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An online bachelor’s in computer science is a flexible way to build broad undergraduate knowledge across core subject areas. Most programs cover foundational topics and then let you tailor electives or a concentration based on your goals.
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA, while others award a BS with a computer science major, so compare curriculum and requirements.
Figures shown are medians from the cited public data sources (such as the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and reflect previously reported outcomes. They are estimates, not a guarantee of future earnings, debt, cost, or results. Individual outcomes vary by program, institution, location, enrollment status, and personal circumstances.
An online bachelor’s in computer science is an undergraduate degree that covers core subject areas through online coursework.
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA, while others award a BS with a computer science major, so compare curriculum and requirements.
Most programs include general education, a major core, electives or a concentration, and a capstone or integrative course.
Common coursework includes core computer science topics plus electives for specialization.
Requirements vary by school and student type, but commonly include a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts.
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but policies vary by institution.
For a full map of this program area, start here: Computer Science Program Guide
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:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Most online bachelor’s programs follow a similar structure:
Online formats may be asynchronous, but many still include weekly deadlines and participation. To compare how online formats differ, see: Online Course Formats
If you are trying to move faster, compare this degree level to accelerated pacing: Accelerated Computer Science Programs
Common topics include:
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Data Structures & Algorithms | Organizing data efficiently and designing step-by-step solutions |
| Computer Architecture & Systems | How hardware and low-level systems operate |
| Operating Systems | Process management, memory, and file systems |
| Databases | Storing, querying, and managing structured data |
| Software Engineering | Development methodologies, testing, and project management |
| Networks & Cybersecurity | Network protocols, security fundamentals, and threat models |
| Mathematics for Computing | Discrete math, linear algebra, and probability |
Program outcomes vary, but many curricula emphasize:
For a deeper breakdown of coursework and how it maps across degree levels, see: Computer Science Curriculum
Concentrations can help you specialize within computer science without changing the degree level. Availability varies by school, and some programs use elective tracks instead of formal concentrations.
Browse concentration pages here: Computer Science Concentrations
If you already know your direction, jump into a concentration:
Admissions requirements vary by school and student type. Some programs admit first-time college students. Others focus on transfer students.
Common requirements include:
For a full checklist and degree level differences, see: Computer Science Admissions Requirements
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but rules vary by institution.
Before you enroll, confirm:
These pages can help you evaluate policies and plan realistically:
Accreditation is a baseline quality indicator. Verify that the institution holds recognized accreditation, then compare how the program is structured, supported, and delivered online.
Learn what to verify and how to compare schools: Computer Science Accreditation
| Level | Typical Credits | 1yr Median Earnings | 5yr Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 60 | $36,266 | $49,102 | $14,252 |
| Bachelor’s | 120 | $63,389 | $89,348 | $23,164 |
| Master’s | 30-36 | $90,827 | $114,787 | $37,580 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest academic year.
If you are comparing degree levels, these pages can help:
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
