Build a Career in Software Development with a Computer Science Degree
Gain the skills and experience required to enter one of the nation's fastest growing industries with an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from SNHU. Through experiential and applied lessons, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Learn the ins and outs of languages such as Python, Java and C++
- Understand operating environments like Linux, Windows and mobile
- Master software development and testing platforms, including Netbeans, Eclipse, OpenGL and Maven.
- Join a growing field of software developers who earn a median annual salary of $102,280*
- Take classes at your own pace with an accredited, nonprofit university offering one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation - $320 per credit
Online computer science degree students will work to solve real-world problems in courses that emphasize the design and development of computer software. Key courses include: Software Development Lifecycle, Advanced Programming Languages, and Object Oriented Analysis & Design.
Earn math credits for what you already know: Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Show your knowledge of the materials in your program's math courses, and you could earn up to 6 math credits - at less than $50 for each course assessment.
See Yourself Succeed with our Online Computer Science Degrees
SNHU's online BS in Computer Science program sets you up for the real world's demands. Our hands-on approach gives you experience that can make your resume shine and your skill set stand out.
Upon completion of the BS in Computer Science, you'll be able to:
- Employ strategies for building collaborative environments that enable diverse audiences to support ethical and responsible organizational decision making in the field of computer science
- Design, develop and deliver professional-quality oral, written and visual communications that are coherent, technically sound and appropriately adapted to specific audiences and contexts and that reflect one's identity in the computer science field
- Design and evaluate computing solutions that solve a given problem using algorithmic principles and computer science practices and standards appropriate to its solution, while managing the trade-offs involved in design choices
- Demonstrate an ability to use well-founded and innovative techniques, skills and tools in computing practices for the purpose of implementing computer solutions that deliver value and accomplish industry-specific goals
- Develop a security mindset that anticipates adversarial exploits in software architecture and designs to expose potential vulnerabilities, mitigate design flaws and ensure privacy and enhanced security of data and resources
As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of earning your online computer science degrees at SNHU include:
- Affordability. Take advantage of some of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation
- Convenience. Attend class when it's convenient for you - online education means 24/7 access
- Efficiency and flexibility. Complete your undergraduate degree at your own pace, over six 8-week terms per year
- Expert instruction. Learn from instructors with relevant, real-world experience
- Networking. Tap into our nationwide network of alumni for internship and career opportunities
- Simple application process. Just fill out an online undergraduate application, and we'll retrieve U.S. transcripts from your previous institutions and automatically complete an official credit evaluation. Plus, there's no application fee
- Student support. Count on the ongoing support of dedicated academic and career advisors specialized in your area of study
- Transfer-friendly enrollment. Transfer up to 90 credits toward an undergraduate degree
Career Outlook
Our online computer science degree positions you for roles like applications and software developers and computer systems analysts. Jobs in this field typically demand a bachelor's degree - and there's oftentimes a shortage across industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer jobs are expected to grow much faster than average, 24% through 2026.* Computer systems analysts made $87,220 in 2016 and the field is expected to grow by 9% through 2026.*
Curriculum
The curriculum for our computer science degree online emphasizes the design and development of computer software, providing you with the necessary math, science and engineering skills you'll need for career success. Students must complete core courses (CS-200, IT-201, IT-145, PHY-101 and 101L, DAD-220 and MAT-225) before enrolling in program courses.
New students are eligible to take a free math assessment that, depending on their score, can earn them up to six math credits toward their degree, which can save you time and money. Learn more today.
Courses To Prepare You For Your Career
SNHU's bachelor's in computer science program includes:
- General education
- Degree-specific courses
General Education Program
Our programs are designed to equip you with the skills and insights you need to move forward. In recent years, employers have stressed the need for graduates with higher order skills - the skills that go beyond technical knowledge - such as:
- Writing
- Communication
- Analysis
- Problem solving
All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
Courses May Include
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CS
200
Computer Science's Role in Industry
This course introduces the role of computer software in a variety of industries. Principles of hardware, software, computation, and algorithm development are introduced. Students learn the fundamentals of basic programming concepts, including data types, variables, control structures, logical expressions, and arrays.
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DAD
220
Introduction to Structured Query Language
Structured Query Language (SQL) is at the heart of many data systems. In this course, students learn the basics of SQL programming as it relates to data management,data manipulation, and data analysis.
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IT
201
Computer Platform Technologies
This course provides the hardware/software technology background for information technology personnel. Hardware topics include CPU architecture, memory, registers, addressing modes, busses, instruction sets and a variety of input/output devices. Software topics include operating system modules, process management, memory and file system management. Also included are basic network components and multi-user operating systems.
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IT
145
Foundation in Application Development
This course is an introduction to the design, implementation, and understanding of computer programs. The course emphasizes programming as a problem-solving technique in business and engineering applications. Students will write computer code in a logical, structured, and organized manner. The course also covers the key concepts of object orientation, including inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism and communication with messages. Other topics include classes and objects, base classes and class hierarchies, abstract and concrete classes. Students will learn to write, review and document interactive applications and working with Software Development Kits and Integrated Development Environment tools. This is a programming course and lab intense.
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MAT
225
Calculus I: Single-Variable Calculus
Calculus is the mathematical study of change that has widespread applications in science, engineering, economics and business. This course provides a rigorous introduction to single-variable calculus. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation and integration of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, applications of derivatives, and integration, including the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. This course will encourage students to think beyond memorizing formulas and to work towards understanding concepts.
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PHY
101
Principles of Physics
Principles of Physics is an algebra based course that explores the major topics in physics, such as motion and forces, gravity and projectiles, energy and work, thermodynamics, vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism, solids and fluids, light and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.
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PHY
101L
Principles of Physics Lab
This course will use laboratory techniques to study the fundamental principles of physics. Topics such as motion and forces, gravity and projectiles, and energy and work will be covered along with other topics important to physics.
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Total Credits: 121
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Program Outcomes
- Employ strategies for working within collaborative environments that enable diverse audiences to support ethical and responsible organizational decision-making in the field of computer science
- Develop and deliver professional quality communications that are technically sound, appropriately adapted to specific audiences, and that reflect one's identity in the computer science field
- Design and evaluate computing solutions that solve a given problem using algorithmic principles and computer science practices and standards appropriate to its solution, while managing the trade-offs involved in design choices
- Demonstrate an ability to use well-founded and innovative techniques, skills, and tools in computing practices for the purpose of implementing computer solutions that deliver value and accomplish industry-specific goals
- Develop a security mindset that anticipates adversarial exploits in software architecture and designs to expose potential vulnerabilities, mitigate design flaws, and ensure privacy and enhanced security of data and resources
- Employ strategies for working within collaborative environments that enable diverse audiences to support ethical and responsible organizational decision-making in the field of computer science
- Develop and deliver professional quality communications that are technically sound, appropriately adapted to specific audiences, and that reflect one's identity in the computer science field
- Design and evaluate computing solutions that solve a given problem using algorithmic principles and computer science practices and standards appropriate to its solution, while managing the trade-offs involved in design choices
- Demonstrate an ability to use well-founded and innovative techniques, skills, and tools in computing practices for the purpose of implementing computer solutions that deliver value and accomplish industry-specific goals
- Develop a security mindset that anticipates adversarial exploits in software architecture and designs to expose potential vulnerabilities, mitigate design flaws, and ensure privacy and enhanced security of data and resources
Computer Science Minimum Specifications
Minimum Recommended PC Laptop Specifications
- Intel® Core™ i3 Processor
- 1.6 GHz or faster processor
- DirectX 9 - capable video card with 1024 x 768 or higher resolution
- 4GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Mobile Intel® HD
- 500GB (5400rpm) hard drive
- DVD±RW
- Audio
- 10/100/1000 Network interface
- Wireless 802.11g/n
- USB 2.0 ports
- OS: Windows 7 - 32 bit - service pack 1
Minimum Recommended PC Desktop Specifications
- Intel® Core™ i3 Processor
- 4GB DDR3 SDRAM
- 1.6 GHz or faster processor
- DirectX 9 - capable video card with 1024 x 768 or higher resolution
- Video card with 512 MB of video RAM
- 500GB (7200rpm) hard drive
- DVD±RW
- Audio
- 10/100/1000 Network interface
- Front-side USB 2.0 ports
- 20" LCD Monitor
- OS: Windows 7 - 32 bit - service pack 1
Minimum Recommended Macintosh Laptop Specifications
- MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch
- Intel Core i5 or better
- Mac OS 10.10.x (Yosemite) or higher
- 8 GB RAM
- 256 GB solid state or higher
- 512 GB if you plan to install Windows through Imagine
- MacBook Air/Pro Intel Core i3 or higher
- Mac OS 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
- 4 GB RAM
- 160 GB internal hard drive
- DVD/CD-RW
- 13.3" LCD
- AirPort Extreme card, network interface card
- Lock, carrying case
Minimum Recommended Macintosh Desktop Specifications
- Intel Core i5 or higher
- Mac OS 10.10 (Yosemite)
- 8 GB RAM
- 1 TB internal hard drive or 256 GB SSD.
- EPEAT Silver rating (preferably EPEAT Gold)
- 8x Super Drive (double-layer)
- 21.5" LED Display
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi adaptor
- Intel Core i3
- Mac OS 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
- 4 GB RAM
- 250 GB internal hard drive
- DVD-ROM/CD-RW
- 15" LCD monitor
- AirPort, Network interface card
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
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Online Undergraduate Programs
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Per Course*
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Per Credit Hour*
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Degree/Certificates
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$960 |
$320 |
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)
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$675 |
$225 |
*Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education as well as several other accrediting bodies. More...
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm (viewed online Dec. 22, 2017). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.