Is an Associates Degree in Computer Science worth it? Explore careers, salaries, and job growth to see if an associate’s in computer science is right for you.
If you’ve fallen in love with the ever-changing world of technology, pursuing an associates in computer science degree online may be worthwhile. Companies need computer science professionals now more than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs using computer science graduates are expected to grow 11% over the next decade.
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Jump to the section that interests you most:
- Is an Associate’s in Computer Science Worth It?
- Associate’s in Computer Science Salaries
- Associate’s in Computer Science Jobs
- Associate’s in Computer Science vs. Bachelor’s in Computer Science
- Computer Science Curriculum
- Associate’s in Computer Science vs. Self-Taught
- Financial Aid
- Getting Your Associate’s in Computer Science Online
Is an Associates Degree in Computer Science Worth It?
Yes, earning an associate’s degree in computer science is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% job growth in computer and information technology occupations for the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations. Associate degree holders in this field may qualify for positions such as systems administrator, software developer, IT specialist, application developer, and computer support analyst.
Most students can complete their associate’s degree in 2 years or less. This means that you can complete your studies relatively quickly and enter the workforce sooner than if you spend 4 years in the classroom. But that door is certainly not closed to you.
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If you decide that you would like to pursue your bachelor’s degree at a later date, your associate’s degree should serve as a stepping stone to reaching that goal.
Associate’s in Computer Science Careers & Salaries
An Associates Degree in Computer Science can help you break into the world of tech and start a career. Relative to the national salary average, the jobs that you may get with an associates degree in computer science typically have high salaries.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the computer science field are listed below. Some employers may prefer you to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science when applying for these jobs.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 |
| Computer Programmer | $86,550 |
| Network or Computer Systems Administrator | $89,190 |
| Web Developer | $77,200 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $65,450 |
| Computer Support Specialist | $55,510 |
Salaries depend on education, experience, expertise, industry, and location.
Associates Degree in Computer Science Jobs
After completing the program and earning your Associate Degree in Computer Science, you may be able to offer your services to the world in any of the following capacities.
What follows is a list of the types of jobs that you may pursue with your Computer Science Associates Degree.
Computer Programmer – Computer programmers do many different things, such as designing algorithms, writing code, testing, and troubleshooting. This is a versatile career path that may lead you anywhere from developing new phone apps or creating new computer graphic technology for filmmaking.
Website Developer – Website developers create an online presence for their clients. It is their duty to create functional websites that look great and have an easy to understand graphical user interface.
You may work as a company man and maybe even have a few freelance gigs on the side. Who knows, perhaps you can create the next Facebook.
Systems Analyst – Systems analysts are responsible for developing and optimizing the computer systems that are used by companies. They update technologies used by the organizations that hire them based on current industry standards.
Network and Computer System Administrator – Network and Computer System Administrators have a lot of overlap with systems analysts. Some of the responsibilities they have include the installation and repair of hardware and software as well as the setting up of cyber security systems.
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Computer Support Specialist – Computer support specialists maintain the hardware and software utilized by their organizations. Their tasks include training employees on using their computers and the company systems and networks as well as troubleshooting.
The jobs that are available to individuals with an Associates in Computer Science vary depending on which areas you specialize in.
Associates in Computer Science vs. Bachelors in Computer Science
If you’re deciding to get your degree in computer science online or on campus, then it’s good to know about the two educational paths available, namely the Associates and the Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.
One of the most substantial differences is the amount of time required to complete each degree. When you’re enrolled in an Associates Degree in Computer Science, you should be able to complete the program and be awarded your degree in 2 years.
On the other hand, a typical Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program requires 4 years to finish before you get your degree.
The reason for this discrepancy is that a Bachelors program has more coursework and more major subjects, and typically provides a more thorough advanced training and experience than an Associates degree.
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The Associates Degree in Computer Science will generally require 60 semester hours to complete, while the Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science may require 120 semester hours. This means that the Associates Degree course is about half of the full Bachelor’s degree course.
In this light, it is also apparent that the Associates degree course units can often be credited towards completing a Bachelor’s degree program.
| Associates Degree in Computer Science | Bachelors Degree in Computer Science | |
| Time to Complete | 2 years | 4 years |
| Semester Hours | 60 hours | 120 hours |
| Level of Computer Education and Training | Introductory to Intermediate | Introductory to Advanced |
| Number of Major Subjects/Courses | Fewer | More |
| General Education Units | required | required |
Both the Associates degree and Bachelors degree in Computer Science typically require students to complete general education units.
Computer Science Curriculum
The things that you may learn studying for your Computer Science Associates Programs are vastly dynamic and thorough, as you can see from the list below.
Here is a list of the standard courses that you will likely need to take:
Introduction to Computer Programming – Right of the bat, this is one of the most important things that you, as a student, must learn to do – program. While this course may only be an introduction, it does lay the groundwork for understanding code and the environment of a programming language in general.
Fundamentals in Database – Learning database management is one of the cornerstones of Computer Science. By learning the fundamentals, you should be able to effectively design, manage, and manipulate databases in various programming languages – the main one being SQL.
Operating Systems Basics – Every machine runs on an underlying operating system. There are a few standard ones in use today, and it is essential for you as a student of Computer Science to learn what they are and to get to know their inner workings in order for you to properly manipulate them to achieve the result you want.
Intermediate Programming – This intermediate programming course is designed to build upon the foundation laid with the introductory course. This class will likely have you programming more in a few different coding languages. You may create algorithms, create, run, test, and troubleshoot programs hands-on.
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Fundamentals of Computer Networking – This course can help you learn about the details of how computers communicate with either one or several million computers. You may learn about the essential mechanisms of the internet at large and other smaller network connections.
These are just some of the various commonly offered courses in the Associate Degree in Computer Science program.
Associates in Computer Science vs. Self-Taught
With enough time, resources, and a whole lot of genuine motivation, it is entirely possible for you to teach yourself the essentials and even the more advanced concepts of computer science.
It’s not unheard of for people to become adept in a coding language by just learning on their own as opposed to being taught in school. Nevertheless, there are some benefits and drawbacks to each approach.
When you enroll in a school program, you are basically utilizing the expertise of the course creators and instructors to cut the time of your learning. This is because, as an enrolled student, you will be following structured and rigorous training and studying schedules.
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You will have timelines as to when you need to learn which lesson. If you’re learning Computer Science on your own, especially coding, most of the time, you will have to do additional research as to what it is that you do not know before you can continue with your learning.
There are times when self-taught computer scientists and coders may be lacking in one or a few essential standard techniques and concepts that may be commonly taught in school.
Self-taught coders and computer scientists have total freedom over their lessons and schedule, but this is a double-edged sword since these independent learners may end up straying from their goals.
Students enrolled in Associates in Computer Science programs, on the other hand, have strict course outlines and schedules to follow.
| Enrolled Student in Associates Degree in Computer Science | Self-Taught in Computer Science and Coding | |
| Schedule | Structured | Own time |
| Course/ Program Outline | Provided by School | Personal Research |
| Received upon enrollment | May require a lot of time | |
| Standard Concepts and Techniques | Taught in School | Hit or Miss depending on the amount and level of personal research and study |
| Employment | May meet minimum educational requirements | Self-taught coding skills may not be considered |
Company job posts may require that you have at least an Associates Degree in Computer Science to apply.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is utilized by educational institutions to self-regulate and maintain the level of high standards in their courses and program. Regional accreditation means that a school is officially recognized by its accrediting body when it meets the minimum standards of education.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation is proof that the online Computer Science Associates Degree offered by an educational institution is of high enough quality that it prepares its graduates well for employment in the profession.
Financial Aid
Students that are enrolled in the Associates in Computer Science online program should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Remember to check all student loans and grants available to you.
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One of the most generous scholarships for students who want to study Computer Science is the Stokes Educational Scholarship Program that’s run by the National Security Agency. If you get this scholarship, you will get a year-round salary, real-world experience, as well as a job waiting for you after you graduate.
Can I Get a Programming Job With an Associates Degree?
Yes, you may get a programming job with an Associates Degree. An associate’s degree in computer science can help equip you with an intermediate level coding skillset that should allow you to be employed as a programmer.
You may write, test, or troubleshoot code. This will depend entirely on the type of project the organization is working on and how well your skill set fits their needs. You may be able to work in a lot of different industries, which could range widely from coding firms down to companies engaged in in-house app development.
How Much Do You Make With an Associates Degree in Computer Science?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for a web developer, where an associate’s degree in computer science is typically required for entry, is $77,200, and $52,270 for a computer user support specialist.
Some other career options include information technology specialist, application developer, systems administrator, and IT support analyst.
What Can You Do With an Associates Degree in Computer Science?
An Associate Degree in Computer Science may be your ticket to a high-paying entry-level to a mid-level career in technology and Computer Science.
There are countless more tech companies that need not only coders but also IT managers, web developers, systems analysts, and administrators. You may also be able to freelance for clients on the side if you have the entrepreneurial spirit to earn some extra cash.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Computer Science Degree?
How long it takes to get a computer science degree will depend on your degree level and method of instruction.
To complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science, it usually takes about 4 years. An associates degree in computer science generally takes 2 years or less. In either case, you can finish your degree in less time if you enroll in accelerated online classes and take advantage of programs like credit by exam (testing out of classes).
Getting Your Associates Degree in Computer Science Online
Is an associates degree worth it? After you earn your associate’s degree in computer science, you should be highly employable in a wide-range of entry-level careers and industries.
Not only should you be valuable to tech-based companies like websites, computer companies, or app companies, your skillset should also be very useful in the corporate world regardless of the industry.
