Computer science creates the digital architecture behind our daily life, from commerce to communication to entertainment.
Since our society strong demand in high-tech industries, it’s no surprise that computer and IT degrees are becoming extremely popular. In today’s technology-centric culture, more and more organizations rely on individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage information resources, solve crucial business problems, and offer strategic and tactical insights to support an organization’s functioning.
With a B.S in Computer Science, you will develop a strong sense of computer science fundamentals. The programs selected herein share an industry-defined core curriculum and offer a host of flexible course options such as different concentrations. You will learn how to design, implement, maintain, and evaluate computer programs and systems. Coursework usually include Web Page Development, Information Systems and Analysis Design, Internet Programming, Web Development Tools, Data structures and algorithms, Operating systems, and Software engineering.
Students with good aptitude in mathematics are particularly encouraged to choose the Computer Science specialty area.
Moreover, a degree in Computer Science prepares students for a wide range of jobs in industry such as applications programmer, software engineer, web developer, and systems analyst. Also, it prepares students for graduate school in the field of Computer Science.
Currently, computer science is one of the highest-paying industries in the world. The average pay for software developers is over $90,000 per year, and the average pay for computer and information research scientists is over $100,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Not only are computer science jobs projected to rise another 11 percent in the next seven years, the median pay for a computer and information scientist is over $110,000 annually.
For your convenience, we have gathered some of the most cost-effective, prestigious, and flexible online Bachelors in Computer Science.
Methodology:
- Affordability (1/3): the out-of-state tuition per credit hour (when applicable).
- Academic Prestige (1/3): a number of online-centered metrics including student faculty ratio, 6-year graduation rate, the percentage of students at the institution who take some online courses, and acceptance rates.
- Flexibility-enhancing features (1/3): the range and quality of flexibility-enhancing features including accelerated courses, prior learning experience,
1. Limestone College–Extended Campus
Limestone College–Extended Campus, started in 1845, is a private, Christian-based institution whose mission is to educate students from diverse backgrounds in the liberal arts and to offer career-focused degrees and offer access to higher education. The establishment sits on a suburban 125-acre campus with historic architecture and small town Southern charm in Gaffney, SC. Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Limestone–Extended Campus ranks #39 Regional Colleges South by U.S News & World Report and #14 Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2018. Limestone College–Extended Campus matriculates more than 13,000 students, guarantees a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, and 67.7% of classes cater to fewer than 20 students.
Limestone College–Extended Campus’ Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, depending on the chosen concentration, will prepare students to work in private and public government agencies and institutions that are demanding information technology workers educated and trained in the computer and information systems security field. The program will help students explore how information systems are used in business, manage information resources, build and maintain necessary software systems, or design and maintain websites and database systems. Available concentrations are: Computer & Information Systems Security, Information Technology, Programming, Web Development, and Database. The 123-credit-hour program requires 15 core courses that vary based on your concentration; a capstone and additional electives are needed to fulfill general degree requirements. The program provides prestige due to 81% full time faculty hold terminal degrees and Limestone is listed as one of the top 25 best online programs in the nation. Finally, the program provides affordability because of a $408 credit-hour cost.
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- Affordability: $408
- Flexibility Enhancing Components: Several Concentrations
2. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University (FHSU), started in 1902, is a public, the innovative and entrepreneurial university of the Midwest and a world leader in distance education a institution. The school can be found on a rural, cozy with a 3,825 acres farm, tree-filled campus 200-acre campus in Hays, KS–an historic town halfway between Kansas City and Denver. Also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, FHSU was ranked #15 (tie) Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and #Tier2 Regional Universities Midwest, Tier 2 in 2018 by U.S. News & World Report. Fort Hays State University registers about 12,045 undergraduate students, provides a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, and 46.5% of classes cater to fewer than 20 students.
Fort Hays State University’s online Computer Science curriculum equips students with the analytical, problem-solving, and technical skills to create software applications that successfully solve complex, real-world problems. The 120-credit-hour curriculum requires 39 major-related core and 24 elective courses that round out a curriculum that consists of three parts: general education, major core coursework including a capstone, and a Concentration Track in either Business or Networking. The program promises affordability because over 95% of FHSU students find a job or placement in graduate school after graduation; also, the program has a $194 credit-hour cost.
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- Affordability: $194
- Flexibility Enhancing Components: Several Concentrations
3. Lewis University
Lewis University, started in 1932, is a private, coed, Roman Catholic-affiliated institution with a Lasallian heritage that promotes the development of the complete person. The establishment can be found on a suburban, picturesque 410-acre campus in Romeoville, IL. Also accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Lewis was ranked #23 Regional Universities Midwest and #42 Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2018. Lewis University registers roughly 6,800 students, guarantees a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, and 68.6% of classes cater to less than than 20 students.
Lewis University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is an exclusively online, adult-accelerated bachelor’s degree program that equips students with the skills to succeed in the high-demand field of computer science. From programming languages, to networking, to helping companies collect, analyze, and secure the big data, students will even learn about developing mobile apps. The program takes a typical 4 years to complete, but an accelerated option is available for students who hold certain prerequisites. The 53-credit-hour core curriculum requires 31 core courses, and students can choose no concentration or a concentration in the following: Game and Simulation Programming, Cyber Security Operations, Pervasive Computing, Computational Theory, Data Science, and Networking. The program provides prestige because a majority of faculty members hold terminal degrees in their fields and are experienced professionals. Additionally, the program promises affordability because 97% of Lewis students receive some sort of financial aid. Finally, the program promises flexibility due to a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) that can earn students credit.
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- Affordability: Financial Aid
- Flexibility Enhancing Components: Prior Learning Assessment, Several Concentrations
4. DePaul University
DePaul University (DPU), established in 1898, is a private, co-ed, Roman-Catholic institution and the nation’s largest Catholic University. The school sits on a surprisingly verdant, 38-acre campus in the famous Loop of Chicago, IL–the other campus is right in the heart of downtown. Also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, DPU is currently ranked #124 Best National University by U.S. News & World Report. DePaul University enrolls approximately 16,000 undergraduate students, offers a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, and 35.3% of classes cater to fewer than 20 students.
DePaul University’s BS in Computer Science prepares participants to work in a wide variety of industries by combining aspects of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering. The program focuses on human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, computational finance, programming, and information systems–with an average completion time of 4 years. The 192-credit-hour program requires 22 core and 4 elective courses and two capstone experiences. Two concentrations are offered: Game Systems and Software Development. The program offers prestige because Computer Science students from DePaul have landed positions in major corporations such as Allstate, JPMorgan Chase, Google, Microsoft, and many more. Finally, the program guarantees flexibility through Software Development, Game Systems, and Software Engineering concentrations.
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- Affordability:
- Flexibility Enhancing Components: Several Concentrations
5. Trident University
Trident University International (TUI), started in 1998, is an online, private, proprietary, research-based institution and the university of choice for adult learners and, particularly, military–Trident has been officially recognized by Military Times as “Best for Vets”. Over 80% of faculty have a doctoral degree or the highest available degree in their field. The school operates administrative offices in Cypress, CA but no need to visit–everything is handled online. Accredited by the Western Association Of Schools And Colleges (WASC) Senior College And University Commission–the gold standard–TUI was the first fully-online university in the world so they have invaluable experience in distance learning. Trident University International registers approximately 6,197 students total, and guarantees a student-faculty ratio of 17:1.
Trident University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) will prepare students to design, implement, and evaluate computer programs and systems in government, business, industry, and nonprofit organizations. The 120-credit-hour curriculum requires 57 core and 12 elective courses that form a curriculum that is relevant and applicable to real life; the curriculum emphasizes advanced technologies that help secure information infrastructures and protect information from cyber attacks. Coursework covers areas such as ethical hacking, network security, cryptography, and digital forensics. The program concentration in Cybersecurity includes coursework in Networking & Data Communications; Human Computer Interaction; and Information Security & Technology. The program promises prestige due to a Best Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science ranking in 2016 by College Choice and a Great School For Adults ranking by Forbes in the same year. Additionally, the program offers affordability thanks to a $375 credit-hour cost. Finally, the program provides flexibility with a general curriculum or a cybersecurity concentration.
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- Affordability: $375
- Flexibility Enhancing Components: Cybersecurity Concentration
6. Regis University
Regis University (RU) is a co-ed, Jesuit university in New Mexico and was established in 1877. Soon after, it relocated to its present location in Denver, Colorado. Regis University is a community-oriented, military-friendly university recognized for its strong student support services, high-quality education, and prestige in the marketplace. In fact, Regis University’s ranking in the 2017 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, 23. One of the school’s strong points is its generous transfer-credit policy offering up to 90 credit hours transferable from regionally-accredited universities making it one of the most flexible programs on our list. Students can benefit from a small student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and personalized attention with 64.2% of classes having less than 20 students.
Regis University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is entirely online and prepares students to design and implement computational solutions to address social, political, environmental, scientific, medical, economic, and business problems while being socially responsible. Students will acquire fundamentals of computer science, analytical problem solving, experiential learning, entrepreneurial techniques, and critical thinking. The 120-credit-hour curriculum requires 27 major-related core and 11 elective courses with a balance of computing theory and practice while emphasizing experience in software development, programming, and computational thinking. The program offers prestige due to an accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET–a prestigious nonprofit accreditation body–and because Regis has received recognition for 19 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best colleges and universities in the nation. Finally, the program promises affordability with a $470 credit-hour cost.
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- Affordability: $470
- Flexibility Enhancing Components: N/A
7. Charleston Southern University
Charleston Southern University (CSU), founded in 1964, is a private, Christian, Baptist liberal arts institution and one of South Carolina’s largest accredited, independent universities in the country a nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving. The establishment occupies a suburban 300-acre campus in Charleston, South Carolina, ranked the No. 1 City in the World and No. 1 Travel Destination by the leading travel publications.–rich history, exceptional dining experience, and sandy beaches. Accredited by the Commission On Colleges Of The Southern Association Of Colleges And Schools Commission On Colleges–a (SACSCOC)–Charleston Southern was ranked #89 Regional Universities South by U.S. News & World Report in 2018. Charleston Southern University enrolls roughly 3,653 undergraduate students, offers a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, and 50.1% of classes cater to less than than 20 students.
Charleston Southern University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a challenging program that emphasizes computer languages and mathematical skills and will prepare students to work for prestigious organizations like the CIA, FBI, NASA, Pentagon, Sparq, Space and Naval Warfare Command (SPAWAR), Boeing, and Bank of America to name a few. The 125-credit-hour program requires 56 core and 16 elective courses where the curriculum integrates faith in learning. Beyond liberal arts core and electives requirements, the program requires computer science/mathematics courses such as Probability/Statistics, Data Structures, Computer Architecture, and others. The program promises prestige because CSU has been named a College of Distinction, has earned a U.S. News and World Report Best Online Program ranking, and has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Finally, the program provides affordability with an America’s 100 Best College Buys ranking and a $490 credit-hour cost.
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- Affordability: $490
- Flexibility Enhancing Components: N/A
8. University of Illinois–Springfield
The University of Illinois–Springfield (UIS), founded in 1969, is a public institution that can be found on an urban, 746-acre campus in Springfield, IL–the state capital, about 90 miles northeast of St. Louis, MO. Also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, UIS is ranked #64 Regional Universities Midwest and #60 Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2018. The University of Illinois matriculates about 2,959 undergraduate students, promises a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, and 51.2% of classes cater to less than than 20 students.
University of Illinois–Springfield’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science prepares students for challenging careers as professionals in the public and private sectors with a strong foundation in computer science and a deep understanding of the fundamental skills and core theories. Entrance requirements are 2 semesters of Java Programming Experience and 1 semester of each of the following: Calculus, Discrete or Finite Math, and Statistics. The 120-credit-hour program requires 24 core and 12 elective courses where core sample courses include: Computer Organization, Data Structures & Algorithms, Foundations of Computer Science, Operating Systems, Programming Languages, and a Software Engineering Capstone. Additionally, students are required to take a minimum of 10 hours of an Engaged Citizenship Common Experience program. The program offers affordability due to a $358 credit-hour cost.
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- Affordability: $358
- Flexibility Enhancing Components: N/A
9. Oregon State University
Oregon State University (OSU), established in 1868, is a leading public research institution in the northwest, located in Corvallis, OR and the largest university in the state. The school occupies a 422-acre campus in the heart of Willamette Valley–known for its world class wineries. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), OSU is currently ranked #143 Best National Universities and #95 Best College for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report. Oregon State University matriculates about 24,612 undergraduate students, offers a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, and 27.9% of classes cater to fewer than 20 students.
Oregon State University’s B.S in Computer Science is delivered entirely online–although it is a very rigorous post-baccalaureate degree program, no previous computer science training is required. The program is designed to prepare students to meet the needs of industry for computer science professionals: gain knowledge and skills in programming fundamentals, software engineering, computer systems & networking, mobile & web development, and user interfaces. Notably, the program offers 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-year options. The 60-credit-hour curriculum requires 14 core courses that will equip students in the areas of software engineering, mobile & web development, and databases. Major courses sample topics include: Programming Fundamentals & Software Engineering, Computer Systems & Networking, Databases, Usability, and Mobile & Web Development. One math course is required which includes topics in boolean and relational algebra, graph theory, inductive proofs, and combinatorics and provides the mathematical foundation necessary for software development. The program promises prestige because OSU’s Ecampus was ranked among the top 10 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report for the third year in a row. Finally, the program provides affordability because of a $470 credit-hour cost.
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- Affordability: $470
- Flexibility Enhancing Components: N/A
10. Park University
Park University, started in 1875, is a private, non-profit institution and a national leader in higher education serving non-traditional adults. The career development center offers placement services, tutoring, advice, resources , and networking events to help you advance your career. The establishment can be found on a suburban, 700-acre campus featuring a mixture of historic and modern facilities in Parkville, MO–a suburb of Kansas City. Also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Park currently ranks Tier 2 Regional Universities Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Park University matriculates roughly 11,500 undergraduate students, provides a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, and 90% of classes cater to fewer than 20 students.
Park University’s Bachelor of Science in Information and Computer Science (ICS) is an online program that will help students gain proficiency in computer technologies, programming languages, and methodologies. Primary objectives are to design and implement programs that utilize data structures, operating systems concepts, and data management solutions. Additionally, learn to develop your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, ethical frameworks, and team collaboration. The 120-credit-hour curriculum requires 21 core courses after which students choose specialty in Computer Science concentration 36-37 credit-hours and includes Programming Fundamentals, Computer Architecture, Computer Network Securities, Data Structures, and Operating Systems. Students may choose one or more concentration areas from these four options: Software Development, Networking & Security, Data Management, and Information Technology. The program guarantees affordability with a $396 credit-hour cost.
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- Affordability: $396
- Flexibility Enhancing Components:
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