Best Online Bachelors in Computer Science Degrees Requirements | University HQ | (800) 793-5011

Are you considering a career in computer science? If you enjoy working with computers and have an aptitude for learning how new technology works quickly, a bachelor’s degree in computer science may be a good fit for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 12% from 2018 to 2028. That’s much faster than the average for all other occupations.

PROS

• There are several reasons people choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science. First and foremost, it’s usually the entry-level degree for the field. Most employers expect candidates to have, at a minimum, successfully completed an undergraduate program in computer science or a related field. While some entry-level positions are available to those with associate degrees, these jobs typically pay less and offer fewer opportunities for advancement in the future. Those without an undergraduate degree should also realize they will be competing with those who do have one, potentially making it even more difficult to find employment.

• Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science is essential for individuals interested in pursuing team leading and management positions. The most advanced employment opportunities generally require candidates to possess a master’s degree, which cannot be attained without first earning a bachelor’s degree.

• Additionally, many computer science professionals require one or more certifications to be successful or advance in the field. While requirements vary, it is not uncommon for certifying bodies to limit candidates based on level of education. A bachelor’s is usually the minimum requirement for these.

CONS

• There are a few reasons some may hesitate to earn a bachelor’s in computer science instead of settling for an associate degree. One factor is time in school. Most full-time undergraduate students need at least four years to complete the coursework. Part-time students may need up to six years to meet graduation requirements. It is important to realize, however, that an associate degree is not enough formal education to qualify candidates for many jobs in the field. You may gain entry only to find that you are stuck in a low-level position.

• It is also worth noting that many computer science professionals pursue graduate degrees. This often makes it easier to find work, ensures qualification for certifications, and increases salary prospects. Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that employers tend to pay employees more when they have graduate degrees. Not only do professionals with a master’s degree make more money each year, but they also become more marketable. While a bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum education requirement, it may not be enough to secure the higher-level job or pay you desire.

Certificate Vs. Bachelor’s

While undergraduate degrees and certifications both offer many career benefits, there are some distinctions worth noting. Bachelor’s degree programs are offered by higher education institutions, whereas certification programs are generally offered by associations, product vendors, or software firms. Degrees are intended to offer a holistic view of the field and cover a wide variety of related topics, as well as including a general education experience. Certifications, on the other hand, expect professionals to verify a specific set of skills to ensure proficiency in a single component or area.

For many computer science professionals, both an undergraduate degree and certifications are necessary for a successful career in the long run. Every job will have different requirements and the decision of which certifications to earn will be largely based on your ultimate occupational goals. Pay close attention to certification program requirements, as many require you to already possess a bachelor’s degree.

There are also some professional or master’s certificate programs available, but enrollment is limited to individuals who have already completed an undergraduate degree and sometimes even a master’s degree. This type of program is intended to further build on a foundation in computer science as a whole, but often the majority of instruction is focused in a specific area or even a specific program or vendor product.

What Computer Science Degrees are Available?

There are two primary types of computer science bachelor’s degrees available. Specific program titles will vary from institution to institution, but most colleges and universities offer Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degree options. While all of these programs help to prepare graduates for employment in the field, there are several important differences you should be aware of.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

BA programs are generally designed to offer exposure to a variety of liberal arts subjects, including humanities, English, social sciences, and foreign languages. They are flexible and easily customizable with elective course options. Because of this focus on other disciplines, students tend to take fewer credits directly linked to computer science.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

BS programs, on the other hand, are usually more focused on a specific scientific or technical subject. The primary concentration is on building practical expertise, so less time is spent exploring liberal arts subjects. Because programs generally require more credits in computer science, students have fewer opportunities to explore topics outside of their major.

The type of computer science degree you choose will ultimately depend on the job you hope to attain. Some example programs include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

• Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Science

• Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science

• Bachelor of Security in Computer Science

 Admission Requirements to Enter a Computer Science B.S. Program

Most colleges and universities have requirements that potential undergraduate students must complete before being admitted. Every institution is different, but the most common requirements include:

• Official High School Transcripts

• Application and Fees

• Letters of Recommendation

• Personal Statement or Supplemental Essay

• Scores from College Entrance Exams (SAT, ACT, etc.)

Depending on your institution, there may also be a number of program entrance requirements. Some programs only accept sophomores or juniors who have already completed their general education and have certain course prerequisites. These vary but may need to be completed before officially designating computer science as your major. Prerequisite courses are usually basic, classes you will take at any liberal arts school.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science?

Generally speaking, most bachelor’s degrees in computer science take approximately four years for full-time students to complete. Traditional programs usually consist of 120 credit hours of coursework, or approximately 40 college courses. It is important to note that some institutions offer accelerated degree programs, often designed to help students earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously and in less time. Some high schools also offer college credit for certain courses, which can shorten the graduation timeframe.

t is important to realize, however, that students enrolled part-time are unlikely to graduate within four years. Those taking only a few classes per semester typically graduate within five to eight years.

What Can I Do With a Computer Science Degree?

At any level (associate’s, bachelor’s, or masters), a computer science degree is lucrative. This career field is much in demand as companies all across the U.S. continue embracing technology and moving more and more of their operations to computers, servers, and the cloud.

At the associate’s level, you can easily earn more than $36,000; at the bachelor’s level, close to $54,999; and at the master’s level, a little more than $96,000.

What are the Highest Paying Jobs with a Computer Science Degree?

Computer Science Fields of Study

• As a computer hardware engineer, you are responsible for researching, designing, developing and testing new computer systems and their components (processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers). You create the schematics for the system to be built, then test the hardware. You also analyze the test results and make any needed modifications.

• Computer engineers also solve problems using spreadsheets and databases. Working for a large company, you’ll target any problems that are slowing or stopping the functions of the computer system. You’ll also handle data effectively, perform computational analysis, and assist with decision support.

• Digital Storytelling allows people to tell stories by using computer-based tools. These are also called computer-based narratives, digital documentaries, digital essays, interactive storytelling, and electronic memoirs. If this is your field, you’ll work within community centers, libraries, schools, and businesses. You’ll assist teachers, students, and educators to create and tell the stories.

• In web application development, you will be responsible for creating technologies that allow people to learn, carry out business, and keep control over their daily lives. Electronic calendars and alarm apps come to mind. With all of this, the Internet has become the basis for businesses.

• Artificial Intelligence is a relatively new and still highly experimental field. Businesses and individuals use AI in their daily lives, where various systems aid us in learning, finding needed information, and using what we find to make educated decisions. Apps such as Siri and Alexa are considered to be AI.

• Data mining helps professionals to find relationships and patterns embedded in data. Computer science professionals who specialize in data mining principles assist other professionals in finding the data, analyzing it, then converting it into usable information for the company.

• Software engineering powers all our electronic devices, such as music players, microwave ovens, cellphones, personal computers, tablets, e-readers and even huge mainframe computers that government organizations rely on. Software engineering relies on algorithms that inform the device about all the various procedures they should perform.

Computer Science Careers and Salary

Computer support specialists are becoming more and more important with every year that passes. They provide support to businesses and governments and aid organizations and users. For governments and worldwide companies, they provide computer network support and give technical assistance.

Computer science professionals in different occupations earn salaries at differing rates. For instance, computer support specialists earn $52,810 as a median annual salary while computer and information research analysts earn much more at $114,520.

The difference in annual pay comes from the computer science concentrations each professional chose while in college. Computer support specialists provide technical help and advice for individuals and organizations. Computer and information research scientists go much deeper in their knowledge and the work they do. They invent and design new types of computing technology. In addition, they develop new and innovative uses for technology that already exists. They also solve complex problems in computing for several areas, such as medicine, business, government, and science.

CS Career Options

• Computer Network Architects help design and build data communication networks (local area networks and wide area networks). The connections may be small or large, such as cloud infrastructure to aid multiple customers. They are expected to hold bachelor’s degrees before they are hired for these positions.

• Computer Programmers write the code that helps to interpret what we want to do, such as research or logging into social media and interacting with others. When software developers and engineers send them program designs for specific apps or software, programmers take those designs and convert them into instructions a computer will reliably follow.

• Computer Systems Analysts (or architects) carefully examine a company’s current computer systems so they can recommend and design solutions to aid the company in becoming more efficient. They are required to bring IT and business together. This means they have to communicate closely with and understand the needs of the company and understand the limitations the company and IT bring to the equation.

• Information Systems Analysts are tasked with planning security measures, then carrying them out so that an organization’s networks and systems are protected. As the number of networks and cyberattacks increase, the work of the systems analyst grows, keeping them constantly busy. Cyberattacks may originate from foreign countries, compromising a company’s secrets or the electric grid.

• Web Developers can do their work once they have earned an associate degree. They help to design and create new websites, monitoring the look of the new sites they have created. Developers monitor the technical performance of websites, such as load speed and capacity. They may also create site content.

Bachelor's programs in computer technology (CS) cover the theoretical and also mathematical bases of computer. Schools offer numerous level titles, including bachelor of arts in computer technology, bachelor of applied scientific research study in computer science, and also bachelor of computer in computer technology. Organizations may additionally provide interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees that enable CS students to incorporate passions, such as a bachelor of mathematics in computer technology, a bachelor of technology in computer clinical research study as well as design, or a bachelor of style in computer system clinical study.

However, provided the breadth of the CS technique, bachelor's programs can vary substantially in relation to focus as well as also offered expertise. As an example, some programs could greatly emphasize math, needing programs in locations such as calculus, statistics, possibility, and additionally distinct math. Pupils usually reach pick from a range of electives as well as additionally expertise in locations containing info interactions, software program application screening, operating systems, as well as computer system networking.

Different other students may go after field of know-hows in artificial understanding, real-time computer, or computer graphics. A bachelor's degree in CS is extremely useful and likewise prepares trainees for varied CS as well as additionally IT careers. Prospective features for grads contain software application programmer, equipment designer, computer systems or details safety and security specialist, and network designer. Graduates could additionally select to seek a pertinent master's level, which is a common demand for computer system as well as additionally information research study researchers.

All programs required to be completely authorized and also have a minimum of 300 pupils. Suggested by retention price Shown by graduation rate Suggested by acceptance rate Shown by registration rate Suggested by percent of computer technology majors keep in mind: All aspects ranked just as; suggesting that the general position is based on the mean of these 5 indicators.

The university opened its doors in 1861 as well as also currently houses 7 academic institutions. Stanford's bachelor's degree in computer technology includes 15 credit history hrs of required computer technology classes on subjects like computer system firms and additionally systems, principles of computer systems, in addition to design and also evaluation of formulas. Students likewise complete 25 credit score rating hrs of computer technology deepness training courses in expert system, bio computation, computer style, or graphics.

The undergraduate computer technology educational program additionally consists of a senior task. Pupils might finish a software program application task, developing comprehensive research study task, software application task experience with business partners, or user interface style job. Included in 1861, MIT continues to be specialized to its beginning purpose to enhance the globe through education and learning, study, as well as advancement.

Structure on requirement coursework in calculus in addition to computer system science concepts, the bachelor's degree in computer system science at Fight each other needs coursework in design and also evaluation of formulas, information frameworks, and computer system firm along with programs. As part of the computer science core educational program, students research study os, information resources, computer system defense, and also progressed statistics and likewise math.

Initial programs concentrate on data structures, proceeded shows, as well as also principles of computer technology. Core training programs include computation concept, computer system firm, shows languages, in addition to algorithm layout as well as assessment. Trainees additionally total asked for mathematics courses. Learners select from elective coursework in sophisticated topics such as operating systems, compiler format, in addition to expert system.

Scholarships

• School of Engineering Scholarships

Covers several scholarships for students in the School of Engineering—including computer science students. These are internal scholarships for the School of Engineering and include SOE Summer Undergraduate Scholarships and National Science Foundation scholarships. (Funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation.)

• S-STEM Scholarships (formerly CSEMS)

This National Science Foundation-funded scholarship supports students identified as Appalachian High Achievers in STEM. This scholarship is aimed at those students with financial need and academic talent who plan to major in computer science, chemistry, geology, physics, or applied mathematics. This program works to provide a safe, nurturing environment that encourages scholastic excellence.

• Computer Science Scholarship

This scholarship was designed to encourage academic interest in computer science. The selected applicant must be enrolled full-time as a rising junior or senior majoring in computer science. Students must maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.5; cumulative GPA must be a minimum of 3.0 for all courses in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. A letter of application is required from a Mathematical Sciences faculty member.

• Mark Nesiba Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Women in Computing

This scholarship is open to women only. Students who are applying for this scholarship must be majoring in computer science with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Although it isn’t mandatory, the scholarship department prefers that students be Hispanic. Women who apply should qualify for financial aid after filling out and submitting their FAFSA.

Choosing an Accredited College

Accredited universities, whether you’re studying on campus, online, or in a hybrid program, seek accreditation so they can ensure the faculty they hire to teach their students will be of the highest quality. They also want to be sure that the programs are as well-created as possible, so that students will benefit from the latest and most reliable information as they learn about their chosen field.

As you weigh your options, speak to the admissions offices of each university you’re considering. Include a question about the school’s accreditation status, who has accredited it and whether the computer science program you’re considering is accredited.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits computer science, engineering, and engineering technology programs. When you find that the program is ABET-accredited, you’ll know you’re entering a high-quality program. If this accreditation is not available, consider looking for regional accreditation provided by a Department of Education -approved accrediting agency.

Online vs. On-Campus vs. Hybrid

As a computer science major, you may want to be able to take classes online. Before you make your final decision on this topic, understand that each format will give you different experiences, even though you’ll still be expected to meet all deadlines.

Traditional learning makes it easier for you to interact with professors and fellow students. You’ll learn through lectures, discussions, and labs. You’ll know when assignments are due and tests are scheduled. You’ll receive immediate feedback from your instructors and fellow students.

Online, you’ll be working alone joined to everyone only by your internet connection. You can log in at any time you want, either to listen to a lecture or complete an assignment or quiz; ditto with forum participation. However, you will still have deadlines, usually weekly.

With hybrid courses, you’ll get a mix of both worlds. That is why this option is known as “blended.” While your on-campus class sessions may only occur once or twice in the term, you’ll still meet other students and your instructors.

Does the College Have Post-Graduate Job Placement Help and Assistance?

If your university offers career and/or placement services, you’ll be able to take advantage of both as a student or graduate. You can receive career counseling, career assessments, and resume reviews, where you’ll learn how to spruce your resume up.

Why You Need to Consider How the Rating/Accreditation Can Affect Your Future Salary

College rankings are only as important as the criteria they evaluate. These evaluations can’t be quantified because the value of a school is so individual to each student.

Choosing an accredited university can have good or bad implications for your future. If you take the time to learn about the university’s accreditation, you’ll learn more about whether you’re attending a true educational institution or a “diploma mill.”

Financial aid won’t be provided if your school isn’t accredited. Your future salary also relies on this status. Future employers will ask for your official transcripts. They do so as they are checking out your background. If you did attend an accredited institution, you may be offered a higher salary.