Computer science professionals are among the most sought-after individuals across various industries. You can conveniently begin a career as a software engineer, web designer, or any other technology-related position by enrolling in one of the fastest online computer science degree programs in the United States.
These accelerated online computer science degree programs allow you to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree within a shorter period compared to traditional degree pathways. This article shows how you can get an online computer science degree fast and kickstart your journey into this exciting and profitable field.
What Is an Accelerated Computer Science Degree?
An accelerated computer science degree enables enrolled students to obtain a bachelor’s degree within two to three years or a master’s degree in one to two years. Accelerated degrees provide students with the added advantage of speed and flexibility. With an accelerated computer science degree, graduates can reach their career goals as quickly as possible.
How Do Accelerated Degrees Work?
Accelerated degrees work by allowing students to cover more coursework in shorter periods compared to regular degrees. In accelerated programs, students still take the same courses as in traditional ones. However, rather than having the typical 16-week semesters, the semester length for accelerated degrees is about 10 weeks or less.
Many schools also emphasize a generous transfer policy, which means that they tend to be more flexible with accepting additional credits from past institutions in order to enable any transfer student to complete their accelerated degree program as fast as possible.
Types of Accelerated Computer Science Degrees
A wide range of accelerated computer science degrees is available for prospective students at any level. Regardless of your prior educational qualifications, you can always take advantage of one of these accelerated degree programs to achieve your academic goals.
Accelerated Associate Degrees
Accelerated associate degrees are typically provided by community colleges. While on-campus students pursuing a traditional associate degree usually complete their college credits within two years, the best accelerated associate degrees allow them to finish their coursework within 15 months or less.
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
Accelerated bachelor’s degrees put undergraduate students on their career paths quickly by providing them with a high-quality education in less than four years. Accelerated bachelor’s degrees can be completed in about two to three years, depending on the specified number of credit hours for graduation.
Accelerated Master’s Degrees
Accelerated master’s degrees are fast-tracked graduate degrees. Students enrolled in an accelerated master’s program will gain technical skills and hands-on experience that is valuable for their particular industry. Some of the best computer science master’s programs have an accelerated option, the majority of which can be completed in about one year.
Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
Combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees are a very popular option among students in the United States. By opting for this accelerated degree type, you can obtain a graduate and undergraduate degree in about five years instead of six or seven years.
Who Should Get an Accelerated Computer Science Degree?
People who desire flexibility, reduced cost, and a quick boost in their earning capacity should get an accelerated computer science degree. Because accelerated degrees are completed in less time than traditional degree programs, enrolled students typically spend less money on added expenses.
In addition, most accelerated programs are either offered fully online or allow students to take some online courses to complete the required amount of semester hours. Incoming students in an accelerated program can have the freedom to choose how much they want to learn, depending on their schedule.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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How to Get a Computer Science Degree Fast
- Transfer your credits. If you have a prior college education in a similar technical field, you should consider transferring those credits to your current school in order to quickly meet the program curriculum requirements.
- Take more classes per semester. Many programs have a flexible curriculum. By taking as many classes as you can each semester, you will be guaranteed to complete your degree as quickly as possible. However, you may need to speak to an academic advisor to get special permission to take additional courses.
- Choose a self-paced program. Selecting a self-paced program will enable you to decide how long you will spend pursuing your degree. Most of these programs allow you to take a hefty course load to get your degree quickly.
- Earn college credits from your professional experience. Many schools allow students to take the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and earn credits for subjects where they can demonstrate a reasonable amount of knowledge. The benefits of the CLEP exams are endless and an excellent way to reduce your coursework.
- Maximize your time in high school. You can begin setting the pace for early graduation by taking advanced placement courses in high school. Advanced Placement (AP) courses reward students who perform well on their exams with credits they can transfer to their college degree.
What Is the Fastest Online Computer Science Degree?
The fastest computer science degree is the Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science offered by the University of Colorado Boulder. Students enrolled in this program can finish in one year by following the school’s accelerated plan. Other online accelerated computer science programs are listed below.
Fastest Online Computer Science Degrees: The Basics
| Degree Title | School | Required Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science | University of Colorado Boulder | 1 – 1.5 years |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | Lewis University | 1 year |
| Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science | Concordia University Wisconsin | 1.5 – 6 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Oregon State University | 2 – 4 years |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | Eastern Kentucky University | 1 – 2 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Concordia University, St. Paul | 2.5 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Full Sail University | 2.5 – 4 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Colorado Technical University | Less than 4 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems + Master of Science in Information Systems FastForward Program | Regis University | 5 years |
| Accelerated Computer Science B.S./M.S. | University of North Dakota | 5 years |
The Fastest Online Computer Degrees, Explained
With the fastest online computer science degrees, you could begin your journey in software development, database administration, or any other computer science role in less time than the average professional. The list below represents the fastest online schools for computer science to aid you in your school search.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $856/credit (in-state); $872/credit (out of state)
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Required Time: 1 - 1.5 years
To be eligible for this degree, you must have a bachelor’s degree from any other field of study. Online students in this 45-credit program will have strong data science skills and knowledge of programming languages to be able to work with various databases and perform routine data analysis, mining, and visualization using modern software tools.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $820/credit
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Required Time: 1 year
Online courses in this accelerated program are offered in eight-week semesters to enable students to earn their graduate degree in one year. Lewis University’s 33 to 51-credit computer science graduate degree offers concentrations in artificial intelligence, cyber security, digital forensics, enterprise and cloud computing, and software engineering.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $559/credit
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Required Time: 1.5 - 6 years
Concordia University Wisconsin’s BS in Applied Computer Science offers an accelerated pathway that enables students to transfer credits and graduate in record time. Depending on the number of credits you transfer, you could graduate in as little as one and a half years. This 120-credit program includes courses on software engineering and operating systems.
- School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Tuition: $549/credit
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Required Time: 2 - 4 years
This post-baccalaureate program is open to students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field but are interested in making the switch to computer science. Students enrolled in this program at Oregon State University will take 60-credits of coursework in topics such as programming languages, web development, and computer networking.
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $617/credit
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Required Time: 1 - 2 years
This 30-credit graduate online degree program at Eastern Kentucky University provides a balanced mix of theoretical and practical instruction to help graduates thrive in various computer science roles. Students in this program will enjoy accelerated eight-week semesters to enable them to cover more coursework in less time and graduate faster than a traditional computer science master’s.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $420/credit
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Required Time: 2.5 years
Concordia University, St. Paul’s online computer science program allows students to complete 120 credit hours of coursework in two and a half years. Online students will be taught computer programming with Java, web and user experience design, and software development. They will also take on a capstone project to improve their technical skills.
- School Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Tuition: $758/credit
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Required Time: 2.5 - 4 years
Full Sail University’s online BS in Computer Science degree is a reputable program that covers all the essential topics required for a fulfilling computer science career, including data structures and algorithms, programming, software engineering, and data logic. This online program can be completed in just 29 months.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $340/credit
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Required Time: Less than 4 years
This 183-credit program equips students with the knowledge required to build software and other related computing solutions. The BS in Computer Science degree at Colorado Technical University is one of the few programs that qualify for CTU Fast Track, which allows students to earn prior learning assessment credits and finish their program up to 30 percent earlier.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $572/credit (undergraduate); $870/credit (graduate)
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Required Time: 5 years
This program at Regis University is part of the FastForward program, an option that allows students to earn a graduate and undergraduate degree in just five years. The BS and MS in Computer Information Systems degrees deliver intensive courses to allow students to secure high-paying jobs like database administrator, network architect, and information systems analyst roles.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $384.88/credit (undergraduate); 498.45/credit (graduate)
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Required Time: 5 years
This dual degree program at the University of North Dakota allows students to obtain a graduate and undergraduate degree in computer science online within five years. Students enrolled in this accelerated program will begin taking graduate-level computer science coursework in their fourth year so they can earn both degrees in a shorter timeframe.
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Fastest Computer Science Degree Completion Programs
Degree completion programs allow students to transfer credits from previous programs to shorten their graduation time. These programs are typically suited for individuals with an associate degree or those who have begun a bachelor’s program in the past but did not finish. Some of the fastest computer science degree completion programs are listed below.
- BS in Computer Science Accelerated Degree Completion Program | Boston University. This online accelerated degree completion program aims to enable non-degree-holding IT professionals with several years of work experience to earn a formal computer science degree within two years.
- Computer Science Online Degree Completion | California State University – Monterey Bay. To qualify for admission into this 24-month program, applicants must have a minimum of 60 transferable semester credits, including general courses. This program is also open to individuals with a non-computer science bachelor’s degree.
- BS in Computer Science Online Degree Completion for Transfer Students | DePaul University. Students who have completed at least 30 semester hours of credit, including one semester of Java or C++, are eligible to enroll in this computer science program. Upon admission, students can earn their degree within three years.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Old Dominion University. Old Dominion University provides an online degree completion option for individuals looking to begin a career in computer science. Enrolled students must have some credits from their previous school and be willing to complete up to 30 credits at Old Dominion University.
- Applied Computing Bachelor’s Degree Completion | University of Wisconsin – River Falls. The BS in Applied Computing degree program accepts applicants who have previously completed 60 credit units of general coursework, including college-level algebra. This degree requires graduates to complete 61 credits from 21 courses.
Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?
Yes, employers respect online degrees because they retain the same educational quality as on-campus programs. In addition, online degrees remain an increasingly popular option among incoming students and prospective employers. According to Statista, over 8.6 million students were enrolled in virtual courses in 2020.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Computer Science Degree?
- Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,010
- Software Developer | $110,140
- Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270
- Database Administrator | $98,860
- Web Developer | $77,200
Best Accelerated Computer Science Degree Jobs
The best accelerated computer science degree jobs include computer and information systems manager, software developer, computer systems analyst, database administrator, and web developer. These jobs pay lucrative salaries and show a favorable job outlook for future graduates of computer science fields.
- Average Salary: $159,010
- Job Outlook: 11% growth from 2020 to 2030
Computer and information systems managers identify the protocols necessary to fulfill their organization’s information technology needs. They are also responsible for ensuring that their company’s digital infrastructure remains efficient and secure.
- Average Salary: $110,140
- Job Outlook: 22% growth from 2020 to 2030
Software developers create computer programs to solve real-world problems. Apart from developing solutions, they also conduct routine maintenance and upgrades of pre-existing software. By obtaining an accelerated computer science degree, you can become a software developer at any of the best technology companies in the world.
- Average Salary: $99,270
- Job Outlook: 7% growth from 2020 to 2030
Computer systems analysts work as part of an organization's information technology team. They work with other IT professionals to evaluate their company’s computer systems and provide solutions to improve overall performance. A graduate with an accelerated degree can quickly get started as a computer systems analyst and secure senior roles at leading companies.
- Average Salary: $98,860
- Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
Database administrators are responsible for building efficient and secure software solutions for digital information storage. They also maintain databases and perform upgrades when necessary. Accelerated computer science degrees provide an easy pathway to securing a database administrator job.
- Average Salary: $77,200
- Job Outlook: 13% growth from 2020 to 2030
Web developers create and maintain interactive websites. They are responsible for managing the overall functionality of a website and are required to customize their solutions to their employer's specific requirements. Accelerated computer science programs will equip you with the technical skills and background knowledge required to perform these duties.
Are Online Computer Science Degrees Worth It?
Yes, online computer science degrees are worth it because they provide an easy and flexible pathway to obtaining one of the most in-demand degrees. By getting your computer science degree online, you can save time and cost and receive top-quality education from the best universities in the world without having to relocate to live on campus.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Fastest Online Computer Science Degrees FAQ
Computer science bachelor’s degree holders earn about $87,000 per year, according to PayScale. Because most computer science jobs pay significantly higher than the national average, you can be sure that a computer science bachelor’s degree will set you on a gratifying path.
Yes, accelerated programs can often be harder than regular programs because students will have less time to cover their coursework. Unlike a traditional bachelor’s degree program where students will have four years to complete their credits, students pursuing accelerated degrees may need to do the same in three years or less.
Online accelerated computer science programs are usually cheaper than traditional programs. With an online accelerated program, you can save the money you would have spent on added costs such as housing and transportation. Your total tuition costs may also be considerably lessened because of the reduced time needed to complete the program.
Yes, you can qualify for financial aid if you enroll in an accelerated computer science degree program. However, the amount of financial aid you qualify for depends on your institution. Check with your prospective school’s financial aid office to learn about the options available to you.
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