Curriculum

The online coursework in Oregon State’s online bachelor’s program in computer science will immerse you in the study of algorithms and problem-solving – problems that apply to every scientific, engineering and mathematical field.

With a computer science degree from OSU, your skills will range from programming a custom sensor board all the way up to coordinating cloud data centers full of servers.

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:

• OSU's Baccalaureate Core (general education)
• Major requirements: Computer science
  • Specialization option requirement: Applied computer science option or cybersecurity option

Honors degree online

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.

Options

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.

Sample course topics

• Programming fundamentals
• Databases
• Mobile and web development
• Software engineering
• Computer systems and networking
• Network security
• Cryptography
• Computer forensics
• Theory of computation
• Operating systems
• Social and ethical issues in computer science

Additional program features

Capstone

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.

Accelerated Master's Platform

Get a jump-start on your M.S. or M.Eng in Computer Science while working toward your undergraduate degree in computer science. Through Oregon State’s Accelerated Master’s Platform, current undergraduate computer science students can take graduate-level courses online that will be applied to their bachelor’s degree, and the credits earned will be transferred to the M.S. or M.Eng in Computer Science program. Students enrolled in Ecampus graduate courses will pay the graduate tuition and fees rate.

Transfer credits

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

Add a minor or undergraduate certificate

As an OSU Ecampus student, you can add a minor to your bachelor's degree program. Oregon State offers a diverse selection of minors online. Combine your computer science degree with a minor in business and entrepreneurship or resource economics to create an even more powerful résumé that’s fit for today's job market.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate certificate in fields such as cybersecurity. Specialize in the design, implementation, evaluation and management of secure systems and stand out as a leader in the field of cybersecurity.