11 Best Online Schools for Computer Science Reviews in 2023 | Top Accredited Courses

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Kicking off our list of the best online universities for computer science is the University of Florida Online. Its bachelor of science in computer science degree is very prestigious, encompassing a robust liberal arts education that covers everything from humanities and foreign language to behavioural and social science. This program's graduation rate is 88%.

The duration of the course is 4 years, requiring a credit score of 70. Note that the program has no concentrations. The state tuition per credit for this Bachelor’s course is $129.18. The accreditation is from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). 

The University of Florida Bachelor of computer science degree is designed for those who seek knowledge within the field but are unable to commit to traditional campus classes for whatever reason. That said, students of this fully online computer science degree receive the same academic options as campus-based students. 

One of the many reasons why this bachelor's degree in computer science program is so sought-after is its flexibility. Enrollees can easily modify their curriculum to meet their academic interests, strengths, and current skills. So, you don’t have to worry about having to learn courses that aren’t vital to your end goal. 

Another reason why this degree in the computer science program is so popular is the cost. You’ll receive the same technical and non-technical information integral to computer science as well as enjoy the flexibility associated with online learning whilst paying much less than you’d have to if you were to enrol in a campus program. 

Enrolling in this degree in computer science program will grant you access to all of the University of Florida's exclusive career services. Further, you’ll have access to a dedicated academic advisor that will help you with the selection of courses. The institution is backed by lots of scholarships and financial aids for those who are fit. 

The University of Florida is a world-class and one of the best online computer science faculty that supports course equivalency requests. So, not only will you enjoy a prestigious bachelor of computer science degree, but also won’t have to jump through hoops in order to acquire your degree. 

This program’s coursework requirements are as follows: 29 credits for foundational coursework, 25 credits for core coursework, and 6 credits for major electives. 

Graduates are able to pursue various roles in computer science, including business intelligence analysis, computer programming , database administration, data structures, computer systems analysis, network systems administration, information security analysis, computer information systems management, web development, information technology, technical support, and software applications development. 

As a first-time applicant, you’ll need about 30 minutes in order to fill and submit your application. You’re given the ability to save your application and come back again when needed. You’ll also need to pay a $30 non-refundable application fee. Please note that the payment is done fully online as you’re going through the submission process. 

Lastly, applicants are recommended to have their college and high school information handy as they’re submitting their applications.

Southern New Hampshire University offers learners the ability to acquire extensive knowledge in Python, C++, and Java, as well as earn a bachelor of computer science degree, without having to step foot on college grounds. 

This BS in computer science program is perfect for those who are looking to dive deep into the design and development of software. It’s one of the best and most practical programs available, teaching students how to quantify and solve real-life problems. 

Students of this program are taught how to apply collaborative strategies and create their own portfolios. In addition, they’re taught how to design and develop software with the aid of some of the most agile and powerful software methodologies. They also learn full-stack development as well as how to secure computer information systems. Quite thorough, to say the least. 

Being one of the most practical fully online BSCS programs, this program involves the learning and use of industry-standard tools for software development and testing. Some of the tools you’ll be learning how to use include Python, Junit Testing, Cucumber with Maven, OpenGL, and Eclipse. The program also covers coding’s best practices and fundamental user experience principles. 

What we like the most about this bachelor of computer science degree is that all of its courses are degree-specific, so you can forget all about having to study courses that are irrelevant to your career track. We also like that there are general education classes that include excellent foundation, exploration, and integration courses. 

Graduates of this program are able to pursue various professions, including data engineering, database administration, data structures, software development, software testing, system analysis, network analysis, full-stack development, and polyglot programming, just to name a few. 

Other things you should know about this bachelor of computer science degree is that you can receive transfer credits for IT certifications such as these, and credentials. Additionally, there are math credits available. This program’s retention rate is 55% and its graduation rate is 53%. It’s safe to say that it’s a fairly challenging program. 

To apply for this best online computer science program, all you need to do is get in touch with an admission counsellor in order to figure out the best financial option for your case. The counsellor will help answer all of your questions as well as walk you through the application process. Note that test scores aren’t at all required for your application process. 

The University of Illinois Springfield is a public university of liberal arts that is part of the University of Illinois System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). What’s more, this university integrates the Open Pathway approach, which is a 10-year cycle that focuses on the assurance of continuous improvement and consistent quality. 

With that said, it’s easy to see why UIS is considered one of the precursors of online learning. 

Now that we’re done shedding light on UIS as a faculty, let’s jump into their bachelor of computer science degree. The duration of the program, like most universities, is 4 years. The credits required are 120, with the state tuition per credit being $358.50! Sadly, the program doesn’t come with any concentrations. The program's graduation rate is 51%.

Unlike some bachelor of computer science degree programs where students can modify their curriculum, this program requires students to undergo two semesters of Java programming as well as one semester of discrete or finite math, calculus, and statistics. These prerequisites can be obtained by enrollees via the university’s general education requirements department. 

It’s also worth noting that the University of Illinois Springfield offers a computer information systems security degree that students can choose to take in addition to their bachelor of computer science degree through electives. 

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security consider the UIS as a “National Center of Academic Excellence for Information Assurance/Cyberdefense Education,” which solidifies its status as one of the best online schools for computer science. 

Students of this BSCS program might be eligible for scholarships and additional grants from the Department of Defense as long as they’re taking proper coursework in information assurance. 

To apply for this program, you’ll need to complete and submit an undergraduate admission form. Note that their review of applications for spring enrollment starts on the 15th of September, whereas their review of fall enrollment applications starts on the 15th of Match. These are, by no means, application deadlines; they accept applications until the term’s cohort is filled.

After having turned in all the required paperwork, documentation, and admission fees, you just wait until they’ve reached a decision. You can check the status of your admission application by clicking here. 

Other things you ought to know about the University of Illinois Springfield is that it once was one of the upper-division and graduate universities. Nowadays, UIS accepts graduate, transfer, and freshman students. It’s also worth noting that this university is the newest campus in the entire University of Illinois system. 

When it comes to offering a blend of computer science and information technology practice, there’s no beating the bachelor's degree in computer science at California State University, Monterey Bay. This unique blend enables graduates of this program to dabble in a wide variety of fields, from software engineering and mobile app development to technology project management. 

It’s perfect for students and working professionals who are looking to acquire/update their computer science knowledge and hone their skills. 

Please bear in mind that this is a degree-completion program. In other words, applicants have to be transfer-ready from other community colleges. Alternatively, they can partake in this program if they hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than computer science. For the latter, Computer Science Online admission prerequisites must be fulfilled before applying. Learn more here. 

To ensure personalized guidance from advisors and the faculty as a whole with regard to career development and learning plans, cohorts for this program are limited to 25-35 students. And to ensure an interactive learning environment, students are able to partake in video conferences with faculty, classmates, and teaching assistants. 

Online learning has a lot of perks, but oftentimes students of online learning programs can feel socially disconnected. This issue is non-existent with this program, thanks to the individualized, academically supported, and socially connected environment that it creates. It helps provide a sort of balance between on-campus and online learning.

The courses within this unique program cover an impressive range of topics from programming to algorithms to database design and much, much more. We also like the fact that the courses are presented with a notable emphasis on applying theory to solve real-life problems. 

It’s worth noting that the courses and the content within aren’t determined by faculty alone; they receive help from an industry advisory board to ensure that the information being taught is in line with what the industry and employers look for in potential employees. 

Another awesome thing about this course is that you’ll be working on creating your very own comprehensive portfolio and a capstone project to highlight your accomplishments. This comes in handy when entering the job market. 

Another thing worth noting is that this course isn't just taught by tenure track faculty, but also by industry professionals that have years of experience in the field of computer science under their belt. All tutors hold advanced degrees in different fields of computer science, which ensures that everything being taught is in tune with the industry. An outstanding program, overall. 

Over the last two decades, Regis University has maintained its position as one of the highest-ranked universities in the country. It’s a private, Roman Catholic university. Its main campus is in Denver, Colorado. The university offers lots of Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, but limited doctoral programs.

Regis University’s bachelor of computer science degree is perfect for students who are looking to learn how to write code, analyze data, and develop software. 

Regis University’s bachelor of computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET; one of the most prestigious nonprofit accreditation bodies. It’s worth noting that Regis University’s College of Computer and Information Sciences is one of the two country-based institutions that offer bachelor's programs in computer science accredited by the ABET and that can be acquired online.

The program is composed of 8-week terms that can be attended online or on campus. The program requires 120 credit hours to be completed. There are transfer credit opportunities as well. The cost of tuition is $555 per credit hour. 

The program is packed with a wide variety of courses that cover the entire scope of computer science. One of the courses is CS 390: Principles of Programming Languages, which analyses programs that are written in imperative as well as declarative programming languages, from logic and functional to object-based and structured.

Another excellent course is CS 444: Software Engineering, which, as the name suggests covers everything the student needs to know about developing reliable, modular, flexible, and verified software systems that are well-designed with the aid of agile development cycles.

And if you’re looking to pursue data science and artificial intelligence, specifically machine learning and deep learning, you’re going to love the CS 473: Artificial Intelligence course, as it covers the latest technologies used in the creation of computer-based agents that are able to acknowledge and represent knowledge as well as learn.

To apply for this online computer science degree program, you’ll need to complete an online application, first. You’ll also need an official transcript from your prior college, an essay, and a resume.

To begin your application process, you’ll have to get in touch with an admission counsellor that’ll help evaluate your previously acquired learning credit as well as provide information about tuition assistance and financial aid. The counsellor will guide you through the entire application process from A to Z.

To qualify for the program, you need to have a high school diploma or an equivalent from a high school that’s accredited regionally. You also need to have transferable credit from a college or university that’s accredited regionally. And lastly, you need to have evidence of work experience.

The Brigham Young University system is one of the largest religious university systems in the world, not just the country. It adopts the BYU-Pathway Worldwide system, which enables students to earn their online computer science degrees from anywhere in the country without having to be within campus grounds.

The BYU-Pathway Worldwide system does offer unique services and support to its students, but BYU Idaho, in particular, offers substantive online computer science degrees that are equal in status to all other BYU program degrees.

The university’s bachelor's degree in computer science program prepares students for different career tracks in software development through an impressive host of engineering and technology courses. Each course is selected with notable care to ensure that it’s aligned with the industry’s requirements.

The career paths that graduates of this program can pursue are plenty to cover within the scope of this article, but one of the most notable career tracks is application development, which involves translating different software requirements into pure programming code. Application development also involves the maintenance and development of programs for business use.

Note that application development is a vast sea of development fields, including mobile phone applications, office suites, graphic software, accounting software, and many others. Most of those who choose to pursue this career track tend to specialize in one or two of these development fields.

Another notable career track that graduates of this online computer science degree can pursue is forensic computer analysis, which involves the investigation of data breaches, criminal activity, and security incidents. Those who choose to pursue this career track can end up working in law enforcement or for specialist computer forensic companies.

If the two above-mentioned career tracks don’t interest you, then you’ll probably love the game development career track, which, as the name suggests, involves the creation and production of video games for game consoles, personal computers, arcades, online games, tablets, smartphones, and other. There are many other career tracks that you can pursue having acquired this degree.

It’s worth noting that this university’s computer technology courses are in common with their associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in applied technology. Also, the BSCS program's graduation rate I 58%.

Students can utilize their online computer science degrees, in addition to the skills they’re going to acquire in the fields of information technology, software development, web development, and computer support during their learning experience to establish their presence in the highly competitive field of computer science.

Oregon State University is yet another excellent online school for computer science. Students of OSU’s School of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering are granted the opportunity to learn from tutors who have hands-on experience in the field of computer science. Students are also offered regular opportunities to connect with industry professionals when trying to build their portfolios.  

This is a 60-credit program that will help you fast-track your career track into the field of computer science. Click here to learn more about this program.

OSU’s online computer science degree is geared primarily toward applied computer science. You’ll be able to build your own custom curriculum so that you don’t have to waste time learning something that isn’t integral to your end goal.

There are quite a few perks that set OSU’s online learning experience apart from other competitor universities. For starters, the program’s curriculum was developed by world-class faculty with hands-on experience in the field as well as renowned innovation and research.

Further, Oregon State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The accreditation is on a regional scale. To add, Oregon State’s “Ecampus,” as they like to call it, is ranked among the 10 best online education providers, according to the U.S News & World Report. What’s more, the diplomas offered to OSU’s Ecampus students are on par with the ones offered to on-campus students.  

One of the strongest selling points of this program is that it focuses heavily on career readiness and establishing industry relations; two essential components when it comes to thriving in the highly competitive field that is computer science.

Graduates of this online computer science degree are able to pursue a wide range of computer science occupations, including business intelligence analysis, data science, information analysis, information security analysis, market research analysis, networking engineering, UI/UW designing, and software development, to name a few.

Another strong selling point is that Oregon State hosts a showcase of computer science careers twice a year in Portland, where Ecampus students are able to connect with potential employers from big-name companies like Intel, Google, HP, and IBM. The university also offers travel scholarships for certain students. Click here to learn more about the showcase.  

Earning Oregon State University’s bachelor of computer science degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to enroll in graduate schools if it’s something that’s on your radar. It’s worth mentioning that many graduates of this program make the transition into graduate programs, whereas others choose to combine graduate learning with industry jobs. Speaking of which, OSU's graduation rate is 67%

Classified as a “Doctoral University: Higher Research Activity,” Old Dominion University is one of the most prominent institutions on the list. It’s also one of the largest universities in Virginia.  ODU’s online computer science degree encompasses a start-to-finish curriculum that requires 120 credit hours. The program is part of the College of Sciences Department of Computer Science.

For starters, ODU’s computer science program is based on a curriculum ranging from engineering technology to experimental techniques. It’s one of the most practical programs out there, as it involves the student in real-world problem-solving activities. You’ll enjoy a blend of the practical and conceptual curriculum while dabbling in hands-on lab experiences.

Graduates of this program are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to enter the market of professional software development as well as other in-demand jobs that have to do with computer science, from information security analysis to database administration.

Like many of the online programs on this list, graduates of the ODU program can pursue graduate studies or higher certification in computer science or other related fields. The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, like Regis University’s program.  

The faculty responsible for developing and tutoring this program’s curriculum are leaders and prime researchers in various computer science fields, including cloud computing, modelling and simulation, data-driven analysis, data science, computational biology, social media, artificial intelligence and machine learning, web science, and many more. 

Old Dominion University is partnered with the Virginia Community College system and other prestigious educational institutions to make it easier for students to transfer. They’ve also adopted a guaranteed admission agreement that’s intended to help ease the transfer process between ODU and other select colleges.

This bachelor’s degree program is completed when the student completes 30 credit hours at least. The online computer science degree program, in particular, requires 120 total credit hours. It all boils down to your academic credits, though. It’s highly recommended that you get in touch with the school’s enrollment team to determine whether or not you have the needed credits to enroll in the program. Note that the program's graduation rate is 53%.

Being an online program, you can expect to engage in regular online meetings or scheduled exams, assignments, and other activities at predetermined times. Bear in mind that all courses within this program follow the regular academic calendar of Old Dominion University. 

Florida State University’s online computer science degree is quite vast and broad-based compared to some of the other online programs available. It covers everything from computing and the interdependence of design to distributed systems/networks and object orientation. It does so with a systematic view that helps students develop intuition, or “feel,” with regard to such topics.

Graduates of this Florida State University program are equipped with the core competencies that enable them to dabble in the fields of database structure, programming, operating systems, and computer organization, just to name a few.

Further, students of this program will become proficient with programming languages such as C, C++, and Assembly. Students may also learn and experience other programming languages such as Java, C#, Perl, Lisp, Scheme, Ada, and HTML.

This major requires very specific coursework, including an embedded collateral minor in math. The program is accredited by the ABET and CAC. The program also accepts transfer students. Such students need to get in touch with the university’s admissions department to inquire about admission and mapping requirements before signing up for the program.

Upon admission, students are required to complete all of the courses with a C Minus grade or higher. Further, students must maintain a 2.50 GPA, apart from when they’re undergoing Term 1-4 State Common prerequisite courses. Furthermore, students must receive no more than three unsatisfactory grades in courses Programming I and Programming II.

As far as prerequisite coursework, students must complete a set of courses that can be taken as part of general electives or general education requirements. These courses include introductory programming in Java, C, C++, or another programming language, a science course for science majors, calculus I, and calculus II. Enrollees will also have to study series like General Physics A, General Physics B, and a few other courses vital to computer science degree programs.

General information you need to know about the course is that it has a duration of 2-4 years and it requires 120 credit hours. The cost per credit is $180(state tuition) The program has no concentrations. Further, its graduation rate is 80%.

It’s worth noting that Florida State University is single-handedly responsible for the creation of the very first ETA10-G/8 Supercomputer, which happened in 1989. It’s also the only Florida-based college to have its very own national university laboratory. It’s currently one of the top 50 American research universities, with an aim to become among the top 25.

Trident University is a 100% online education provider accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It’s actually one of the best online institutions for acquiring degrees that have to do with science, education, health, and business. Their online programs encompass undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies.

It’s also worth noting that TU is a member of the CyberWatch West government initiation, which was created to improve the cyber-security workforce in terms of quality by partnering with numerous entities as means of standardizing resources.

TU’s online computer science degree prepares students to pursue the competitive world of computer technology without having to spend their life-savings. The program involves the design, implementation, and evaluation of computer systems and programs, the analysis of the impact of computing on society, organizations, and individuals, and the preparation for a specific career path in computer science.

The program enables students to communicate effectively with audiences from various fields within the industry. Further, students are able to interact with a lively college community and network with fellow aspiring computer scientists. Students also work closely with faculty, who happen to be industry leaders and researchers. 

The courses that make up this online computer science degree are both inspiring and relevant, and so students will enjoy their time acquiring information that’s essential to their chosen career path. The program involves a wide variety of courses, including Information Security and Technology, Networking and Data Communication, Maintenance of Information Systems, and Human-Computer Interaction.

Like many bachelor's in computer science programs, UT’s program requires a total of 120 credits to be completed. There are 56-semester credits that cover core coursework, and 12 credits that cover concentrations. Speaking of concentrations, this program offers concentrations in cyber-security. The duration of the program is 4 years. The standard state tuition per credit is $405, whereas, within the scope of a partnership, it’s $330. 

The cyber-security concentration this program has to offer emphasizes the latest technologies that are used to protect and secure the different infrastructures of information. It also covers how such technologies are used to keep cyberattacks at bay. The core coursework covers related topics such as network security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and cryptography, so it’s all connected. 

Admission requirements vary depending on the number of semester hours the student will opt for. If the student opts for less than 24 semester hours, they’ll need a diploma from a state-approved or accredited high school or an equivalent. The student will also need a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all of their high school coursework. Lastly, proof of English proficiency is required.

The final online school for computer science on our list is the prestigious Regent University, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It’s a Christian research university based in Virginia, offering various associate and doctoral degrees.  The university has also been acknowledged as the “Harvard of the religious right.”

Regent’s bachelor's in computer science degree is one of the most marketable degrees you can acquire and use to secure your position in various in-demand career fields. 

The university also offers exciting scholarship opportunities, including honours college scholarships, academic merit scholarships, $4,000 private school scholarships, $4,000 homeschool scholarships, and $10,000 freedom scholarships.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Regent University is among the top national universities. It has maintained its position for two consecutive years; 2019 and 2020. Further, RU’s programs have been ranked as the best online bachelor’s programs in the entirety of Virginia for 8 consecutive years. This, in and of itself, speaks volumes of the value that RU brings to the table.

Graduates of RU’s bachelor's in computer science program are able to analyze, design, and develop their very own computing systems and network infrastructures. Further, they’re able to understand and use different programming languages, operating systems, computational processes, and database management systems. In addition, graduates can apply mathematics and logic to bring about correct and secure solutions. 

Graduates are able to pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including software development and engineering, system analysis and engineering, video game programming, digital arts, database analysis, data structures, data mining analysis, computer information security, web development, and more.

The duration of the program is 4 years, and it requires 120 credits or more to be completed. The cost per credit is $395 for full-time students and $450 for part-time students. The program doesn’t come with any concentrations, and it has a graduation rate of 47%.

There are, however, a few related programs that students may be interested in, including B.S. in Computer Engineering, B.S in Information Systems Technology, B.S in Cybersecurity, M.S in Cybersecurity, and Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.

Regent University offers some of the most affordable tuition rates. Their learning system is coated with a Christian worldview. To add, they have an available policy for student transfers. And lastly, the university is well-established for its alumni in various fields, including computer science.