As our world increasingly relies on computers and technology, more and more people are exploring career options related to computer science. As a wide and varied industry that touches everything from music and science to healthcare and business, there are many opportunities to specialize and build a satisfying career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, technology and computer science careers also tend to offer higher salaries, more advancement opportunities and increased job security.<\/p>\n But how do you know which program is right for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n Oregon State University offers several online degree programs in computer science, each designed with different prospective students in mind. The program you choose will depend on a few factors:<\/p>\n Below we break down Oregon State\u2019s four main computer science online degree offerings to help you find the best fit for your experience and goals.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t yet have a bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited university and want to pursue computer science as a career \u2014\u00a0this is the best program for you. In addition to studying computer science, you\u2019ll fulfill your baccalaureate core<\/a>, a required component of every undergraduate degree.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re admitted to the online B.S. in Computer Science program, you\u2019ll work with an academic advisor to customize your focus area and submit a proposed plan of study. Online students can shape their degree programs to specialize in the following areas:<\/p>\n No matter which option you choose, Oregon State\u2019s online B.S in Computer Science will give you a solid foundation in programming fundamentals, software engineering, theories of computation, database structures, network security, operating systems, and so much more<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are many opportunities in the field of computer science, and earning a bachelor\u2019s degree can set you up for a variety of entry-level positions in this field. To get a better sense of the opportunities out there, visit the BLS<\/a> occupational outlook page to view different positions, median pay, expected job outlooks, etc. Oregon State\u2019s Career Development Center<\/a> also offers helpful tools and career guidance that can help you explore potential pathways<\/a>.<\/p>\n The College of Engineering also hosts a biannual Career Showcase<\/a> for undergraduate computer science students. These events feature small group sessions, panel discussions with instructors, and networking activities with recruiters from companies like Garmin, HP, IBM, Intel, Xerox, and more.<\/p>\n A computer science degree can unlock new opportunities within your current career, or help you change directions entirely. But going back to school for another undergraduate degree can feel daunting. That\u2019s why Oregon State offers an online applied computer science postbaccalaureate program. This is a uniquely flexible and rigorous program that\u2019s designed for those who hold a bachelor\u2019s already, in any subject except<\/strong> computer science. Since you\u2019ve already completed your core classes through your previous degree, you can earn an applied computer science postbacc in only 60 credits<\/strong>. Admissions details are outlined on the College of Engineering\u2019s CS online postbacc admissions page<\/a>.<\/p>\n If your previous bachelor\u2019s degree is in computer science, or a similar subject area, check out Oregon State\u2019s online <\/a>M.S. and MEng<\/a> options<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n The applied CS postbaccalaureate program includes core courses in computer science, along with courses that teach you the latest in computing technologies, software design, web development, and mobile\/cloud computing. You\u2019ll learn about algorithms, computer architecture, assembly languages, operating systems and more. You can view the full course details in Oregon State\u2019s academic catalog<\/a>.<\/p>\n The postbaccalaureate program includes the same biannual Career Showcase<\/a>, which features small group sessions, panel discussions with instructors, and networking activities with recruiters from companies like Garmin, HP, IBM, Intel, Xerox, and more.<\/p>\n Additionally, you can combine an applied computer science postbacc with your previous degree and experience to unlock new career opportunities. For example, if you earned a previous undergraduate degree in biology, earning a postbacc in computer science can lead to work in areas like bioinformatics<\/a>. More examples are available on our careers page<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you already have academic or professional experience in computer science, then an online master\u2019s in computer science is a great opportunity to deepen your existing knowledge and skills. Earning a master\u2019s degree in computer science will set you up to move into leadership positions or go on to pursue a PhD in computer science.<\/p>\n Oregon State\u2019s M.S. in Computer Science is more research-oriented than the MEng program. You\u2019ll go deeper into emerging topics and work 1-on-1 with an expert Oregon State faculty member<\/a> to design and complete a research project. We recommend this program option for those who are interested in research and development. It’s also a great fit if you want to eventually earn a PhD in computer science.<\/p>\n You can read detailed admissions information on the OSU School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science website<\/a>. Generally, an undergraduate computer science degree is required for admission to the M.S. program, but this requirement can be waived in exceptional cases.<\/p>\n The courses you\u2019ll take in Oregon State\u2019s online M.S. in Computer Science will deepen your understanding and prepare you to become a team leader in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, computer graphics and more. You\u2019ll be able to choose your focus area from the following options and work with leading researchers in that field:<\/p>\n As part of this program, you\u2019ll create a project in collaboration with an expert faculty member. This can be done from a distance without any in-person requirements.<\/p>\n Earning a master\u2019s degree in computer science can expose you to new opportunities or allow you to advance into technical lead or management positions. The specialization that a master\u2019s degree affords you will often lead to increased responsibility and a higher salary<\/a>.<\/p>\n It all depends on your specialization, but students who earn a master\u2019s degree in computer science might go on to lead software development teams or become machine learning engineers, information research scientists, digital forensics analysts, senior database architects, information security managers or computer research scientists.<\/p>\n Like the M.S. in Computer Science, the online MEng degree program is for those who have previously studied computer science or have professional experience in software development, although anyone who meets the admissions requirements may apply<\/a>.<\/p>\n The MEng program is designed for those who want to deepen their technical skills and advance professionally, but who are not interested in completing a thesis project. You\u2019ll take the same 45 credits of intensive coursework as the M.S. program. Additionally, you\u2019ll complete a final portfolio that demonstrates your advanced skills and will help you meet your professional goals.<\/p>\n You can read detailed admissions information on Oregon State’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Like the M.S in Computer Science, you\u2019ll go deep into a topic area of your choosing and advance your knowledge and skills in subject areas like computer architecture, machine learning, privacy and surveillance, algorithms and software engineering.<\/p>\n The career outcomes for the MEng in computer science are similar to those for the M.S. in computer science. Earning a master\u2019s degree can lead to a higher salary<\/a>, and going deep into an area of specialization can help you move into team leader positions. Sample positions include senior software engineers, business intelligence analysts, network architects, information security managers, or chief technology officers.<\/p>\n Now that you know more about Oregon State’s online computer science programs, check out Oregon State Ecampus\u2019 detailed guidance on how to apply<\/a>.<\/p>\n Or you can create an account and get started on your application today<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
1. B.S. in Computer Science<\/a> (180 credits)<\/h2>\n
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2. B.S. in Computer Science \u2013 Applied<\/a> (60 credits)<\/h2>\n
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3. M.S. in Computer Science<\/a> (45 credits)<\/h2>\n
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4. MEng in Computer Science <\/a>(45 credits)<\/h2>\n
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