online computer science degree

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

Your eligible transfer credits may help you graduate faster.

Scholarships

Earn a scholarship up to either $1K or $3K starting with your first course.

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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.

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

Core Courses

2 Credits

This foundation course covers core computing technology concepts including computational thinking, abstraction of information, computing hardware and data, programming, and iteration.

3 Credits

This course provides students with a basic understanding of programming development practices. Concepts covered include the application of algorithms and logic to the design and development of procedural and object oriented computer programs to address the problem solving requirements associated with business information systems. This course will cover procedural programming concepts, including data types, controls structures, functional decomposition, arrays, files, classes, and objects.

3 Credits

This course introduces development tools and techniques used to publish web pages on the World Wide Web. Students use basic hypertext markup language (HTML), scripting, and presentation technologies to create websites.

3 Credits

Discrete mathematics is of direct importance to the fields of Computer Science and Information Technology. This branch of mathematics includes studying areas such as sophisticated forms of counting (combinatorics, etc), set theory, logic, relations, graph theory, and analysis of algorithms. This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of these areas and their use in the field of Information Technology.

3 Credits

This course covers the three most popular data programming languages: Python, Java®, and Ruby. Students will be introduced at a high level to the programming languages as they relate to database design, development, and management.

3 Credits

This course is a study in Java programming. It covers topics around Java programming, variables, expressions, using branches and loops, storing data in arrays and using methods.

3 Credits

This course is an advanced study in Java™ programming. It covers topics around advanced Java™ class design, object-oriented design principles, threads, concurrency, localization, and accessing database applications. These topics are closely aligned with the Oracle® Certified Professional Java™ SE examination.

3 Credits

This course provides a foundational workshop on data structures, which is a functional component of business intelligence (BI) within an organization. Building upon basic programming and database structure, this course builds competencies for the student to recognize the structure of data contained in deployed enterprise information systems.

3 Credits

This course provides a thorough discussion of the fundamentals of computer organization and architecture as related to contemporary design issues. Topics include I/O functions and structures, RISC, and parallel processors. Real-world examples are used in this modern approach to computer organization and architecture.

3 Credits

This course addresses the legal, ethical, and societal implications of information technology and highlights notable technology developments and their impact on business. Students examine professional codes of ethics, cyberattacks and cybersecurity, security risk assessment, privacy, electronic surveillance, and freedom of expression. Topics include Internet censorship, protection of intellectual property, quality software systems, IT's impact on society, social networking, and ethics of IT corporations with a strong focus on the ethical issues in the workplace.

3 Credits

This course provides a foundation in basic telecommunications and networking technologies fundamental to the industry and to the broad field of telecommunications. Analog, digital, and cloud-based technologies are covered. Also covered in this course are an introduction to the OSI protocol model, network-switching systems, basics of wireless communications, and network security.

3 Credits

This course provides a survey of the concepts related to linear algebra. Students examine the geometry of vectors, matrices, and linear equations, including Gauss-Jordan elimination. Students explore the concepts of linear independence, rank, and linear transformations. Vector spaces, bases, and change of bases are discussed, including orthogonality and the Gram–Schmidt process. In addition, students investigate determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.

3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to Operating Systems. Topics covered include Operating System concepts, program execution, and Operating System internals such as; memory, processor, device, and file management. A variety of Operating Systems are compared and contrasted.

3 Credits

This course introduces the fundamental, logical, and design considerations addressed during system and application software development. It provides a background in applications software development and testing techniques through a combination of theory and application and best practices.

3 Credits

This course focuses on the role of software architecture in modern business system development. Topics covered in this course include the understanding of software architecture as a set of design decisions to meet functional requirements and quality attributes, design patterns, modeling tools and techniques, and software architecture in some new technology trends.

3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to algorithms and paradigms for modern computing systems, integrating the study of parallel and sequential algorithms. This course prepares students to design, analyze, and implement algorithms for modern computing systems. This edition includes definitions and algorithms for a variety of state-of-the-art computing systems, including clouds, GPGPUs, grids, clusters, and networks of workstations.

3 Credits

This course explores the recent technological advances associated with digitized data flows, which have recently opened up new horizons for AI. Students will gain insight into some of the areas of application of Big Data in AI, including robotics, home automation, health, security, image recognition and natural language processing.

3 Credits

A project-based course in which students will apply the concepts and skills developed in the BSCS coursework.

General Education Courses

3 Credits

This course transitions students through the foundations of study at University of Phoenix. Students develop personal strategies for achieving educational goals and develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

3 Credits

The course introduces theories and concepts in psychology that will foster academic success and provide students with opportunities to synthesize and apply that knowledge.

3 Credits

This course develops the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that are essential for academic and life success.

3 Credits

Students learn how to think critically, focusing on developing the necessary tools and skills to analyze problems, make decisions, and formulate well-supported points of view on key academic, social, and professional issues.

3 Credits

This course introduces students to thinking about and working with numbers by examining the day-to-day and societal importance of money.

3 Credits

This course extends practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking. Emphasis is given to developing an effective writing process that takes into account audience and rhetorical purpose.

3 Credits

This course provides an overview of Business Information Systems. Students learn to apply Microsoft® Office tools including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software to accomplish business objectives. Other topics include uses of application software and the Internet for effective problem solving, exploration of relevant technologies for collaboration, and how information is used and shared to accomplish business goals.

3 Credits

This course introduces the fundamentals of computer systems and the role of information processing in today's business environment. An overview is presented of information systems, systems development, database management, networking, and the Internet.

3 Credits

This course provides comprehensive Cybersecurity awareness and a fundamental understanding of various computer and network security threats, such as: Identity Theft, Fraud, Online Scams, Viruses and Backdoors, Hacking, Social Engineering Attacks, and more.

3 Credits

This course presents traditional concepts in college algebra. Topics include linear, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations, sequences, and series.

4 Credits

This is the first part of a two-part survey of general physics with integrated laboratory recommended for students majoring in a science other than physics, including students of premedical programs. Topics include kinematics and dynamics of particles; momentum, work, and energy; gravitation; circular, angular, and harmonic motion; mechanical and thermal properties of solids, liquids, and gases; heat and thermodynamics.

4 Credits

This is the second part of a two-part survey of general physics with integrated laboratory recommended for students majoring in a science other than physics, including students of premedical programs. Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics.

3 Credits

This foundational course covers networking basics. In this course, you will learn about network architecture, including network infrastructure implementation, addressing schemas, routing, unified communications, and cloud computing. Understanding computer networks and network components is essential for any IT professional. This course covers the objectives for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

4 Credits

This course is an introduction to differential calculus. Students explore limits and continuity. They examine the basic concept of differentiation and practice differentiation techniques. Students develop competence applying differentiation to solve problems. Students also examine simple antiderivatives.

4 Credits

This course examines integral calculus topics. Students are presented with integration techniques for functions of one variable and more applications of definite integrals. Students explore numerical techniques of integration. Students also examine the area function, Riemann sums, and indefinite integrals, and apply these to real-life problems. The course concludes with the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

Electives

3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to personal computers (PC) and mobile devices commonly used in business and non-profit industries. Topics include the fundamentals of hardware components, architecture, configuration, upgrade, and repair. This course also provides an introduction to hardware troubleshooting and computer support. This course and CIS/293 are aligned with the requirements of the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 exam.

3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to computer networking, network troubleshooting and desktop support. Topics include networking design and implementation. CIS/293 provides hands on practice troubleshooting hardware and desktop support issues aligned with entry-level desktop support. This course, and CIS/291, are aligned with the requirements of the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 exam.

3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of personal computer and mobile device operating systems. Topics include software configuration, file and data management, synchronization, and troubleshooting. Cloud concepts and the integration of cloud services in the work environment are introduced. This course and CIS/297 align with the requirements of the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 exam.

3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of network security across devices. Topics include operational procedures and best practices for troubleshooting and providing end-user support. This course provides theory and practice troubleshooting operating systems across devices. This course and CIS/295 align with the requirements of the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 exam.

3 Credits

This course introduces practices in cloud infrastructure and services. Covered are a cloud computing model, layers of cloud computing, and functions of cloud computing. Included are fundamental layers of cloud infrastructure: physical, virtual, control, orchestration, and service. Also included are cross-layer functions of cloud infrastructure: business continuity, security, and service management.

3 Credits

This course introduces practices in data analytics foundational to the industry and the field of data analytics. Covered are theories of analytics, the phases of the analytics lifecycle, analysis and exploration of data, relevant statistics for data modeling, data visualization, and the tools used for data analytics.

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.

Learn about transfer credits

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 labor market researchers like Lightcast to find in-demand skills for careers and mapped those to our related associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Learn about skills

Tuition

Transfer credits

Your previous eligible college credits can save you time and money – helping you to graduate faster. That’s why we’ve accepted transcripts from 5,000+ institutions, so 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.

Learn about financial aid

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.

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 September 14, 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.


COA Components	Bachelor's Degree (non-CBE)
Tuition and Fees¹ Tuition and Fees¹	Tuition and Fees¹ $9,288
Books, course materials, supplies and equipment Books, course materials, supplies and equipment	Books, course materials, supplies and equipment $1,416
Transportation Transportation	Transportation $1,360
Miscellaneous personal expenses Miscellaneous personal expenses	Miscellaneous personal expenses $550
Living Expenses² Living Expenses²	Living Expenses²
Food Food	Food $2,650
Housing³ Housing³	Housing³ $5,120
Federal student loan fees Federal student loan fees	Federal student loan fees $60
Dependent care expenses Dependent care expenses	Dependent care expenses $0
Disability related expenses Disability related expenses	Disability related expenses $0
Total COA Total COA	Total COA $20,444

¹The tuition component is based on a per credit weighted average for the credential level across the entire University.

²The University allows the same living expense amounts for students in all living arrangements and dependency statuses.

³The living expense component for students receiving Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) only includes an allowance for food.

Scholarships to earn your computer science degree, more affordably

Everyone deserves an affordable education. That’s why we offer an unlimited number of scholarships, so if you qualify, you can get one too. Starting with your first course, every qualifying new student will be awarded one of our scholarships, worth up to either $1,000 or $3,000. Or you'll get the better offer you qualify for.

Learn about scholarships

Financial aid

You 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.

A BSCS can prepare you to be a:

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

Top skills learned in this program:

Complex problem solving
Integration
Leadership
Software engineering

Ready to get started?

Start your application for free or request additional information.

Explore admission requirements

What you’ll learn

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

25% Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for software developer occupations is projected to be much faster as average between 2021 and 2031.

The BLS Projected Growth for 2021-2031 is published by the U.S. 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
No cost, risk-free trial for eligible students

How to enroll at the University of Phoenix

How to enroll at University of Phoenix

Gabriel G., Enrollment Rep

Receive highly rated 1-on-1 support

You’ll have a support team of real people you can lean on to encourage your success as a student. Start a conversation about your future with one of our enrollment representatives today.

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

Receive highly rated 1-on-1 support

You’ll have a support team of real people you can lean on to encourage your success as a student. Start a conversation about your future with one of our enrollment representatives today.

Call or chat with us 7 days a week.

Learn about our flexibility

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.

Read about online classes

Around-the-clock support and resources

You have a support team available up to 20 hours a day, 5 days a week.

See student resources

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 26 years of experience and hands-on perspective to the classroom and help bridge the gap between academics and industry knowledge.

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

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.