10 Best Self-Paced Computer Science Degrees Online in 2025

Computer science (CS) professionals are sought after across a broad spectrum of industries, from healthcare companies to financial firms. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that there will be 356,700 new job openings for computer and information technology (IT) professionals each year through 2033. This 11% employment growth rate is almost three times the national average.

Self-paced computer science degree programs offer flexible pathways to enter this growing industry. If you're interested in computer science and would like to learn more about accredited self-paced online colleges, read on.

What Is a Self-Paced CS Degree?

A self-paced computer science degree program is a flexible approach to earning your Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS). Features of self-paced degree programs include asynchronous, online coursework, multiple program start dates, and the ability to graduate at an accelerated or slower rate.

Each school has its own approach to self-pacing. Some schools have more frequent start dates, while others allow you to test out of certain courses by demonstrating skills competency (e.g., proficiency in programming languages).

What To Expect From a Self-Paced CS Degree

Self-paced computer science degree programs share much in common with other online degree programs. The main difference is the former's approach to greater flexibility in terms of coursework and graduation expectations.

Self-paced computer science degree requirements vary according to which degree level and specialization you choose. Bachelor's degree program admission requirements can include:

• a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• a minimum grade point average (GPA)
• SAT/ACT scores
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement

Best Self-Paced Computer Science Degrees Online

The following schools offer accredited computer science degree programs. Programs are online and provide self-pacing options.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida's online learning platform (UF Online) offers a Bachelor of Science in computer science that explores the theoretical foundations of computation and information systems. UF Online's program is completely remote and asynchronous, allowing students to learn at their own pace.

Graduates of UF Online's BS degree program move on to become web developers, computer systems analysts, information security analysts, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $112 per credit hour (in-state)/$500 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is a large public school based in Atlanta, GA. Its College of Computing has an online Master of Science in Computer Sciences degree (OMSCS) program.

All required courses and activities are delivered online and asynchronously. Students can take multiple courses or simply one course per semester. Graduate students in the OMSCS program have up to six years to complete their degree requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $225 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Old Dominion University

Based in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University (ODU) offers a self-paced BS in computer science program through its online learning platform, ODU Global. The curriculum includes computer science courses like cybersecurity, software development, and database management.

Students gain hands-on experience through online projects that present real-world problem-solving challenges. ODU Global's BS program is fully online and includes asynchronous classes.

• Estimated tuition cost: $268 per credit hour (in-state)/$444 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

4. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University offers a self-paced online bachelor's degree in computer science. The online curriculum includes fundamental subjects like programming languages, operating systems and architecture, and algorithm and data structure analysis.

Rasmussen University's degree pathway has a flexible timeline for completion. Students are encouraged to take self-directed assessments, which demonstrate competency in skills in certain courses, thereby fulfilling those course requirements. Students can graduate in four years or as few as 18 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $322 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has extensive online learning options. SNHU offers a BS in computer science that focuses on programming, software development, algorithms, and cloud computing.

SNHU has multiple start dates throughout the year, so you can begin your degree program according to your schedule needs. Classes are offered asynchronously and entirely online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

6. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) has a BS in computer science program that is self-paced and fully online. Online courses include computer architecture, data structure and algorithms, and artificial intelligence optimization. WGU's BS program is a competency-based education model, allowing students to test out of material they already know.

WGU charges tuition rates by six-month term, not by credit hour. Learners who take more courses per term ultimately pay less in tuition than those who take fewer courses over six months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,125 per term (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ABET

7. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is a large private school based in Lynchburg, VA. LU offers an online BS in information systems that provides students with the skills and knowledge to design, manage, and maintain information technology (IT) in various industries.

The 120-credit program is broken into eight-week courses, which can be completed at your own pace and have multiple start dates throughout the year. Students can apply up to 75% transfer credits toward their degree requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU)'s Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems features an online BS in information systems and analytics program. The online program includes courses like data science, software engineering, and programming languages like Python and Java.

Students may earn specific industry-relevant certifications in addition to their bachelor's degree. Opportunities include SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) credentials.

• Estimated tuition cost: $445 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. DeVry University

DeVry University offers a self-paced bachelor's degree program in computer information systems. Students can choose undergraduate degree specializations like cybersecurity programming, information systems security, and web development and administration.

Online students develop hands-on experience and skills in operating systems, cloud computing, and programming. Classes are offered year-round in eight-week sessions, enabling you to study at your own pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $514 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

10. University of Tennessee

Located in Knoxville, TN, the University of Tennessee has an online Master of Science in computer science (MSCS) program. The master's degree program consists of 10 courses and is delivered 100% online. Graduates with their MSCS transition into careers in software engineering, deep learning, data analytics and mining, and artificial intelligence.

All coursework is conducted online via a hybrid of asynchronous classes and live sessions. Students can complete their graduate program in as few as 18 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $744 per credit hour (in-state)/$819 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We rank colleges and universities based on the following criteria, which ensure that the featured schools provide quality education.

• Accreditation: All schools must be vetted by independent accrediting organizations. These organizations oversee programming and require that schools meet curriculum and faculty standards.
• Program format: For this list, schools must offer online degree programs with self-paced course options.
• Program reputation: A program's reputation is determined by experienced faculty, quality curriculum, school resources and facility support, and graduation rates.

FAQs About Self-Paced Online CS Programs

This section addresses commonly asked questions about self-paced online CS degree programs, from the fastest degree pathways to the average cost of computer science degrees.

What Is the Easiest Computer Science Degree?

What qualifies as an ''easy'' degree is highly relative. Your personal preferences and professional goals will play a big role when you decide which type of computer science degree to pursue.

Factors that can affect your learning experience include time commitment and degree level. Associate degrees can be earned in a shorter time frame; some students consider these the easiest computer science degrees.

What Is the Fastest Way To Get a Computer Science Degree?

If you have no prior education or professional experience, the fastest way to get your computer science degree is to pursue an associate degree in computer science. This degree pathway typically takes two years on a full-time basis.

If you have some practical experience with computer science and programming languages, you can test out of certain courses in competency-based degree programs. Self-paced programs allow you to take a greater number of courses each semester, thereby expediting the degree process.

Are Self-Paced CS Degrees Accredited?

Not all self-paced CD programs are accredited. If you want a degree that is widely accepted across industries, you must choose an accredited program from a reputable college or university.

Schools list their accreditation statuses on their websites. You can also reference a school's accreditation status at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Sometimes specialty programs feature additional accreditation through industry-specific organizations, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Can You Finish a Self-Paced Degree Faster?

Yes, you can finish a self-paced degree faster than a traditional degree pathway. You can do this by testing out of certain courses by demonstrating competency, taking a greater number of courses per semester, and applying transfer credits.

You can also choose to earn your degree at a slower pace. This will be more expensive at some schools, though many others charge the same tuition rates for part-time students as they do for full-time students.

How Much Do Self-Paced Computer Science Degrees Cost?

Self-paced computer science degree costs vary depending on your chosen school, degree level, and if you have any applicable transfer credits. Degrees can range from $15,000 to more than $55,000 in tuition costs.

Generally speaking, the most affordable online computer science degrees are available at public universities. You can keep tuition costs low by applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for financial aid.

What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?

Computer science professionals are in demand across the U.S. According to the BLS, computer scientists and related professionals are among the fastest-growing occupations in the country. Career options for those with computer science degrees include:

• computer network architects
• web developers
• database administrators
• information security analysts
• software developers
• digital designers

Discover Online Computer Science Degrees

No matter your career goals, there are online degree options available. Reach out to the schools on Learn.org to take the next step in your computer science career path.