If it weren’t for people who had dedicated their careers to understanding the intricacies of computer science and the possibilities of information technology, you wouldn’t be reading this right now! To help those looking to to move into or up in this challenging and lucrative field, we’ve put together a Smart Choice ranking of the top online computer science schools and information technology (IT) degree programs.
Featured IT Programs
- Kaplan University – Associate’s in Information Technology
- Walden University – Bachelor’s in Information Technology (Self-designed)
- Southern New Hampshire University – Master’s in Information Technology
The Value of a Computer Science or Information Technology (IT) Degree
As the world continues to become increasingly dependent on computers and the internet, the demand for graduates of top computer science and information technology degree programs will continue to grow. The career possibilities in computer science and information technology are numerous and extremely diverse. Almost every conceivable business or enterprise requires people skilled in these areas. In most cases, an accredited bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology is required for entry into these positions, and an accredited master’s degree for advancement into positions of leadership or management.
The Advantages of an Online Computer Science or Information Technology Degree Program
Not surprisingly, computer science and information technology are among the most popular degrees offered online, since so much of the work already involves using computers and the internet. Many of the most prestigious and highest ranked colleges and universities in the world offer online degree programs in computer science or internet technology. The flexibility of an online degree program allows students to earn their degree while continuing to work and maintaining their responsibilities to their families.
Featured Computer Science Programs
- Rasmussen College – Bachelor’s in Computer Science
- Colorado Technical University – Doctor of Computer Science
Smart Choice Schools for Online Computer Science and Information Technology (IT) Degrees
Only regionally accredited colleges and universities listed in the National Center for Education Statistics database and offering online degree programs in Computer Science or Information Technology (IT) were considered. Qualifying schools were then evaluated and ranked based on publicly available data related to market reputation, academic quality, student satisfaction, and value. We believe the resulting list is a great place to begin your search for the online computer science or information technology degree program that is best for you.
#1. Brandeis University
A small, private research university just outside of Boston, MA, Brandeis University has established itself as one of the most prestigious and highly ranked universities in the United States. The school’s commitment to innovation in science and technology has been evident from its inception in 1948, when it included Albert Einstein among its group of founders.
Program details: Brandeis offers a 30 credit hour online Master of Science in Information Technology in additions to online master’s degree programs in Health and Medical Informatics, Information Assurance, Software Engineering, Virtual Team Management, and Management of Projects and Programs. Brandeis is one of the top computer science schools in the country, and our choice for the best online computer science program in 2012.
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
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#2. Stanford University
Stanford is recognized as one of the top research universities in the world, especially in the areas of science, technology and mathematics. It is also recognized for being one of the best computer science schools in the world. The university has produced more Turing award winners (the computer science equivalent of the Nobel Prize) than any other, and graduates have gone on to found such notable tech companies as Google, Yahoo!, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco and Sun Microsystems.
Program Details: Stanford’s online Master of Science in Computer Science is a 45 unit program that can be completed completely online or through a campus/online hybrid format. Students are required to complete the degree within 5 years, with most part-time students taking an average of 3-5 years to finish.
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.
#3. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private research institution in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1880, it may be the oldest independent teaching and research university in the western United States and has established itself among the best ranked and most prestigious universities in the world.
Program Details: USC offers an online Master of Science in Global Information Science and Technology. The 28 unit program requires six graduate courses and the completion of thesis. Student who take two classes a semester can complete the program in 16 months.
Accreditation:Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.
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#4. Boston University
Boston University is among the largest private research universities in the United States, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs both on campus and online. Originally founded as a Methodist seminary in 1839, the school has produced several Nobel winners, including Martin Luther King Jr.
Program Details: Boston University offers an online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS) with concentrations available in Database Management & Business Intelligence, Health Informatics, IT Project Management, and Security. A total of ten courses are required for the program, which can be completed in less than two years of study.
Accreditation:New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
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#5. Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia, PA best known for its strengths in engineering, technology, and science, and its award-winning co-operative model of education. The school has received national accolades for recent improvements and innovations in academics, faculty, and student life that have only helped to bolster its already outstanding reputation.
Program Details: Drexel offers online Bachelor of Science degrees in Computing & Security Technology and Communications & Applied Technology, as well as online Master of Science degrees in Computer Science, Information Systems, and Software Engineering. Credit hours and length of study varies by program.
Accreditation:Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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#6. University of Florida
Established in 1853, the University of Florida is a public research university and one of the largest single-campus universities in the country. Due to its strong academics, the school has developed a reputation as one of the few public universities recognized as a “public Ivy”, referring to the prestigious Ivy League.
Program Details: The University of Florida offers an online Master of Arts in Urban & Regional Planning with a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialization. The GIS degree program requires a total of sixteen courses for a total of 52 credit hours. The entire program can be completed in three years.
Accreditation:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
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#7. Columbia University
Among the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States, no college or university has graduated more Nobel Prize or Pulitzer Prize winners than Columbia (or more Academy Award and Oscar winners). A private research university that sends more than 90% of its undergraduates to graduate school, few other schools can compete with Columbia when it comes to academic quality and reputation.
Program Details: Columbia offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science degree program with concentration tracks in Computer Security, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Network Systems, Software Systems, Vision & Graphics, as well as a personalized track. The 30 credit program must be completed within five years.
Accreditation:Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#8. Johns Hopkins University
One of the original research universities in the United States and among the very best in the world, no university has spent more money on scientific and technological research than Johns Hopkins University over the course of the last several decades. It was founded by the Quaker entrepreneur Johns Hopkins in 1873.
Program Details: Johns Hopkins’ online Master of Science in Computer Science degree program requires the completion of ten courses within five years. Concentrations are available in Telecommunications & Networking, and Bioinformatics. An online Master of Science in Systems Engineering is also available.
Accreditation:Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#9. Virginia Tech University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, VA is one of the leading technological research universities in the United States and internationally. It is a public university, founded in 1872.
Program Details: Virginia Tech’s online Masters of Information Technology requires a minimum of 30 credit hours for completion. Two, three, and four year plans of study are available, with most students able to complete the entire program in less than three years.
Accreditation:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#10. Quinnipiac University
A private university in Hamden, Connecticut with a famous polling institute, Quinnipiac University is one of the few schools that can boast of a state park as its back yard. Founded in 1929, the university has been an award-winning pioneer in the area of online teaching and learning.
Program Details: Quinnipiac University offers a 36 credit hour online Master of Science in Information Technology (IT). The 16 course program has been developed in conversation with employers and faculty of the school of business to ensure its ongoing relevance in the marketplace.
Accreditation:New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
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#11. Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University is a private research university in Dallas, TX owned by the United Methodist Church. SMU is frequently ranked among the top universities in the United States and has garnered several significant accolades for academic teaching and research.
Program Details: Southern Methodist University offers a number of Master of Science degrees online through the Bobby L. Lyle School of Engineering. Aimed especially at international students, majors are available in Computer Science & Engineering, and Engineering Management, Information, and Systems, among other areas. Most of the degree plans require ten courses and 30 credit hours to complete.
Accreditation:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#12. Creighton University
Creighton University is a top-ranked Jesuit university in Omaha, NB. The school’s dedication to scientific and technological innovation has resulted in it being recognized as one of the most “wired” schools in the country.
Program Details: Creighton University’s online Master of Science in Information Technology Management was designed to help students combine IT skills with business leadership. The 33 credit hour, 11 course program can be completed in less than two years.
Accreditation:North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
#13. Northeastern University
Emerging out of the educational programs of the Boston YMCA, Northeastern University in Boston, MA has grown into a comprehensive research university with an international reputation. The school has one of the most extensive and highly regarded selections of online degree programs of any non-profit university.
Program Details: Northeastern University offers online Internet Technology degrees at both the bachelor’s and master’s level. Online bachelor’s degrees are available in Information Technology and Operations Technology. Online Master’s degrees are available in Geographic Information Systems, Information Assurance, Project Management, and Technical Communication.
Accreditation:New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#14. Colorado State University Global Campus
The Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU Global Campus) is the newest campus of the highly regarded Colorado State University System. As the first fully online public university campus, CSU Global Campus has paved the way for online public university degrees, continually expanding and improving its online course and online degree program offerings.
Program Details: CSU Global’s Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a 30 credit hour degree completion program. Students can choose from fourteen different areas of specialization and will be prepared to take many of the major IT certification exams.
Accreditation:North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
#15. New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is the official public technological and liberal arts university of the state of New Jersey. Located in Newark and founded in 1881, the school is best known for its technologically cutting-edge campus and breakthrough scientific research.
Program Details: In addition to several relevant certificate programs, NJIT offers online bachelor’s degree completion programs in Information Systems, and Information Technology, as well as online master’s degree programs in Business and Information Systems, Computer Science, and Information Systems. All programs are designed help students learn the knowledge and skills to increase their value in the job market.
Accreditation:Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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#16. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a public research university with a global reputation for leadership and innovation in education, engineering, technology, science and mathematics. The school’s distance education program provides the same quality faculty and instruction as its on-campus programs, at a great value.
Program Details: North Carolina State Distance Education offers online master’s degrees in Computer Science, Geospatial Information Science & Technology, Computer Engineering, and Computer Networking. All of the programs are the full equivalent of their on-campus counterparts.
Accreditation:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#17. Regis University
A private Catholic university in Denver, CO, Regis University has an excellent academic reputation and a long history of values-based education. Their College of Professional Studies has been a pioneer in the area of online education, garnering numerous awards and rankings.
Program Details: Regis University’s School for Professional Studies offers online bachelor’s degrees in Business Technology Management, Computer Networking, Computer Science, and Computer Information Systems. Online master’s degrees are offered in Database Technologies, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology Management, and Information Assurance.
Accreditation:North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
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#18. Hofstra University
Originally an extension of New York University, Hofstra University came into its own in 1937, and has since developed into a leading national university. The school has been ranked among the best computer science colleges in the country by numerous publications.
Program Details: Hofstra University offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science. The programs is 30 credit hours, requiring ten courses, including a required Capstone Experience which can take the form of a final project or a thesis. The program is designed for computing professionals as well as those interested in doctoral work in computer science or related fields.
Accreditation:Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#19. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a public honors university noted for its strengths in engineering and information technology. A part of the highly regarded University of Maryland System, UMBC was recently rated the top up-and-coming university by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Details: UMBC offers a 34 credit hour online Master’s in Information Systems. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program can be completed in less than two years. All courses are taught by same UMBC faculty as the on-campus courses.
Accreditation:Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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#20. Auburn University
Began as a private Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college in 1856, Auburn University became Alabama’s first public land-grant university in 1872 and began emphasizing science and technology in its curriculum. The university is widely regarded as one of the best public universities in the United States.
Program Details: Auburn offers a 33 credit hour Master of Computer Science and Software Engineering in a distance education format involving online and DVD video technology. The program can be completed at the students own pace, but must be completed with five years. No thesis is required.
Accreditation:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#21. Bellevue University
Founded in 1966 as Bellevue College, Bellevue University has since grown to become the largest private university in the state of Nebraska. Bellevue has won numerous awards and distinctions for its online degree programs, including a recent number one ranking in U.S. News & World Report.
Program Details: Bellevue University’s College of Information Technology offers multiple online bachelor’s degrees in Computer Information Systems, as well as online master’s degrees in Computer Information Systems and Management of Information Systems. All of the programs are focused on the development of contemporary workforce skills.
Accreditation:North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
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#22. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
A small, private, non-profit university with a growing reputation, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has offered career-oriented adult education since 1932. The school’s online degree programs have received several national rankings and awards for their quality and value.
Program Details: SNHU offers associate’s and bachelor’s level online degrees in Computer Information Technology with multiple areas of emphasis, as well as and online Master of Science in Information Technology with several concentrations. All of the programs are designed to enhance both technical and business proficiency in order for students to advance in their chosen careers.
Accreditation:New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
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#23. Robert Morris University
Robert Morris University is a small, private university in Pittsburgh, PA (not to be confused with the Illinois university by the same name). Recognized as one of the top universities in the northeast, the school offers a number of online degree programs with small class sizes and an excellent completion and placement record.
Program Details: Robert Morris University offers online Master of Science degree programs in Competitive Intelligence Systems and Internet Information Systems through its School of Communications and Information Systems. Both programs required 30 credit hours for completion, with some prerequisites required.
Accreditation:Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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#24. Keiser University
Keiser University is a private, non-profit university established in 1977 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Offering primarily career-oriented degree programs, the university tailors itself to the needs of working adults.
Program Details: Keiser University offers an online associate’s degree in Information Technology and an online bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Management. The associate’s program prepares students for positions in network administration and has an emphasis on security support. The bachelor’s program prepares computer technicians for supervisor and management positions.
Accreditation:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
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#25. ECPI University
Formerly ECPI College of Technology, ECPI University is a private, for-profit university oriented towards adult career training. The school has campuses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as well as a substantial online presence.
Program Details: ECPI offers online associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in Computer & Information Science with multiple concentrations, as well as an online master’s degree in Information Systems. All of ECPI’s online degree programs are designed to produce well-rounded individuals with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen career field.
Accreditation:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.