Computer Science Degrees
What is an online computer science degree?
Computer science degrees generally aim to teach you the basic mathematical and scientific concepts behind computers and their programs. A degree in computer science can have you designing software and hardware, learning programming languages, data structures, and artificial intelligence concepts. Computer science degrees might require mathematics, statistics, or engineering courses.
Demand for graduates with a CS degree is high, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Additionally, NACE’s data suggests the salary for new CS graduates is projected to increase by 7.1 percent for the class of 2021 as compared to the class of 2020.
A variety of factors have resulted in the increased demand for CS degree holders. Along with the world's ever-evolving reliance on technology, there’s also an increased demand for virtual capabilities, particularly after the spike in remote work caused by COVID-19. Other factors at play include the growing emphasis on cloud computing, information security, and big data collection, storage, and analysis.
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Why get a computer science or engineering degree?
Computer and information technology (IT)-related careers are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in the coming years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Earning a computer science degree opens up numerous career opportunities. And that doesn’t necessarily mean working at a Silicon Valley software company.
Earn your degree from a top university.
Earn your online computer science degree from leading universities around the globe without having to relocate or commute. You can change your entire career trajectory from your couch, all at your own pace.
Build broadly applicable technical skills.
Just about every industry uses technology. That means you can apply what you learn in your computer science program to the field you’re most passionate about.
Prepare for a high-paying job.
Earning a CS degree could open up career pathways in high-paying fields like software engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. The median annual wage for computer and IT jobs in the United States was $97,430 in 2021, according to the BLS.
Apply your creativity to a growing field.
Use the technical know-how from your degree to come up with creative solutions to real-world problems as part of your day-to-day work.
What do computer science students have to say?
Current students and graduates from top universities on Coursera share their experiences earning an online computer science degree.
“From studying the BSc Computer Science program my career has taken off! I have been able to make new connections which have led to further opportunities such as joining the Space Generation Advisory Council.”
— Caroline Shamiso Chitongo
BSc Computer Science
“I feel great that I got the opportunity to work with one of the best universities on my own schedule. It will elevate my life, and my family's life overall, to help me grow my career into the latest technology trends.”
— Himanshu Shah
Master of Computer Science
“The program was an opportunity for me to enhance my capacity to be a problem-solver on a global scale...I get to do a lot of hands-on projects. As a student getting into a new field, you want to build a lot of confidence.”
— Mary Brenda Akoda
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Types of computer science degrees
Computer science is a broad field that encompasses everything from computer systems to networks, to cybersecurity. An online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science will typically take around four years to complete if you attend school full-time, as most programs require you to complete 120 to 128 credits. After earning your bachelor's degree, you might be qualified for entry-level jobs as a software developer, software engineer, database administrator, or systems analyst.
If you want to advance your career or get into a high-level job as a computer and information research scientist, you might choose to pursue a master's degree. Earning a Master of Computer Science usually requires you to complete 30 to 45 credits, which some full-time students accomplish in 18 months to two years.
While online degree programs in computer science and electrical engineering vary from school to school, you may be able to choose a specialization or concentration like:
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Frequently asked questions
A bachelor's degree in computer science is an undergraduate program that involves studying programming, computer and operating systems, databases and data structures, algorithms, and more. It’s an in-demand degree that emphasizes valuable skills such as analytical thinking and problem-solving, alongside a wealth of technical skills, all of which can lead to high-paying entry-level jobs. Learn more about whether computer science is a good major.
A master's degree in computer science is a graduate program focused on advanced concepts in computer science, such as software development, machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, cybersecurity, and more. At this level, you’ll often choose a field to specialize in.
Computer science master’s programs build on your technical skill set while strengthening key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. Learn more about whether a master’s in computer science is worth it and the types of salaries you may be able to command with the degree.
On Coursera, you’ll find online computer science degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate level. To figure out which one might be best for you, it helps to first understand why you want to earn a degree and what you hope to get out of your education.
Beyond your larger goals, consider what you’ll learn and how you’ll learn it, as those factors can be important when it comes to determining the best program for you. Take time to review the various computer science degree options on Coursera, paying particular attention to the “Academics” and “Student experience” sections for more information.