IT worker reviewing information on a computer screen

Online Computer Science Degree

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Choose an online computer science degree to prepare for the foundational knowledge you need in the field of IT. Develop core skills in programming and deepen your understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. Learn to apply computer science theory to real-world challenges by writing and presenting applications to gain hands-on experience. You can also use elective courses to earn a certificate in cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing and more to enhance your IT skills.

Job-ready skills for your professional profile

Technology icon

Complex problem solving: Analyze a complex computing problem to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

Integration icon

Integration: Evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.

Technology icon

Complex problem solving: Analyze a complex computing problem to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

Integration icon

Integration: Evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.

Software icon

Software engineering: Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Software icon

Software engineering: Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Skills in weeks icon logo

Career-relevant education with real-world value

Program at a glance

Software developer student working on a computer in an office

Software developer student smiling and working on a computer

Software developers collaborating in an office with computers

Program by the numbers

4 years
Average program length

120 credits
Number of credits required

5 weeks
Course length for the BSCS

24/7/365
Online class availability

Transfer icon

Time is valuable – don’t spend it repeating coursework. Finish what you started.

Courses for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Find what you'll learn in a course – look for the skills-aligned trophy cup

Skills-aligned trophy cup

Using labor analytics data, we embed skills you’ll need in the growing information technology field into each course of your online computer science degree. You’ll learn about complex problem-solving, integration, software engineering and leadership.

Skills-aligned trophy cup

Requirements and course details

Your course schedule may vary based on transfer credits or credits earned through the University’s Prior Learning Assessment.

A man working on school at home amongst his family

Add one or more IT certificates to your online computer science degree

IT certificates can help you pursue an IT career specialized to your goals. Many IT certificates align with skillsets employers want. They can also be applied toward your computer science degree requirements, saving you time and money while adding no extra time to completing your degree. Add a certificate as an elective and enhance your computer science specialization.

An illustration of a software developer student working on school at home

How skills-aligned learning works

What’s something employers are looking for in job candidates? Skills! That’s why we believe in career-focused education. Our programs are designed to help you demonstrate career-relevant skills and put them into practice within weeks, not years. Here’s how:

Curriculum icon

Curriculum
We work with a labor market analyst to identify skills today’s employers want in job candidates and embed those skills in our program’s curriculum.

Courses icon

Courses
Each course you take teaches specific career-relevant skills – one skill per credit, on average. For a 3-credit course, you can earn 3 career-relevant skills.

Careers icon

Careers
Demonstrate your newly acquired skills, earn badges, build your professional profile and show potential employers what you bring to the table.

Career opportunities with an online computer science degree

Our program isn’t just about earning a CS degree – it’s about getting ready for your career. Learn practical knowledge and develop skills to prepare for roles as application designer, computer consultant and software developer.

Software developers collaborating in an office with a computer monitor

Software developer smiling at the camera in a workplace

Software developers working amongst each other in an office

Software developer student working on a laptop

Career guide

Software Developer

Increased demand for software developers stems from the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and other automation applications. Pursue your interest in designing software and focus your CS degree.

Software developer student working on a laptop
Illustration of a student researching labor statistics on a laptop

Career outlook

140,100 job openings

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics opens in new window, about 140,100 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, from 2023 to 2033.

The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

Headshot of DaJeannette M. BSIT, 2023

Career story

“ 

I was inspired to go to college to better myself in another industry. I loved electronics and wanted to know more if I could learn coding, computer science, and forensics."

DaJeannette M. BSIT, 2023

Headshot of DaJeannette M. BSIT, 2023

Cost and savings

Paying for school

Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships.

Undergrad cost per course

$1,364 / course

Cost per credit 

Credits per course

Resource fee

$398

x3

+ $170

Estimated cost per course

$1,364

An illustration showing a couple pushing a stroller with a dollar sign and clock in the background

What affects the overall cost of my program?

Your full program cost can vary by: 

  • Savings opportunities. Your cost could be reduced with eligible transfer credits, scholarships, employer discounts and more. Students with eligible credits and relevant experience on average saved $11K and 1 year off their undergraduate degree at University of Phoenix.

With our Tuition Guarantee, you pay one flat, affordable rate from the moment you enroll to the day you graduate from your program.

Discover ways to save time and money on your degree with our Savings Explorer® tool:

Other ways to save on time and tuition

Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch. 

An illustration of a man striding forward while holding a tablet in one hand

Budget & borrow

How to pay for college

Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan.

Why choose us?

Where you earn your degree matters

Woman smiling and standing in a work setting

Career-relevant skills

Every five weeks, you can develop career-relevant skills, track your progress in each class and showcase your achievements using your personal skills profile.

An instructor teaching in a classroom

Real-world faculty

Your instructors know what works in the real world. As leaders in the field, they bring a hands-on perspective and practical knowledge to the classroom.

A University of Phoenix representative working at a desk

Flexible learning + support

Balance it all — work, family and school — with a university built for busy adults like you. Plus, get personal support by phone, chat or email — day or night.

A graduate wearing a cap and gown and holding their diploma

Career Services for Life® commitment

Because your career never stands still, active students get access to career services and resources, from your first class to graduation and beyond, at no added cost.

Headshot of Daniel D'Urso, MBA, MS Computer Science

Faculty spotlight

Get to know one of our IT instructors

“ 

I like to involve the students as active participants in the teaching process. Getting them involved through teamwork, presentations, discussion posts, etc., goes a long way to reinforcing learning. And it makes the class more fun, too.

Daniel D'Urso, MBA, MS Computer Science
Faculty, College of Business and Information Technology

Headshot of Daniel D'Urso, MBA, MS Computer Science

Accreditation

Accredited for 45+ years

Since 1978, University of Phoenix has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org opens in new window. Learn more about the value of University of Phoenix accreditation and how it benefits our students.

Frequently asked questions about the online computer science degree

While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.