Top 5 Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Virginia (2025)

Computers have become part of most people's everyday lives - they're used in school for education, at home for entertainment, for organization in businesses, and in all kinds of other ways.

The prevalence of technology means that more people are needed to create, maintain, and ensure the safety of digital networks - which is where you come in as a computer science major.

So let's find out what you can learn from the top Virginia online computer science degree programs and how you can use your education to start or advance your career today.

Featured Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Virginia

Here are five online degree programs related to information technology and computer science that you can take advantage of as a resident of Virginia.

1. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia that used to be part of the College of William & Mary.

ODU offers an online computer science degree that can be completed as a full degree from start to finish, or as a degree completion program for students who already have some college credit but haven't completed a bachelor's program.

The program teaches students technical skills and concepts ranging from experimental techniques to engineering methodology. Graduates will be well-equipped for in-demand computer science jobs in software development, database administration, and more.

2. Regent University

Regent University is a private Christian university in Virginia that's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in computer science from Regent University is designed to teach students with a Christian-focused worldview about the ethical and social challenges related to careers in tech.

This online program prepares students to develop computer networks, perform diagnostics on and apply solutions to software, and acquire industry certifications before entering the workforce.

3. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian university affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia that primarily offers degrees online.

Liberty University's online computer science in cybersecurity bachelor's degree combines the general logic and programming skills of a computer science degree with the niche knowledge of how to protect a network from cyber attacks to help you better develop and maintain computer systems.

Important topics covered during this program include:

• software engineering
• modern cryptography
• system administration
• database management

4. George Mason University

George Mason University (GMU) is a public research university that used to be a regional branch of the University of Virginia before becoming an independent university.

The B.S. in computational and data sciences at GMU is all about combining real-world computer science skills with technical knowledge about scientific modeling, applied mathematics, and simulation. As an interdisciplinary STEM program, it addresses the role of computers in wider aspects of the world.

This online program is 120 credit hours and can be completed in four years on average.

5. East Coast Polytechnic Institute

East Coast Polytechnic Institute, better known as ECPI, is a private university in Virginia that offers accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs through multiple campuses and online.

ECPI offers a specialized computer science degree called a B.S. in computer and information science that has a major in cyber and information security technology for computer science majors who want to learn the basics of computer management while specializing in testing and providing solutions for digital security networks.

Graduates from this online program will often work in government or large tech businesses as penetration testers, network administrators, and troubleshooters.

Other Online Computer Science Degree Programs Serving Virginia Residents

In addition to the Virginia online computer science degree programs above, there are also some universities that offer online degrees nationally that Virginia residents can pursue.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private online university based in Utah that's accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Students can learn about logic, AI, computer theory, and more through WGU's online B.S. in computer science program. It takes the majority of students 30 months to complete this program and includes customization of electives and assignments to help busy working adult students complete their degree faster.

Graduates will have the in-demand computer science skills and certifications needed to be competitive in the field.

Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University is a private university with campuses in six different states that offers many of its degree programs online.

Rasmussen University is all about hands-on learning in its computer science bachelor's program. Students use real-world tools like Java and SQL to learn and can earn industry certifications that enhance and prove their capability for post-graduation employment while taking part in this online program.

Students using the degree completion option can use assessments to prove their skills for particular courses, shortening their time in the program to as little as 18 months.

Franklin University

Franklin University is a private university based in Ohio that's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and primarily serves working adult students through online programs.

Franklin University's online B.S. in computer science teaches a language-independent form of programming and computer science that can be applied to any number of real-world positions, regardless of what programming language they use.

With hands-on assignments and multiple start dates throughout the year, this program is ideal for working individuals who want to learn workplace skills online.

Colorado State University Global Campus

Colorado State University (CSU) is the flagship public research university of the Colorado State University System. It's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Through its Global Campus, CSU is offering an online computer science degree that's flexible and teaches business, general education, computer science, and optional elective concepts to give students a well-rounded education that prepares them for all kinds of jobs in the tech industry.

This accelerated online program is 120 credit hours and offers asynchronous class formats for working adult students.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University (OSU) is a public research university that offers more than 200 undergraduate degree programs on campus and online.

Earn a B.S. in computer science at OSU by completing all 180 required quarter credit hours for the program online and even specialize in either applied computer science or cybersecurity to better prepare for a future career in the tech industry.

This program will teach students web development, software engineering, computer forensics, current social and ethical issues in computer science, and more.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Computer Science Degree?

It usually takes four years to complete any bachelor's program, and the same is true for online computer science degree programs. However, many online degrees offer accelerated classes or more transferable credits that can shorten the time it takes to complete your computer science degree by one to two years.

Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?

Because computer science degrees can be specialized for things like creating systems, defending networks, and analyzing virtual data, it's a worthwhile degree for people who want plenty of employment options.

A computer science degree is also worth it for anyone who likes a challenge or to learn new things - with a computer science degree, you can learn everything from programming to virtual security methods.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Computer Science Degree?

Some of the top jobs you can get with a computer science degree include:

• data scientist
• information security analyst
• software developer
• web developer
• cloud computing engineer
• artificial intelligence and machine learning engineer

Find an Online Computer Science Degree Today

Now that you know about the best Virginia online computer science degree programs, how long it takes to get a computer science degree, and what jobs you can pursue after graduation, it's time to begin your online computer science program today so you can start influencing the world of tech tomorrow.