Online Computer Science Degree
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Computer science and software engineering professionals can be found across industries as firms increasingly rely on new technology. In addition to exploring important undergraduate foundation studies, the bachelor of computer science degree program is designed to provide the opportunity to study computer programming languages, computer network systems and software engineering skills.
The systems security and project management components of this degree are designed to help students to develop industry-relevant skillsets. In this computer science online degree program, you could study how to build computer software solutions through programming with algorithmic techniques while exploring a broad range of theoretical and practical knowledge, methods, processes, and skills. The focus of the online Computer Science degree program is the science and theories behind the codes that help make systems run more smoothly.
This computer science degree program offers a general track or concentrations in cybersecurity engineering, data science, or software engineering.
Program Overview
Effective August 2023, this program is no longer available for future enrollments at the Aurora Campus.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is a 183-credit-hour program offered online and at the Colorado Springs campus. The program consists of 51 credit hours of general education, 88 credit hours devoted to the computer science core, and 44 credit hours a student can apply to a concentration or computer science electives.
This degree program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career centered on building computer software solutions through programming with algorithmic techniques. Students will explore a broad range of theoretical and practical knowledge, methods, processes, and skills to effectively design and develop computer software according to domain-specific requirements. The curriculum offers broad and detailed knowledge on how a computer’s software works, and how to design and develop different levels and types of computer software.
This program differs from the curriculum of the computer engineering program, which is focused on how to design and develop computer hardware. It is also different from the curriculum of the Information Technology program, which is focused on how to apply both computer hardware and software to design, develop, and support high-level, end-user-oriented business systems, services, or applications.
This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
Through innovative industry-current curricula and technology-enabled student-centered teaching, the College of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology empowers students to become motivated, creative, ethical, and skillful professionals who can resolve challenges in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, and Information Technology in order to meet the needs of the digital economy.Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date
Courses
Courses: General Education | Credits | |
---|---|---|
COMS105 | Interpersonal Communications | 4.5 |
or | ||
COMS203 | Speech Communications | 4.5 |
ENGL104 | Introductory Written Communication | 4.5 |
ENGL105 | Professional Written Communications | 4.5 |
HIST120 | Intro to American History: 1950 to the Present | 4.5 |
MATH111 | College Algebra for Technical Programs | 4.5 |
PHIL101 | Introduction to Ethics | 4.5 |
PSYC102 | Introductory Psychology | 4.5 |
SCI101 | Introduction to the Sciences | 4.5 |
SCI103 | Science and Technology- Laboratory Course | 1.5 |
SCI201 | Environmental Science and Sustainability | 4.5 |
SOCL102 | Introductory Sociology | 4.5 |
UNIV104 | Academic and Career Success | 4.5 |
Total Credit Hours: | 51 |
Courses: Core | Credits | |
---|---|---|
CS101 | Problem Solving in Computer Science | 4 |
CS118 | Principles of Programming Languages | 4 |
CS119 | Introduction of Programming | 4 |
CS141 | Fundamentals of Computer Organization and Architecture | 4 |
CS219 | Python Programming | 4 |
CS221 | SQL Programming | 4 |
CS226 | Java Programming | 4 |
CS228 | C++ Programming | 4 |
CS233 | Fundamentals of Data Structures | 4 |
CS253 | Introduction to Database Systems | 4 |
CS267 | Computer Algorithms | 4 |
CS311 | Mobile Programming | 4 |
CS337 | Introduction to Parallel Computing | 4 |
CS341 | Principles of Operating Systems | 4 |
CS349 | Software Engineering | 4 |
CS356 | Foundations of Big Data Analytics | 4 |
CS491 | Computer Science Team Project I | 4 |
CS492 | Computer Science Team Project II | 4 |
CSS150 | Introduction to Computer Security | 4 |
IT204 | Fundamentals of Networking | 4 |
MATH211 | Applications of Discrete Mathematics for Computer Systems and IT | 4 |
or | ||
MATH212 | Fundamentals of Discrete Mathematics | 4 |
MATH311 | Data Driven Statistics for Computer Systems and IT | 4 |
or | ||
MATH312 | Principles of Probability and Statistics | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: | 88 |
Courses- Concentration | Credits | |
---|---|---|
Select 44 Credits from the list of courses as shown below | 44 | |
Total Credit Hours: | 44 |
Courses- Elective Choices | Credits | |
---|---|---|
CS227 | Linux Programming | 4 |
CS349 | Software Engineering | 4 |
CS361 | Principles of User Interface Design | 4 |
CS367 | Streaming Data Analytics | 4 |
CS368 | Fundamentals of Software Requirements | 4 |
CS374 | Fundamentals of Software Design | 4 |
CS378 | NoSQL Databases | 4 |
CS379 | Machine Learning | 4 |
CS468 | Software Service Construction | 4 |
CS469 | Software Quality Assurance | 4 |
CS473 | Data Mining | 4 |
CS479 | Data Visualization | 4 |
CSS200 | Principles of Network Security | 4 |
CSS250 | Security Risk Management | 4 |
CSS280 | Ethical Hacking | 4 |
CSS321 | Software Assurance | 4 |
EM200 | Introduction to Website Development | 4 |
IT304 | Computer Networks and Communications | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 183
Learning Outcomes
BSCS Program Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Faculty
Dr. Yanzhen Qu
University DeanDr. Yanzhen Qu is the University Dean and Professor at the College of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology at Colorado Technical University (CTU). During his tenure at CTU, Dr. Qu has taken a leadership role in modernizing the curricula of CTU’s CS, IT and Cybersecurity degree programs, ranging from Associate to Doctoral levels.
Dr. Richard Cai
Executive Program DirectorDr. Richard Cai is CTU’s Executive Program Director for the College of Computer Science, Engineering & Technology. In this role, Dr. Cai supervises curriculum design, development and revision for the degree programs offered in the college. He also plays a key role in the program assessment and accreditation.
For more faculty profiles please visit our Leadership and Faculty page.
For more information visit the College of Engineering & Computer Science.
Accreditations and Alignments
Outcomes for this program align with the educational standards of ABET.
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FAQs
CTU’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) Degree Program is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing potential opportunities in the workforce. This bachelor’s degree program emphasizes building computer software solutions through programming with algorithmic techniques. Students will explore a curriculum of broad and detailed knowledge on how a computer’s software works, and how to design and develop different levels and types of computer software. This program differs from the curriculums of the computer engineering program, which is focused on how to design and develop computer devices, and how to apply both computer hardware and software to design, develop, and support end-user-oriented business systems, services, or applications.
As you work to complete your BSCS, you will be immersed in courses where you will study these topics and much more: fundamentals of computer organization and architecture; computer algorithms, computer data structure, operating systems, Python programming, Java programming, C++ programming, SQL programming, mobile programming, parallel computing, and software development processes and methods.
Courses for the BSCS start online and at our Colorado Springs campus approximately every five weeks. Completion of the CTU admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the CTU online application process. You may complete the application process over the phone with an advisor or you may go online. Once you’ve completed the online application, you may hear from an advisor within the following 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.
The BSCS degree program consists of 183 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. CTU Fast Track™ exams offer the opportunity to earn college credit for what you already know—allowing you to complete your degree up to 30% faster.*
* The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition towards the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of CTU Fast TrackTM exams successfully passed. Fast Track program credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for possible 30% reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential Fast Track savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.
Through innovative industry-relevant curricula and technology-enabled student-centered teaching, you will study through classroom learning and hands-on experience that aligns to industry standards and helps you work to develop skills that are applicable to the needs of the digital economy.
What Students Are Saying About Their CTU Experience
Thanks to obtaining my bachelor's degree, I have already obtained a new position within my company.
Michael T., Former Student 2023 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
CTU curriculum is set up in a way that makes everything easy to manage.
Robert M., Former Student 2023 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
CTU was a great choice for me, who was looking for career-focused education that is flexible and tailored to my needs.
Caleb N., Former Student 2023 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science