Guide to Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degree Programs

Earning an online bachelor’s in computer science can help set you on the path to pursuing a variety of roles in the field. Completing your coursework online may give you time to work at your current job and may offer the flexibility to take classes around your schedule, depending on the program format.

This guide features important details about earning a BS in computer science, including admissions requirements and specializations.

What Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of computers, including computational theory, hardware and software design, algorithms, and human interaction with technology. A computer scientist may apply these core ideas to create programs, systems, models, or tools that solve technical or applied problems.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science lays the foundation for students to grow their knowledge within computer programming and apply it to real-world business situations down the road. Areas of focus within these programs may include data science, cybersecurity engineering, software engineering, web development, and more.

Because computing is used across industries, computer science is one of many fields that can be studied online. Some online computer science degree programs deliver lectures live, while others offer recorded lectures so students can watch on their own schedule. Some schools use a combination of synchronous and asynchronous coursework.

An online bachelor’s degree in computer science can offer students a curriculum similar to an on-campus computer science program, though course delivery, student support, project requirements, and scheduling flexibility vary by school.

How to Choose the Best Online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science for You?

There are a number of factors to consider when exploring online computer science bachelor’s degree programs. They may include:

• Course schedule: Will you still be able to fulfill your work and home duties while taking these classes?
• Prerequisites: Do you have the required prerequisites? If not, do you have to spend time and money to take them?
• Cost: Can you afford an online BS in computer science? Do you need financial aid? If so, can your school provide it?
• Grades, academic record, and test scores: Do you have the required GPA and test scores to get into the school?
• Accelerated programs: Depending on a number of factors, you may want to earn your degree as fast as possible. Some programs offer accelerated online computer science degrees, or fast-track programs, which take less time than the traditional four-year degree.
• Accreditation: Check whether the institution is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, using the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs or the school’s accreditation page. Accreditation usually applies to the institution, though some computing programs may also hold programmatic accreditation. Online students should also check whether the school is authorized to enroll students in their state; NC-SARA describes SARA as an agreement that establishes comparable national standards for interstate postsecondary distance education.
• The school’s track record: Does the school share information about graduation rates, career services, internship access, alumni outcomes, or employer partnerships?
• School reviews: What have alumni and current students said about the school?
• Teachers: Do the teachers have solid degrees and resumes?
• Student body: Will you be able to collaborate with other students? Are there people of similar ages and backgrounds who attend the school?

Once you answer some of these questions, you may begin applying to programs. Remember that just because a school has excellent marketing doesn’t mean that it’s the right place for you. You’ll be spending a substantial amount of time and money earning your degree, so you want to make sure the specific school and program are a good fit.

Computer Science Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

Each online bachelor’s degree in computer science program has its own set of admissions requirements. Common requirements may include:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• A minimum GPA. Some schools require at least a 3.0 GPA, but lower GPAs may be accepted depending on the program’s requirements.
• ACT or SAT scores, if required. Many undergraduate programs have changed their testing policies in recent years, so applicants should verify whether each school is test-required, test-optional, or test-free for the current admissions cycle.

Additionally, some programs may ask that you complete prerequisites or demonstrate volunteer or work experience in computer science.

BS in Computer Science Curriculum

A number of BS in computer science programs require candidates to complete about 120 credits to earn their degree and include core classes in mathematics, physical sciences, and computer systems. Be sure to check with your desired school to confirm credit requirements. Common course requirements are in computers, mathematics, physical sciences, and English.

The curriculum for an online computer science bachelor’s degree might also include the following courses:

• Foundations of Computer Science
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Introduction to Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Privacy and Technology
• Cryptography
• Mathematics for Computer Science
• Data Structures
• Computer and Network Security
• Computer Networks
• Operating Systems
• Programming Languages

This is just a sampling. Your individual program may offer different specialties. Depending on your school and its offerings, you may choose to delve into different related topics and graduate with a more specialized degree.

Some specializations include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Software Engineering
• Game Design
• Computer Graphics
• Networks
• Data Science
• Information Security
• Programming Languages
• Theory

It all depends on what area appeals to you and where you see yourself excelling. For example, if you want to build web pages, you may want to learn programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, HTML, and Ruby. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in the visual design of websites, you may consider becoming a UX designer or web designer.

If you want to help businesses collect and analyze data to deliver an improved customer experience, studying data science might be useful. And if you want to safeguard organizations against hackers and protect servers and websites, you may consider seeking out a specialization in information security.

You may end up getting a general online bachelor’s degree in computer science and then taking additional graduate courses, or you could obtain an internship or job in your specialty. Either way, you don’t have to know what you want to do with your degree before starting classes. You can learn what you like as you go.

What Can I Do With a Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree?

Someone pursuing a BS in computer science has a wide variety of career options—from web design to data analysis to application development. Some of those can even have sub-fields of study within them.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports occupational data for specific job categories, not for graduates of a particular computer science degree program. Salary and job outlook can vary by role, location, employer, experience, technical skills, and portfolio quality.

According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, computer and information research scientists earned a median annual wage of $140,300, with the highest 10% earning $230,630 and the bottom 10% earning $82,200 or less. Keep in mind, data scientists and computer and information research scientists may typically require a master’s degree for entry, but in some fields, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient.

The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2024, projects that employment of computer and information research scientists will grow 20% from 2024 to 2034. For those who already have a BS in computer science, your education doesn’t have to stop with undergraduate studies. Furthering your education by pursuing a master’s degree in computer science can allow you to specialize in one or two specific areas in the field.

Computer Systems Analyst Jobs

Computer systems analysts help solve problems in a variety of industries. An analyst stays up to date with trends that affect a company’s technology investments, and they might install new hardware and software and then train colleagues to use it.

Learning about emerging technologies that threaten to challenge the status quo, computer systems analysts work diligently to gain a holistic understanding of how their company’s business operates and how it could improve. They may collaborate with IT workers.

According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, computer systems analysts earned a U.S. median annual wage of $105,850. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that employment of computer systems analysts will grow 9% from 2024 to 2034.

Information Security Analyst Jobs

Information security analysts arm themselves with the knowledge necessary to prevent data breaches and cybersecurity attacks. They do this by anticipating, monitoring, and investigating potential infringements on an organization’s computer networks and systems.

Employing a host of technical skills, information security analysts bolster their company’s cybersecurity by installing firewalls and encryption programs, keeping important software up to date, and advising IT staff on how to enhance their current security solutions. Analysts use and manage proprietary intrusion detection systems to diligently monitor networks for suspicious traffic.

According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage data, May 2025, information security analysts earned a U.S. median annual wage of $129,180, with the top 10% earning $199,850 or more and the bottom 10% earning $75,090 or less. The BLS Occupational and Outlook Handbook also projects that employment of information security analysts will grow 29% from 2024 to 2034.

Software Developers

The primary purpose of software developers is to write code, which, once compiled, becomes an application (or “program”) that enables users to perform some intended function.

These applications can take many different forms. Modern devices and networks run on an operating system, which is itself a program developed by computer scientists using an advanced assembly language. The web browser you’re using to read this is a computer program that interprets web code, such as HTML and JavaScript, and renders it as a functioning website for users to view. Video games are just programs that take inputs from the user and output video to a screen and sound to an audio source. The list goes on.

According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 wage data, software developers earned a U.S. median annual wage of $135,980, with the top 10% earning $214,670 or more and the bottom 10% earning $82,460 or less. The BLS projects overall employment for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, with software developers projected to grow 16% within that broader category.

Computer Network Architect Jobs

Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, such as local area networks, wide area networks, and intranets. They may spend time planning network layouts, upgrading hardware, evaluating security needs, and researching technologies that could support an organization’s future network infrastructure.

The BLS projects that employment of computer network architects will grow 12% from 2024 to 2034. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reports that in May 2025, computer network architects earned a median annual wage of $ 134,050, with the top 10% earning $202,680 or more and the bottom 10% earning $79,900 or less.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Programs FAQ

Let’s examine some of the commonly asked questions surrounding BS in computer science degrees, the time they take to complete, and more.