How to Learn Artificial Intelligence (Plus Helpful Courses and Skills)
STEM | 7min Read
Online Computer Science Course IT-140: Introduction to Scripting
Why SNHU? A faster way to upskill and get ahead
There are lots of advantages to taking a single course. Whether you want to grow in your current career, prepare yourself for a new one or get one step closer to a college degree, an individual course is a great way to get started.
Finish in Just 8 Weeks
Not only is a single course low-commitment, but it’s a fast way to gain skills and college credits while exploring what it’s like to take courses at SNHU.
Upskill for Your Career
SNHU courses focus on real-world, career-focused skills that you can use immediately in the workplace or to help prepare you to advance in the field.
Earn College Credits
Course credits may be transferred to a degree program at SNHU or another university, depending on your university’s transfer policy.
IT-140: Introduction to Scripting Online computer science class built for your success
Learn the fundamentals of programming concepts in IT-140: Introduction to Scripting at Southern New Hampshire University. In this online course, you'll develop foundational knowledge of data types, variables, decision statements, loops, functions, file handling and more.
Skills you’ll learn
- Requirement translation
- Computational problem solving
- Scriptwriting using industry-standard syntax and conventions
- Start-to-finish program development
Highly Recommended
★★★★★★★★★☆
1,346 students who took this course in 2024 were surveyed and rated it 8.6 out of 10 stars.
Career-focused curriculum
In addition to developing foundational program concept knowledge, students in IT-140 will also have the opportunity to put theory into practice. Over the course of 8 weeks, you'll develop simple scripts of your own. You'll leave the course with a deeper understanding of common scripting language constructs — including lists, literals and regular expressions — to build useful applications.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: March 2, 2026 | May 4, 2026
Next class starts:
January 5, 2026
College that fits your life
With no set class times and 24/7 access to the online classroom, you can learn on your schedule. Learn more about what it's like to take a class at SNHU.
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
It's easy to get started
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your education. That’s why we make signing up for individual courses simple.
- Get started by talking to an admission counselor
- Take up to 10 courses without enrolling in a degree program
- High school diploma or GED not required*
*If you are currently a high school student who hasn't graduated yet, you can still take individual courses at SNHU. Please reach out to an admission counselor for documents and forms that may be required.
If you choose to enroll in a degree program in the future, we’re here to help with additional forms, transcripts and other materials that may be necessary. For degree programs, acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
| Minimum Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
|
Quad-core Intel i7 series or AMD equivalent processor - minimum 3.0GHz |
Quad-core Intel i9 series or AMD equivalent |
| 32GB RAM | 64GB RAM |
| 1TB solid state drive | 1TB solid state drive |
| NVIDIA GTX 1050 or higher, 4GB | NVIDIA GTX 4060 or higher, 8GB |
Optional accessories: Headphones, external hard drive
What's next See where a single course can take you
Catch Up or Get Ahead
Online courses can help lighten the course load required by your degree program at SNHU or another university.
Transfer Your Credits
Credits you earn can transfer to SNHU degree programs, or to another university, depending on their transfer policy.
Upskill for Career Moves
For moving up the ladder or changing fields entirely, new skills can help make you more marketable.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online courses are among the lowest in the nation.
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Credits Earned
Online Undergraduate
$342
$1,026
3
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
Please note: Books and materials are not included in the above costs. Federal Financial Aid is not available, but you can use employer tuition benefits or tuition reimbursement if available to you. Contact your employer benefits manager to see if you have funds available, or talk to our admission team to learn about payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a computer science course online?
Absolutely.
At SNHU, IT-140: Introduction to Scripting — and many other computer science courses — are 8 weeks long and offered 100% online. There are no set class times and, aside from weekly deadlines, you can study when and where it works best for you. You'll have access to your online classroom 24/7, too, making it a particularly flexible option if you're balancing work, family or other responsibilities.
Plus, online tuition at SNHU is some of the lowest in the nation. At $342/credit, an undergraduate course like IT-140 comes out to $1,026 (not including course material fees).
Online computer science courses are flexible, affordable options for many students, and could be the right fit for you.
Is it okay to get a computer science degree online?
If you find a reputable online degree program, it's absolutely okay to get a computer science degree online — and it can be a flexible, affordable option for many students.
One of the most important things to consider when determining whether an online program is reputable is the university's accreditation. But what, exactly, is accreditation — and why does it matter?
Accreditation is a measurement of an academic institution’s quality of education. If you see that a college or university is accredited, that means they've:
- Undergone an independent review
- Met specific standards of quality
- Have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful
Southern New Hampshire University, for example, is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
While there are certainly other factors to keep in mind during your decision process, keep an eye out for accreditation when determining whether or not to pursue an online computer science degree. It's a great place to start.
Is 25 too late to learn computer science?
It's never too late to learn computer science — especially if you're a natural problem solver who enjoys figuring out how things work.
Tech changes fast, and that's part of what can make it exciting for students of any age to study. A good computer science course — or degree program — helps you learn to adapt, stay current and grow skills over time to match the need of the moment.
Computer science is about more than just coding. In SNHU's introduction to scripting course, you'll learn how to build, test and deploy real-world software. You'll leave with a better understanding of how tech supports businesses and people every day, too.
Bottom line? When it comes to studying computer science, there's no such thing as "too late." If you're someone with curiosity, persistence and a growth mindset who likes tackling challenges, computer science could be a great fit for you.
Is computer science heavy in math?
Computer science does involve some math, yes.
If you choose to continue your studies and enroll in the bachelor's in computer science online degree program with SNHU, you'll need to take some general education math courses. You'll also be required to take some program-specific math courses — like statistics, precalculus, calculus and mathematics for computing — which narrow in on the ways computer science and math intersect.
Remember, though, that while math is part of the computer science curriculum, it's not the only thing you'll study. You'll also focus on fundamental programming techniques, algorithms and data structures, quantitative reasoning skills and lots more.
Can I do computer science if I am bad at math?
Earning a degree in computer science can be challenging, and the curriculum at SNHU does include some math. But with the right support, it can be achievable — even if math isn't your strong suit.
At SNHU, online students don't go the journey alone. Whether you're enrolled in one course — like IT-140 — or a full degree program, you'll have the academic support resources you need to be successful. SNHU offers 24/7 online tutoring that's subject-specific, so if math feels intimidating to you, you can get extra help on the assignments you're stumped on.
Learn more about succeeding in online classes.
What computer skills are in high demand?
Earning a bachelor's in computer science can help you build the skills employers are looking for, and prepare you for jobs across a number of different industries and organizations.
As an online computer science student at SNHU, you'll learn in-demand skills like:
- Software project planning
- Popular programming languages
- Portfolio creation and management
- Full-stack development
- Agile software methodologies
- Security mindset
And when you graduate with your bachelor's in computer science, you'll feel prepared to step into a role as a computer systems analyst, software developer, software tester or full-stack developer — and more roles in the industry, too.
Are computer science degrees worth it anymore?
Depending on your personal and professional goals, a computer science degree can absolutely be worth it.
Most entry-level jobs in the industry – like software developers or quality assurance analysts – normally require at least a bachelor's degree. So if you're interested in breaking into one of today's fastest growing fields, a bachelor's degree in computer science can help you take your next step.
Keep in mind, too: computer scientists are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there will be about 317,700 openings each year, on average, for computer and information technology occupations through 2034.1
So if a career in computer science is something you're working toward, a bachelor's degree could be worth the time, money and effort to help get you closer to that goal.
Related Articles
Telling Stories With Numbers: How to Become a Data Analyst
STEM | 10min Read
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/ (viewed Nov. 3, 2025)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.