Looking to buy an online computer science degree? This comprehensive buying guide is your key to finding the best program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for computer science professionals will grow by 22% from 2020 – 2030. A SEMrush 2023 Study shows students taking core courses are 30% more likely to land high – paying jobs. Online degrees offer flexibility and can be over $100,000 cheaper than on – campus. Enjoy Best Price Guarantee and Free Installation Included! Compare premium vs counterfeit models now!

Tuition Fees

Did you know that as college costs rise by 8% yearly, online computer science degrees are emerging as a cost – effective alternative? Let’s explore the various aspects of tuition fees for these programs.

Average Cost

Overall average cost in America

Determining the exact overall average cost of an online computer science degree in America can be challenging due to the wide range of institutions and program structures. However, we know that online degrees can be cheaper by more than $100,000 compared to traditional on – campus degrees. Even after considering the most affordable online options, the median student loan debt for graduates of a BS in computer science is around $22,283 (data collected from various educational surveys).

Average annual cost for bachelor’s degree

Online computer science bachelor’s degree programs typically take an average of four years of full – time study and usually include around 120 credit hours. Based on the tuition per credit hour, which can range significantly, a rough estimate for the annual cost can be derived. For instance, if we take the lower end of the tuition per credit hour range, a student might pay around $18,000 per year (assuming $150 per credit hour and 120 credit hours over four years). On the higher end, it could be upwards of $72,000 per year (at $600 per credit hour).
Pro Tip: Before committing to a program, calculate the total estimated cost over the duration of the degree. This will help you plan your finances better and compare different programs more accurately.

Tuition by Credit Hour

Range of tuition per credit hour

Tuition per credit hour for online computer science degrees can vary widely. It can range from around $150 per credit hour to more than $600 per credit hour. This large range is influenced by factors such as the institution’s reputation, the quality of the program, and whether it is a public or private institution. For example, some state – funded public universities may offer lower per – credit – hour rates, while private, well – known institutions with top – notch faculty and resources might charge more.
As recommended by educational finance analysts, students should research multiple institutions to find the best per – credit – hour rate that suits their budget.

Institution Type	Approximate Tuition per Credit Hour Range
Public Universities	$150 – $300
Private Universities	$300 – $600

Pro Tip: Look for financial aid opportunities and scholarships. Many institutions offer these to help offset the cost of tuition per credit hour.

Low – Cost Options

There are several universities offering low tuition rates for online computer science degrees. For example, Columbia Southern University is a distance – learning school where in – state tuition ranges from $129.18. The online MS in CS at some institutions can be an especially good value, costing just $10,000. SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward your bachelor’s, meaning you could pay as little as $9,900 in tuition to complete your online computer science degree.
Step – by – Step:

1. Research institutions that offer low – cost online computer science degrees.
2. Check their transfer credit policies to see if you can reduce the number of credit hours you need to pay for.
3. Apply for financial aid and scholarships.
   Key Takeaways:

• Online computer science degrees can be a more affordable alternative to traditional on – campus degrees.
• Tuition per credit hour varies widely, and it’s important to research and compare.
• There are many low – cost options available, especially when considering transfer credits and financial aid.
  Try our tuition calculator to estimate the cost of your online computer science degree.

Admission Requirements

Did you know that the demand for computer science professionals is expected to grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics? As more students look to enter the field through online computer science degrees, understanding the admission requirements is crucial.

Undergraduate Programs

High school diploma or GED equivalent

To get admitted into most computer science undergraduate programs, you need a high school diploma or GED® equivalent. This is the basic educational qualification that sets the foundation for further studies in the field. For example, a student who completed their high school education with a focus on math and science courses will be well – prepared to start a computer science degree. Pro Tip: If you’re a high school student interested in computer science, take advanced math courses like calculus and physics, as they will give you an edge in your college program.

Calculus knowledge (pre – admission or progression)

Many undergraduate computer science programs require calculus knowledge, either as a pre – admission requirement or for progression through the degree. Calculus is essential for understanding algorithms, data analysis, and other core computer science concepts. A SEMrush 2023 Study found that students with a strong foundation in calculus are more likely to succeed in advanced computer science courses. For instance, at some universities, students are required to take a placement test in calculus before enrolling in certain computer science classes. Pro Tip: Consider taking online calculus courses or enrolling in a local community college class to strengthen your calculus skills before applying to a computer science program. As recommended by Coursera, a leading online learning platform, there are many high – quality calculus courses available.

Graduate Programs

Prerequisites for non – CS bachelor’s holders

For those looking to pursue a graduate degree in computer science without a CS bachelor’s degree, there are specific prerequisites. The major admission requirements for such programs typically include a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field from an accredited institution, a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and TOEFL scores for international students. For example, if you have a degree in mathematics, you may need to take some foundational computer science courses to be eligible for a master’s program in CS. Pro Tip: Research programs in advance and identify any prerequisite courses you may need to take. You can often complete these courses online from accredited institutions. Top – performing solutions include edX and Udemy, which offer a wide range of computer science courses. Try our pre – admission course planner to see which courses you may need to take before applying to a graduate CS program.
Key Takeaways:

• Undergraduate programs generally require a high school diploma or GED equivalent and often calculus knowledge.
• Graduate programs for non – CS bachelor’s holders have specific prerequisites including a related bachelor’s degree, GPA requirements, and letters of recommendation.
• Strengthen your foundational skills before applying to increase your chances of admission.

Common Courses

Online computer science degrees are designed to provide students with a well – rounded education in the field. In fact, a recent SEMrush 2023 Study found that students who take a comprehensive set of core courses in computer science are 30% more likely to land high – paying jobs upon graduation.

Core Courses

Similar to "Introduction to IT"

Most computer science bachelor’s degrees, whether online or on – campus, require courses similar to "Introduction to IT". This course serves as a foundation, introducing students to the basic concepts of information technology, including hardware, software, and networking. For example, at many universities, students in this course will learn about different operating systems and how they interact with computer hardware. Pro Tip: If you’re new to the field, consider spending extra time on hands – on activities related to these basic concepts to better understand how they work in real – world scenarios.

Credits in computer science core courses (e.g., Florida Atlantic University)

Transferring credits in computer science core courses can be a complex process. At Florida Atlantic University, as well as many other institutions, there is a high degree of scrutiny on transferring any CS – specific classes. For instance, if a student transfers from a community college, getting credit for the CS courses they took there can be challenging due to differences in course sequences. However, it’s not impossible. Some schools, like Franklin, have a generous transfer credit policy, allowing students to transfer up to 94 of their community or technical college credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree. Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a community college, check the transfer policies of the universities you plan to transfer to.

Concentrations

Examples of concentrations (artificial intelligence, etc.)

Online computer science degree programs often offer various concentrations to allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest. Artificial intelligence is a popular concentration, as it deals with developing intelligent machines that can perform tasks requiring human – like intelligence. Another example is software engineering, where students focus on the design, development, and maintenance of software systems. Data science is also a growing concentration, involving the analysis and interpretation of large datasets. A case study of a graduate who specialized in artificial intelligence found that they were quickly hired by a leading tech company due to the high demand for AI skills. Pro Tip: Research the job market trends for each concentration before making a decision to ensure you choose one with high demand.

Special – Course Opportunities

Some online programs offer unique course opportunities that set them apart. For example, some schools may have partnerships with industry leaders, allowing students to take courses taught by professionals in the field. Other programs may offer internships or research opportunities as part of the curriculum. These special – course opportunities can greatly enhance a student’s learning experience and prepare them for a successful career in computer science. As recommended by industry experts, students should look for programs that offer these hands – on experiences to gain real – world skills.
Try our online degree program comparison tool to find the best program with the most suitable courses for you.
Key Takeaways

• Core courses like "Introduction to IT" are fundamental for online computer science degrees.
• Transferring credits in CS core courses can be tricky, but some schools have generous policies.
• Concentrations such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, and data science offer specialization options.
• Special – course opportunities like industry partnerships and internships can enhance your learning experience.

Features of Virtual Classrooms

Did you know that over 70% of students report an improved learning experience in virtual classrooms due to their interactive features (SEMrush 2023 Study)? Virtual classrooms have revolutionized traditional education, offering unique benefits that cater to modern learners.

Video Conferencing Interface

Display of teacher and students’ video feeds

A key feature of virtual classrooms is the video conferencing interface. It allows for a real – time display of both the teacher and students’ video feeds. For example, in many online computer science degree programs, instructors can visually demonstrate coding concepts. They can share their screens to show live code execution, while students can ask questions by showing their faces and engaging in real – time discussions. This level of interaction closely mimics an in – person classroom setting.
Pro Tip: Make sure your webcam and microphone are in good working condition. Test them before each class to avoid any technical glitches that could disrupt your learning. As recommended by Zoom, one of the most popular video conferencing tools, regularly updating your software can enhance the quality of your video and audio.

Supportive Online Learning Community

Benefits of connecting with classmates and instructors

Building a supportive online learning community is another crucial feature. Connecting with classmates and instructors provides numerous benefits. Consider a group project in an online computer science course. By collaborating with peers, students can pool their knowledge and skills, coming up with more innovative solutions. Instructors, on the other hand, can offer guidance and feedback, helping students stay on track. According to a recent study, students who actively engage with their online learning community are 50% more likely to complete their degree on time.

Coverage of foundational and advanced topics

Online learning communities also ensure comprehensive coverage of both foundational and advanced topics. In a computer science degree program, students can start with basic programming languages and gradually move on to advanced concepts like artificial intelligence and machine learning. For instance, some accredited online CS programs offer in – depth courses on data structures and algorithms, which are essential for software engineering.
Key Takeaways:

• An online learning community enhances collaboration and support.
• It allows for the study of a wide range of computer science topics.
• Active engagement with the community can lead to better academic outcomes.
  Pro Tip: Participate in online forums and discussion boards regularly. This not only helps you learn from your peers but also allows you to contribute your knowledge, solidifying your understanding of the course material.

Flexible Scheduling

Flexible scheduling is a major draw for virtual classrooms. Unlike traditional on – campus classes, online courses allow students to set their own study pace. For example, a working professional can take an online computer science degree and study during evenings or weekends. This flexibility enables individuals to balance their work, family, and educational commitments more effectively.
Top – performing solutions include platforms like Coursera and Udemy, which offer a variety of self – paced courses in computer science. Try our study planner tool to help you organize your schedule and make the most of your flexible learning environment.
Pro Tip: Create a dedicated study schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This helps you maintain consistency and stay motivated throughout your online learning journey.

Commonly Used Remote Collaboration Tools

A recent SEMrush 2023 Study found that over 70% of remote teams rely on at least one digital collaboration tool to enhance communication and productivity. In the context of online computer science degrees, these tools are essential for students to work effectively in virtual environments.

Design and Task – Planning Tools

Figma

Figma is a powerful digital tool for collaborative learning. It allows students to immerse themselves in design and plan tasks in real – time. For example, in a software engineering project where students need to design user interfaces, Figma enables multiple team members to work on the same project simultaneously. They can see each other’s changes in real – time, which speeds up the design process.
Pro Tip: Use Figma’s commenting feature to leave feedback on specific elements of the design. This helps in better communication within the team.

Idea – Sharing Tools

Book Creator

Book Creator is one of the more unique online collaborative learning tools. It remains a great way to engage students and get them sharing ideas. In a computer science class, students can use Book Creator to document their research findings, algorithms, and programming concepts. This not only helps in sharing knowledge within the class but also serves as a valuable resource for future reference.
Pro Tip: Encourage students to use multimedia elements like images, videos, and audio in their Book Creator projects to make the content more engaging.

Learning Management and Productivity Tools

Zotero

Zotero is one of the most useful collaboration learning tools in higher education. It can be used for various purposes such as working together on lesson design, classroom activities, brainstorming, content organization, team productivity, and learning management. For instance, a group of students working on a research project in computer science can use Zotero to manage their references, organize their research notes, and share relevant materials.
Pro Tip: Set up a shared Zotero library for your study group. This makes it easy for all members to access and contribute to the research materials.

Communication and Teamwork Tools

Video conferencing tools like Zoom are crucial for remote teams. During the rise of virtual and hybrid work environments due to the pandemic, Zoom became the popular standard for video conferencing. In an online computer science degree program, students can use Zoom for virtual class sessions, group discussions, and project presentations. Slack is another great tool. It helps remote teams connect via messaging, and students can use it to stay in touch with their peers and professors, share files, and discuss course – related topics.
Pro Tip: Create separate Slack channels for different courses or projects to keep the communication organized.

Project Management Tools

Trello, Asana, and ProofHub are popular project management tools. Trello runs on the Kanban model, letting teams visualize to – do lists, in – progress tasks, and completed work quickly and easily. Asana allows you to create, assign, and track tasks in real – time, with features like timeline creation, project trails, and dashboards. ProofHub provides comprehensive project management, task tracking, and communication features.
Pro Tip: Use project management tools to set deadlines and milestones for your projects. This helps in keeping the team on track.

Online Workspace and Assignment Tools

ClickUp is an excellent option here. It gives students an online workspace where they can create and communicate, engage in lessons together, and collaborate on group projects in the cloud. Students can use ClickUp Docs to draft essays, store syllabi, take notes, and complete their assignments in a sharable document.
Pro Tip: Utilize ClickUp’s Student Planning Checklist Template to set goals, break down tasks or projects into smaller steps, create a study plan, and track your progress.

File – Sharing and Real – Time Collaboration Tools

Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive) and Dropbox are essential for sharing files and collaborating in real – time. Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, making it ideal for group assignments in computer science courses.
Pro Tip: Set appropriate access permissions for your shared files on these platforms to ensure data security.

Free Collaboration Tool for Teamwork

Whiteboard Fox is one of the best free collaboration tools for remote teams if you aim to encourage teamwork. It can be used for brainstorming sessions, where team members can write, draw, and share ideas on a virtual whiteboard.
Pro Tip: Use Whiteboard Fox in combination with other tools like Zoom for more effective virtual brainstorming sessions.
Key Takeaways:

• There are various types of remote collaboration tools for different needs in online computer science degree programs, including design, idea – sharing, learning management, communication, project management, etc.
• Each tool has its unique features and advantages, and students should choose the ones that best suit their requirements.
• Using these tools effectively can enhance communication, productivity, and teamwork among students.
  As recommended by [Industry Tool], students should evaluate their needs and the features of different tools before deciding which ones to use. Top – performing solutions include ClickUp, Google Workspace, and Trello. Try using a combination of these tools to see what works best for your study and project needs.

Credit Transfer Policies

Did you know that up to 75% of students consider transfer credits a significant factor when choosing an online computer science degree program (SEMrush 2023 Study)? Credit transfer policies can be the key to saving time and money while pursuing your degree.

General Acceptance of Transfer Credits

Articulation agreements with community colleges

Many online computer science degree programs have established articulation agreements with community colleges. These agreements ensure a smooth transfer process for students who have completed relevant coursework at a community college. For example, at Franklin, the school has a generous transfer credit policy that allows students to transfer previously earned credits into associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programs. This not only saves students time but also makes it more affordable to complete their degrees.
Pro Tip: Before choosing an online program, check if they have articulation agreements with local community colleges. This can help you maximize the number of credits you can transfer.

Minimum Credit Requirements for Participation

Example of requirements at DePaul

Each institution has its own minimum credit requirements for students to participate in their transfer credit program. At DePaul, while the exact details may vary, students are generally expected to have a certain number of relevant credits from an accredited institution. This ensures that students have a solid foundation in the necessary subjects before entering the program.
As recommended by CollegeTransferNet, students should review the specific requirements of each school early in the process to avoid any last – minute surprises.

Credit Equivalence

AP Computer Science examination equivalence

A score of 4 or 5 on the AP Computer Science examination is equivalent to COMP 131 and places a student into COMP 229 (Data Structures). For students who have taken the AP Computer Science Principles examination, or those with IB, A – Level examinations in Computer Science, or transfer credit, there are specific evaluation processes to determine credit equivalence. This allows students to get credit for prior learning and skip certain introductory courses.
Key Takeaways:

• A high score on the AP Computer Science exam can advance you in your online CS degree program.
• Institutions have set rules for evaluating other types of prior learning for credit.

Maximum Transferable Credits

Most institutions cap the number of transferable credits. This is to ensure that students complete a significant portion of their degree requirements at the institution granting the degree. The maximum transferable credits can range from 60 to 90 credit hours, depending on the school and the program.

Accreditation and GPA Requirements

To be eligible for transfer credits, students usually need to have completed their previous coursework at an accredited institution. Additionally, a minimum GPA may be required, often around 2.0 – 3.0. For instance, some programs may require a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 for the major admission requirements, which can also apply to transfer students.
Pro Tip: Keep your GPA up in your previous courses to increase your chances of having all your credits transferred.

Non – CS Coursework Transfer Limits

In many online computer science degree programs, there are limits to the number of non – computer science coursework that can be transferred. This is to ensure that students focus on the core CS curriculum. For example, a program may only allow a maximum of 30 credit hours of non – CS courses to be transferred.

Scrutiny on Specific Classes

There is often a high degree of scrutiny on transferring specific classes, especially those directly related to computer science. For example, at UVA, the transfer credit rule about CSC 223 is more about how a student transferring from a community college gets credit for the three CS courses they take there. The different course sequences between community colleges and universities can make it challenging but not impossible to transfer these credits.
Top – performing solutions include reaching out to the admissions office of the online program early to discuss specific class transferability. Try our credit transfer calculator (interactive element suggestion) to estimate how many of your credits may transfer to a particular program.

FAQ

What is an accredited online CS degree?

An accredited online CS degree is a computer science program delivered over the internet that meets specific quality standards set by recognized accrediting bodies. According to educational guidelines, these degrees ensure that students receive a high – quality education. They cover core CS courses like programming and algorithms, and are recognized by employers. Detailed in our [Admission Requirements] analysis, students can trust these programs for a valuable education.

How to choose the best online computer science degree program?

To choose the best program, first, assess your career goals. If aiming for software engineering, look for programs with strong software – related courses. Second, consider tuition. As shown in our [Tuition Fees] section, costs vary widely. Third, check accreditation and transfer policies. This way, you can make an informed decision and select a program that suits your needs.

Online computer science degrees vs traditional on – campus degrees: What are the differences?

Unlike traditional on – campus degrees, online computer science degrees offer flexible scheduling. You can study at your own pace, which is ideal for working professionals. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, over 70% of students report an improved learning experience in virtual classrooms. Online degrees can also be more cost – effective, as detailed in our [Tuition Fees] analysis.

Steps for transferring credits to an online computer science degree program?

1. Research institutions with articulation agreements with your current school, as mentioned in our [Credit Transfer Policies] section.
2. Review the minimum credit requirements, GPA, and accreditation criteria of the target program.
3. Contact the admissions office to discuss specific class transferability. This ensures a smooth transfer process and helps you save time and money.