The Best Online
Computer Science Schools in 2021
The tech industry is growing quickly, and learning computer science online is one of the best ways to dive in. Whether you’re aiming for an online computer science bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or certificate program, this guide is for you. It contains everything you need to know about the best online computer science schools in 2021.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15 percent growth in computer science and IT jobs between 2019 and 2029, which is higher than average for other occupations. This illustrates a positive outlook for the field. As such, 2021 might just be the best time to earn a degree in computer science.
In Brief: Top 10 Online Computer Science Schools in 2021
The best part about computer science is that it is one of the few degrees that can be fully completed online. Read below to learn more about the options that are available to you. Note that some of the schools below offer multiple online degrees.
Find Your Bootcamp Match
- Career Karma matches you with top tech bootcamps
- Access exclusive scholarships and prep courses
By continuing you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and you consent to receive offers and opportunities from Career Karma by telephone, text message, and email.
The data on the below table was sourced from each school’s website.
| School | Degrees and Tuition | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $8,400 per year Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning $9,000 per year |
Higher Learning Commission |
| Davenport University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $565 per credit (in-state) $836 per credit (out-of-state) Master of Science in Computer Science $906 per credit |
Higher Learning Commission |
| DePaul University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $688 per credit hour Bachelor of Science in Information Systems $688 per credit Master of Science in Computer Science $882 per credit |
Higher Learning Commission |
| Florida International University | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science Approximately $25,000 per year Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Approximately $25,000 per year Master of Science in Computer Engineering Approximately $25,000 per year |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics – Computer Science $390 per credit |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Lewis University | Bachelor of Arts in Computer $35,262 per year Master of Science in Computer Science $820 per credit |
Higher Learning Commission |
| Oregon State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Approximately $499 per credit Postbaccalaureate in Computer Science Approximately $499 per credit Master of Science in Computer Science Approximately $499 per credit |
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Point Park University | Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science $499 per credit |
Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $320 per credit |
New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Illinois Springfield | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Approximately $362 per credit Master of Science in Computer Science Approximately $362 per credit |
Higher Learning Commission |
Why You Should Attend a Computer Science School Online
You should attend an online computer science school because it is the most flexible option for higher education. Online and hybrid learning are growing in popularity in tandem with working from home. You can take classes from your living room, gain the knowledge you need, and launch your tech career remotely.
Compared to traditional, in-person learning, online programs are more affordable. It is also easier to combine degrees or tend to other commitments. Keep in mind that online curriculums are not easier or less extensive than in-person curriculums. So, you will have to be self-motivated if you’re to complete your studies online.
Choosing the Best Computer Science School for You
One of the first things to look for is an accredited program. Accreditation shows that a school’s curriculum satisfies the quality standards established by an authorized body. However, accreditation isn’t the only factor you should consider when choosing a computer science school.
Internship Opportunities
Learning the skills in theory alone is not enough. You need internship opportunities to get real-world experience before you try to get a job. The best schools partner with tech companies to offer internship placements toward the end of the program. If you do well in your internship, the company might be interested in hiring you for a full-time role.
Job Placement Services
The only thing better than a good internship opportunity is a credible job placement service. What effort does the school put into helping you find a job after graduation? Does the school work with hiring partners? What kind of roles do alumni find employment in? Find the answers to these questions ahead of application.
Curriculum
Technology is changing at a rapid pace, so it is important that schools keep a close eye on the job market. The best online computer science degrees need to meet the tech industry’s demand. Some of the most in-demand subjects for upper-level curriculums are artificial intelligence, programming language theory, and operating system design.
In-Depth: The Best Computer Science Schools of 2021
If you want to learn computer science, you need to choose a great school. Read the list below to learn more about the 10 best schools for online computer science training.
Colorado State University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Graduation Rate: 67.5 percent
Colorado State University is more than a state school. The online learning center, CSU Global, offers students remote training in different aspects of computer science. The bachelor’s programs last for four years, but the master’s degree lasts for about 18 months. The master’s degree covers core tools and technologies to help you thrive in this field.
Colorado State University Computer Science Key Takeaway
CSU Global allows students to transfer 90 credits from another school to meet their bachelor’s degree program requirements.
Davenport University
Degree Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Graduation Rate: 21 percent
The online computer science program at Davenport University is extensive. There are at least six programs for computer science and information technology on undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs are entirely online. Topics in the bachelor’s program include biometrics fundamentals, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and more.
Davenport University Computer Science Key Takeaway
The school has a scholarship program known as CyberCorps dedicated to providing fully-funded education to computer science students.
DePaul University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Graduation Rate: 73 percent
This is one of the most popular research institutes in the United States. It offers a computer science online program that gives students the knowledge they need in data storage, information systems, software testing, and more. Students in the master’s program are exposed to an advanced curriculum that is updated to match the industry demand.
DePaul University Computer Science Key Takeaway
The university maintains a quality program with high requirements. Only students with a CGPA above 2.0 are allowed to remain in the bachelor’s program.
Florida International University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Graduation Rate: 69.87 percent
Popularly known as FIU, this school offers a series of online computer science degrees. The most popular is the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, which is perfect for prospective economists, business leaders, or software engineers who want more developed business skills. The master’s degree is designed for anyone who wants to work in network security.
Florida International University Computer Science Key Takeaway
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science allows students to apply advanced computer science skills in non-tech fields.
Liberty University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Graduation Rate: 33.8 percent
The online school allows students to get their computer science bachelor’s degrees remotely in just three and a half years. Like many other online degrees, you will need 120 credits to complete the program. Classes include topics like information security, data structures, and other aspects of technological development.
Liberty University Computer Science Key Takeaway
Transfer students in this university are permitted to bring up to 75 percent of the credits from their previous schools.
Lewis University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Graduation Rate: 60.9 percent
Lewis University offers several tech degrees on the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students learn the most advanced forms of computer science topics. Master’s degree students can choose from advanced studies in artificial intelligence, cyber security, cloud computing, software engineering, cloud computing, or digital forensics.
Lewis University Computer Science Key Takeaway
If you already have programming experience, you can opt for an assessment and have extra credits added to your overall requirement.
Oregon State University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Postbaccalaureate, Master’s degree
Graduation Rate: 62.5 percent
There are different options for online computer science studies at Oregon State University. Apart from the online bachelor’s in computer science, there is a postbaccalaureate degree. This is for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and are trying to transition into a master’s degree. This can help you finish more quickly.
Oregon State University Computer Science Key Takeaway
International students are welcome to apply as long as they have English proficiency courses in their degree.
Point Park University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree
Graduation Rate: 57.6 percent
Point Park University has an extensive undergraduate program in applied computer science. Students can specialize in software development, data collection, web development, network security, and more. Students with existing associate degrees and those transferring from other schools must have a minimum CGPA of 2.0.
Point Park University Computer Science Key Takeaway
Students can transfer up to 90 credits from a previous institution, but the remaining 30 credits must come from the university.
Southern New Hampshire University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree
Graduation Rate: 85.3 percent
This computer science program at this university promotes project-based learning. Students master the programs and skills required for software development during the four-year study. Prospective project managers who want to work in the tech industry will benefit significantly from the online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.
Southern New Hampshire University Computer Science Key Takeaway
Students can transfer up to 90 credits from a post-secondary study to count towards their degree.
University of Illinois Springfield
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Graduation Rate: 66.2 percent
This school offers undergraduate and graduate programs for students interested in information technology, software engineering, and network security. While it is a bachelor’s degree, students are required to learn about Java programming and calculus ahead of the program. Master’s students must have a bachelor’s degree and a CGPA of at least 2.75.
University of Illinois Springfield Computer Science Key Takeaway
Students admitted into the master’s program do not need a GRE score to qualify for admissions.
Types of Online Degrees in Computer Science
Computer science is like every other discipline, which means you can get a few different types of degrees. Read below to learn more about postsecondary computer science degrees.
Online Computer Science Undergraduate Degrees
Associate Degree in Computer Science
You can get an Associate Degree in Computer Science from a community college. These programs run for two years and are ideal for entry-level positions. You will learn the fundamentals of programming, networking, security, database management, and more. Most schools require 60 credits for the completion of an associate degree.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
An online bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete, and you will need 120 credits on average. Regular universities award bachelor’s degrees, but you can also get yours from some community colleges. The first two years are for general STEM and computer science education while the final two cover more advanced topics.
Online Computer Science Graduate Degrees
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Like other online master’s degrees, this would take you about 12 to 24 months to complete. It allows you to specialize while increasing your earning potential. You may specialize in cloud computing, software engineering, cyber security, or any other branch of tech that interests you. You will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field first.
Doctorate in Computer Science
A Doctorate in Computer Science combines independent research and coursework. When your dissertation is approved, you will be awarded your PhD. It runs for about four to five years, and it isn’t an easy route to take. The requirements for admission into a computer science PhD program vary according to schools and they are generally more complex.
What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?
Career opportunities for someone with a computer science degree are almost endless. You can work as a data scientist, software engineer, product manager, or software tester, within and outside the tech industry.
Computer Science Associate Degree
Average Salary: $66,754
Top Careers: Systems Administrator, IT Specialist, Computer Support Analyst
This degree is for anyone who wants to learn computer science fundamentals within a short time. If you’re good at what you do, you can work as an entry-level web developer or desktop publisher. This is a great place to start if you are a computer science beginner.
Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree
Average Salary: $68,673
Top Careers: Computer Software Developer, Computer Hardware Developer, Database Administrator
This option is for anyone who wants to complete a four-year degree in computer science and explore all the opportunities that come with it. You can get a job as a data scientist, IT specialist, or computer network architect. This is the most common computer science degree.
Computer Science Master’s Degree
Average Salary: $70,418
Top Careers: Information Systems Manager, Information Security Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst
This degree is primarily for people who want to pursue leadership roles. Some companies make a master’s degree a prerequisite for career advancement. Some jobs that you can explore include software developer, cyber security analyst, and cloud computing specialist.
Computer Science Doctorate
Average Salary: $126,745
Top Careers: Computer and Information Research Scientist, Computer Scientist, Computer Systems Engineer
This path is for research lovers who can dedicate time and other resources to independent studies. It’s also ideal for those interested in teaching computer science in higher institutions. A PhD can be difficult to obtain, but it is worth it if it can help you reach your goals.
The Best Computer Science Careers: How Much Can You Earn With a Degree in Computer Science?
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
| Principal Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $136,879 |
| Senior Development Operations (DevOps) Engineer |
Bachelor’s degree | $134,079 |
| Computer Scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $106,472 |
| Product Manager | Master’s degree | $101,391 |
| Data Scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $94,280 |
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $86,978 |
| Business Analyst | Master’s degree | $78,227 |
| Web Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $75,840 |
| Computer Science Professor | Doctorate | $70,128 |
| Software Tester | Associate degree | $56,927 |
Does It Matter What College I Go to for a Computer Science Degree?
Yes, it does. Contrary to popular opinion, most employers still pay attention to your alma mater when evaluating your resume. Other employers may value your skills above all else. Regardless, it is always better to increase your chances of employment by pursuing a computer science degree at an accredited college with a good reputation.
