Best Accelerated Computer Science Degree Online Programs 2024

Choose a computer science concentration to focus your coursework and prepare for different career paths. Here are some of the most popular options:

A concentration in computer engineering will add hardware skills to your CS degree. You’ll learn how to engineer devices and program them using your software knowledge. After graduation, you’ll qualify for roles like software developer, hardware engineer, and software engineer.

If you’re fascinated by engineering, this concentration is a great addition to your computer science training.

Hone your investigative skills with a computer forensics focus. You’ll learn how to pull evidence from devices and solve cybercrimes. You’ll be able to apply your skills in roles like information security analyst, computer forensics investigator, or computer forensics tech.

Interested in law enforcement or national security careers? Computer forensics is a great option.

Take your coding skills to the next level with a computer programming concentration. You’ll study in-demand programming languages like Java and C# along with applications in computer architecture and AI. You can land programming jobs as a web developer, app developer, or computer programmer.

Data analytics is an in-demand skill in tech and business. Explore data science, analytics models, and data management during your accelerated computer science degree. You can qualify for data analytics careers like data scientist, data analyst, or machine learning engineer.

If you’re looking to break into the business field, data analytics is a great option for business intelligence analysts and similar roles.

You’ll learn how to design and maintain databases with a database management concentration. Dig into topics like information security, data management, and analytics. You can become a database administrator, data engineer, or database architect after earning your accelerated computer science degree online.

Database administrators manage databases, while database architects design and build databases — and a bachelor’s in CS lets you do either (or both).

Cybersecurity is a huge focus of the tech field. With an information systems security concentration, you’ll learn how to secure systems and prevent data breaches. After taking courses in information security and network systems, you can become an information security analyst.

Information security analysts are in high demand. In fact, the field is projected to grow by 33% from 2023-2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Computer science emphasizes theory, while information technology focuses on applications. With an IT concentration, you’ll learn how to use CS skills in workplace settings. This concentration can lead to IT careers like network and computer systems administrator or database administrator.

An accelerated computer science degree with an IT focus emphasizes practical, career-focused skills.

Learn how to protect sensitive internet data with an internet security focus. You’ll study cybersecurity, information assurance, and internet security infrastructure. After graduation, you can use your knowledge of VPNs, intrusion detection methods, and firewalls to work as an information security analyst.

Internet security is a great option if you’re interested in web development careers, including as a back-end developer.

Want to make mobile apps? Then a mobile development concentration might be the perfect fit. You’ll learn how to create software for mobile devices by studying UI design and front-end development. After earning your degree, you can qualify for jobs as a mobile developer or app developer.

A mobile development accelerated computer science degree will give you cutting-edge skills for the job market.

Specialize your accelerated CS degree in network administration to learn how to manage web servers and design network systems. You’ll gain data management and analytical skills as you prepare for a career as a network administrator.

How much can you earn as a network administrator? The career path reports a median pay of over $95,360 per year (BLS, May 2023).

Corporations and government agencies rely on network security specialists to keep their systems private. With a network security concentration, you’ll study defense and detection methods. You can work as a cybersecurity specialist or information security analyst with your accelerated computer science degree.

Interested in cybersecurity? Look for concentrations in information security, network security, cybersecurity, and internet security.

If you’re interested in managing software for a variety of technologies, consider pursuing a software engineering concentration. You’ll learn how to build software systems and manage complex projects with engineering approaches. After finishing your accelerated CS degree, you’ll qualify for high-paying software engineering careers.

Bulk up your resume by pursuing a software engineering internship while earning your accelerated computer science degree online.

With a concentration in UX/UI — also known as user experience and user interface — you’ll learn how to create interactive, compelling interfaces. You can work as a UX developer or UI engineer after finishing your degree, or cultivate your creative side with UX design careers.

Prepare for the job market by building your portfolio as you study information architecture and usability testing.

Learn how to build and maintain websites and web apps with a web development concentration. You’ll study user interfaces and front-end development while also strengthening back-end developer skills. After graduation, you’ll qualify for web development careers, including digital design roles.

An accelerated CS degree can give you an edge over job candidates who attend web development bootcamps.