Online Computer Science Degrees
Ask a Question
Students earning degrees in information technology and computer science learn how to write computer software, create web pages, set up computer networks, as well as other crucial IT skills. The computer support specialist career is the most popular job for graduates with this degree, although more advanced positions may be available after some years of professional experience. The world depends on information technology, and the field continues to grow and create a healthy job market, even while other industries stagnate.
The educational level needed for a job is usually a bachelor's degree, but master's and doctorate degrees are increasingly preferred for some high-level positions. Also, internships with computer and technology companies are highly recommended as they provide skills not found in a classroom. As new technologies continue to increase, so do career opportunities in computer science. However, the field is incredibly competitive, and students who work to form connections during internships have more success in finding high-paying careers. While computer science is commonly perceived as simply coding programs and developing websites, these are only subsets of this field. Computer scientists also create new software, study and develop artificial intelligence programs, and work with engineers to build hardware for medical, military, and other uses. Computer scientists are commonly responsible for designing software rather than actual hardware and equipment. They have the option of designing software on multiple platforms like computers, video game consoles, or cell phones.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Computer Science Degrees
- All
- Associate
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctorate
- Certification
Learn more about Florida Tech University Online
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
Many accredited degree programs allow students to focus their studies on one subject area, as well as providing this introductory breadth. Here are some examples of the degree specializations that may be available to you:
- Computer Research: Scientists choose a field of computer science to analyze and report on it over an extended period of time.
- Computer Languages: Scientists work collaboratively with other scientific fields to better the processing of natural and computational languages in computers.
- Systems Analysis: This specialization focuses on the enhancement of operational systems in specific fields, like science, engineering, or business disciplines.
What degree levels are available?
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 2 to 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
- Doctoral Degree: 5 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
Most employment opportunities require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, but a graduate degree significantly increases employment opportunities. The associate degree in general studies takes two years to complete and is found in accredited community or four-year institutions as well as online. This degree cannot usually be specialized toward computer science, but introductory classes can be taken that prepare students for more advanced courses in subsequent degrees.
Bachelor's degrees are the best option for students planning on starting a career in computer science immediately, since it takes less time than a graduate degree, and it allows for some specialization in classes. Most organizations require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degrees offer courses in advanced coding, web development and design, animation, software development, and social technology interactions. A master's degree offers students much more specialization in their chosen area of computer science, like research, analysis, logistics, or development. Master's degrees are more common than doctorate degrees, but the experience that comes from a doctoral degree places students with this qualification at the highest priority when it comes to hiring. Students interested in teaching or continued research within an academic institution often pursue doctoral degrees, and executive software designers and scientists with doctorates receive higher salaries than those without.
There are no formal certification requirements for computer scientists beyond advanced educational degrees. Computer scientists are required to have a strong grasp on mathematical and technical skills as well as creative and logical reasoning abilities. Strong social skills are also required; while computer scientists often work alone, they do spend a large amount of their time in collective groups that often incorporate members from other disciplines, so personnel management and interaction is necessary for collaboration.
There are no mandatory industry-wide certification requirements for IT and computer science professionals. Some employers do prefer applicants with voluntary certification in a particular program or area, however, and earning certification may help increase your job opportunities. Most certifications require students to have a certain number of hours of education and/or hands-on training, along with passing an examination.
Many professional groups, educational institutions, and private companies offer different types of voluntary certification. CompTIA, one industry trade association, offers a popular general certification for computer support technicians, called CompTIA A+. The association also offers certifications in networks, security, Linux, and several other information technology specializations. Private computer companies, like Microsoft, offer certifications in IT support for their particular software or hardware. Other more specialized industry groups, such as the American Health Information Management Association offer certification for mastering information technology in particular settings.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
IT & computer science students are generally required to take a selection of courses covering computer hardware, Web development, software programming, network administration, and other IT topics. Many programs allow students to tailor their degree by picking the major courses of their choosing, or by selecting a pre-designed concentration track.
In courses like Java Programming and C++, students learn the skills to write elegant, functional computer code, in order to create computer programs. Other classes like Networking Concepts cover the process of putting together computer networks for businesses and other clients. Students learn how to construct a network, keep it running smoothly, and solve any data transmission errors. Classes in Microsoft Expression and Web Development teach IT skills for building dependable websites. Students also learn the principles behind e-commerce, and in many cases create their own portfolio of Web pages to show to future employers. Classes in Database Management cover the construction of databases to hold large amounts of information, and how to effectively take care of that data.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
Generally, no. As you can imagine, since most information technology skills are based on using the computer, IT and computer science degrees are readily adaptable to online learning. Some online degrees do require students to complete an internship in their local community, however. This can be a good opportunity for students to get hands-on experience and to build their resume.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
There are a multitude of other degrees in the IT and computer science area. Unlike the general IT and computer science degree, these programs provide a more narrow specialization in a particular IT subject. For example, a degree in UNIX Systems Administration teaches students how to install a UNIX system, set up networks, and take care of data on a UNIX system. Similarly, a degree in Oracle Database Administration teaches the database techniques particular to the Oracle system. Students learn how to plan a database, use SQL, and make the database run more efficiently. Another program, the Information Systems Security degree, trains students in data security, one particular area of systems administration.
Other degrees and certificates cover a particular type of web development. An iPhone and iPad App Development certificate teaches students to apply their programming skills to the unique aspects of these Apple devices. A general Web Development certificate discusses coding for web pages and languages like CSS, XHTML, and PHP.
Network security analysts test and maintain the security components of multiple technological systems, like computer databases and private hardware infrastructures. Students can pursue this specialization after obtaining a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering. Most network security analysts obtain degrees in information science, and this combined with a computer science degree offers students the potential to advance past entry-level positions.
