For students looking to kickstart their careers in the in-demand field of computer science, enrolling in an accessible, flexible two-year online degree program is an excellent choice. These programs can provide various career opportunities, such as becoming a computer network support specialist with a median salary of $71,530. Those pursuing further education can find lucrative roles in software development, earning a median salary of $132,270, or cybersecurity, with a median salary of $120,360.
These programs can be completed in just two years, halving the traditional timeline for earning a bachelor’s degree and expediting your entry into the workforce.
How to Choose a Two-Year Online Computer Science Program
Choose your area of study
Computer science is a relatively broad field, making it essential to choose an area of study or specialization to help you tailor your degree to your career goals. This also makes you more marketable in specific fields.
For instance, those interested in creating applications and systems may enjoy concentrating in software development, while individuals keen on safeguarding information will thrive in cybersecurity. Analytical students who enjoy interpreting data may opt for data science, and those interested in managing and optimizing network systems may prefer network administration.
Research schools and programs
With your specialization in mind, you can begin researching schools and programs to find the best fit. Here are some questions to guide your research:
- How does the curriculum support my intended specialization?
- What are the faculty’s industry experience and qualifications?
- What’s the flexibility of the class schedule?
- Are career support services available for online learners?
Most of this information will be readily available on program websites, but you can also find it by speaking to an admissions counselor or attending an information session.
Prepare for tests and applications
While some admissions requirements vary depending on the program, many share similar criteria — including:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
Not all programs require test scores, but for those that do, enrolling in an SAT or ACT prep program can help boost scores. Double-check specific program requirements early to ensure you meet all criteria and have enough time to prepare and gather the necessary documents.
Select your program
Once acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Take some time to revisit your initial criteria and focus on what’s most important to you — whether that’s a curriculum that clearly supports your goals, faculty you’re excited to learn from, or program flexibility.
Then, review the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and additional expenses. Compare financial aid offers to determine the most affordable option, but don’t lose sight of each program’s academic quality. This will help you find a program that meets your educational needs and budget.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Paying for your degree can feel intimidating, but many financial aid resources are available to help. First, submit the FAFSA to access grants, which don’t require repayment. Next, apply for scholarships based on merit or need. Look for work-study opportunities to earn money while studying, or if you’re currently employed in a related field, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
If loans are necessary, federal loans are preferable to private loans due to better interest rates and repayment terms. The FAFSA will also determine your eligibility for these loans.
Best 50 Accredited Two-Year Online Computer Science Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online two-year computer science degree programs in the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best online two-year computer science degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Two-Year Online Computer Science Program?
You can set your expectations for a two-year online computer science program mainly by the degree level you’re pursuing, with many programs offering two-year options at the associate and bachelor’s level.
For associate programs, you can expect to gain foundational skills in programming, databases, and network systems. Curriculums usually cover introductory courses in algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture, providing a solid base for entry-level IT roles or further education.
In contrast, an accelerated bachelor’s degree program delves further into software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and algorithms. This program is more thorough and intensive, preparing students for higher-level positions in the tech industry and offering a broader range of specializations.
Potential courses you’ll take in a two-year online computer science program
- Introduction to Programming in Java: In this course, students learn the fundamentals of programming using Java, a versatile and widely used language. They will cover basic syntax, control structures, data types, and debugging techniques, gaining the skills to write simple programs and solve problems algorithmically.
- Object-Oriented Programming: This course focuses on principles of object-oriented design and programming. Participants will explore concepts such as classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism, learning to create modular, reusable, and maintainable code.
- Data Structures and Algorithms: Students in this course will analyze essential data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. They’ll learn to implement and analyze algorithms for searching, sorting, and manipulating data, emphasizing efficiency and performance optimization.
What Can I Do With a Two-Year Computer Science Degree?
Computer science is an in-demand field, with 377,500 job openings projected yearly. Many career options are available at the associate and bachelor’s levels, offering median salaries higher than the national average.
Career outlook
- Computer Network Support Specialist — Available for graduates with an associate degree, these specialists troubleshoot and resolve issues related to an organization’s computer networks, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
- Median annual salary: $71,530
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 66,500
- Software Developer — These in-demand professionals design, develop, and maintain software applications, working on complex projects and leading development teams. Most software developers have a bachelor’s degree.
- Median annual salary: $132,270
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 25%
- New jobs projected: 153,900
- Information Security Analyst — Also known as cybersecurity analysts, graduates in this role protect an organization’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats, conduct security assessments, and implement security measures.
- Median annual salary: $120,360
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 32%
- New jobs projected: 16,800
Two-Year Computer Science Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated degree programs in computer science condense a traditional four-year curriculum into two years by offering year-round classes in shorter, intensive 8-week sessions. This format allows students to complete more courses in a shorter period, often requiring a heavier workload and a faster pace of learning. To learn more about these programs and determine if this fast-paced option suits your goals, visit our page, which details the pros and cons.
How long does it take to earn a two-year computer science degree?
True to its namesake, a two-year computer science degree program typically takes just two years to complete, whether you’re pursuing an associate or an accelerated bachelor’s degree. However, it’s important to verify the total number of required credits, as this may vary by program and affect your timeline to graduation.
How much does a two-year computer science degree cost?
The average annual cost of undergraduate tuition is $3,885 at community colleges and $17,709 at traditional four-year universities. Some accelerated bachelor’s programs may be more affordable than their traditional counterparts simply because they take less time to complete.
In addition to tuition, you’ll also want to budget for expenses like technology fees, course materials, and potentially software subscriptions. Considering these costs when planning for your education is essential to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the complete financial picture.