Computer science

B.S.
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.*
delivery
$428 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms/year

Industries of all kinds — from cybersecurity and public health to clean energy and aerospace — are in need of skilled computer scientists who can solve complex problems. When you earn your B.S. in Computer Science online from Oregon State University, you’ll acquire an advanced skill set that empowers you to thrive in any market and adapt to the changing needs of organizations worldwide.

Studying computer science online with Oregon State will give you opportunities to design and evaluate solutions to complex computing problems while learning how to work well on a team. You’ll also have regular opportunities to network with industry professionals as you build your career portfolio.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online computer science degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online computer science bachelor’s degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out and level up your career. You’ll also learn from Oregon State faculty members who have broad, hands-on industry expertise.

  • Software engineering
  • Web development
  • Computer networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Design engineering
  • Parallel programming
  • Cryptography
Woman in glasses and gray sweater reviewing code on her computer screen
Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2024 - U.S. News & World Report

Program details

The online coursework in Oregon State’s online computer science bachelor’s program will immerse you in the study of algorithms, operating systems, software engineering, network security and more. You’ll also work on a variety of projects that includes programming a custom sensor board and coordinating cloud data centers full of servers.

The online computer science bachelor’s program is offered by OSU’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits — at least 60 of which must be upper-division credits — are required to graduate with your computer science degree, including:

Two people working in a dimly lit data center with servers, with a woman typing on a keyboard and a man using a tablet

Additional program features

When you pursue your computer science bachelor’s degree online, you’ll work with an academic advisor to choose one of the following two options that enable you to focus your studies on an area of interest.

Applied computer science

Build your own program of study in the applied computer science option by selecting a wide variety of approved computer science electives while closely examining a field in which computer science plays an important role.

Cybersecurity

Develop a proactive, defensive mindset and learn how to design systems that are resistant to compromise when you pursue the cybersecurity option. You'll gain the skills needed to control access to vital information when potential attacks loom.

You will complete a three-term, online course sequence that exposes you to the challenges of engineering design and project management. Learn more about the capstone senior design project on the EECS website.

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply to Oregon State’s postbaccalaureate computer science program, designed for individuals who want to pursue a degree in computer science but already have a bachelor’s. This 60-credit program will get you on the fast-track to a career in computer science.

Beginning in summer 2025, you can be directly admitted into the B.S. in Computer Science program if you are considered ready to take calculus at OSU. This determination is based on the completed coursework shown on your transcripts and courses that are in progress or planned for later in the school year.

If you are not calculus-ready based on your application materials but are admitted to OSU, you will be invited to enroll initially as an undeclared student in the University Exploratory Studies Program or another non-engineering major of your choice. Rest assured, you will still have available pathways to enroll in the B.S. in Computer Science program. You can find full calculus-ready details on the Office of Admissions website.

Math requirements can be confusing, so check out our helpful guide and find answers to the most common questions.

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

Get a jump-start on your M.S. or M.Eng in Computer Science degree while working toward your bachelor’s degree in computer science. Through Oregon State’s Accelerated Master’s Platform, current undergraduate students can take graduate-level courses online that will be applied to their bachelor’s degree.

The credits you earn will be transferred to the M.S. or M.Eng in Computer Science  program. Students enrolled in Oregon State’s online graduate courses will pay the graduate tuition and fees rate.

Oregon State Ecampus and INTO OSU offer international students with foreign citizenship customized support to help adapt to learning online with a U.S. university. Receive pre-start assistance, personalized tutoring, one-on-one advising and other resources that will ensure you have everything you need to succeed online as an OSU student.

Your course credits are packaged into bundles depending on your degree program so you only pay for the credits you want. Scholarships are automatically applied, and the award amount increases as you purchase more credits. Find full details about entry requirements, cost, scholarships and support from OSU International Admissions.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Careers in computer science

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online computer science bachelor’s degree program will help you fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. With a focus on career readiness and industry relations, this program provides the skills you need to thrive in the workforce as well as the connections for you to pursue a lucrative career.

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to computer science. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.