Online Computer Science Bachelor's Degree
Overview
Computer science is one of the most in-demand degrees, so it’s no surprise that the major consistently rates among the top-paying college degrees. High earning potential, low unemployment rates, and a range of career options make it one of the most popular bachelor’s degrees among college students.
Online bachelor’s in computer science programs must adapt to rapidly changing technology to ensure students are learning coding languages and skills that will still be relevant when they complete their degree. Students learn to work with, and often create, software, hardware, and the network that both elements run on.
Coursework
| Example courses | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data structures and algorithms | |||||||||
| Systems programming languages | |||||||||
| Software engineering | |||||||||
| Mathematical modeling | |||||||||
| Algebraic structures | |||||||||
Coursework for an online computer science program can include classes such as data structures and algorithms, introduction to operating systems, database management, and programming in a variety of technical languages. Students often take advanced mathematics courses—number theory, linear algebra, and differential equations—to supplement their technical skills.
Job Outlook
| Median salaries* | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network and computer systems administrator | $69,000 | ||||||||
| Computer programmer | $71,000 | ||||||||
| Web developer/computer network architect | $75,600 | ||||||||
| Computer systems analyst | $77,800 | ||||||||
| Software developer | $90,500 | ||||||||
| Computer and information systems manager | $115,800 | ||||||||
*per the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Companies are competing for designers, developers, programmers, and product managers, so the job outlook continues to be promising for computer science graduates.
Popular careers for graduates include software architect, IT consultant, database administrator, software engineer, and systems analyst, according to PayScale, an online salary database.
Median salaries hover around $70,000 for computer programmers and network and systems administrators, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Computer systems analysts earn a median salary of close to $78,000; that figure rises to $90,500 for software developers, the BLS reports.
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