Best Online Computer Programming Degrees
Updated October 21, 2023
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What Is A Computer Programming Degree?
Students interested in creating applications and software with code can pursue computer programming degrees. These programs explore topics like security, architecture, and coding languages.
Individuals with soft skills, including problem-solving, perseverance, and attention to detail, can excel in this technical role. Coders need to think creatively to solve issues with functionality. Computer programming degrees teach hard skills, including the math, logical reasoning, and programming skills necessary to work with computers.
Individuals pursuing computer programming degrees include prospective software developers, software testers, and database developers. Enrollees build a foundation in programming to apply across industries and roles.
Featured Online Computer Programming Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Programming Degrees
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS — see sources section for more details.
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Computer Programming Degrees
Baker College
Owosso, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners seeking competitive online programs should consider Baker College. The private school, located in Owosso, Michigan, enrolls distance learners in 19 online bachelor's programs. The online bachelor of science in computer science (computer programming concentration) is a good option for aspiring computer programmers.
The computer programming concentration includes industry-specific classes and the option to customize the degree plan. Enrollees can choose electives, minors, and other modifications for individualized studies.
Currently, undergraduate computer programming students pay $9,960 in tuition. Students can receive financial aid to offset the costs of their degree.
Baker College at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 4,159
Total Online Programs: 51
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Admission Rate: 54%
#2 Best Online Computer Programming Degrees
Herzing University-Akron
Akron, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners seeking a career-focused computer programming degree should consider Herzing University-Akron's online bachelor of science in computer programming. The Ohio-based institution is a leader in distance learning with 10 online bachelor's programs. Learners develop hands-on skills for a variety of programming jobs by completing a rigorous computer programming curriculum.
The program connects students with a supportive online learning community while enabling flexibility. Enrollees can explore other educational opportunities, such as minors and elective courses, to customize their studies.
Undergraduate computer programming students can expect to pay $13,320 in tuition. Students can receive financial aid to offset the costs of their degree.
Herzing University-Akron at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 396
Total Online Programs: 25
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Admission Rate: 92%
#3 Best Online Computer Programming Degrees
Limestone University
Gaffney, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in South Carolina, Limestone University offers six fully online bachelor's programs. Learners seeking to begin or advance their careers in the tech field should consider the bachelor of science in computer science.
The program's curriculum prioritizes flexible learning. Students work with their advisor to develop an academic plan that addresses individualized academic and professional goals. This could include choosing electives that provide specialized skills.
Typically, undergraduate students pay $25,200 in tuition costs. The accredited institution connects students with internal and external funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships.
Limestone University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 1,492
Total Online Programs: 7
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Admission Rate: 68%
Online Bachelor's in Computer Programming Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
What Is An Online Bachelor's In Computer Programming Degree?
Computer programming majors study coding languages like C++, Java, and Python to produce software applications and operating systems.
Programmers turn software designs into instructions that a computer can read and follow. These professionals also test programs, fix errors, and debug systems. While online computer programming degrees prepare graduates to work in many industries, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that most programmers work in computer systems design and related fields.
According to the BLS, computer programmers earned a median annual wage of $97,800. While the BLS projects a -7% decline in jobs for computer programmers from 2022-2032, the skills learned in a computer programming bachelor's degree can apply to several other jobs in IT. The BLS projects a 13.4% growth rate for all computer-related occupations in the same period.
Professionals with bachelor's degrees or higher and individuals fluent in several programming languages can anticipate excellent job prospects. Candidates may strengthen their resumes by combining their computer programming degrees with supplemental business or science courses.
Some students round out their online computer programming degree by pursuing concentrations or technical elective courses in data structures, artificial intelligence, and computer graphics.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Computer Programming?
The average online college computer programming degree includes about 120 credits. Full-time students typically graduate in four years, while part-time learners tend to spend an additional 2-3 years on their studies.
However, many variables can affect a program's duration, including course load, program format, and transfer credits. While some online programs offer accelerated or self-paced schedules, others use a cohort learning model. Cohorts complete courses with the same peer group throughout the entire degree.
This lock-step approach fosters student-faculty collaboration and peer interaction but typically takes longer to complete. In contrast, competency-based programs allow learners to move through courses as quickly as they can master a skill or topic.
Transfer credit can also shorten program length. Most schools accept 30-90 credits of prior coursework. Some two-year degree-completion programs admit students who already hold associate degrees.
Courses in an Online Bachelor's in Computer Programming Program
Introduction To Computer Security: This course covers the principles of computer security. Enrollees learn to think like malicious actors and defend against attacks.
Game Production: Learners explore the fundamentals of developing video games through topics like software architecture, mathematical concepts, and in-game logic. Coursework may offer in-class opportunities to develop games.
Mobile Applications Development: Instructors in this course provide an outline of the design, development, and debugging process for creating mobile applications. Graduates can potentially create programs with simple functionality.
Introduction to Data Mining: This class introduces the fundamentals, implementation methods, and uses of collecting big data. Enrollees can learn about pattern discovery and cluster analysis. Professors may provide real-world data sets for students to data mine.
Introduction to Machine Learning: Prospective students in this course should understand calculus, statistics, and probability. The introductory course covers the basics, theories, and algorithms of artificial intelligence.
Computer Programming Degree Concentrations
Many programs offer computer programming as a concentration within computer science and information technology degrees. A standalone BS in computer programming may offer specializations in areas like game or mobile app development.
Computer Security
This increasingly in-demand subfield of information technology and computer science explores data mining, cryptography, computer forensics, and secure software systems. Candidates learn to protect data, computer networks, and databases from unauthorized access or criminal threats.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Information Security Analyst, Forensic Computer Analyst, and Security Architect
Game Development
An online computer programming degree with a game development specialization explores the algorithms, processes, and technologies involved in video game creation. Along with game design and development and computer graphics courses, students take highly specialized classes like human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and modeling and simulation.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Game Programmer, Game Designer
Mobile Application Development
This concentration develops the skills to create software and mobile apps for iOS and Android operating systems. Candidates explore programming languages like Swift, Java, Python, and PHP. Common course topics include mobile backend service, web/mobile user experience, and mobile interface implementation.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Computer Programmer, Mobile Developer, and Mobile Game Developer
Data Mining
Students pursuing a computer programming degree online can broaden their computer science expertise with a concentration in data mining. This track teaches candidates to work with big data and large databases. Along with courses on data structures and discrete structures, students explore assembly language programming, probability, and statistics.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Data Mining Specialist, Database Programmer
Machine Learning
Computer experts use machine learning techniques and applications in many fields, including bioinformatics, finance, and information retrieval. Typical subjects include data mining, computational learning theory, computer vision, robotics, and natural language processing.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Computer Programmer, Data Mining Specialist, and Machine Learning Engineer
Computer Programming Careers and Outlook
Computer programming degrees cover the basics of computer science, programming languages, and architecture. Individuals with these skills can pursue roles as computer programmers, software quality assurance engineers, and software testers.
Recent graduates may find internships rewarding since they provide hands-on experience with programming. However, programmers do not need to complete internships to apply for many entry-level roles.
The following list includes potential career choices and related salaries for computer programming degree holders.
| Computer Programming Career | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Computer Programmer | $97,800 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $136,620 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $102,240 |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $112,120 |
| Software Developer | $124,200 |
Computer programmers have adaptable skills for different roles, but they may still have questions regarding the field and job outlook.
Featured Online Computer Programming Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Degrees in Computer Programming
What is computer programming?
Computer programming is the field of designing and writing code for software and applications. Programmers test their code, identify bugs, and fix potential issues. These professionals can work on mobile apps, video games, websites, and more.
Is computer programming a good career choice?
The BLS projects computer programmer employment to decline from 2022-2032, but individuals with computer programming skills can pursue roles other than computer programming. The projected computer-related career growth rate in this period is 13.4% -- tripling projections for all occupations.
Is getting a computer programming degree worth it?
Each individual must determine if a computer programming degree is worth the investment of time and money. People interested in programming, hands-on work, and logical reasoning may find computer programming degrees worth it. Graduates can pursue many careers across industries.
Is a computer programming degree difficult?
Computer programming degrees are not more difficult than similar tech programs. Attendees learn about computer security, application development, machine learning, and more. Enrollees may also be asked to complete capstone projects at the end of their programs, which can be difficult. Are computer programming jobs in demand?
Computer programmers have an essential role in the software development field. Although programmers are essential workers, experts expect automation to replace some programmers in the future. Programmers can learn additional skills to increase their marketability and standing in the workforce.
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