In this article, we will discuss accredited online degrees in Computer Science that will make you more marketable as well as explain what it means for a school or program to be accredited and why it’s so important.
Computer science is one of the fastest-growing fields in today’s job market. Now more than ever, employers are looking for employees who have computer science skills and can help their company use technology to advance their business.
With that being said, now is the perfect time to invest in your future and pursue a degree in computer science. However, not all online degrees in computer science programs are created equal. Some schools might be able to offer you an excellent education with top-notch professors and mentors.
However, if you want to find an accredited online degree program in computer science that will make you more marketable once you graduate—you should look for certain qualities when browsing potential programs.
What Does Accreditation Mean?
Accreditation is a process that evaluates and reviews the competency and quality of a school or program to make sure that it’s meeting certain requirements.
Accreditation organizations are private, non-profit agencies that are not affiliated with the government and they’re in charge of making sure that certain standards and criteria are met when it comes to education.
Accreditation isn’t mandatory and some schools and programs choose not to be accredited; however, accredited schools and programs are often the best schools and programs, especially when it comes to pursuing an online degree.
When looking for an accredited online computer science degree, you want to find a program that has been reviewed and accredited by The Higher Education Commission or The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
An Introduction to Computer Science
Computer science is a field that deals with the theory, design, development, and application of computer software and hardware.
Computer scientists and engineers use technology to solve complex problems and develop new programming languages and software. Computer science majors study both the theory and application of computers and computer systems for solving real-world problems.
Computer science is a very broad field and can be applied in a wide range of fields. For example, computer scientists help design and launch rockets for NASA, develop autonomous vehicles that drive on our roads, and analyze DNA sequences in hospitals to identify genetic diseases. Computer scientists and engineers have very high salaries and are in high demand.
Furthermore, computer technology is only becoming more integrated into our daily lives. Therefore, there is a high demand for computer scientists and engineers, especially those with a strong programming background.
Computer science is a great degree to pursue if you’re interested in a more general engineering degree. However, if you’re interested in more of a specific engineering degree, you should look into pursuing computer engineering or information technology.
Know What to Look for in an Online Computer Science Degree Program
What is the best computer science degree for you? Some of the factors you should keep in mind include:
The type of program offered – Some programs are designed for those looking to get a job in cybersecurity while others are designed for software engineers.
The program length – Depending on which degree you choose, some programs take longer than others. For example, associate’s degree programs typically take two years to complete while bachelor’s degree programs take four years or more.
The learning style – Some online computer science degree programs are more online-only than others, and there are even some that offer a hybrid of online and in-person learning.
The cost of the program – Online degrees can vary in cost, and it is important to keep this in mind when making a decision.
Computer Science Degree Programs
There are several different types of computer science degree programs available at different universities. Although some universities offer a combined degree program that allows students to pursue a degree in computer science and engineering, most universities offer a degree in one or the other.
Computer science degree programs usually last about four years and can either be pursued as a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree.
Bachelor’s Degree:
A bachelor’s degree in computer science is generally a four-year program that combines coursework in computer science with general education courses in other subjects such as math, history, or philosophy.
Most bachelor’s degree programs in computer science allow students to choose between pursuing a general degree in computer science or a more specialized degree in a subfield of computer science such as artificial intelligence or computer programming.
Master’s Degree:
A master’s degree in computer science is a more in-depth program that requires students to conduct research and write a thesis paper. Many students choose to pursue a master’s degree in computer science to advance their careers as computer scientists.
Decide If You Want an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree
Associate’s degrees are the most common type of online computer science degree and are typically two-year programs that result in a specialized certification.
Bachelor’s degrees are the standard in most fields, and they are typically four-year programs that result in a bachelor’s degree in a particular field.
Many people ask whether an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree is better.
Well, that depends. If you are simply looking to add another credential to your resume, an associate’s degree might be the way to go. However, if you are interested in a particular career path, you might need a bachelor’s degree. Keep in mind that bachelor’s degrees are sometimes required for certain high-paying jobs.
Read also: Choosing the Right Online Degree: Pros and Cons of Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Degrees
5 Accredited Online Degrees in Computer Science
Did you know that there are more than 200 accredited computer science programs online? If you’d know where to begin, that’s okay. Here are some online degree programs in computer science.
1. BS in Computer Science
The most common type of online computer science degree is a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Bachelor’s degrees in computer science allow students to pursue a wide range of careers as computer scientists or engineers.
Bachelor’s degrees in computer science often offer a variety of different specializations such as computer engineering, network engineering, artificial intelligence, software engineering, etc. However, some bachelor’s degree programs in computer science only offer a general degree.
If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, it’s important to find out which specialization the school or program offers. Some programs may only offer the general degree while others may offer multiple specializations.
The best way to find out what specializations a program offers is to either visit the program’s website or contact the program’s admissions department directly.
2. MS in Computer Science: Professional Degree Program
A professional degree program is an accelerated degree program that allows students to finish their degree sooner than those pursuing a standard or general degree.
Professional degree programs focus on a specific industry or field so that students can graduate with a skill set that’s applicable in the workforce.
Professional degree programs in computer science are great for students who are looking to advance their careers as computer scientists or engineers as soon as possible.
Some popular professional degree programs in computer science include computer engineering, data science, software engineering, and network engineering.
3. MS in Computer Science: Accredited Program
An accredited program is a degree program that is accredited by The Higher Education Commission or The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
For a school or program to be accredited, it must meet certain criteria and standards set by one of the above-mentioned accreditation agencies. Academic institutions are accredited because they want to prove to potential students and employers that they’re high-quality schools and that their degree programs are worth pursuing.
Accredited online degrees in Computer Science are approved because they’re highly technical degree programs that require students to learn a lot of information and theory. Accreditation agencies want to make sure that students who pursue a computer science degree have the appropriate resources and skillset to succeed in the workforce after graduation.
4. MS in Computer Science: Non-Accredited Program
A non-accredited program is a degree program that does not meet the criteria and standards set by The Higher Education Commission or The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Non-accredited programs are not as heavily regulated and are not as heavily reviewed by outside agencies. Computer science degree programs that are not accredited may still be a good degree program for your needs, but be aware that they might not be as good as an accredited degree program.
5. MS in Data Analytics: Accredited Program
A data analytics degree program focuses on collecting and analyzing large amounts of data using a variety of computer algorithms and software. A data analytics degree program is a very specific degree that focuses on a very specific subfield of computer science.
Data analytics degree programs are great if you’re interested in pursuing a specific specialization in computer science and want to focus on a specific industry.
Find Out Which Fields of Computer Science You Are Interested In
Are you interested in pursuing accredited online degrees in Computer Science or are you more interested in a specialized degree?
There are numerous fields in computer science including cybersecurity, software engineering, and computer programming, to name a few.
Each field is unique and can lead to different types of careers. For example, someone with a cybersecurity degree can work in a wide range of careers, including cybersecurity analyst or computer engineer.
When you have an idea of which field you are interested in, it will help you narrow down your search for the best online computer science degree program.
Read also: Why ‘Getting Your Degree Online’ Is Actually The Smartest Thing To Do
Bottom Line
There are plenty accredited online degrees in Computer Science to choose from, but you need to do some research to find the right one. First, you will need to decide which degree is right for you and in which field you would like to specialize. You should also keep in mind the program length, learning style, and cost of the program. With these, you should be able to find the best online computer science degree program.
With the right online computer science degree program, you can pursue a career in the tech industry such as software engineering or cybersecurity. You might even decide to start your own business by obtaining a certificate in entrepreneurship. The choice is yours, so choose wisely and get started on your online computer science degree today.
