Online Comp Sci Degree: Affordable and Flexible

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Posted Nov 18, 2024

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Pursuing a computer science degree online can be a game-changer for those who want to balance work, family, or other responsibilities with their education. Online comp sci degree programs can be completed in as little as 2 years.

With online programs, you can access a wide range of courses from top universities and colleges, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Many online comp sci degree programs are designed to be completed in 4 years, which is the same amount of time it would take to complete a traditional degree.

Program Details

The online computer science degree program is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field. Oregon State University's online computer science bachelor's program, for example, immerses you in the study of algorithms, operating systems, software engineering, network security, and more.

You'll work on a variety of projects, including programming a custom sensor board and coordinating cloud data centers full of servers. This hands-on experience will help you develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of computer science concepts.

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The online computer science degree program typically requires 120 total credits, as seen in CSU Global's accelerated Computer Science Degree. This includes a mix of core degree courses, general education courses, elective courses, and optional degree specializations and certificates.

The program is designed to be flexible and affordable, with online courses that offer live interactive sessions with faculty and peers, real-world projects, and virtual labs. This format allows you to learn at your own pace and balance your busy schedule.

The online computer science degree program can be completed in as few as 18 months, as mentioned in Rasmussen University's online Bachelor's Degree program. This fast-paced program is designed to prepare you for a career in computer science and equip you with in-demand skills and technologies.

Here are some of the skills and technologies you can expect to learn in an online computer science degree program:

  • Programming languages
  • Software engineering
  • Algorithm and data analysis
  • SQL
  • Java
  • Quality assurance in software development
  • Big data
  • E-commerce
  • Cloud computing
  • Web analytics

Degree Requirements

Earning an online Computer Science degree is a significant investment, and it's essential to understand the degree requirements. A minimum of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate with your Computer Science degree, including a minimum of 60 upper-division credits.

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To break it down further, the degree requirements include the OSU's Baccalaureate Core (general education), major requirements for Computer Science, and an option requirement. This means you'll need to fulfill a set of core courses, major-specific courses, and an additional requirement to specialize in a particular area of Computer Science.

Here's a rough estimate of the courses you can expect to take:

Keep in mind that the number of credits can vary depending on the institution and the specific program you're enrolled in. However, this gives you a general idea of what to expect. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as a capstone project or a thesis.

It's also worth noting that some online Computer Science programs may have different degree requirements, such as a minimum number of transfer credits or a specific set of courses to be completed online. Be sure to check with the institution you're interested in to confirm their degree requirements.

What Skills Will I Master?

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You'll gain a wide range of skills with an online computer science degree, including software engineering, web development, and computer networking.

One of the key skills you'll master is software engineering, which involves designing, developing, and testing software applications. You'll also learn about web development, including how to create dynamic websites and web applications.

You'll gain expertise in computer networking, including how to design and implement computer networks, as well as cybersecurity, which involves protecting computer systems and networks from cyber threats.

In addition to these technical skills, you'll also learn about design engineering, which involves applying engineering principles to design and develop innovative solutions.

Here are some of the specific skills you'll master with an online computer science degree:

  • Software engineering
  • Web development
  • Computer networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Design engineering
  • Parallel programming
  • Cryptography

You'll also learn how to implement machine learning, computer vision, and neural networks in practical applications, and develop secure, functional programs in Java and C++.

With these skills, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a variety of careers in the field of computer science, including software development, web development, and cybersecurity.

Affordable Tuition

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You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that CSU Global's online degree in Computer Science is designed to be affordable. As a not-for-profit public university, their goal is to make tuition costs as low as possible without sacrificing the quality of education.

You only have to pay for the courses you're enrolled in, and CSU Global offers a payment plan to help budget payments over several months within the semester. This means you can focus on one course at a time without breaking the bank.

CSU Global locks in their low tuition rate with a tuition guarantee, so you can budget with confidence. They also offer discounted tuition rates for members of the armed forces and employees of their corporate affiliate partners.

Here's a quick rundown of the core courses you can expect to take in the program:

  • Applying Leadership Principles
  • Pre-Calculus
  • Calculus I
  • Computer Science Fundamentals
  • Logic and Design
  • Introduction to Algorithms
  • Operating Systems and Architecture
  • Programming I
  • Information Systems Analysis and Design
  • Programming II
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Graphics & Visualization
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Programming III
  • Software Engineering
  • Platform Based Development
  • Introduction to Networks
  • Technology, Ethics, and Global Community
  • Database Management
  • Principles of Cybersecurity
  • Computer Science Capstone

CSU Global's program prepares students to complete common tasks asked of software engineers, computational scientists, and systems analysts, including:

  • Solving complex organizational problems using technical solutions.
  • Designing, implementing, and evaluating computer-based systems or processes.
  • Constructing software systems or varying complexity.
  • Analyzing the impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.

Faculty and Community

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You'll have the opportunity to learn from award-winning faculty members in the field of computer science. They've been recognized with the highest awards in their fields, including members of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Inventors.

Our faculty's expertise and dedication to their work will provide you with a well-rounded education and practical skills to succeed in your career. You'll also be part of the CSU community, which offers a flexible and supportive learning environment.

As an online student, you'll interact closely with instructors and peers through various methods, including email, online forums, phone conversations, and more. This will help you feel connected to the community and facilitate productive discussions.

International

Oregon State University offers a range of international opportunities for students. The ITS325 course, Technology, Ethics, and Global Community, explores the relationships between science, ethics, and technology in the global community.

The course provides a detailed understanding of how technology and ethics intersect from a business perspective. Students will gain practical knowledge of cyber law and its impact on the global marketplace.

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International students can also access customized support through Oregon State Ecampus and INTO OSU. This support includes pre-start assistance, personalized tutoring, and one-on-one advising.

Students can purchase course credits in bundles, depending on their degree program, and only pay for the credits they need. Scholarships are automatically applied, with the award amount increasing as more credits are purchased.

Join the CSU Community

You'll have the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow classmates in a flexible, online program that allows you to earn your degree from wherever you are, on a schedule that fits your life.

The online bachelor's in computer science program provides the academic foundation and practical skills you need to pursue a new career or advance in your current career path.

You'll interact closely with both instructors and peers, and CSU faculty make it a priority to facilitate productive and meaningful discussions via email, online forums, phone conversations, and other methods.

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CSU Global earns one of only 15 gold rankings, out of more than 2,000 online degree programs, making it a Gold School of Distinction.

Here are some of the prestigious organizations that CSU faculty members are part of:

  • National Academy of Engineering members.
  • National Academy of Sciences member.
  • National Academy of Inventors members.
  • National Academy of Construction members.

These faculty members have been honored with the highest awards in their fields, providing you with exceptional guidance and mentorship throughout your program.

Accreditation and Rankings

CSU Global's online Computer Science programs have received recognition for their quality and value. They offer affordable and reputable programs that meet the latest tech demands.

You can earn an industry-recognized certification like Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer, or C++ Certified Associate Programmer. This can be a great way to boost your career prospects and stay up-to-date with the latest tech trends.

CSU Global's programs have been ranked and acknowledged for their excellence. Click here to learn more about their rankings and recognitions.

Their programs cover a range of topics, including AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. This allows you to specialize in areas that interest you and lead innovative projects.

$109k+ Median Salary

Focused woman working on a computer in a busy laboratory setting, showcasing teamwork and scientific research.
Credit: pexels.com, Focused woman working on a computer in a busy laboratory setting, showcasing teamwork and scientific research.

A computer science degree can lead to some seriously lucrative careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a computer programmer is $84,280.

In fact, many careers related to computer science can earn you over $109,000 per year. For example, software developers report an estimated annual salary above $109,000, making it a highly sought-after profession.

Here are some median salaries for careers that may be of interest to computer science graduates:

These figures are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and they give you an idea of the kind of salaries you can expect with a computer science degree.

Format and Options

You can earn your computer science bachelor's degree online from a respected, regionally accredited public research university in Colorado.

The program is entirely online, allowing you to study in a flexible format without traveling to a campus. You'll still have opportunities to interact closely with your instructors and peers, and access to many of the same resources and services as CSU's resident students.

You'll work with an academic advisor to choose one of two options that enable you to focus your studies on an area of interest: applied computer science or cybersecurity.

Accelerated Master's Platform

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The Accelerated Master's Platform is a fantastic option for students who want to get a head start on their graduate degree. You can take graduate-level courses online while still working towards your bachelor's degree in computer science.

Oregon State offers this program, which allows current undergraduate students to earn credits that will be transferred to their M.S. or M.Eng in Computer Science program.

Students enrolled in this program will pay the graduate tuition and fees rate, which means you'll be getting a taste of what graduate school is like without breaking the bank.

Return

The return on investment for a computer science degree is clear. With just 60 credits required, you can focus on the field and graduate quickly.

You can tailor your studies to fit your career goals, creating a customized plan that aligns with your aspirations. A majority of your courses will be electives, allowing you to explore various topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and software engineering.

If you're interested in delving deeper into specific areas of computer science, consider one of the two available concentrations: big data systems or cybersecurity.

Flexible Study Format

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You can earn a bachelor's degree from a respected, regionally accredited public research university in Colorado without setting foot on campus. This is possible through flexible, online formats that allow you to interact closely with instructors and peers.

CSU Global offers a flexible, online format that provides access to many of the same resources and services as their resident students.

You can earn your degree at your own pace, without worrying about commuting or campus schedules.

Oregon State's Accelerated Master's Platform allows you to take graduate-level courses online that will be applied to your bachelor's degree in computer science.

This means you can get a jump-start on your M.S. or M.Eng in Computer Science degree while working toward your bachelor's degree.

CSU Global is ranked #1 in Best Online Schools with Accelerated Bachelor's Degrees in 2022 by Intelligent.com.

Admission and Application

To get started with your online comp sci degree, you'll need to meet the application deadlines. International applicants have six weeks to apply, while others have four weeks before their selected session start date.

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You can check the academic calendar for upcoming start dates, which are offered in A and B sessions for fall and spring, and in C session for summer.

If you don't meet the English proficiency requirement, you can complete a pathway program with a 3.00 or higher GPA to demonstrate proficiency.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines are a crucial aspect of the admission process. International applicants have a deadline of six weeks prior to the selected session start date.

For all other applicants, the deadline is four weeks prior to the selected session start date.

The degree is offered in A and B sessions for fall and spring, and in C session for summer.

Graduate Admission Requirements

To graduate, you'll need to complete a minimum of 120 credits.

The number of courses required for completion of the program varies based on several factors.

If you're transferring credits, the number of courses you need to take will depend on how many credits you're awarded.

You'll also need to fulfill the All-University Core Curriculum requirements, which will impact the number of courses you need to complete.

Degree coursework requirements will also play a role in determining the total number of courses needed for graduation.

Certification and Preparation

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The certification and preparation aspects of an online computer science degree are often a major draw for students. You can take master’s-level computer science courses without being admitted to the program as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

This provides the opportunity to establish a high graduate GPA, try out courses, meet the English proficiency requirement, or earn a professional certification credential. You can use a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 after completing three courses to apply for the Master of Computer Science program.

The B.S. in Computer Science program is aligned with the certification criteria for the Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer and the C++ Certified Associate Programmer from the C++ Institute. These certifications can be a great way to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

By earning these certifications, you'll be prepared for a variety of roles, including software developer, software systems developer, software development engineer, Java developer, computer programmer, e-commerce developer, software applications developer, and developer.

Curriculum and Courses

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To earn an online computer science degree, you'll need to complete a set of required courses. The total number of credits required varies, but a minimum of 120 credits is typically needed.

You'll also need to fulfill the All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC) requirements, which include courses in college composition, calculus, and ethical computing systems. These courses are required for the computer science degree and typically account for 31 credits.

Here are some key courses you can expect to take in an online computer science program:

  • MATH 369 – Linear Algebra I (3 cr.)
  • STAT 301 – Introduction to Statistical Methods (3 cr.)
  • CS 163 – CS1, No Prior Programming Experience (4 cr.)
  • CS 165 – CS2 Data Structures (4 cr.)
  • CS 220 – Discrete Structures and their Applications (4 cr.)
  • CS 314 – Software Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CS 320 – Algorithms – Theory and Practice (3 cr.)
  • CS 370 – Operating Systems (3 cr.)

University Core Curriculum (AUCC)

The University Core Curriculum (AUCC) is a crucial part of any university's program. It provides students with a solid foundation in various subjects, including math, science, and humanities. The AUCC typically consists of 31 credits, which can be completed in various ways.

One of the required courses is CO 150 – College Composition, which is a 3-credit course that helps students develop their writing skills. Another required course is MATH 160 – Calculus for Physical Scientists I, which is a 4-credit course that covers the basics of calculus. Students also need to take CS 201 – Ethical Computing Systems, a 3-credit course that explores the ethics of computer science.

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Here are the required AUCC courses for the computer science degree:

  • CO 150 – College Composition (3 cr.)
  • MATH 160 – Calculus for Physical Scientists I (GT-MA1) (4 cr.)
  • CS 201 – Ethical Computing Systems (3 cr.)

These courses provide students with a solid foundation in writing, math, and computer science ethics, which are essential skills for any computer science major. By completing these courses, students can ensure they meet the AUCC requirements and set themselves up for success in their future careers.

Technical Electives (6 cr.)

For the general computer science concentration, you'll need to choose two additional technical elective courses. These courses are worth 6 credits in total.

IDEA 455 – Designing for Defense is one option, worth 3 credits. This is just one of the technical elective courses available.

You can choose two courses from the list below to fulfill your technical elective requirement.

Required Upper Division

To complete the required upper-division courses, you'll need to focus on the following.

In Oregon State's online computer science bachelor's program, a minimum of 12 credits of upper-division CS courses are required, which can be fulfilled by taking CS courses numbered 300 or above.

You'll need to choose from various upper-division courses, including CS 312 – Modern Web Applications and JTC 417 – Data Visualization Design, among others.

Here's a list of required upper-division courses with their corresponding credits:

  • CS courses numbered 300 or above (12 cr.)

CSC 405 Graphics and Visualization

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The CSC 405 Graphics and Visualization course is a great fit for students who want to learn about computer graphics and visualizations.

This course provides an overview of foundational computer graphics and visualizations topics, covering rendering, foundational modeling, geometric modeling, and computer animation.

Students will develop an understanding of how to construct simple organic forms, and primary emphasis will be on using appropriate modeling approaches with respect to space, time complexity, and quality of images.

Recommended prior courses include CSC372 and MTH201, so it's essential to have a solid foundation in those subjects before diving into this course.

ITS315 Networks

The ITS315 - Introduction to Networks course provides an overview of computer networks, covering topics like operating systems, networks, the internet, and information system design.

This course is designed to prepare students for CompTIA Network+ and Testout Network Pro certification exams, which can be a great way to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

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Students learn about wireless network and network security, developing the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot common networking problems and issues.

This course is recommended for students who have completed ITS310, which is a prerequisite for ITS315.

In the Oregon State online computer science bachelor's program, students work on a variety of projects, including programming a custom sensor board and coordinating cloud data centers full of servers, which requires a strong understanding of computer networks.

CSU Global's online computer science program is ranked first in the Best Networks Degree Programs lineup for 2021 by Best Value Schools, which is a testament to the quality of their curriculum and instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online CS degree worth it?

An online computer science degree can lead to high-paying career opportunities, with professionals in the field often earning six-figure salaries. Consider pursuing an online CS degree if you're looking for a valuable and lucrative career path.

Is comp sci still in demand?

Yes, computer science is still in high demand, with projected job growth of 35% for data scientists and 32% for information security analysts from 2022-2032. This trend suggests a strong job market for professionals with specialized skills in computer science.

Keith Marchal

Senior Writer

Keith Marchal is a passionate writer who has been sharing his thoughts and experiences on his personal blog for more than a decade. He is known for his engaging storytelling style and insightful commentary on a wide range of topics, including travel, food, technology, and culture. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the power of words, Keith's writing has captivated readers all around the world.

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