If you’re interested in a career in computer science, don’t hold back just because you have a bachelor’s degree in another field. Many universities offer professional programs designed to facilitate this career change quickly.
These post-bachelor’s computer science programs offer opportunities for people from a variety of educational backgrounds. Whether you’re interested in programming, AI, data analysis, or any other aspect of computer science, these programs will help you acquire the skills and knowledge you need.
With demand for computer science professionals on the rise, considering these post-bachelor’s programs can be a promising step towards an entirely new career in the technology industry.
Should I go back to school for a computer science degree?
There are many compelling reasons to consider a career in computer science. For the most part, computer science majors have skills that are in high demand in today’s job market, and employers are willing to pay for their knowledge and abilities.
Consider salary first. Average computer science salaries in the US vary by location and specialty, but many computer science bachelor’s earn about $65,000 a year.
Plus, there are plenty of six-figure salaries if you take a competitive position in a FAANG company or similar organization. In most cases, employers are willing to pay higher salaries for her CS degree holders with in-demand skill sets.
Finally, the degree offers a wide selection of skills. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, mobile app development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or similar fields, a computer science degree gives you the flexibility to pursue a variety of career paths.
With this in mind, it is possible to go back to school for a bachelor’s degree in computer science. See which of these programs best fits your schedule and educational needs.
1. Oregon State University
Billed as “the fastest path to a career in computer science,” Oregon State University’s post-bachelor’s computer science online program packs a lot of education into a relatively short amount of time. The 60-credit program does not require previous computer science experience.
Most students complete the program in two to four years and receive a bachelor’s degree in computer science upon completion. Many students take one or two of her courses at a time while working full-time jobs.
Courses cover programming fundamentals, software engineering, mobile and web development, databases, and many other in-demand skills.
The university offers the required coursework each semester, so you can start working in the fall, spring, or summer term. You are not required to attend class at a specific time, but it is important that you keep up with the pace of the course and meet all deadlines.
2. University of British Columbia
Even if you don’t have any programming experience, you can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science in just 20 months from the University of British Columbia. Full-time programs are ideal for those considering a career change.
The Bachelor of Computer Science (Integrated Computer Science) BCS (ICS) program attracts mature students from a variety of backgrounds, including business, law, psychology, and the arts. During the program, you will take coursework in programming, statistics, software, algorithms, and more.
You must live in (or travel to) the Lower Mainland to participate as there is no online option for this program. However, if you can attend an in-person program full-time, it’s a great opportunity.
3. University of Colorado Boulder
Earn 45 credits with a CS degree either part-time or full-time. His online Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Computing Science at the University of Colorado Boulder allows you to work at your own pace.
The program offers a rich curriculum that includes courses in computer science fundamentals, software development, and programming languages. Electives cover subjects such as data mining and artificial intelligence.
For professionals interested in a career change, the University of Colorado’s Boulder program can earn a CS degree in two to three years. Accelerated options are available for those who want to complete their degree in less time.
4. Tufts University
Tufts University’s Computer Science Baccalaureate Certificate Program provides students with a computer science certificate upon completion of five courses. There are also online options.
If you’re not strictly interested in getting a second bachelor’s degree, but want a deeper understanding of hardware, algorithms, and more basic concepts, certificate programs are a great resource. There are also master’s degree options for students who want to ultimately pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science, even if their undergraduate degree is in an unrelated field.
5. Hofstra University
Earn a Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Computer Science Applications from Hofstra University with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to automatically pass an MS in Computer Science, MS in Cybersecurity, or MS in Data Science program . If a master’s degree is your ultimate goal, this program is worth your attention.
Take five courses in Computer Science Fundamentals, Algorithms, Analytical Geometry, and Calculus to earn your certification. Classes don’t seem to be offered online, so you’ll need to live close to the campus in Hempstead, NY. However, there are fully online options for earning a master’s degree in computer science.
Also consider free computer science education options
While these post-bachelor’s computer science programs are great choices for many, there are other avenues available to further your education. For example, you might want to check out the best free online coding courses for computer programming.
Offering a flexible and accessible path to expand your skill set, these free online courses are an excellent, low-risk course to determine if you’re interested in furthering your computer science knowledge. be the method. In some cases, certification programs from these free resources alone can make a career change.
Accelerate your career by joining a post-bachelor’s computer science program
A post-bachelor’s computer science program can be a game changer when it comes to expanding career possibilities in the technology industry. Even if you come from a completely unrelated field, a postgraduate computer science program will seamlessly teach you the basics of computer science.
With demand for computer science professionals on the rise, these programs can rapidly expand career options and open up new opportunities in the technical field.
