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online computer science degree

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Prepare for a digital career with an online computer science degree

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science prepares you for the foundational knowledge you need in the field of IT. Develop core skills in programming and networking and gain a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. Learn to apply computer science theory to real-world business challenges, including writing and presenting your app to your peers. You can also use elective courses to earn a certificate in cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing and much more.

  • Capstone course gives you the opportunity to plan and build your own app.
  • The program employs a learn-practice-apply methodology that includes activities and assignments that map to in-demand skills that prepare students for a variety of employment opportunities. 
  • Learn key programming languages, networking, software architecture and more with hands-on simulation labs and testing environments.

Transfer credits

Save time and money on your bachelor's degree with eligible transfer credits.

Ways to save

Your work, life, and school experiences may give you a head start on your degree.

Apply free

No application fee
No SAT/ACT
No essay required

Ignite Your Passion

Start when you're ready

Courses

Browse courses for your online computer science degree

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science includes comprehensive core computer science courses you need for the IT industry. The program also includes general education courses to help you build soft skills to enhance your professional career. Add electives that allow you to specialize your computer science program to fit your focused interest in the field.

Skills-aligned program icon

Look for this icon to see which skills you’ll learn in a course.

Requirements: 120 credits

The requirements of core courses, general education courses and electives provide you with a well-rounded education in computer science when you graduate. You’ll need 120 credits (3 credits per course) to complete this Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Your course schedule may vary based on transferable credits or credits earned through the University's Prior Learning Assessment.

Your computer science degree core courses cover Java programming, software architecture, data structures for problem solving and more. A computer science capstone course gives you the opportunity to apply your computer science skills to a project based on a real-world IT scenario.

Your electives let you explore areas of computer science that interest you most. Choose from network troubleshooting, PC and mobile operating systems, cloud services and more.

Computer science also requires soft skills, which you can develop through gen ed courses. Learn critical thinking, writing, science and math skills to round out your computer science degree.

Schedule

Your academic counselor will help schedule your courses for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Apply IT certificates to your computer science degree

IT certificates help you pursue an IT career specialized to your goals. Many IT certificates align with skillsets employers want . Many certificates can be applied toward computer science degree requirements, saving you time and money while adding no extra time to completing your degree.

Select an IT certificate for specific skills you want to develop as you earn your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Scripted & Compiled Programming Languages help you gain a solid foundation in Python and Java to create programs for applications in fields like data analysis and cybersecurity.

The Advanced Software Developer certificate helps you learn, design and implement software solutions. Study multiple programming languages and software architecture principles.

With the Advanced Cybersecurity certificate, you can develop the technical knowledge the fast-growing field of IT security, helping keep information systems safe from data breaches and cyberattacks.

With the Cyber & Network Defense certificate, you will learn how to take a proactive approach to network security by spotting weaknesses before hackers can exploit them. This certificate helps you prepare for the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam.

Choose the Cloud Computing certificate to gain the foundational knowledge and skills to help organizations build and manage cloud services.

Skills-aligned program icon

Earn career-relevant skills in weeks – not years.

Learning shouldn’t take years to put into practice. That’s why we’re empowering you to build career-relevant skills with every five- to six-week course.

We’ve worked with the labor market researcher Lightcast to identify in-demand skills for occupations and mapped those to our related associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Tuition

Transfer credits

Your prior eligible college credits can save you time and money, helping you graduate faster. That’s why we’ve accepted transcripts from 5,000+ institutions. Check to see if you can apply eligible transfer credits from an institutionally accredited university or college toward your computer science degree.

Save time and money when you transfer eligible credits toward your bachelor's in computer science.

Affordable, fixed tuition

Lock in the peace of mind that comes with fixed, affordable tuition. You’ll enjoy one flat rate from the moment you enroll until the day you graduate from your program. That’s your Tuition Guarantee.

Tuition Guarantee Emblem

University of Phoenix computer science degree vs other universities

Phoenix ASU Online (BAB) Capella DeVry GCU Purdue Global SNHU Strayer
Cost per credit
Cost per credit
Cost per credit
$398
Cost per credit
$563
Cost per credit
$365/415[1]
Cost per credit
$514
Cost per credit
$485
Cost per credit
$371
Cost per credit
$330
Cost per credit
$328.89
Credits per course
Credits per course
Credits per course
3
Credits per course
3
Credits per course
3-6
Credits per course
2-4
Credits per course
4
Credits per course
5-6
Credits per course
3
Credits per course
4.5
Tuition per course
Tuition per course
Tuition per course
$1,194
Tuition per course
$1,698
Tuition per course
$1,095-
$2,490
Tuition per course
$1,028-
$2,056
Tuition per course
$1,940
Tuition per course
$1,855-
$2,226
Tuition per course
$990
Tuition per course
$1,480
Total program length in credits
Total program length in credits
Total program length in credits
120
Total program length in credits
120
Total program length in credits
180
Total program length in credits
124
Total program length in credits
120
Total program length in credits
180
Total program length in credits
120
Total program length in credits
180
Length of course in weeks
Length of course in weeks
Length of course in weeks
5
Length of course in weeks
7.5
Length of course in weeks
10
Length of course in weeks
8
Length of course in weeks
7-8
Length of course in weeks
10
Length of course in weeks
8
Length of course in weeks
11
Fees
Fees
Fees
One fee per course
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Tuition guarantee
Tuition guarantee
Tuition guarantee
YES
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO

Data pulled on December 26, 2023

[1] $365 per 1000-2000 level credit; $415 per 3000-4000 level credit

Source of data: For each institution, the data are publicly available in multiple locations, including Academic Catalogs, Program pages, Tuition and fees pages, and syllabi. All data are publicly available on the websites. 

Certain licensure programs and coursework in other degree programs may have additional fees. Please check with your advisor or course catalog for additional info.

The Savings Explorer tool can help you find ways to save on your education

Try our Savings Explorer™ tool

Eligible students saved:

$11,000 & 1 year

Students with eligible credits and relevant experience on average saved $11k and 1 year off their undergraduate degree with University of Phoenix.

Try our Savings Explorer™ tool

Eligible students saved:

$11,000 & 1 year

Students with eligible credits and relevant experience on average saved $11k and 1 year off their undergraduate degree with University of Phoenix.

Financial aid

You may have options when it comes to paying for college tuition and expenses, such as federal grants and loans. Our finance advisors can answer your questions about financial aid and can help guide you through the process.

Federal Student Loan Basics

Careers & Outcomes

What can you do with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science?

Computer science applies to many different types of organizations. Every business needs IT. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 162,900 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year. Be prepared with the skills and knowledge you need for a computer science career.

Woman working on a tablet

When you earn your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job. You’ll learn how to:

  • Analyze a complex computing problem to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solution.
Business man at working on a laptop in a park

Top skills learned in this program:

  • Complex problem solving

  • Integration

  • Leadership

  • Software engineering

Business man presenting

A BSCS can prepare you to be a:

  • Application developer
  • Computer consultant
  • Information technology analyst (IT analyst)
  • Software developer
  • Technical consultant

25% growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for software developer occupations is projected to be much faster as average between 2022 and 2032.

The BLS Projected Growth for 2022-2032 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

Admissions

Apply for free – no application fee, no obligation.

Starting your computer science degree is a big decision — and we want you to feel great about it. That’s why we remove obstacles from your application.

  • No cost to request prior transcripts
  • No SAT/ACT required 
  • No essay required 
  • We’ll request transcripts at no cost to you, when possible, and we accept eligible credits from over 5,000 accredited institutions.
G. Galindo - Enrollment Representative

Gabriel G., Enrollment Rep

Receive 1-on-1 support

You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 85% of our surveyed students.[1]

[1] Transactional Survey, September 2022-August 2023 (23,739 respondents)

Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today.

Call us at 844-937-8679 or chat with us 7 days a week.

Receive 1-on-1 support

You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 90% of our surveyed students.[1] Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today.

[1] Transactional Survey, August 2021-22 (18,645 respondents)

Gabriel G., Enrollment Representative

Call or chat with us 7 days a week.

Student Experience

An education that fits your busy life

Balancing family, work and school

Work toward your computer science degree without giving up what matters most. Start your degree year-round and take one class at a time.

Online learning

Your online computer science degree gives you flexibility. Enroll in online classes and attend class whenever it fits your life, day or night.

Around-the-clock support and resources

You have a support team available up to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week. 

Phoenix provides support and resources for busy students

Industry Spotlight

The state of computer science

Computer science spans across multiple industries. Computer scientists are expected to be flexible enough to meet the complexity of IT demands as the size and scale of organizations grow.

What is changing in computer science?

Computer scientists need to bring more than just coding to the industry. Leadership skills, communication skills and the ability to problem-solve and explain data are expected. A more well-rounded education than just certificate credentials may be required.

Your computer science degree

A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science provides the core curriculum you need for the industry along with general education courses that develop skills that cultivate your professional and performance skills in a business setting.

Classroom skills for real world experience

Prove the power of your applications

The capstone course of your degree gives you the opportunity to create an application and present it to your peers. Develop communication and presentation skills that take you beyond programming. Hone leadership capabilities so you can showcase the viability and marketability of the applications you build.

Faculty Spotlight

IT professionals dedicated to you

Your success is a top priority for our deans and faculty members. They bring an average of 28+ years of experience and hands-on perspective to the classroom and help bridge the gap between academics and industry knowledge.

Kathryn Uhles

I’m dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to meet their career goals.

Kathryn Uhles
Dean, College of Business and IT, University of Phoenix

I’m dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to meet their career goals.

Accreditation

Count on the quality of your education

University of Phoenix has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org, since 1978.

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Frequently asked questions about the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Yes, our Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is available 100% online. Many of our programs align with certification exams offered by leading companies.

An online computer science degree prepares you for career opportunities in IT such as software developers with a salary range of $79–125k.  Salary ranges reflect the 25th and 75th percentile for software developers in Arizona, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Explore all the online technology degrees.

A computer science degree prepares you for the IT industry including:

  • Software Developers and Applications Developer: salary range $90K-151k*
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers salary range $122-198K*

* The BLS Projected Growth for 2021-2031 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

Coursework for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program covers the three most popular data programming languages: Python, Java® and SQL. Students will be introduced at a high level to the programming languages as they relate to database design, development, and management. Learn more about the Data Programming Languages course.

A computer science degree is more focused on computer theory and application. An IT degree is more focused on the administration of computer applications. If you’re interested in technology problem-solving for an organization, learn more about earning an IT degree.

While the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program does not include industry certifications, some of the electives in the program align with third-party industry certification exams.

Electives that align with CompTIA A+ exam:

PC and Device Fundamentals

Network Troubleshooting and Support

Introduction to PC and Mobile Operating Systems

Computer Security and Operational Support Fundamentals

While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.