An online bachelor’s degree in computer science program may provide students with the skills and training needed to code and create software programs. In these four-year programs, students may learn how to write computer programs using a variety of computer languages, update existing computer programs, and debug these programs. Coursework within these programs may include general education requirements along with electives and major-specific courses, such as data structures and analysis, image and signal processing, and computer operating systems.

Computer science graduates may either seek entry-level employment or further their education and by enrolling in a graduate-level degree program. Baccalaureate-level graduates may find career opportunities working in computer systems design, information services, and administrative support.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 12% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online baccalaureate-level computer science program may include several general education requirements alongside major-specific computer science related courses and electives. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may develop network infrastructure, analyze computer algorithms, and identify emerging technologies. Core online computer science courses may include the following:

• Problem Solving and Algorithm Design
• Computer Programming
• Image and Signal Processing
• Data Structures and Analysis
• Programming Languages
• Computer Operating Systems
• Foundation of Computer Science

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in computer science may find career opportunities in software engineering, system administration, information services, and computer systems design. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as computer programmers are expected to increase by 12% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Database Administrator
• Software Developer
• Computer Systems Operator
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Support Specialist

Continuing Education

Students who complete an online bachelor’s degree program in computer science may have the opportunity to further their education and enroll in a master’s degree program in computer science or similar field. In these upper-level programs, students expand their critical thinking and investigatory skills and learn how to apply them to the computer programming industry.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook