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Bachelor of Science

Online Computer Science Degree

3rd Party Certifications and Program Accreditation

OVERVIEW

An ABET-Accredited Online Computer Science Degree That Prepares You for a Dynamic Career


 

Earn your bachelor’s degree in computer science from WGU and increase your earning potential, job security, and opportunities for advancement. This degree prepares you to design, develop, and optimize systems that will meet industry needs, and gives you the opportunity to earn multiple industry-recognized certifications.

Designed with input from industry experts, the ABET-accredited B.S. Computer Science degree program at WGU provides a solid foundation for the most  in-demand skills:

  • Logic
  • Architecture and systems
  • Data structures
  • AI
  • Computer theory
  • Version Control
  • Linux

You can earn while you learn with this information technology degree. Top technology certifications, such as Linux and Axelos, are built into the CS degree program and do not add time or additional costs—but they do add to your résumé as soon as you've earned them, even before you complete your degree!

71% of graduates finish within 

30 Months*

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,985

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Income growth after two years

$22,200

Just two years after graduation, WGU grads report earning $22,200 more per year. Four years after graduation, WGU grads report earning $29,200.*

*2022 Harris Poll survey

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?

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Start Dates the 1st of Every Month

COURSES

Computer Science Courses

Program consists of 38 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Earning an online ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, designed by industry experts, combines theoretical depth and technical know-how. This program enhances the practical knowledge you have gained through experience and certifications. The experts who make up our IT Program Council know exactly what it takes for an online degree program to help you be successful in the field of computer science.

This program focuses on the skills you need to become a linchpin in your organization. In addition to core IT skills, the program focuses on algorithms and data structures, artificial intelligence and robotics, database and information retrieval, human-computer communication, numerical and symbolic computation, and more. Start earning your degree online today.

The B.S. Computer Science degree program is an all-online program that you will complete by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least 12 competency units each 6-month term. (One course is typically 3 or 4 units.)

Computer Science
IT Fundamentals
Operating Systems
Web Development
Business of IT
Data Management
Information Technology Management
Secure Systems Analysis & Design
Software
Full Stack Engineering
Scripting and Programming
Network and Security
General Education

38 Courses

Program consists of 38 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—a project that allows you to take what you’ve learned and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue faced in an actual place of business. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

  • Software Engineering: 
    • Analyzed the objectives, scope, and organizational impact of software systems, providing valuable insights.
    • Collaborated with developers to determine the optimal software design, fostering effective teamwork, and ensuring that software solutions are well-designed, efficient, and user-friendly.
  • Java (Programming Language): Created an object-oriented program using Java, demonstrating strong programming skills.
  • SQL (Programming Language): Manipulated data with structured query language (SQL) statements, enabling effective data retrieval and management.
  • Software Development:  
    • Implemented a process to create and maintain software source code to achieve goals, ensuring efficient and well-organized codebases.
    • Specified a software development lifecycle plan that meets project requirements, leading to successful project execution, on-time delivery, and high-quality software products.

“I truly enjoyed my experience with, and time at, WGU. I appreciate the innovative approach to education making it competency-based. Especially compared to a traditional university that would rather I instead pointlessly sit in a class for 6 months even if I am already competent in the areas the class is aiming to educate me in. My mentor was also amazing and helped me power through the program at the pace I expected. Couldn't have done it without him. Literally can't recommend WGU enough!”

—Steven Christensen
B.S. Computer Science

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

$350*

Included with your tuition cost

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.

Traditional Universities

 

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

$350*

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

Included with your tuition cost

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

TRANSFER CREDITS

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.

Why WGU?

Affordability

WGU tuition is charged per six-month term, not per credit. That means if you want to move faster through the online computer science degree program, you'll pay less.

On Your Schedule

No class times, no assignment deadlines. You are in charge of your learning and schedule. You can move through your courses as quickly as you master the material, meaning you can graduate faster.
 

Entirely Online

The computer science bachelor's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

The flexibility you need. The respect you deserve. Earn a degree and IT certifications at the same time with WGU. Boost your résumé and showcase your talents to impress employers and set yourself apart from the competition.

IT CERTIFICATIONS

3rd Party Computer Science Certifications Included


 

Industry certifications in this degree program includes a Linux certification, as well as the AXELOS ITIL® Foundation certification. 
 
The cost of these certifications is included in your tuition, helping you save money as you enhance your skills. Earning certifications before you’ve even finished your degree gives you the knowledge, skills, and credentials that will immediately boost your résumé.

Axelos
  • ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification

*Subject to vendor availability.
^ITIL® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.

Linux Professional Institute logo
  • Linux Essentials

COST & TIME

An Affordable CS Degree

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
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A College Degree Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"Online classes were great. Sometimes I would have difficulty on a subject and was able to promptly contact my instructor for further help. Scheduling a phone call was also easy.”

—Lehi Toskin
B.S. Computer Science

CAREER OUTLOOK

Computer Scientists Are in High Demand

The field of computer science is rapidly expanding into some truly exciting areas, including artificial intelligence, robotics, intelligent systems, and human-computer interaction. Increase your earning potential, boost your résumé with valuable credentials, and find a career you love with the help of a computer science degree.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are almost 10 times more U.S. computing jobs open than there were students who graduated with a computer science degree in 2015. When you’ve completed WGU’s online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program, you’ll find yourself in demand because of the skills, knowledge, and certifications you’ve gained. Stand out from the competition and become a vital player on a team with the help of the right program.

Return on Your Investment

On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

21%

The market for computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 21% through 2031.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Learn About Careers for Computer Science Graduates

Some of the job titles a graduate of this computer science bachelor’s degree program are qualified for include:

  • Information Manager
  • Data Engineer 
  • NLP Scientist 
  • Software Engineer
  • Computer Vision Engineer 
  • Business Intelligence Developer
  • Machine Learning Specialist 
  • Application Developer
  • Algorithm Engineer 
  • Computational Linguist 
  • Security Engineer
  • Computer Vision Engineer

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

ADMISSIONS

Admissions Requirements Unique to Computer Science

Students must be able to use key Calculus principles, rules, and applications while in the B.S. Computer Science program. Students must meet the following admission requirements for admittance to this program:

1.    Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.

2.    Demonstrate readiness through completion of one of the following:

  • Option 1: Submit transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a minimum of 2.75 GPA or higher, AND successful and verifiable completion of a pre-calculus course from a WGU approved third-party provider with a grade “C” or better.
  • Option 2: A high school GPA of 3.0, or higher, AND a B grade, or better, in a high school honors, IB, or AP level advanced mathematics course.

If no previous Pre-Calculus course has been completed by the time of application, students can complete this course through WGU Academy, prior to matriculation. 

NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

Get Added Support and Flexibility as You Start Your Degree 
Take a course or two at your pace before committing to a full degree program. Strengthen your study habits, gain essential learning skills and, best of all, each completed course counts toward your degree requirements. 

Learn More about Pathways to Starting

Questions about Computer Science at WGU

You should speak with an Enrollment Counselor. WGU can often provide advice or resources to help a prospective student fulfill enrollment prerequisites.

When you enroll in a WGU degree program, our goal is to see you through to graduation. Admission requirements are designed to increase your likelihood of success. Years of data and experience with the nontraditional students WGU serves have shown us how various types of academic and professional experience can be highly important in helping a student persist to graduation. Industry certifications are one of many ways a student can meet eligibility.

WGU has an obligation to our graduates—and their current and future employers—to ensure WGU alumni have mastered the most up-to-date, current competencies and skills needed in the workplace. Recency of certifications helps us ensure that students have demonstrated competency in skills as they are needed in today's working world.

As a full-time student, you will be required to maintain a minimum pace of 12 competency units (CUs) per term for undergraduate programs or 8 CUs per term for graduate programs. However, there is no maximum speed—once you complete a course, you move immediately to the next, and you complete a course not by waiting for the syllabus, the professor, or the rest of the class. You progress by learning the material and proving it—so you can move through your coursework at the speed of your own learning and experience.

Instructors are highly educated, experienced experts in the subject matter of a course. Unlike in a traditional university where going to class means listening to an instructor lecture while you take notes and try to learn in a group setting, WGU's Instructors provide one-on-one instruction and support when you need it—tailoring the instruction to your precise needs when you need it. Instructors also provide additional resources, lead topical discussions in online communities, and find countless other ways to bring a specific course to life for students.

Computer science is the study of computers, systems, networks, and servers. Computer science analyzes the performance of computer hardware and software. Computer scientists design and analyze algorithms, programs, and operations of computers.

There are many job opportunities available for those who have a degree in computer science, including:

  • Data scientist
  • Software tester
  • Web developer
  • Systems analyst
  • Business analyst
  • Product manager
  • Network architect
  • Software engineer
  • Computer engineering
  • Machine learning
  • Data scientist
  • Network architecture

Computer science can be a challenging degree and career path. It involves learning about lots of coding, which can be like another language. It also involves understanding complex network systems and programs. The world of computer science is unique and can be foreign for some. But for many, the reason they love computer science is because something clicks and makes sense. If you enjoy languages, math, science, and computers, computer science will likely be a challenging but exciting degree.

A computer science degrees should cover important topics that will prepare you for your future. In order for a computer science degree to be successful and relevant it should include scripting, programming languages, computer architecture, network fundamentals, and more.

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?