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The Best
Online Computer Science Associate Programs of 2021

The best affordable online associate degrees are the ones that help create a pathway towards furthering your education. They should be transferable towards a four-year bachelor’s degree program. The best computer science degrees are a great choice if you want to get a great job in tech.

The best online computer science associate degree programs give you the foundation needed to thrive in the field of computing. Many colleges and universities in the United States offer top-quality programs. This article features the best Associate Degrees in Computer Science of 2021.

Top 10 Online Computer Science Associate Degrees of 2021 at a Glance

For the most part, an Associate Degree in Computer Science is affordable and worth it. It gives you the skills you need to excel in the field once your studies have been completed. The following data for the listed institutions and their respective programs has been sourced from the relevant admission and registrar pages.

School and Degree Price Notes
Franklin University
Associate of Science in Computer Science
$398 per credit hour
$526 per credit hour
Standard tuition
International students
Grantham University
Associate of Science in Computer Science
$295 per credit hour All students
Lincoln Land Community College
Associate of Arts in Computer Science
$133 per credit hour
$399 per credit hour
In-state
Out-of-state
Montgomery County Community College
Associate of Science in Computer Science
$144 per credit hour
$432 per credit hour
In-state
Out-of-state
North Hennepin Community College
Associate of Science in Computer Science
$213 per credit All online students
Seminole State College
Associate of Science in Computer Programming and Analysis
$80 per credit All students
South College
Associate of Science in Computer Science
$310 per credit All students
Southern New Hampshire University
Associate of Science in Computer Science
$320 per credit hour All students
University of The People
Associate of Science in Computer Science
Free tuition, extra fees apply All students
Thomas Edison State University
Associate in Science in Natural Sciences and
Mathematics (ASNSM), Computer Science
$399 per credit hour
$519 per credit hour
In-state
Out-of-state

Benefits of an Online Computer Science Associate Degree

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When you are deciding whether you should enroll for an online Associate Degree in Computer Science, you need to explore the benefits. You should ask yourself if what you learn will ultimately make you more employable and competitive in the industry. Read below to learn about more benefits of an online associate degree.

  • An Associate Degree in Computer Science can be completed much faster than a bachelor’s degree.
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology job opportunities will grow by 11 percent by 2029, which is almost three times the average growth rate. This means there will be many jobs available for associate degree holders.
  • Online degrees do not require that you be on campus to complete them, which means you can save time and money.
  • An Associate Degree in Computer Science will equip you with the skills you need to pursue a career in computing and technology while promoting discipline.
  • Most associate degrees can set you up with transferable credits, which can make it easier to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science later on.

What Are the Requirements for an Online Computer Science Associate Degree?

To enroll in an associate degree program, you will need to provide evidence that you have completed high school or an equivalent certificate. To complete an online application, you will also be asked to pay an application fee, which is normally non-refundable.

If you are enrolling for an associate degree at a North American institution, you need to be prepared for English as the language of instruction. Depending on your background, you might be asked to prove that you are proficient in English.

If you want to get an Associate Degree in Computer Science, you will be required to pass some foundational courses set by your chosen institution. Prior knowledge of computing would help streamline your process.

Choosing the Right Online Computer Science Associate Degree Program

Your typical computer science associate degree program requires the completion of about 60 approved credits. Most engineering and computer science courses require an investment of 15 to 20 hours per week.

This is a major time and financial commitment. Before you enroll, check out the considerations below to help you make sure your commitment is worth it.

Career Goals

Because computing and technology are such broad fields, you need to have clarity on what career pathway you plan to pursue. This way, you’ll have an understanding of what classes to take and subjects to focus on. In some cases, you can choose a specialization for your degree.

Admission Requirements

Fortunately, admission to an Associate Degree in Computer Science program is typically a straightforward process. Associate degrees require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may expect students to have a certain high school GPA to qualify for entrance into the program.

Affordability

Beyond tuition, there are often additional fees and hidden costs for degree programs. For one, you need access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection. A computer science program may also require the purchase of various equipment and software. You need to consider both the tuition costs and external fees before applying for a program.

Best Online Computer Science Associate Degrees in 2021

Best Online Computer Science Associate Degrees in 2021

The best online degrees will equip you for either a career in tech or further education in your field. Listed below are the best online computer science associate degrees in 2021.

Franklin University | Associate of Science in Computer Science

Once enrolled in this Associate of Science in Computer Science, one of your goals will be to complete the residency requirement of 20 credit hours. Also, while this course features on this list primarily because it can all be completed online, you can also choose a hybrid option.

The core subjects for this program include English composition, mathematics, science theory, science analysis, science reasoning, behavioral science, and ethical analysis. Your major courses will include object-oriented programing, data structures, algorithms, programming languages, cyber security, and computer networking.

Grantham University | Associate of Science in Computer Science

To complete this computer science program, you will need to collect 60 credit hours. However, you can transfer credits to this institution. Depending on how many credits you transfer, it is conceivable that you could complete the course in fewer than the standard 24 months.

During your time at Grantham University, you will learn how to use programming languages, navigate the complexities of data structures, and mitigate online security threats. This associate degree is the perfect choice to learn everything you need to know about computer science.

Lincoln Land Community College | Associate of Arts in Computer Science

To complete this degree program, you are expected to collect between 61 and 63 credits. Your general course requirements account for the bulk of those credits. You can learn subjects like economics, statistics, mathematics, and social science. The Associate of Arts allows you to learn more humanities along with computer science.

Your recommended program course will account for an additional 23 credits. This course package will include subjects like modern technology, computer applications and concepts, computer programming concepts, various branches of computer science, and some calculus with analytic geometry.

Montgomery County Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science

You have to complete a total of 61 credit hours to earn this degree, which provides you with the foundation that you need to further your education. The general coursework will include subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. This component of the curriculum will also have some language and communication requirements for enrolled students.

The major course requirements will help you learn database management, computer information systems, and computer architecture. At the core of any computer science program are mathematics and statistics, subjects in which you are expected to have a strong background.

North Hennepin Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science

This program presents two pathways for prospective computer science students who wish to study online. The first is the computer science transfer pathway, while the second is the data science pathway. Both will give you the foundation that you need to further your learning and set you on a path to a highly successful career in computer science.

You will need to collect 60 credits to complete both pathways. For the computer science option, your courses will include the fundamentals of SQL, Java programming, object-oriented programming, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, and database modeling and design.

If you are more interested in the data science component, subjects like Python, data science, and interdisciplinary applications will also be included in your learning. This offers a greater element of specialization to your degree.

Seminole State College | Associate of Science in Computer Programming and Analysis

This degree program will require that you complete a total of 60 credits to earn your qualification. Your required courses will account for 30 of those credits, your elective courses will account for 12 credits, and your general education courses will account for 18 credits.

Your required courses will include subjects like network concepts, operating systems, database management, systems analysis and design, and various branches of computer programming. That would include Java, advanced Java programming, web programming, and SQL. You can also learn business programming, a useful skill in 2021.

South College | Associate of Science in Computer Science

The Associate of Science in Computer Science will take you about 18 months to complete if you study full-time and online. When you enroll in this program, you will learn subjects like database applications, computer architecture, data structures, operating systems, networking, algorithms, and programming languages.

Succeeding with this program will set you off on a pathway to furthering your education. South College also offers you an opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. That will take you an additional 42 months to complete if you study full-time.

Southern New Hampshire University | Associate of Science in Computer Science

With this program, you will be able to transfer up to as many as 45 credits. Beyond learning about the standard features in a computing program, this degree provides an avenue to build up a comprehensive digital portfolio.

The best computer scientists are the ones that can identify a computing problem, analyze it, and produce meaningful solutions to that problem. You will be sufficiently trained to do just that at Southern New Hampshire University.

University of the People | Associate of Science in Computer Science

When you enroll in this program, you will work toward attaining 60 credits. Each course that you complete will be worth three credits. Like most online associate degrees, it will take you a maximum of two years to complete full-time. This program is unique because there are no tuition costs, only additional fees.

In this program, you will learn about web programming and software engineering with classes in college algebra and statistics. Mathematics is a major component of any computing curriculum. With this associate degree, you can enter one of the best computer science careers in 2021.

Thomas Edison State University | Associate in Science in Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASNSM), Computer Science

The Associate in Science in Natural Science and Mathematics is actually a liberal arts program, during which you will have to complete 60 credits. This is a unique associate degree path that can teach you much more than just computer science.

The beauty of this course is that you will be taught intellectual and practical skills, civic and global learning, human culture, natural science, and mathematics. All of those things make up the bulk of your studies. The computer science specialization contributes to 16 of the 60 credits.

What Can You Do With an Online Computer Science Associate Degree?

With an online Associate Degree in Computer Science, you could become a web developer, computer programmer, database administrator, software engineer, information technology specialist, or network systems administrator. Some of these and many more career options are featured in the table below.

How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an Online Computer Science Associate Degree?

With a computer science associate degree, you can earn over $100,000 a year if you have the right experience. There are multiple career options available to people who do not have a bachelor’s or master’s degree. People with an Associate Degree in Computer Science can earn comfortable salaries, especially with more experience in the field.

19500
Min salary
66754
Average salary
18500
Top salary

Top Online Computer Science Associate Degree Careers

Profession Average Salary
Software Architect $125,962
IT Manager $88,937
Software Engineer $87,403
IT Consultant $79,703
Application Developer $70,381
Field Service Engineer $69,479
Programmer Analyst $67,041
Computer Programmer $64,984
Systems Administrator $62,979
Application Support Analyst $62,780

Is an Online Computer Science Associate Degree Worth it in 2021?

Yes, an online computer science associate degree is worth it in 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there is a high job growth rate for most computer science jobs. If you get an associate degree, you can take advantage of these new opportunities. You can enter the computer science field in 2021 and get your dream tech job.

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