The 10 Best Online Computer Science Associate Degree Programs of 2021
Computer technology is essential for life in the modern age. Many industries are in the process of digitizing and automating daily tasks. If you have a knack for working with computers, you should consider pursuing an online Associate Degree in Computer Science.
Many universities and colleges offer excellent online CS associate degrees. You can complete an associate degree from the comfort of your own home. However, there’s more to consider before settling on an online program. Read below to learn more about the best online Associate Degrees in Computer Science and the factors you should consider.
At a Glance: The Top 10 Computer Science Associate Degrees of 2021
Finding an online associate degree program can be a challenging task, especially when there are so many options. We have put together a list featuring the best online associate degrees for you to choose from.
Below are the basics of the 10 best online CS associate degrees of 2021. The tuition figures in the following table refer to the estimated annual cost for full-time students, and all of the information was sourced from the various schools’ websites.
School and Degree | Annual Tuition | Notes |
---|---|---|
Austin Community College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Information Technology |
$2,550* $8,580* $10,590* |
In-district In-state Out-of-state |
Cochise College AAS in Computer Information Systems |
$2,730 $4,890 |
In-state Out-of-state |
Houston Community College Associate of Science (AS) in Computer Science |
$990 $3,630 $4,530 |
In-district In-state Out-of-state |
Jamestown Community College AS in Computer Science |
$5,200* $10,400* |
In-state Out-of-state |
Lincoln Land Community College Associate in Arts (AA) in Computer Science |
$4,035 $8,070 $12,105 |
In-district In-state Out-of-state |
Montgomery County Community College AS in Computer Science |
$4,320 $8,640 $12,960 |
In-district In-state Out-of-state |
North Hennepin Community College AS in Computer Science |
$5,640 | All students |
Scottsdale Community College AS, Emphasis in Computer Science |
$7,230 | All students |
Seminole State College of Florida AS in Computer Programming and Analysis |
$2,659 $9,760 |
Resident Non-resident |
Weber State University AAS in Computer Science |
$5,329 $15,746 |
Resident Non-resident |
*Includes mandatory fees
Why You Should Pursue a Computer Science Associate Degree Online
Pursuing a computer science associate degree is worth it, especially if you want to enter a career in tech. An associate degree only takes two years to complete, and if you enroll online, it can take even less time.
An online degree can also allow you to work a full-time job while still studying. You can study at any time of the day, depending on your schedule or preference. You will also have access to top resources for learning JavaScript and other programming languages.
Consider the following perks of pursuing an online Associate Degree in Computer Science.
- Flexible study schedules allow you to work a full-time job while studying.
- Most online programs are cheaper than in-person programs.
- You will have access to a variety of academic resources to help you.
What Are the Requirements for an Online Computer Science Associate Degree?
For an online computer science associate degree, all you need is a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Some schools will require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 or exceptional standardized test scores. You might also need to provide official transcripts and a personal statement or essay. It depends on the school, so be sure to do your research.
An associate degree can give you a solid foundation of essential computer science skills. Not only does this type of program prepare you for the job market, but it can also help you get ready for more advanced computer science undergraduate programs.
Top 10 Online Computer Science Associate Degrees: 2021 List
Before you apply for a certain program, you should do your research and decide whether it is right for you. Read below to learn more about the top online computer science associate degree programs in 2021.
Austin Community College | AAS in Computer Information Technology
Austin Community College offers many different online degree programs. You should consider this college because it has over 70,000 enrollments every year, meaning it’s a popular choice. ACC also has internship opportunities as part of its curriculum, which can help you get experience in the field.
If you’re interested in information technology, this school offers an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems. You can specialize in either software testing or web programming. This is a good option if you already know what area of computer science you want to study.
Cochise College | AAS in Computer Information Systems
Cochise County Community College District serves more than 3,672 students. You should consider this school if you want a fantastic online learning experience. The school offers video conferences, podcasting opportunities, and other off-campus resources.
This AAS program is designed to help you transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree. It can also help you penetrate the job market. Cochise College is a good choice because you can get an Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Business in a variety of computer science topics.
Houston Community College | AS in Computer Science
Houston Community College offers many different computer science degrees. You can study information systems, software development, database administration, and more. If you want to specialize in the field, HCC is the best choice.
One reason why you should consider this online CS associate degree is that it’s a popular choice for many students. This college has about 56,151 registered students. Houston Community College also offers financial aid, such as Pell grants and federal student loans, to help you with tuition costs.
Jamestown Community College | AS in Computer Science
The Associate of Science in Computer Science from Jamestown Community College is designed to equip you with the skills you need to get a great job. You can follow many different career paths, but the program focuses on web development and design.
You will learn a variety of programming languages such as Python, C/C++, SQL, and JavaScript. You will also design basic LAN using specific parameters and constraints. This program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours.
Lincoln Land Community College | AA in Computer Science
Lincoln Land Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award degrees. This school will teach you important topics in computer science such as programming, calculus, statistics, and discrete structures.
This program is special because it is an Associate of Arts, not an Associate of Science. This means that your electives will focus more on humanities. If you’re interested in learning topics like English and history along with computer science, this program from Lincoln Land Community College is a good choice.
Montgomery County Community College | AS in Computer Science
The Associate of Science in Computer Science offers hands-on training in standardized computer labs. This program offers a solid foundation if you are planning to advance in higher education. If you want to get a bachelor’s degree in Pennsylvania afterward, Montgomery is a good choice.
During your degree, you will learn computer information security, discrete mathematics, calculus, and analytic geometry. The program can be delivered online or in-person depending on your preferences. Either way, you will need 61 credits to complete the program.
North Hennepin Community College | AS in Computer Science
This program offered by North Hennepin Community College is designed to prepare you for the real world of computer science. You will learn programming languages, common software, object oriented programming, and more.
The course is offered both in-person and online. The program runs for two years and requires 60 credits to complete. North Hennepin is a good option because it also offers computer science certificates. These include game development, .NET programming, and web design.
Scottsdale Community College | AS, Emphasis in Computer Science
Scottsdale Community College has over 8,000 registered students. The Associate in Science with an Emphasis in Computer Science is a good choice because you can start the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. After that, you can enter a university and get your bachelor’s.
This degree is offered completely online, so you can study anywhere. All you need is an Internet connection, 60 credits, and a C grade to graduate. During your two-year period in school, you will learn essential computer science topics such as calculus, data structures, computer architecture, and assembly language programming.
Seminole State College of Florida | AS in Computer Programming and Analysis
You should consider Seminole State College because it is a popular choice for aspiring computer programmers. You can enroll in this associate degree program in person, online, or with a hybrid schedule. This makes it the perfect choice if you are unsure if you want to choose online or on-campus schooling.
The Associate in Science in Computer Programming and Analysis will teach you essential computer science topics. You will learn trigonometry, calculus, and computer programming. You need a total of 60 credits to complete the program.
Weber State University | AAS in Computer Science
Weber State University is another popular choice for computer science. The school has almost 30,000 registered students. Along with a comprehensive education, Weber also offers financial assistance and extensive career services.
At this school, you can also mix and match different study options to find the one that works for you. In the Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science program, you will learn how to use HTML, develop websites through programming, and analyze and design systems. It offers a hands-on education for real-world application.
Choosing the Right Online Computer Science Associate Degree Program
There are many things to consider before selecting an online computer science associate degree. If you are stuck, start by searching the top online colleges in 2020. You should decide which factors will affect your experience the most.
Below are some other important factors to consider when choosing the right associate degree program.
Study Options
You need to look at the school’s study schedules and determine whether they are flexible. If you have a full-time job, you must consider a part-time program to avoid affecting your work life. You should also check if you have access to resources for learning Python and other programming languages.
Curriculum
You need to go through the school’s curriculum before enrolling in an associate degree program. This can help you decide which topics are your priority. You should choose an option that will prepare you for the job market or a bachelor’s degree.
Accreditation
If you want to get an associate degree, you need to choose a school with proper accreditation. Most schools will state this information on their official websites. If you don’t see accreditation, you should probably look elsewhere. It could mean that the education isn’t up to standard.
What Can You Do With an Online Computer Science Associate Degree?
You can enter several careers with an online computer science associate degree. However, you should consider even higher education because most employers prefer hiring candidates with bachelor’s degrees.
With that said, below are some popular careers that you can pursue with an online computer science associate degree.
Web Developer
Average Salary: $77,200
Web developers build, design, and maintain websites. They do this by writing code using programming languages such as HTML. The entry-level requirements for web developers vary by employer. However, most successful web developers have at least an Associate Degree in Computer Science or a related field like software development.
Computer Programmer
Average Salary: $89,190
Computer programmers write code using several programming languages. This allows applications to function correctly. Programmers also test new apps to make sure they function as expected.
Database Administrator
Average Salary: $98,860
Database administrators work with software to organize and store data. Although most employers prefer hiring database administrators with bachelor’s degrees, some are also comfortable with associate degrees. You can become a database administrator as long as you have the right skills.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an Online Computer Science Associate Degree?
You can earn about $64,000 per year with a computer science associate degree, according to PayScale. Most careers in computer science are lucrative. You can get paid even more if you pursue a bachelor’s degree or get certifications.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) predicts that job opportunities in computer science and information technology will grow by 11 percent over the next decade. This is three times higher than the national average. The BLS also predicts that the demand will grow with the increase in cloud computing, big data, and information security.
Is an Online Computer Science Associate Degree Worth It in 2021?
Yes, an online computer science associate degree is worth it in 2021. This is a wide field with different career paths, and an online computer science degree will broaden your options. Not only that, but more companies are starting to automate and digitize their processes. As a result, the demand for computer science professionals will only grow.
An online Associate Degree in Computer Science is an excellent option if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the future. Since the program is online, you have access to flexible study options. Getting an online Associate Degree in Computer Science is worth it.