20 Best Computer Science Associate Degree Online Programs [2021 Guide]
If you’re interested in breaking into one of the numerous tech companies that practically run our economy, earning your computer science associate degree online could certainly help.
An associates in computer science can make your resume stand out from self-taught programmers with no formal education and can potentially get you more pay.
Computer Science Associates Degree Programs
A number of accredited universities now offer an associate’s degree in computer science online. In addition, you can also choose to focus your studies in computer programming or software development.
Choose the degree field that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
While these online computer science degrees may seem similar, they each have slight variations that set them apart from one another.
Computer Science
An associate’s in computer science is probably the most general, all-encompassing of the three. Usually the curriculum for this degree program includes a 50/50 mixture of coursework and hands-on work in the computer lab.
Additionally, towards the end of the program, you might be placed into an internship with a local company or corporation. This may be required of you even if you’re taking an online program.
In addition to general education courses, much of the focus will be on learning the different programming languages, putting them into practice as a programmer, learning about database management, data structures, algorithms, information technology (IT), data analysis and software development.
This degree can help you obtain a broad overview of the entire computer science field. Potential jobs after earning this degree include IT technician, computer programmer, systems analyst, computer support specialist and more.
Computer Programming
This degree is similar to a degree in computer science, but it’s less generalized and more focused specifically on computer programming. If you know you eventually want to pursue a career as a computer programmer, software engineer or programming analyst, this degree might give you more relevant information to those fields.
If you already have a basic knowledge of such concepts as using software, networking, html or basic programming, you could potentially do very well in this program.
The program should cover these skills, as well as other basics, such as advanced programming languages (C++, JavaScript, CSS, Java and more), how to create web pages, how to create object-oriented programming and more.
The curriculum for computer programming is typically similar to the curriculum for computer science in that you should have a mixture of both coursework and lab work. You may also be placed in a similar internship so you can use what you’ve learned in a real world setting.
By the time you’ve earned your degree in this particular field, you should be able to write and design code for not only computers, but also tablets, smart phones and other electronic devices.
Software Development
Of all three of these degrees, the software development degree is probably the most specialized. There are typically elements of the other two fields in this program. For instance, you’ll need to know quite a bit about computer programming.
You’ll also want to know a little about all the things covered in the computer science degree, but mostly, you should have classes dedicated solely to designing, creating and testing new operating systems and software.
Most people who get this specialized degree go on to become software developers or engineers. Others find jobs in the fields of database administration, systems analysis and systems software engineering. Most colleges have this in mind when they design their curricula for the programs.
That’s why there is usually such a heavy emphasis on programming and software development courses.
Other classes you might be required to take are ones on scripting, web development foundations and applications, ethics in technology, applied statistics, applied probability, networking and communications, critical thinking and logic, IT and more.
Can You Make More Money with an Associates in Computer Science?
In addition to having a better chance of getting a job with an associate’s degree than a diploma, most companies also pay people more if they have some type of degree. This means that even if you could get a job without any formal education, you’d likely be paid less than those with degrees working around you.
According to a recent study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with associate’s degrees make on average approximately $17,500 more than people with the same jobs who have only a high school diploma.
Computer Science Careers & Salaries
In addition to those listed above, there are many other jobs for which you could potentially be eligible simply by earning your associate’s degree in computer science or a related field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a number of lucrative careers in the computer science field.
Please keep in mind that some employers may require additional education or work experience to qualify for some of these jobs. However, you may be able to qualify for certain entry-level computer science careers with an associate’s degree in computer science.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $151,150 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $93,730 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $84,810 |
| Computer Support Specialist | $55,510 |
Because so many industries are moving online, the demand for people with computer science degrees is growing rapidly, and to fill the need, many employers are paying employees well.
Curriculum For an Online Associate Degree in Computer Science
Whether you decide to pursue a degree in general computer science, computer programming, software development or another closely related field, there’ll probably be some overlap in the course curricula. Towards the end of your degree program, the classes tend to get more specific to your focus.
However, at the beginning of the program, many of the same classes will likely be required for all programs.
Some of the most common classes you’ll likely be required to take are:
- Intro to Computer Programming: This class helps students begin building their foundation for the computer science program. It typically includes an overview of the different programming languages and the process of programming and provides opportunities for some limited hands-on experience.
- Intro to Operating Systems: This course gives students a broad overview of the most common operating systems, how to use them and how to make them work together.
- Intro to Software Development: This is another fundamentals class that teaches students the basics of software development. After completing this class, students should have a firm foundation on which to build advanced developing skills.
- Database Fundamentals: This is often one of the most important classes students take early on in their degree. It is designed to provide students with the understanding and basic skills needed to build databases and use them effectively.
- Computer Networking Fundamentals: This course teaches students internet fundamentals. It explores how the internet works, how computers communicate via the internet and localized networks and how to maintain the connections.
- Programming II, III and beyond: These are core curricula for any computer science degree. Each level of these programming classes builds more and more upon foundational information, with the ultimate goal of making students skilled, proficient programmers.
- Programming Languages: There are many different programming languages out there, and a good computer programmer must have at least a passable understanding of them all. This class helps give students that understanding.
- Pre-Calculus or Discrete Mathematics: The field of computer science includes a lot of math, so be prepared to take multiple math classes up-to and including pre-cal and discrete math.
- Web Design and Development: This course teaches students the basics of designing, building and maintaining websites for private or commercial use.
- Intro to Statistics: This is a basic statistics course. In it, students should learn the basic concepts of both statistics and probability and how to apply them into software design and computer programming.
These are a few of the basic courses most computer science students will be required to take. Each is a foundation that can help you build stronger and more advanced skills.
Educational Paths After Graduating with an Associate’s In Computer Science
The great thing about earning your associate’s degree in computer science it that it can help you go straight to work in a field that often pays quite well. However, just because you start working doesn’t mean you have to stop your education.
As associate’s in computer science can be a great place from which you can go on to earn your bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s in Computer Science
A computer science associate’s typically transitions easily into a bachelor’s program for the same field. Most of the additional classes you’ll likely take should build off the classes you’ve already taken, and the degree can help open up job opportunities for you at a higher level or potentially allow you to be paid more for the job you’re already doing.
Some additional jobs that may be pursued with a bachelor’s degree include management positions in all the above careers, game developer or designer, cyber security analyst, forensic computer analyst, IT director and more.
Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
Another potentially easy transition would be to a bachelor’s in computer engineering. The classes taken for this degree should build off the associate’s level classes, but you should also take many classes with more specific focus. These may include classes on circuits, microelectronics, computer architecture, logic design, signal processing and digital design.
Again, this degree may allow you to do many of the same jobs as those listed above, but for potentially higher pay. Additionally, you might also be qualified for such jobs as a digital gaming programmer, lead mobile app designer, IT consultant, hardware engineer, head systems analyst, testing engineer and more.
Bachelor’s in Information Technology
The transition from associate’s in computer science to bachelor’s in information technology might not be quite as smooth as some of the others, but it may still be a pretty easy move. However, your class focus for this degree should be more specialized in the internet and information technology (IT) fields.
You’ll likely take many different IT and information systems classes, as well as courses on cyber security, programming, networking, project planning and implementation, troubleshooting technology and more.
These classes can help prepare you for many of the jobs listed already, but a bachelor’s in information technology can give you many more potential job options as well. These include network and computer systems administrator or manager, information security specialist/analyst/manager, director of cyber security, lead network architect and more.
Accreditation for Computer Science Associate’s Degrees
Technically, there are three types of accreditation – regional, national and programmatic. The best and most widely-recognized of these is regional accreditation. There are seven regional accreditation agencies that can accredit schools. They are:
- The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC)
- The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
If your school has accreditation from one of these agencies, your degree should be accepted anywhere in the U.S., and your credits should be transferable to any other college.
Computer Science Program Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation is also an acceptable form of accreditation for computer science degree programs. With programmatic accreditation, specific degree programs, not entire schools, are accredited. Programmatic accreditation for computer science courses are done through ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
ABET has four main commissions that provide accreditation to computer science and related fields. These four commissions provide accreditation for programs based on the main focus of the degree program. They are:
- Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC)
- Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC)
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)
- Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission(ETAC)
Schools apply for ABET accreditation for their programs that fall under one of these particular fields. ABET then sends in professionals from one of the four commissions to evaluate the schools’ programs. If the schools meet or exceed all the requirements for accreditation, they’re then ABET-certified.
While not as prestigious as regional accreditation, ABET accreditation is widely accepted among employers in the tech and computer communities.
Computer Science Professional Organizations
After you earn your bachelor’s degree in computer science, there are a few professional organizations for which you may qualify as a member.
- Institution of Engineering and Technology – Engineers
- International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology – Computer Scientists and IT Specialists
- Computing Research Association – Multiple fields in Computer Science and Related Fields
- Association for Computing Machinery – Multiple fields in Computer Science and Related Fields
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – Electronic and Electrical Engineers
These organizations can help you keep up-to-date with the most innovative technology and desired skills.
Financial Aid
If you’re looking for financial aid opportunities, you’re probably considering student loans. Those are one option but not the only option.
If you’re in good-standing with the U.S. Department of Education and haven’t defaulted on any loans, you can apply for a federal Pell Grant that, if you receive it and don’t abuse it, doesn’t ever have to be repaid. Some financial aid advisers refer to it as “free money!”
You can apply for both the Pell Grant and federal student loans by filling out the FAFSA. If you’re eligible for student loans, try to take out the subsidized as opposed to the unsubsidized if possible, as the repayment options for those are better.
Banks and private loans companies are other options. Just remember, grants don’t have to be repaid, but loans do. Borrow responsibly.
Computer Science Scholarships
Scholarships are another great form of financial aid because they, too, are usually considered “free money” that doesn’t need to be repaid. You may find scholarships on your college’s website, under the “financial aid” or “how to pay for college” tab. These are known as school-specific scholarships.
There are often scholarships given away in communities by churches, community organizations, credit unions and even private businesses, so be sure you exhaust all your local options for scholarships as well.
Luckily for you, as a computer science (or related) major, there are also scholarships designed specifically for your major. Many of these will be listed on sites like those mentioned above, but we’ve taken the liberty of providing you with a list of a few here.
- IEEE Presidents’ Scholarship: This scholarship, which has been offered every year since 1999, is given each year to a student with an award-winning project in one of the following fields: electrical/electronics engineering, computer science or other IEEE fields.
- Niche Community College Scholarship: You might be eligible for this $500 scholarship if you’re headed to an accredited community college next year. This one isn’t specific to computer science majors.
- National Society of High School Scholars Foundation STEM Scholarship: If you’re a high school senior headed to college to major in a STEM-related field (including computer science), you should apply for this scholarship.
- Adobe Research Women in Technology Scholarship: This scholarship awards $10,000 to a deserving woman entering into a STEM-related field.
- Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship: This scholarship is given to 200 different students. To qualify, you must by a member of Phi Theta Kappa and be attending an accredited college.
Scholarships are a great way to help pay for your college education and may save you thousands of dollars. If you’re serious about going back to school to pursue your bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field, apply for all these scholarships and more.
Can you get a job with an associates degree in computer science?
Yes, many get jobs just with an associate’s degree in computer science. There are many computer science-related jobs available to those with only an associate’s degree, many of which pay quite well.
How much can you make with an associates degree in computer science?
Your potential salary will depend on what you do with your degree once you’ve earned it. The average range, though, is usually between $30,000 and $40,000 a year (Center on Education and the Workforce), with some jobs paying more and some less.
Is an associates degree in computer science worth it?
Yes, an associates degree in computer science is worth it for many professionals. In the computer and information technology field, jobs are projected to grow at a rate of 11% in the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics), much faster than the average for all sectors. Common careers in this field include computer support specialist, network and computer systems administrator, computer systems analyst, and computer programmer.
A computer science associate’s degree may give you access to jobs not available to people with only high school diplomas.
The potential increase in both career opportunities and salary is enough to make an associates degree in computer science worth it for many students.
What classes are needed for an associates degree in computer science?
There are many different classes you’ll have to take to earn your associate’s in computer science. There’s typically a heavy math component, so be ready to take college algebra, pre-cal, statistics and discrete math.
Other common course topics include computer programming, software development, web development, programming languages, cyber security, networking and more.
Universities Offering Online Computer Science Associate’s Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Anne Arundel Community College began educating students in 1961. Today Anne Arundel assists more than 50,000 students in obtaining vocation certifications, continuing education credits, and associate degrees. AACC offers traditional classroom settings, online learning, and weekend and night classes.
Recognized for excellent academics and community programs, AACC serves as a public facility for all ages.
- AS in Computer Science
AACC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Established in 1964, Bucks County Community College provides a multitude of vocational Certifications and associate degree programs. Students interested in career development or college transfer credits turn to Buck County Community College as a flexible, affordable educational option.
This public Community College gives students the opportunity to attend both online and in-person.
- AS in Computer Science
Bucks County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Gaining higher education from the public Community College of Baltimore County Maryland gives students the ability to achieve personal and career advancement. CCBC opened in 1998 and has grown to be able to serve students from around the globe.
Students at CCBC have the opportunity to earn an associate degree in arts or science, workforce certifications, or technical training.
- AS in Computer Science
Community College of Baltimore County accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Cowley College is a public vocational school that has been serving the state of Kansas since 1922. Students at Cowley College have access to more than seventy program majors, which leads to an A.A., A.A.S., A.G.S., or an A.S. Cowley College also awards vocational certifications.
Cowley gives students the opportunity to study either online or on-campus.
- AS in Computer Science
Cowley College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Operating as a Christian private school since 1942, Faulkner University combines a rigorous academic curriculum with a spiritual liberal arts foundation to help students gain educational, personal, and career advancement.
Students at Faulkner University can earn in associates, bachelors, or graduate degree. Popular programs at FU include computer science, technology, and education.
- AS in Computer and Information Science
Faulkner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Georgia military college is a public liberal arts college that is open to all members of the community. Opening in 1879, Georgia military college now has fifteen campuses and a dynamic distance learning program.
Awarding a variety of associate degrees in art, science, and applied science, GMC also has bachelor’s degree programs in applied science.
- AS in Computer Science
Georgia Military College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Georgia State University is an esteemed research academic institution that began in 1913. GSU enrolls more than 50,000 students from countries around the globe every year. Georgia State University is a public school that provides an assortment of associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees that are rich in research in technology.
- AS in Computer Science
Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ivy Tech Community College commenced in 1963 as a public technical school in Indiana. Students attending ITCC strive to earn one of its many two-year degrees in arts, science, or applied science or its vocational certifications. Ivy Tech Community College is known for its are excellent programs in computer science, business, technology, and nursing.
- AS in Computer Science
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Commenced in 1950, Jamestown Community College is a public liberal arts school that works to assist students in building their academic profile. Offering a range of associate degrees, most credits earned at Jamestown Community College can be transferred and used as first two years of a bachelor’s degree when transferred to a four-year University.
- AS in Computer Science
Jamestown Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Opening in 1961, Monroe Community College offers public education to more than 40,000 students annually. Not only does MCC provide a variety of associate degrees, but they also allow students to achieve industry-related vocational certificates. Allowing students access to online learning is one more way that MCC strives to meet every student’s needs.
- AS in Computer Science
Monroe Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Montgomery College in Rockwell, Maryland, was established in 1946 and serves its region by attending to public educational needs. Serving students across three campus locations and through an online learning platform, Montgomery College has an array of associate degrees and vocational and technical training.
Some of the programs offered at MC include business, arts, education, and computer science.
- AA in Computer Science and Technologies – Computer Science
Montgomery College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Ocean County College has been dedicated to public education since 1964. OCC has a variety of credit and non-credit courses that serve students of all ages. Non-credit courses are open to both kids and adults. OCC has many associate degree programs for adults looking for career advancement or hoping to transfer to a four-year college.
- AAS in Computer Science
- AS in Computer Science
OCC is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Rogers State University is a public education Institute that opened in 1909. Offering more than just a traditional class setting, Roger State University has online learning opportunities for students hoping to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree. RSU has an array of programs, including business administration, healthcare, computer science, and education.
- AS in Computer Science
Rogers State University is a member of and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Established in 1993, South Texas college works to provide quality public education to thousands of students every year. With five campuses and several other learning centers, South Texas College has more than one-hundred associate degree programs and vocational certifications in various academic areas.
STC also has a path to several bachelor’s degrees.
- Associate’s in Computer Science
South Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Offering one of the most inexpensive public-school tuitions in its area, Stark State college opened in 1969. Stark State College has hundreds of associate degree options and vocational training programs for students looking to move forward in their academic and career goals.
Business, engineering, and computer science are a few examples of majors that are offered at SSC.
- Associate’s in Computer Science and Engineering Technology
Stark State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
SUNY-Ulster started in 1961 and is a community college in the New York public college system. Students attending SUNY-Ulster are able to take part in internships, co-ops, and other hands-on learning opportunities while gaining an associate degree in over 60 areas of study.
Vocational and technical certifications are available as non-credit courses at SUNY.
- AS in Computer Science
SUNY Ulster is accredited by: Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Looking at public education through a different lens, Thomas Edison State University has been exploring new ways to assist students in earning a higher education since 1972. With over 100 areas of study that lead to a two-year, four-year, or graduate degree, students attending TESU can complete their degrees virtually and on a self-paced timeline.
- ASNSM in Computer Science
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tompkins Cortland Community College was established in 1968 as a public school for adults and is now a leader in campus sustainability. Offering vocational certificates and associate degrees in an assortment of academic majors, TCCC helps students worldwide reach their educational dreams.
Innovation and technology are incorporated into each academic plan at TCCC.
- AS in Computer Science
Tompkins Cortland Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
In 1801, Vincennes University Was the first college commenced in the state of Indiana. As a public school, VU brings quality education into each associate and bachelor’s degree that they offer. VU serves students throughout the nation through online and campus-based learning. Serving military members is an essential aspect of Vincennes University.
- AS in Computer Science
Vincennes University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Weber State University opened in 1889 and is rooted in the values of the Mormon church. As a public educational Institution, Weber State University gives students several paths to achieve an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree. With over 100 program majors, WSU works to support each student in their academic endeavors.
- AAS in Computer Science
Weber State is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting an Online Associate’s Degree in Computer Science
If you want access to jobs beyond those you could get with a high school diploma and if you want to be paid more, enrolling in an online associate’s computer science degree program may be the way to go.
Especially now, with online classes being so affordable and convenient and with financial aid being easier to find, there’s never been a better time to enroll.
If you’re still not quite sure about your degree choice, you may also be interested in earning your associate’s in information technology online.
