What Are the Different Types of Online Computer Science Degree Programs?

Online computer science degree programs are typically designed for students interested in receiving either an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university. Undergraduate programs can allow students to attend courses online through distance learning software to complete the credits necessary to receive a degree. Numerous online courses are available for students working on a graduate degree or continuing their education, typically culminating in a master's degree rather than a doctorate. Other online programs are also available which are not necessarily meant to reward a degree but help prepare students for working with computers by granting different forms of certification.

Undergraduate online computer science degree programs are fairly common and popular, since they allow students to more easily attend classes in their own time. This type of curriculum is often designed to use Internet forums and similar tools to allow students to attend a virtual classroom through a computer. Many of the assignments in this type of program involve understanding and using computers, so the format of an online curriculum can adapt quite well to this area of study. Some programs may require that students attend certain classes in person, though other schools design a curriculum that provides every class as an online course.

There are also online computer science degree programs for students interested in graduate studies, or continuing education beyond an undergraduate degree. These courses are often designed to provide additional information about computers and to allow students to more specifically learn about certain technologies. Many graduate programs already encourage a great deal of individual work and research, which can function quite well with an online curriculum. The culmination of such a program is typically the presentation and defense of a thesis, based on extensive research and original work. This may need to be done in person at a school, though a virtual presentation via the Internet may be allowed by some programs.

Many schools also create curricula designed to help students learn about technology and computers, but not necessarily receive a degree. There are many different types of certification that can be used by Information Technology (IT) professionals to help them find jobs. Online computer science degree programs may be established that help students receive this type of certification, while working on a degree or instead of one. These courses can be designed for students who are just beginning to work with computers and wish to gain greater qualifications, or for professionals who are already experienced in the industry and want certification for professional advancement.