Online Computer Science Degree Bachelor's Program (BS)

Build structured databases, explore big data and learn how to clean data in SNHU’s online BS in computer science with a concentration in data analysis.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for software developers are set to grow 11% through 2029 – well above the national average.¹ Armed with a specialized CS degree in data analysis, candidates can gain additional skills to help them stand out in an exciting and competitive field.

The concentration in data analysis introduces various functions of a data analyst, including creating database environments, learning regression analysis and using tools and technologies for analysis. You’ll have the option to explore topics of interest including big data and data validation.

If you're interested in a career in data science, you may also want to explore our full data analytics degree online program.

Courses may include:

• Structured Database Environments
• Emerging Technologies and Big Data
• Data Validation: Quality and Cleaning

Become a project management expert while learning the ins and outs of computer science and software development with SNHU's online bachelor's in computer science with a concentration in project management for STEM.

The Project Management Institute (PMI)^® predicts that new project management roles will grow across industries through 2027.² Along with these numbers, and the projection that jobs in the IT and computer science fields will grow at record numbers in the coming years, there's a great need for qualified project managers who understand the complex world of computer science.

The project management for STEM concentration provides a focused study of the methodologies and tools necessary for managing projects effectively. Emphasizing business processes, goals and techniques, you’ll develop the skills of an experienced project manager by creating detailed project plans for real scenarios.

If you're seeking a more business-focused program, you may also be interested in our online project management degree concentration in business administration.

Courses may include:

• Project Management
• Resource Estimating and Scheduling
• Adaptive Project Management

Gain a fundamental overview of the basics of computer networking and security with SNHU's online computer science degree with a concentration in information security.

In the information security concentration, you’ll learn about the interconnectivity of computer systems while exploring the fundamentals of computer networking. Gain familiarity with foundational cyber security policies, procedures, best practices and security planning within the IT field. Explore how legal and human factors influence the development of information security strategies.

If you're interested in a career in information security, you may also want to explore our full online cyber security degree program.

Courses may include:

• Computer Systems Security
• Computer Networking
• Cyber Security Foundations

Learn the fundamental concepts and principles of software engineering – a systematic approach used to develop software on time, on budget and within specifications – with a software engineering concentration from SNHU.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for software developers are set to soar 22% through 2029 – well above the national average.¹ Armed with a specialized computer science degree in software engineering, candidates can gain additional skills to help them stand out in an exciting and competitive field.

The online software engineering degree concentration introduces concepts, techniques and principles of software design and development. Exploring user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) concepts and techniques, this concentration emphasizes user-centricity and contemporary techniques. You’ll learn approaches to reverse engineer code, develop secure code and test code.

Courses may include:

• UI/UX Design and Development
• Secure Coding
• Software Reverse Engineering

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.

Respected

Founded in 1932, SNHU is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Regional accreditation, like that from NECHE, is older and more widely accepted across the country, meaning your credits transfer more easily from one institution to the next.

Opportunity

You'll have the chance to participate in extracurricular activities and events like:

• Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing
• ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing
• Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)
• National Cyber League competitions
• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) student chapter

Network

As an SNHU student, you'll have access to a powerful network of peers, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate your industry. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.³ Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:

• Completing a free undergraduate application
• Providing previous institutions attended – so SNHU can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost

Test scores are not required as part of your application.

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

Of course. Earning a computer science degree online isn't all that different than pursuing the same program on a campus. At SNHU, there are weekly assignments, as well as regular interactions with your classmates and instructor.

But participating in an online program can have some benefits over a campus program. When you earn your online computer science degree at SNHU, you can do your classwork when you want. That's because there are no set class times – only weekly deadlines that are set at the beginning of the term. You get to do your assignments when it's most convenient for you, whether that's in the morning before work, on your lunch break or after you put the kids to bed.

It makes sense to earn your bachelor's in computer science online, because your desktop or laptop device is exactly what you'd be doing your assignments on no matter where your classes are. Plus, SNHU gives you access to our virtual environment, which gets you into the software applications, simulations and virtual desktops you need for classes – the same applications you'll use in the workforce.

The best place for you to earn your computer science degree online may not be the right place for others to get their degree. You'll need to consider the factors that are the most important to you so that you can reach the finish line.

When you speak with a member of our admission team, you can get the answers you need to decide if SNHU is the school with the online computer science degree for you.

Some of your questions may revolve around:

• Curriculum. Review course requirements and electives to make sure the material you'll cover throughout the program are what you need to get you to your goals. Between your general education courses and your degree-specific classes, SNHU helps you position yourself for success beyond the computer science skills you learn in the classroom.
• Concentrations. SNHU offers 4 concentrations for its bachelor of computer science program: data analysis, information security, project management and software engineering. A specialized bachelor's degree can give you an edge in the workforce.
• Experiential learning opportunities. Hands-on experience can not only help prepare you and give you confidence for your career, but it can also help add depth to your resume, helping you move to the top of the pile. You'll get opportunities in many of our cloud-based virtual environments, which give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. You'll also want to consider speaking with one of our career advisors, who can help put you in touch with an employer for a project or an internship.

So why do our students choose SNHU? Other reasons include low online tuition rates, flexibility of online programs, career-focused degree programs and a support system that's dedicated to your success.

Yes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs in computer and information technology are projected to grow 11% through 2029 – much faster than the average of all occupations.¹

The demand, according to BLS, comes from more focus on cloud computing, big data and information security.

The BLS lists some of these roles as:

• Computer and information research scientists
• Computer network architects and database administrators
• Computer programmers and computer support specialists
• Computer support specialists and information security analysts
• Network administrators and computer systems administrators
• Software developers and web developers

Most of these jobs require at least a bachelor's degree to break into the field.

However, it's not just about your tech skills. “Employers like to see if you bring experience they can use," said Curtis George, technical program facilitator at SNHU. "The biggest soft skills in demand ... are collaboration and communication.” Your ability to work well with a team makes this career more than just code.

Another attractive part of jobs in computer and information technology? The salary. The median annual wage in May 2019 for these occupations was $88,240 – almost $50,000 higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.¹

Learn more about what you can do with a computer science degree.

These two career paths may sound like they are similar, but in reality, they only have a slight overlap in skill sets and responsibilities.

In a computer science degree program, you study and develop computers, networks, hardware, software and databases. It involves engineering, math and science – topics you'll rely on regularly in a computer science role – and a bachelor's degree in computer science is broad enough to give you plenty of career options.

Information technology (IT) is the use of technology to store, retrieve and send information, usually in a business setting. Professionals in IT careers are often the decision-makers regarding technology in an organization.

"Everything that you touch, everything that you wear, everything that you interact with, anything that you order online, it's all IT," said Ben Steinbach, a career outreach specialist at SNHU.

At SNHU, majoring in computer science means your courses focus on subjects like computer programming, software development, security and data structures. The IT curriculum exposes you to scripting, operating systems, networks and systems requirements.

Both degree programs open doors to careers with projected growth. It's up to you to decide with technology path you're interested in taking.

Many students may choose to major in computer science as undergrads and then continue their education at the graduate level with an online master's in IT, which features 7 career-focused concentrations such as web design and software application development.

The amount of time it takes to earn your online computer science degree can vary – on you, your educational background and your goals.

If you've previously attended other institutions, it can shorten your time at SNHU by transferring those credits into your program here. SNHU offers students a generous transfer policy, accepting up to 90 credits toward your degree.

Discuss your free transfer credit evaluation with your admission counselor. This allows you to see where all your previously earned credits can go toward your program – and it allows you to find out what classes you have left to take before you can graduate with your BS in Computer Science.

Our admission team can walk you through your evaluation to show you where your transfer credits are placed in your evaluation and how well they fit into your chosen program. For example, if you've already taken your general education courses – as well as a number of computer science credits – you could position yourself to finish your degree faster.

In addition, you'll want to decide if you want to take classes full time or part time. With SNHU's 8-week terms, enrolling in 1 class is considered part time and 2 classes is full time. If you work and have other obligations that can limit the amount of time you have available to work toward your bachelor's in computer science, you'll want to take that into consideration to determine what you can successfully accomplish each term.

Your academic advisor is always available to help you create a custom course plan so that you know exactly when you'll reach the finish line.

Danielle Hoopes, a 2018 computer science alumna, appreciated how her academic advisor helped her graduate.

"His check-ins kept me on track and having someone to go to with any questions was something I had never had before," Hoopes said. "I just kept telling myself that my dream of becoming a leader in technology was attainable and the staff at SNHU helped me accomplish it."

At SNHU, it all comes down to where you're at in your educational journey.

If you begin at SNHU with no credits, and at the current rate of $320 a credit, you'd pay $38,400 in tuition – for your entire bachelor's degree. (That's oftentimes the same amount it can cost for a single year of tuition at many traditional brick-and-mortar colleges.)

However, most online students at SNHU enroll with transfer credits. So if you've already invested in your education at other institutions previously, and you are able to transfer in credits, the amount your program costs can drop significantly. SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward your bachelor's – meaning you could pay as little as $9,600 in tuition to complete your online computer science degree.

You can also keep your costs low at SNHU by working with our Student Financial Services team. They'll walk you through the process of filling out the FAFSA form, which can determine your eligibility for grants and repayable loans. Our SFS counselors will also help you customize a plan to maximize your awards and make your degree as affordable as possible.

Both software developers and software engineers share many aspects in their career. A professional in either role may help develop or manage the software a business uses. However, a software developer may spend more time creating and troubleshooting new programs, while a software engineer may continue managing, maintaining and improving existing software.

Still, both terms have been used interchangeably and with a heavy overlap in skills, businesses may not even separate the roles.

Software developers and engineers work to solve real-world problems using technology. Virtually every business uses software, employing engineers and developers to create and use software for "anything from computers to mobile devices to embedded software that controls all sorts of machines and hardware devices,” said Dr. Scott Overmyer, associate dean of information technology programs at SNHU.

Either title requires strong interpersonal skills because the jobs don't just involve the code – they involve working with the people who use the software. The field is multi-faceted.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm (viewed Feb. 9, 2021)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (viewed Feb. 9, 2021)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

² Project Management Institute, Job Growth and Talent Gap 2017-2027, on the internet, at https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/job-growth-report.pdf (viewed June 12, 2019).

³ According to survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.