What is an online bachelor’s degree in computer science?

In the online computer science degree program, students can learn to plan, design, develop, and optimize computer software and systems for commercial and government environments. UMGC's online computer science degree is a 120-credit, state-of-the-art program designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars. The program provides students with opportunities for professional development and strong foundational skills in programming languages, software development, complex algorithms, database systems, data structures, and artificial intelligence.

How long does it take to get an online bachelor's degree in computer science?

In the 120-credit computer science program, courses are offered year-round. The time it will take you to complete your computer science degree will depend on several factors, including your goals, how many transfer credits you have, your course load each semester, and whether you are able to benefit from one or more of our fast paths to credit, including credit for prior learning and credit for military education and training.

How much does an online bachelor's degree in computer science cost?

Tuition rates for the computer science major are very competitive and appear at the top of this page. We offer a low in-state rate for Maryland residents and a reduced tuition rate for military service members and their spouses and dependent children. We also offer financial aid, scholarships for those who qualify, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your computer science degree even more affordable.

What background do I need to get an online bachelor's degree in computer science?

You do not need any background or experience in computer science to apply for and graduate with an online bachelor’s degree in computer science. As long as you meet our undergraduate admission requirements, you can enroll in this program.

Are any certifications needed for the online bachelor's degree in computer science?

You do not need any prior certifications to enroll in or complete this program.

What UMGC student organizations are available to computer science students?

Computing Club The Computing Club provides a dynamic environment where members can work collaboratively, share innovative ideas, enhance their career-readiness, and gain marketable experience in their respective fields. It is available to graduate or undergraduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff members. Students and alumni can join the Computing Club group on CareerQuest.Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computing & Technology Disciplines) Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the international honor society for the computing and IT disciplines, is designed to promote the computing and information sciences and to encourage the enhancement of knowledge in the field. Upsilon Pi Epsilon is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in the computing and information science disciplines. Membership is by invitation only. Undergraduate membership is open to students majoring in one of the computing disciplines who have completed at least 45 credit hours towards their degree, including 30 or more credits at UMGC (in graded coursework) and at least 15 credits from information technology and computer science courses. Undergraduate students need to have a cumulative GPA of a 3.5 or higher and a GPA of 3.5 or higher in all coursework taken from the information technology and computer science courses. Graduate student membership is open to students pursuing a master's degree in cloud computing systems, cyber operations, cybersecurity management and policy, cybersecurity technology, data analytics, or digital forensics and cyber investigation; a master's degree in information technology with a concentration in database systems technology, informatics, information assurance, software engineering, or systems engineering; or a legacy master's degree in cybersecurity. Graduate students must have completed at least 18 resident credits towards their degree at UMGC, with a cumulative GPA of a 3.5 or higher. For more information, please email upe@umgc.edu.Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) The Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Student Chapter at University of Maryland Global Campus aims to build a community within UMGC that promotes women’s education, participation, and leadership in the field of cybersecurity. It is available to graduate or undergraduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff members. Interested students and alumni are invited to join the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) group on CareerQuest.

Online Computer Science Bachelor's Degree

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

120 credits
Transfer up to 90 credits
All courses available online
Select hybrid courses available

TUITION RATES

$324 per credit (in-state)
$499 per credit (out-of-state)
$250 per credit (military)
Other fees may apply

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Advance in your career with an online bachelor’s degree in homeland security from University of Maryland Global Campus. In this degree program, you’ll engage in career-focused coursework, conduct research, make evaluations and risk assessments, and develop mitigation strategies. Our experienced faculty members bring their practical expertise to the classroom and work with industry advisors and other experts in homeland security to continuously improve the program in response to the changing knowledge-based economy. With our convenient online courses, you can earn your online bachelor’s degree in homeland security at UMGC on your own time. You could also save time and money with our generous transfer credit policy. Why wait? Take the first step towards your bachelor's degree in homeland security and apply today!

Build Essential Skills with a Computer Science Degree

Designed with input from leading industry experts, our bachelor’s degree in computer science may help prepare you for a rewarding and stable career in almost any modern organization. You’ll take introductory, intermediate, and advanced computer programming courses and familiarize yourself with computer systems and architecture, software engineering principles, mathematics, computer algorithms, data analysis, and database administration. This program may also help familiarize you with emerging developments in software and artificial intelligence. The skills you’ll learn in this program are universal and may help prepare you for success and longevity in your professional career.

Here are a few of the benefits of our computer science program:

Our courses are taught by experienced faculty members who are leaders in their fields.
If you wish to go into teaching, an accelerated pathway allows you to reduce your total coursework for a Master of Arts in Teaching by up to 12 credits.
You can join one of our cyber- or IT-focused student organizations like the computing club or Upsilon Pi Epsilon (the international honor society for IT-related majors).

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2024–2025 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

See Degree Requirements

Gain Relevant Experience for an In-Demand, High-Tech Career

In the 21st century, most corporations and government organizations rely on computers to process their data, organize their workplaces, and conduct their business. An online degree in computer science will signal to employers that you have crucial skills in critical thinking, software engineering, structured programming, operating systems, and algorithmic analysis.

Our program directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve these learning goals:

Develop Analytical Skills

Develop the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to design, implement, test, and debug computer programs.

Implement Solutions

Design and implement a computing-based solution to meet a given set of requirements, standards, and guidelines.

Evaluate Systems

Evaluate alternative architectures, algorithms, and systems to make informed decisions that optimize system performance.

Apply Principles

Apply mathematical principles, computer science theory, and software development fundamentals to design and build effective computing-based solutions.

Communicate Effectively

Communicate effectively with a range of audiences in a variety of professional contexts.

Apply Standards

Recognize local, national, and international technical standards and legal, ethical, and intellectual property regulations in practice.

Advance Your Tech Career

This program is designed to help prepare you for management work in security risk assessment, operational recovery, and strategy development to protect people, facilities, and critical infrastructure. The homeland security industry seeks exceptional candidates to fill mission-critical positions in the areas of cybersecurity, information technology, intelligence, law enforcement, business operations/mission support, immigration, travel security, prevention and response, and emergency management. Potential job titles within specific homeland security disciplines include emergency management director, homeland security specialist, intelligence analyst, cybersecurity analyst, special agent, and risk management consultant.

Tyrone A., Martinsburg, WV

25%

Job Growth

No. 1

Best Tech Job

Practice Real-World Skills in Your Computer Science Courses

Throughout the degree program, your instructors will assign hands-on coursework that will help you prioritize real-world skills and career-focused experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following projects:

Write a short research paper describing how concepts such as RISC, pipelining, cache memory, and virtual memory have evolved over the past 25 years to improve system performance.
Design a relational database to satisfy specific business rules and requirements. Submit an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) and the associated detailed documentation describing the database design and structure.
Benchmark the behavior of the Java implementations of different sorting algorithms, e.g., Quick Sort, Bubble Sort, Insertion Sort, Heap Sort, Radix Sort, Bucket Sort, Selection Sort, Merge Sort, Shell Sort, Bucket Sort.

Explore UMGC Computer Science Insights

Gain insight from our faculty and delve deeper into a range of topics.

Thinking Like a Hacker

Explore how thinking like a hacker improves security.

Risk Management in Cloud Computing Video

Learn about risk management within cloud computing from UMGC.

In the Media: Cyber Roundup

UMGC presents a roundup of cyber-related articles.

5 Ways to Stay Cyber Safe Online

In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, learn about the steps to take to protect your digital security with experts from UMGC.

I would say learning at UMGC is a partnership, but it goes beyond that. They understand what we have to do, and how we have to try to accommodate both being a lifelong learner and military student.

Britney B., North Augusta, SC BS in Computer Science

Online Bachelor’s Degree Homeland Security

Computer Science

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

TUITION RATES

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Build Essential Skills with a Computer Science Degree