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Key takeaway: Online computer science degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level by accredited schools nationwide, covering computation, software systems, and data processing across modern technology platforms. Related occupations pay a median $61,860 to $175,140 a year depending on role, education, and experience, and employers are expected to fill approximately 304,900 positions annually (BLS)1. Compare accredited programs below.
An online computer science degree teaches how software is designed, how systems communicate, and how data is stored, analyzed, and secured. Accredited online programs combine theoretical foundations with applied programming through structured coursework, coding projects, virtual labs, and collaborative problem solving, delivering the same curriculum and degree titles as campus programs.
These accredited schools offer online programs, report computer science completions, and are ordered by our independent BOC Score. Request information to compare programs, costs, and formats.
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Can You Get A Computer Science Degree Online? explains how accredited online computer science programs work, including specializations, cost, and salary outcomes.
Browse computer science programs by state ->
Online computer science degrees focus on computation, software systems, and data processing. Coursework commonly includes programming, algorithms, systems, databases, and software engineering.
Online computer science programs are commonly offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Associate programs typically require 60-64 credits, bachelor’s programs require 120-128 credits, and master’s programs require 30-36 credits.
Yes. Online and on-campus computer science programs typically share the same learning objectives, accreditation standards, and degree titles. Transcripts and diplomas from accredited online programs typically do not distinguish between online and on-campus delivery.
Common specializations include software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing and DevOps, and game development. Schools may offer these as concentrations, elective tracks, or certificate add-ons.
Verify institutional accreditation from a recognized regional accrediting body through the U.S. Department of Education database. Some programs also hold ABET accreditation for computing, which you can verify at abet.org.
Core coursework progresses from programming fundamentals (Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript) through algorithms and data structures, computer systems and operating systems, databases and data management, software engineering, and discrete mathematics and logic. Most programs let you focus through a concentration – software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing and DevOps, or game development – offered as concentrations, elective tracks, or certificate add-ons.
See the full breakdown on the Computer Science Curriculum and Computer Science Concentrations pages.
Computer science graduates apply their skills in settings that rely on software, data, and systems design across technology, business, healthcare, research, and public infrastructure.
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $133,080 | 15.8% | 115,200 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,790 | 8.7% | 34,200 |
| Computer Network Architect | $130,390 | 11.9% | 11,200 |
| Database Administrator | $104,620 | -0.7% | 3,800 |
| Database Architect | $135,980 | 8.7% | 4,000 |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | 28.5% | 16,000 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $73,340 | 1.8% | 9,600 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $60,340 | -3.7% | 40,800 |
| Web Developer | $90,930 | 7.5% | 5,400 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $98,090 | 7.0% | 9,100 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $171,200 | 15.2% | 55,600 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; Employment Projections 2024-2034.1
Computer science or business administration? Choose computer science for a technical, build-focused track in software and systems; choose business administration for broader management, marketing, and operations coverage before specializing.
Compare programs by level or specialty:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034. ↩︎ ↩︎
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