Best Online Computer Science Programs of 2022

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students. Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

This course provides an overview of fundamental concepts in the field. Topics may include computer architecture, networking, program development, data organization, and object-oriented programming. Students gain familiarity with each concept in order to begin advanced study.

Often required as a prerequisite for more advanced classes, this course introduces students to basic logic, relations, functions, sets and set operations, and methods of proof. By completing coursework, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the rest of their program.

The study of algorithms and data structures may be separated into two courses or combined in a single class. Coursework covers the design and analysis of computer algorithms and complex data structures used within algorithms. Students learn to design and implement searching, sorting, and graphing algorithms.

This survey course explores concepts and characteristics of contemporary operating systems. Topics may include memory management, process and inter-process communication, security, and multi-threading. Students gain a fundamental understanding of operating systems and learn to design and construct various components.

An undergraduate-level software engineering course introduces students to the methods, strategies, and tools used in software development. Commonly covered concepts include requirements analysis and specifications, software security, validation, and maintenance. Some schools offer two separate courses focusing on front-end and back-end lifecycle processes.

Earning an online bachelor's in computer science prepares graduates for many employment opportunities. Potential careers include computer and information systems manager, computer network architect, software developer, and information security analyst. The government, healthcare, insurance, and financial services industries are major employers of these graduates.

Depending on the school, computer science students may be awarded a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. Both pathways should provide adequate training for computer and IT careers, but general curriculum requirements vary. Namely, BS degrees tend to require more mathematics and science classes, while BA degrees require more writing and language classes.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of in-state tuition and fees at four-year public universities was $9,349 during the 2019-20 academic year. The same cost at four-year private universities was more than $32,000. However, expenses may vary significantly from one institution to another. Scholarship and grant opportunities can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Traditionally, completing a bachelor's degree requires four years of full-time study. Specific time commitments vary, however. Students can earn their degree faster by taking a larger course load, enrolling in summer classes, and/or joining an accelerated program. Alternatively, students can earn their degree over a longer period of time by finding a program with part-time scheduling options.

The future income potential of a graduate with a bachelor's in computer science depends on their chosen career path, employer, years of work experience, and the cost of living in their geographic location. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for all computer and information science jobs in the United States was $91,250 (as of May 2020).