colorado State University’s online BS in Computer Science requires 120 credits, including 60 in computer science. The curriculum aligns with industry standards and offers preparation for diverse tech professions.
Six concentrations are available: General Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computing Systems, Human-Centered Computing, Networks and Security, or Software Engineering.
Colorado State University Global Campus is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Colorado Technical University’s BS in Computer Science is a 183-credit program available online and at the Colorado Springs campus. The curriculum includes 51 credits of general education, 88 credits in computer science core, and 44 credits from a concentration or electives.
Concentration options are Cybersecurity Engineering, Data Science, or Software Engineering. Courses start every 5 weeks.
Colorado Technical University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
Dakota State’s BS in Computer Science program is available online or on-campus. Its 120-credit curriculum covers programming, data structures, algorithms, and operating systems. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical and applied computer science.
The program can be completed in 3 years. The school also offers a 4+1 program—an accelerated program for a bachelor’s and master’s degree computer science.
Dakota State is an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
DePaul University offers a BS in Computer Science that is available online and on campus. Its comprehensive curriculum covers algorithms, programming, and systems. Three concentration options are offered: Software Development, Data Science, and Game Systems.
The program features two capstone experiences: a sophomore lab and a senior software project.
DePaul University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Florida Atlantic University’s online BS in Computer Science program requires 120 credits, including 45 in computer science core courses. Its curriculum covers programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and software engineering and culminates with a capstone project.
The program offers preparation for careers in software development, systems analysis, and database administration.
FAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida State University offers online BA and BS in Computer Science programs through its Panama City campus. Both programs cover design, object orientation, distribution systems, and networks.
The BS includes a mathematics minor and is ABET/CAC accredited, offering preparation for graduate studies. The BA focuses on career entry. Both offer opportunities to become proficient in C, C++, and Assembly Language programming.
Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Franklin University’s 100% online BS in Computer Science program provides a comprehensive curriculum in software development. Courses cover Java, C, Scheme, Prolog, and client-server technologies and include hands-on projects simulating real-world environments.
Taught by industry professionals, the curriculum aligns with ACM/IEEE-CS guidelines. Students in the program can participate in the ACM-W student chapter.
Franklin College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Lamar University’s BS in Computer Science is available online and on-campus. This 120-credit, ABET-accredited program covers programming languages, data structures, software engineering, networking, and computer architecture.
The curriculum offers preparation for tech careers or graduate studies and culminates in a senior assessment. Small classes ensure personalized attention from the program’s experienced faculty.
Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Limestone University’s online BS in Computer Science – Programming degree provides a strong foundation in programming, systems administration, security, and architecture. This asynchronous program is completed in 8-week terms, allowing students to focus on two courses at a time.
The curriculum challenges students to solve programming problems creatively, preparing them for tech opportunities, including software engineering and application development.
Limestone University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Old Dominion University’s online BS in Computer Science is ABET-accredited and available as a degree completion program (minimum 30 ODU credits) or full 120-credit degree.
The curriculum covers experimental techniques and engineering methodology, emphasizing real-world problem-solving through hands-on projects and offering opportunities to gain practical and conceptual skills. It offers preparation for careers in software development, network administration, and information security analysis.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Oregon State University’s online BS in Computer Science program requires 180 quarter credits (equivalent to 120 semester credits). It offers two concentration options: Applied Computer Science or Cybersecurity.
The curriculum, developed by world-class faculty, offers preparation for diverse tech careers. OSU uses a quarter system with 11-week classes.
Oregon State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Regent University’s 120-credit BS in Computer Science program is available online or on campus. It emphasizes a Christian worldview and offers preparation for different tech careers, including software development and cybersecurity.
The curriculum covers programming languages, database management, operating systems, and computational processes. It provides training in analyzing, designing, and developing computing systems and networking infrastructures.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a 120-credit, online BS in Computer Science with 8-week terms. The curriculum covers programming languages, software development, algorithms, and data structures.
Four concentration options are available: Data Analysis, Information Security, Project Management for STEM, or Software Engineering. The program offers preparation for tech jobs and hands-on training in cloud-based virtual environments.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Troy University’s BS in Computer Science can be earned online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. The program covers programming languages, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, databases, and networking.
Hands-on experiences are provided through projects and internship opportunities. The curriculum offers preparation for various tech careers, including software development, database administration, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Troy University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).
The University of Colorado Boulder’s online BS in Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate is a 45-credit program for professionals with a prior bachelor’s degree. The curriculum covers Python, C++, data mining, software development, and AI.
The program offers preparation for career changes or advancement in tech fields. It can be attended full-time or part-time.
CU-Boulder is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
The University of Florida’s online BS in Computer Science provides a foundation in computer science alongside a strong liberal arts education. This 120-credit program covers programming, data structures, algorithms, and software engineering.
Designed for flexibility, it offers asynchronous courses taught by elite faculty. The curriculum offers preparation for diverse tech careers, including software development, database administration, and information security analysis.
The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Illinois Springfield’s BS in Computer Science program is available online and on-campus. The curriculum covers fundamental skills and core theories, including iPad and iPhone app creation, robotics, AI, and digital forensics.
Online students can participate in NSF-sponsored research and access virtual laboratories. The program is recognized by State Farm Insurance, providing internship and networking opportunities
University of Illinois Springfield is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Maryland Global Campus’s online BS in Computer Science program requires 120 credits, with up to 90 qualifying transfer credits accepted. The curriculum covers data processing, healthcare, information security, and finance.
The program offers preparation for computer scientist, software engineer, and database administrator roles. Experienced faculty teach courses addressing employer-valued competencies. Some hybrid courses are available alongside fully online options.
University of Maryland is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Western Governors University offers an online, ABET-accredited, 120-credit BS in Computer Science. The curriculum covers logic, architecture, data structures, AI, and computer theory and opportunities to earn industry certifications like Linux and ITIL.
The program uses a competency-based model with flat-rate tuition per 6-month term. Around 60% of graduates finish within 25 months.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Computer science degrees are available at all levels of college studies. After starting with an undergraduate degree, you can build on your foundational studies by pursuing graduate degrees.
Click on your education level to jump to that part of the page.
The more you advance in your studies, the more you can advance in your career as well.
You can now earn an online bachelors in computer science from a number of accredited schools. This degree program typically takes about four years, but traditional or online accelerated computer science degree programs are available as well.
Computer science is a promising field of study. On average, recent graduates with this degree earn more than those who study business, logistics or engineering. In fact, computer science is considered one of the top-paying bachelor’s degrees.
In a computer science undergraduate program, you can study computing theory, operating systems, data structures, robotics, computer architecture, and programming languages. You can practice software engineering, coding, working with algorithms and system optimization. In addition, you’ll need to take a strong foundation of math and science courses.
Some schools offer concentrations for bachelor’s programs. Options may include data science, software engineering, cybersecurity and computer engineering.
Earning an online masters in computer science can help you advance your career to the next level. You may be able to get a supervisory role that’s related to your current position; for example, you might get promoted to the job of computer systems manager.
A master’s may also open doors to new roles, such as being a computer and information research scientist.
Online master’s programs usually take about two years. During that time, you may study advanced programming and become more fluent in programming languages. You may also take advanced courses in databases and algorithms.
You may want to select a concentration for your master’s degree. The school may offer specializations like computer networks, artificial intelligence or big data.
To advance to the top of your field, you may want to earn an online doctoral degree in computer science. This terminal degree may qualify you for positions of significant responsibility, give you the opportunity to teach college computer science classes or prepare you to spearhead innovations with computers and technology.
The online courses that you take for your doctoral degree will depend greatly on your chosen area of study. You might explore quantitative analysis, big data analytics or digital security. No matter what your area of focus is, you’ll most likely take classes that prepare you to conduct original research.
Your doctoral program may take three years or more. The first few years typically focus on coursework, and then you can begin carrying out research and preparing your dissertation.
Both online PhD programs in computer science and professional doctorates in computer science are available online.
To earn a degree in computer science, you’ll need to take an assortment of foundational courses that will introduce you to basic concepts in computing and technology.
After completing your core classes, you can begin more advanced studies to help you explore various topics in greater depth. This mix of courses can help prepare you to enter the job market as a knowledgeable computer professional with employable skills.
Your online computer science courses may include:
In addition to taking classes, you may also complete an internship or engage in practicum experiences before graduation. These may count toward the 120 hours required for an undergraduate degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in the computer and technology sector is increasing at a rate of 11%. On average, workers in this field earn $88,240 per year.
| Career | Job Overview | Annual Median Salary |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Supervise and direct the computer usage in an organization, and lead the personnel teams that work in this area | $146,360 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Develop new uses or systems for technology in order to meet needs or solve problems; conduct experiments and present findings in journals or at industry conferences | $122,840 |
| Network Architect | Design secure computer networks that can support the needs of an organization and install the hardware and software to run them | $112,690 |
| Software Developer | Design applications or operating systems to meet the needs of organizations or home computer users | $107,510 |
| Database Administrator | Maintain organizational systems for data so that information is easily retrievable and searchable | $93,750 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Evaluate computer systems to make sure that they are operating at maximum efficiency and incorporate new technologies as needed | $90,920 |
| Computer Programmer | Input code to turn software designers’ ideas into functional programs and run software tests as needed to ensure code is correct. | $86,550 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | Oversee the computer systems used by organizations by installing components, carrying out upgrades, solving problems, and providing support for users | $83,510 |
| Web Developer | Build websites that communicate to visitors through text, graphics, videos, and other elements, and provide ongoing support | $73,760 |
| Computer Support Specialist | Work a technology help desk or provide in-person computer support for individuals or organizations | $54,760 |
Salary figures can vary greatly depending on the position you hold, the amount of experience and education you have, and the area of the country where you live.
If you’re interested in both art and computers, consider pursuing a degree in computer graphics. This program can help you learn what’s involved with turning ideas into digital images or animations that inform, engage or entertain.
In this degree, you can explore how to create static and animated graphics. You can also study 3D design and virtual reality. Other classes may cover sight and perception. You may learn about using computer graphics in particular industries, such as video game design and website creation. As you practice entering code and using design software, you may create a portfolio of your work.
With a degree in computer graphics, you could pursue a career in animation, game design, user experience (UX) or graphic design. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers may make about $73,760 each year. Multimedia artists and animators earn an average annual salary of $75,270 .
Companies rely on data to learn about consumers, make smart decisions and target their advertisements. To do this, they rely on professionals with the know-how to gather information and analyze it. Being successful in data science requires having a clear understanding of algorithms, so this is a good degree choice for those who are math-minded.
You’ll probably take multiple statistics classes as you study for this degree. You’ll also need to take classes on gathering data and developing systems for storing it. After that, you’ll need to discuss ways to draw meaningful information from the data you collect and how to present your findings in manageable formats. You may study machine learning and artificial intelligence as well.
With this degree, you may be hired as a data analyst or a data scientist. You could also be a software developer, which is a job that pays an average annual salary of $107,510.
Companies and consumers are relying more and more on mobile applications and cloud computing. To get your start in this field, you could earn a computer science degree that focuses on mobile computing. When applying for jobs, the distinctive skills that you’ve learned in this program may set you apart from those with more general programming credentials.
This discipline relies heavily on programming languages, so you’ll probably study several of them. To enhance your programming abilities, you may need to take advanced math classes. Other courses can teach you how people interact with computers, how networks function and how you can keep systems secure. You also need to learn what goes into designing apps and websites and then practice those skills.
Your studies can prepare you to create programs for use online or on mobile devices. Most web developers earn between $39,550 and $142,080 annually, and most software developers earn between $64,240 and $164,590.
Although most system hacking is criminal and unethical, there’s a way to use those skills for good: ethical hacking. By becoming an expert in network security, you can develop the skills needed to identify weaknesses in a system and provide improvement suggestions. Earning a degree in this area could even help you prepare to become credentialed as a Certified Ethical Hacker.
This program may start with classes that introduce you to the basics of computer and network systems. After that, you should be ready to explore operating systems, programming languages, algorithms and cloud computing. You can take courses on firewalls and other network security measures, and you can discuss ways that organizations can respond and recover after data breaches.
As an information security analyst, you might earn an average annual salary of $99,730. You could also become a network administrator, earning around $83,510, or a network architect, making about $112,690.
If your phone and computer are like many others’, they’re packed with handy apps for organization, information and entertainment. It seems that there are always new apps to explore! If you’d prefer to design apps instead of just using them, then a degree in software engineering may be for you.
You’ll likely take quite a few courses about programming languages; you may learn to use Java, Python and C++. You may study statistics, big data, user interfaces, system security, parallel computing, algorithms and machine learning. The classes can teach you to design and evaluate programs, and you may have a final project that involves building your own software from the ground up.
Developers who design systems software earn an average of $122,110 per year. App developers earn about $116,080 annually. You could also be a software tester or quality assurance analyst; that job pays about $107,510 yearly.
One of the fundamental skills that you can learn in a computer science program is how to communicate with computers. For that task, you’ll need to learn programming languages, such as the ones below.
These are just a fraction of the many programming languages that are available to developers. It’s usually smart to start with a few of the basics, such as C, JavaScript or Python. After that, you can branch out. To pick your next language, consider what each is primarily used for and how that aligns with your professional goals.
While some computer science degree programs are offered at many different schools, other specialties are much less common. Programs that are available from only a few institutions may be quite selective about which applicants they admit. For a good chance of getting into your top-choice schools, you’ll need outstanding applications. Your admissions packets are likely to include many of the following materials.
Be sure to begin gathering materials early, and submit them well in advance of the deadline. Some schools don’t accept any admissions packets after the cutoff date, and others give priority to on-time applications.
Employers appreciate hiring computer professionals who know what they’re doing. Having a degree in the field is one way to prove your competence. To demonstrate your knowledge in a particular aspect of computing and technology, you can pursue credentials through an industry certification program.
You may want to add multiple credentials to your resume. That’s a goal to achieve gradually since you may need to invest many hours in preparing for each certification program’s exam.
To do your best work as a computer science professional, it’s a good idea to join an industry organization. Membership in a professional association will connect you with helpful resources, valuable networking opportunities, and some of the latest research in computing and technology.
While you’re in school, you may be able to join a group at a student rate so that you can start exploring all of the benefits of membership.
What criteria are you considering as you select a computer science school? Perhaps you are thinking about tuition, curriculum, student support, and faculty. Make sure that one of the first factors you consider is whether the college is accredited.
Whether you are taking online or on-campus classes for your computer science degree, it’s smart to select a school with regional accreditation. That means that the school has been approved by one of the country’s official regional accreditors.
Those organizations are:
Accreditation indicates that a college offers solid educational programs that will be respected by employers and other schools.
To help you pay for school, you may need to gather financial aid from multiple sources. The first step in this process will be to fill out and submit the government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
After doing so, you may learn that you are eligible for federal grants, loans or work-study programs. If you submit your FAFSA results to your state, you may qualify for additional grants or loans through state programs.
Non-government sources can help you further fund your education. Some people get loans through private organizations. Others apply for fellowships from industry organizations.
Scholarships are a popular source of college money that you don’t have to pay back after graduation. You may be able to get scholarships from your college, professional computer associations, companies, special-interest groups, or local organizations.
Consider applying for some of the following scholarships:
These scholarships vary in their requirements and awards given, so be sure to read the details fully before applying.
There are many excellent online schools for computer science and computer programming degrees. To find a school that’s a good fit for you, consider the class format, the college schedule, the curriculum list, and the available concentrations.
Most importantly, when looking at online computer science degrees, always make sure to choose an online college that bears regional accreditation. By doing so, you can be sure that the computer science education you receive from the online college will be recognized upon graduation.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science online usually requires about 120 credit hours, and many students complete that process in about four years. For an online MS in Computer Science no GRE, it may take you two years to earn the necessary credits — usually around 60 credit hours. Doctoral programs vary in length but typically take at least three years.
Yes, many schools offer computer science degrees through online classes. You may be able to access the same reading materials, participate in the same class discussions, and complete the same projects and exams, but all through a digital platform.
Both generalist computer science degrees and programs that focus on a particular specialty, such as software engineering, are available online.
In addition, an online education is starting to appeal to most students as it offers a more flexible schedule and may even have a less expensive tuition cost due to not needing the room and board services.
Many online schools have strong computer science programs. You’ll want to look for one that has courses and specialties that align with your personal education interests and professional goals.
It’s essential to make sure that the online computer science program you pick is offered through a regionally accredited school. You may also want to look for programmatic accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) division of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Either accreditation can help ensure your online computer science education is of the highest level.
Many online programs in computer science charge between $200 and $500 per credit hour. At those rates, your annual tuition for a computer science degree may cost around $6,000 to $15,000. The total tuition for all 120 credits may range from $24,000 and $60,000.
Most of the time, you may find the lowest tuition costs from a public university in your state or an online degree program with special e-Tuition rates.
Alternatively, even some of the best online computer science colleges will give you a generous financial aid package and may be your best option.
A degree in computer science, whether online or traditional, can help prepare you to take a job in the field of computers and information security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this sector are growing at a rate of 11% and pay an annual average income of $88,240.
With a computer science degree, you might become a computer support specialist, a web developer, an information security analyst, a software developer or a system administrator. In fact, many universities offer system administrator degree programs for students interested in this career field.
As you gain relevant computer science work experience, you may rise to a higher level in your career and work in a variety of different areas such as management, administration, and computer security. Most of these jobs are among the highest paying computer science jobs and can include specific titles such as big data engineer, data scientist, data security analyst, systems security administrator, and data manager.
Computer science majors study computer systems, including the hardware and software that they use.
You may also study networking, operating systems, programming languages and human-computer interactions.
When you pursue this degree in an online format, you can take your classes through the computer instead of going to a classroom for your studies. Homework assignments, tests, and even your capstone project may all be turned in through a digital platform. You may be able to complete your whole computer science degree without ever stepping foot on campus.
Although a computer science degree program has the word “science” in its name, it can be offered as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).
Bachelor of Arts programs usually include more foundational classes in the humanities, while Bachelor of Science programs often specialize more on the math and science aspects of this field.
In general, Computer Science Bachelor of Science programs are more common than Bachelor of Arts ones.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science typically requires earning about 120 credit hours: that’s usually around 40 classes.
Some of those courses may cover general education requirements like calculus, writing, history and psychology.
Most others should address computer-specific topics. For example, you may take classes like Introduction to Programming Languages, Windows and Linux Systems, Database Management, Web Development, and Data Structures.
If you already starting taking college courses, but have decided to pursue a computer science degree instead, you should try to transfer any credits you may already have.
To determine which courses you can transfer, speak with your academic advisor. Typically, as long as you receive good grades, the majority of your general education courses should be transferable.
Any credits that you can transfer will count towards your 120 credits and can ultimately help reduce the extra costs that result in switching majors.
Yes, a bachelor in computer science is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 11% job growth in computer and information technology occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include computer network architect, database administrator, computer programmer, and mobile app developer.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science can give you the skills you need to find a job in computers or technology. Entry-level positions in this field can likely provide reliable work that pays better than average for all occupations.
In time, you may choose to go back to school for graduate degrees so you can increase both your responsibilities and your pay. Your career in computer science can grow with you, and along the way, you may find opportunities to work on the cutting edge of technology developments.