Online Computer Science Degrees

Online computer science degrees are fast losing respect amongst decision makers in the industry. Reason being, an online computer science degree is academic, not vocational, so not every graduate uses ANT to deploy applications, or CVS to manage source control, or the latest and greatest web framework from Apache (with an 800-page O'Reily book to complement it). On a basic level, though, all online computer science courses are alike in providing individuals with expertise in computers and the scientific underpinnings that make them work.

Typical Computer Science Programs

Typical coursework for computer science online classes include software development skills, network and database administration, Internet communications, programming, Oracle database system methodologies, security issues, and more. Online computer science colleges and industry standards have established a number of research centers to pursue multidisciplinary research on IT topics.

Online computer science degrees are offered at many universities, but very few students of online computer science degree programs get to start taking computer science online courses as first-semester students and get involved in their chosen field right away. Most students of online computer science associate degree programs don't encounter their first computer science course until their second year.

Online computer science bachelor degree programs are available, including computer science and computer science co-op. Completion of your online computer science bachelor degree typically requires the completion of thirty courses, including ten to sixteen courses within the major program of study; six to eight courses in arts, languages, sciences, or social sciences; and ten to twelve courses in any area within or outside the major program of study.

Universities saw sharp drops in online computer science degrees applicants after the tech bust, and the numbers haven't recovered even as IT hiring picks up. This is creating a shift in the market, with employers needing more candidates with online computer science degrees than there are currently available.

The Current Job Market

Typical entry-level software engineers have an online computer science bachelor degree and zero to five years of experience. Typical mid-level software engineers have an online computer science bachelor degree or master's degree and have five to ten years of experience.

Employees with an online computer science degree are in high demand in several industries. Data compiled by the National Science Foundation's 2003 National Survey of Recent College Graduates indicates that those holding engineering and online computer science degrees are more likely to be employed full time after graduation than graduates in other fields, as well as earning higher wages in their positions. Individuals who obtain online computer science degrees are employed in private industry, at academic institutions, and even work as independent consultants.