There has never been a better time to pursue an advanced computing career. Whether your goal is to stand out from the crowd, work as an instructor, or break into the lucrative field of computer science management, an online graduate degree in computer science can get you there quickly and conveniently. Most of today's working adults who want to advance their career fields opt for online courses, allowing them to maintain their careers while earning academic credit. In the study of computer science, the digital world is a natural fit for courses. Most importantly, it is now possible to obtain a reputable and comprehensive master's degree in computer science at an affordable price, making this credential one of the best possible returns on investment.
According to data extracted from salario.com, Estúdio.com and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),a master's in computer science is the seventh most lucrative graduate degreeavailable, with an average starting salary of $83,000 and a mid-career salary of $129,900.The average salary of database administrators in 2017 is equal to $87,020per year, while those specializing in computer systems design and related services earn an average of $95,570. The field is also projected to see an 11% increase in jobs between 2016 and 2026, according to the BLS, a rate well above the national average.Median salary for software developers reached $103,560in 2017, and those employed as software editors earned an average salary of $112,230. Software developers can see a 24% increase in job opportunities over the same decade. Other lucrative jobs available to those with a master's degree in computer science include a computer science professor, technology specialist, senior software engineer, or chief technology officer.
On-campus and online computer science master's degrees typically require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in a technology-related field or pass several computer science prerequisites to prepare. Master's curricula vary by school, but generally cover core courses in areas such as algorithms, computational theory and practice, operating systems, network architecture, programming languages, database design, software development, and data security. . A large proportion of master's degrees are completed with a final project or research-based thesis. Many on-campus and online computer science programs allow students to pursue a specialization, focusing on developing more advanced skills in an area such as bioinformatics, network security, software development, or artificial intelligence.
Our classification of the 20 Maestrías en Ciencias de la Computación más equibles represent the best values in accredited schools of higher education with online computer science programs of good reputation, all with a remarkably low enrollment (measured by the cost per credit was of State). You won't have to sacrifice quality either: Most of these online programs are ranked for academic quality by respected sources such as the U.S. News and World Report and Princeton Review. Educate yourself and prepare to take your computing career to the next level with an affordable master's degree.
1. Georgia Institute of Technology
Located in the capital Atlanta, Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology ("Georgia Tech") is a public research university, which also . The university dates back to 1885 when it was founded as a mechanical engineering school. Today, Georgia Tech maintains a focus on engineering, science and technology and has grown to encompass six colleges with a total of 31 departments. This rigorous and research-intensive school has gained wide recognition. Based on its highest standardized test scores, Business Insider calls it the "smartest" public institute in the country, and the U.S. The News and World Report ranks Georgia Tech 7th in Best Public Schools, 7th in Most Innovative Schools and 34th in National Universities. As a public school, the university combines these rigorous academics with exceptionally low tuition rates, and the same source ranks this affordable university 99th in Best Value Schools.
The Georgia Institute of Technology awards an incredibly prestigious and affordable online Master's degree in computer science. It was the first school in the country to offer an online MOOC-based master's degree in computer science, and the program is one of the most prestigious available; US. The News and World Report ranks Georgia Tech eighth in the nation for graduate degrees in computer science. The innovative online program is a partnership between Georgia Tech, Udacity and AT&T, and is based on the popular MOOC ("Massive Open Content Online") model. The courses are lecture-based and have high enrollments, allowing the university to offer very low tuition fees. Class topics include Introduction to Health Informatics, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, High-Performance Computing Architecture, and Optimizing Embedded Systems. Students can customize their degree by choosing one of four specializations: Computational Perception and Robotics, Computing Systems, Interactive Intelligence or Machine Learning. While most MOOCs have low interactivity and student retention rates, Georgia Tech's online MS in Computer Science features mentorship, collaboration, interactive learning, and increases student engagement. At an incredibly affordable price of just $170 per credit hour, this low tuition is half the cost of comparable programs and easily takes the top spot in our Most Affordable Master of Science in Computer Science ranking.
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- Cost per credit hour: $170
2. City University of Seattle
Seattle City University (“CityU”) is a not-for-profit private school located in Seattle, Washington with 26 international locations. The university was founded in 1973 with the aim of educating working adults through accessible and affordable programming. , CityU has a total of 6,755 students and comprises five schools: a School of Business, a School of Arts and Sciences, a School of Leadership, a School of Technology, an Institute of Languages and a School of Education. , bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, and emphasizes practical, student-centered education. The most popular disciplines and specializations are accounting, business, computer science, education, communication, and psychology. CityU has an affordable, robust and respected online education program, offering online versions of most degrees on campus. .S. The News and World Report ranks City U #31 for Best Online Degree Programs, ranking in the top 20 0 for several individual online degree programs.
Seattle City University offers a specialized, highly ranked, and very affordable online Master's Degree in Computer Science. The program combines the theoretical understanding, practical skills and business knowledge needed to succeed in the modern workplace. A total of 39 credits are required to graduate, while those without a bachelor's degree in an IT-related field must complete up to 20 additional prerequisites. Courses include topics such as computer architecture, software engineering, software testing, information security, and technology project management, and students can expect to develop practical skills in applying computer systems principles, tools, and techniques. The degree program culminates in a Computer Science course, in which students demonstrate their acquired skills using a real-world topic or research problem. In addition, seven graduate courses in computer science are offered: Data Management, Technology Management, Development Management, Programming, Cloud Development, Games or Embedded Systems. All online students in this personalized and accessible program are paired with their own "Student Success Advisor" who acts as their mentor, coach and advisor during their time at CityU. The monthly fee is exceptionally affordable, priced at just $347 per credit.
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- Cost per credit hour: $347
3. University of Illinois-Springfield
The University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS) is a public liberal arts institute located in Springfield, Illinois. The school was founded in 1969 as Sangamon State University and became the newest member of the University of Illinois System in 1995. Today, UIS has a student body of 5,700 and awards 27 bachelor's degrees, 20 master's degrees, and one doctorate. . The school allows undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research and maintains a remarkably low student-faculty ratio of 14 to one. UIS also emphasizes learning by doing, and students of all levels can participate in a variety of internships and placements in government, corporate, and community organizations. US. The News and World Report ranks UIS 63rd among Midwest Regional Universities and 13th among Best Public Schools. With its excellent academics and affordable tuition, the same source also ranks UIS as the 60th best value school.
The University of Illinois-Springfield offers a respected and affordable online Master's Degree in Computer Science. The UIS commuter science department has been recognized by the NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Security/Cyber Defense Education. The school's overall online program has won the Sloan Consortium Award for Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Teaching and Learning, the Ralph E. Gomory Award for Quality in Online Education, and the Society for New Communications Research Award for Excellence in Management Online Reputation. The UIS online Master in Computer Science is designed to train students in the theory and practice of computer science, developing practical skills in the design, analysis and implementation of software programs. The degree requires a total of 32 credit hours, comprising 8 courses, including a Graduate Research Seminar. Online graduate students enjoy great flexibility in their course of study and can choose from a selection of courses for 7 or 8 required online computer science classes. All classes are taught by professionals with a background in computer science, who also act as student advisors. Online learners also have access to remote tutoring and library resources. With a low tuition fee of $403 per credit, GetEducated.com called this affordable title a "Best Buy".
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- Cost per credit hour: $403
4. University of Southern Georgia
Georgia Southern University (GS) is a public research university with a main campus in Statesboro, Georgia, and additional campuses in Savannah and Hinesville. The school was founded in 1906 as the First District Agricultural and Mechanical School, a land grant college, with just 15 students in its first class. Today, GS is a member of the Georgia University System and has a massive student body of 27,459. The school offers bachelor's degrees with 140 different academic specializations, as well as master's and doctoral degrees. The school operates a Wildlife Education Center and the Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center, an Advanced Materials Development Center and a Cultural and Natural History Museum. The Carnegie Foundation classifies GS as a Doctoral Research Institution, and has advanced research in the field of renewable energy and environmental science research. US News and World Report ranks the school 231st among national universities.
Quincy University offers an affordable, high-quality online master's degree in computer science through its Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Information Technology. US. News and World Report ranks GS in the 33rd place in the best computer information technology programs for online graduates, and GetEducated.com recognized its fair enrollment and academic solids with the "Best Purchase" designation for computer graduates in line. The program is specifically designed for those who do not hold a university degree in an IT-related field and provides a solid foundation in databases, artificial intelligence and web systems. The online GS MS in Computer Science also includes the option to pursue one of three specializations: data mining, data warehousing, or distributed database systems. The course of study typically takes 5 semesters to complete and comprises 30 credits, with class topics including network engineering, database design, and computer programming.
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- Cost per credit hour: $410
5. National University
The National University (NU) is a not-for-profit private institute headquartered in La Jolla, California, with 26 additional locations in other parts of the state and one in Nevada. NU dates back to 1971, when a retired US Navy Lieutenant Commander, David Chigos, established the school to provide affordable, high-quality, career-focused education to non-traditional students. As of 2010, NU has become the second largest private nonprofit university in California and the twelfth largest private nonprofit organization in the country. Today, the university has a student body of 23,909 students and offers degrees at the associate, bachelor's and master's levels, as well as teaching credentials and certificates. The university remains focused on providing an accessible, practical and career-relevant education, with the most popular degrees in the fields of Business and Management, Healthcare, Criminal Justice and Computer Science. Most on-campus classes are held in the evening, while a large proportion of students are enrolled in the school's highly ranked online programs.
The National University awards a specialized and affordable online Master's Degree in Computer Science. The program teaches students the fundamentals of software engineering, database and cloud computing theory and design to succeed in today's IT workplace. Students may also choose to pursue any of three computer science graduate specializations: Advanced Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Database Engineering. The course of study consists of ten courses plus a two-part external Master of Science graduate project that involves completing a complex three-month project to solve a real-world problem for a professional client. Core classes include database design and implementation, web and cloud computing, modern operating systems, and computer security. This workplace-relevant online master's degree is available for the affordable price of $416 per credit.
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- Cost per credit hour: $416
6. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth ("UMass Dartmouth") is a public university headquartered in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and is one of five campuses of the University of Massachusetts. The university dates back to 1895 with the founding of the New Bedford Textile School in New Bedford and the Bradford Durfee Textile School. The schools were combined in 1962 as the Southeast Massachusetts Institute of Technology and became a full university in 1969. Today, UMass Dartmouth serves 8,647 students through 85 undergraduate, graduate, and law school programs. The university is organized into several faculties, including a Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts, a Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, a Faculty of Engineering, a Faculty of Business, and a Faculty of Law. UMass Dartmouth emphasizes a liberal arts education with practical applicability, along with affordable tuition and personalized attention, thanks to small class sizes. The school has gained an excellent reputation and a number of accolades. UMass Dartmouth was designated a Carnegie Community Engaged University, ranked highest on the Presidents' National Community Service Honor Roll and was the first university in the world to be ranked A+ for sustainability by the UMass Dartmouth Initiative. US News and World Report ranks it 207th among national universities and 113th among the best public schools.
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The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth offers a highly personalized, respected, and very affordable online Master's degree in computer science. The program aims to achieve a balance between theory, systems and applications, and has a strong emphasis on software development. Students work on projects based on work scenarios and learn not only to create software applications, but also to collaborate effectively as teams and present their findings. Students work with academic advisors early in the program to plan a self-paced course of study, totaling 30 credits, based on their academic interests. Undergraduate candidates select three major courses from a pool of four available, complete a master's project course, and choose six additional electives in the graduate computer science department, one of which may be an internship or a thesis. Online master's classes include wireless and mobile computing, computer security, advanced computer networking, design standards, and IT project management. UMass Dartmouth offers a low tuition fee of $537 per credit, but this affordable online master's degree is also highly regarded and has earned a top 20 list in the nation for Online Computer Science.
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- Cost per credit hour: $537
7. Technical University of Colorado
Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a private university located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The university began in 1965 as Colorado Technical College, with the aim of training former veterans in technical and vocational subjects. Now a comprehensive university, CTU awards degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. About 26,000 students attend, and about 92% of them are enrolled in online degree programs. In keeping with its original mission, CTU remains focused on practical education for non-traditional students, including a high percentage of veterans, and offers accessible programs in career-oriented disciplines and to emphasize workplace-relevant skill sets across all disciplines. . Popular areas of study include accounting, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, engineering and health sciences. Several online individual degree programs at CTU are highly rated by the USA. News and World Report, including the 34th Best Online Graduate Program in Criminal Justice, the 67th Best Online Graduate Program in Engineering, and the 40th Best Online Graduate Program in Computer Science in Information Technology.
Colorado Technical University awards a personalized, flexible, fast, and affordable online master's degree in computer science. The entire course of study can be completed in as little as 18 months and requires a total of 48 credits: 24 core credits, 20 concentration credits and 4 final credits. Four concentrations are offered: data science, computer systems security, database systems and software engineering, and a general computer science degree is also available. Classes within the core include algorithm design and analysis, modern operating systems, computer networking, computer system security fundamentals, and systems engineering methods. Online classes offer an exceptional degree of flexibility in terms of format and delivery; students can select audio, visual, or exercise-based learning modules for course content. At a low cost of $585, an online Master's in Computer Science from CTU is a great combination of expertise, flexibility, and affordability.
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- Cost per credit hour: $585
8. Capitol Hill University of Technology
Capitol Technology University (CTU) is a private, not-for-profit university located in Laurel, Maryland. CTU was founded in 1927 as the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute, a correspondence school. Today, CTU has a small student body of 843 and offers accessible, technology-focused degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Students at this small school enjoy individual attention and classes are extremely small, with a student-teacher ratio of just 12 to one. Engineering is the school's most popular major, and U.S. News and World Report ranks CTU 169th in top engineering degree programs. Other popular areas of study include business and computing. CTU supports student entrepreneurship, research, and technological innovation with resources such as a space observation institute, a robotics lab, and a cyber battle simulation lab.
Capitol Technology University offers a fast and affordable online Master's in Computer Science. The program is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to design computer-based systems, including embedded languages, wireless technologies, miniaturization (PDAs), and data security. Students must complete 30 credits to earn the degree: 18-30 in the computer science core and 12 in the electives. Core classes include theory of computation, computer language design, algorithms, and multithreaded and distributed programming. All students complete a project-based final thesis. Classes are offered in 16-week formats, delivered asynchronously, and while most students take two years to complete their studies, those who opt for a fast pace can finish in as little as 18 months. Three specializations are offered: information architecture, advanced computing, or network security. The last concentration of c is especially strong; CTU is recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense by the US Agency for Homeland Security and the Department of Homeland Security. This fast-paced online degree is an excellent value, with affordable tuition at $585 per credit.
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- Cost per credit hour: $585
9. Colorado State University
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University ("State of Colorado") is a large public research university and the flagship university of the Colorado State University System. The university began as an agricultural college in the Territory of Colorado in 1870. Today, the state of Colorado has a total enrollment of 32,236 but maintains a low student-faculty ratio of 17 to one. This large school is organized into eight faculties and 55 academic departments and offers a wide variety of majors: 65 bachelor's programs, 55 master's programs, 40 doctoral programs and a senior doctorate in veterinary medicine. Colorado state research is robust, well-funded, and influential. Students and faculty associated with the school have made significant strides in climate change, infectious disease, bioterrorism and clean energy. The school is committed to providing service and experiential learning opportunities, and students have access to a variety of study abroad opportunities, internships, internships, community service and research. US. The News and World Report ranks the state of Colorado 124th in national universities and 58th in Best Public Schools, and recognizes its affordable tuition with a designation of 138th in Best Value Schools.
Colorado State University awards a prestigious and affordable online master's degree in computer science. The state of Colorado was ranked 31st in the USA's Best Online Computer Information Technology Programs. News and World Report, and its affordable online Master's in Computer Science is ranked 18th in the nation by CollegeChoice. The program thoroughly grounded students in core knowledge areas such as networking and security, parallel computing, software engineering, artificial intelligence and machine learning, systems software, and database systems. The program is intended to replicate the state of Colorado classroom experience and incorporates broadcast, archived and field-recorded video. Occasional synchronous classes, open discussion forums, and regular collaboration foster interactivity in online graduate classes. Online classes are taught by the same professors who teach on campus, and distance learners, like their on-campus peers, can take advantage of computer science research opportunities. The degree requires a total of 35 credit hours and includes classes such as computer security, parallel processing, testing and analysis of software and database systems. This affordable program promises a great return on investment; 70% of online master's students are offered jobs upon graduation, with graduates finding jobs at top companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Motorola. The affordable tuition for this prestigious program is just $675 per credit.
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- Cost per credit hour: $675
10. Franklin University
Franklin University is a not-for-profit private school based in Columbus, Ohio, with four additional campuses located in Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The college was first established as the YMCA School of Commerce in 1902. Today, Franklin encompasses five colleges: a college of arts, sciences and technology, a college of health and public administration, and a college of business. The university awards degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, including joint BS/MS programs. Franklin's mission from the beginning has been to provide practical, accessible education for working adults, and the school facilitates student success through institutional supports. An innovative mentorship program matches students with individual, successful coaches drawn from relevant industries (instead of professors), who provide monthly mentorship and guidance in academic, personal and professional areas.
Franklin University offers a fast, personalized, and affordable online Master's in Computer Science. The program was developed with industry demands in mind and with input from technology professionals from several Fortune 500 companies. Students can expect to develop a thorough understanding of established and emerging technologies, including architectural tools such as algorithm analysis. , UML and patterns, distributed systems, acceptance testing and database design with SQL Server and Oracle. This affordable program is also accelerated, allowing students to earn their degree in as little as 20 months. The course of study consists of 44 credits: 9 core computer science classes, one elective, internship or independent study, and a senior completion. Class topics include project management information systems, systems architecture and engineering, computer security, and the application of artificial intelligence. Online learners can take advantage of supports such as tutoring, test preparation workshops and career guidance, and the cost of the course is very affordable at just $685 per credit.
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- Cost per credit hour: $685
11. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville (U of L) is a public university based in Louisville, Kentucky, and part of the Kentucky State University System. The school originated in 1798, shortly after Louisville was founded as Jefferson Seminary, and was, at the time, the first public municipal university in the United States. The school became a public county university in 1846 and joined the Kentucky State University System in 1970. Today, the U of L offers 70 bachelor's, 78 master's, and 22 doctoral degrees. The university has a total enrollment of 22,640 and is organized into 12 schools and colleges, including a school of engineering, a school of public health and information sciences, a school of dentistry, a school of medicine, and a school of law. U of L is home to student services such as a planetarium, 6 libraries, an art museum and several research centers. The university spawned a number of medical innovations, including the world's first artificial heart and hand transplantation and the development of autotransfusion. The university actively promotes community involvement, affordable tuition and scholarships, and rigorous academics. US. News and World Report ranks U of L 86 among the best public schools and 165 among national universities.
The University of Louisville offers a respected and affordable online Master's Degree in Computer Science through its J.B. Speed. The university is ranked 33rd in the USA's Top Online Computer Information Technology Programs. News and World Report, and the online Master's in Computer Science is ranked #9 in the nation by CollegeChoice. This accessible program covers computing and programming fundamentals, software, analytics, electives, and includes the option to earn a concurrent certificate in data science or cybersecurity. The course consists of 30 credit hours, of which up to 6 may be transfer credits, and includes topics such as combinatorial optimization and modern heuristics, advanced database and storage, artificial intelligence, and evaluating computer systems. Students can choose a 3-credit computer science elective and conclude their program with a senior thesis or project. The U of L offers a rich online learning environment, with course content delivered through a combination of text lectures, discussion forums, PowerPoint and video lectures. The monthly fee per credit is set at an affordable $714.
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- Cost per credit hour: $714
12. Sofia University
Sofia University is a private institute located in Palo Alto, California. The university originated as the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP), founded by Robert Frager and James Fadiman in 1975. ITP trains students and practitioners in transpersonal psychology, a holistic, psychospiritually oriented approach to understanding behavior, relationships, and relationships. . . The school reinvented itself in 2012 as Sofia University, with an expanded postgraduate program and a selection of undergraduate offerings. In 2014, the school changed ownership and again underwent expansion, adding advanced studies in data science, computer science and other technology-oriented disciplines, reflecting its prime location in Silicon Valley. Today, Sofia is organized into four schools: the School of Transformative Education, the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, the School of Business, and the School of Technology and Engineering.
Sofia University awards an affordable interdisciplinary online Master's program in Computer Science, combining technical skills and humanistic values. The program builds on broad experience in core areas of computing such as software development and incorporates studies in transpersonal psychology, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of computer systems and their users. The program is offered in face-to-face, online or hybrid format and comprises a total of 48 credits, including 5 core computer courses and 7 electives. Interdisciplinary courses, including business and liberal arts classes, are included as an internship requirement (electives may be substituted with approval). Class topics include business database systems, web development, information security, Internet of Things, and software building elements. This accessible master's degree in computer science is also highly specialized, allowing students to choose from a selection of five areas of concentration: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Human-Computer Interaction, Holistic Leadership and Management, Transformative Computing, and Information Systems Computing. Information. . A low tuition fee of $750 per credit makes this interdisciplinary, personalized master's in computer science an affordable option.
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- Cost per credit hour: $750
13. James Madison University
James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university based in Harrisonburg, Virginia. JMU was founded in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women in Harrisonburg, a women's college offering technical education. The school became coeducational in 1966 and became a full university in 1976. Today, this large school is comprised of seven faculties and 78 academic programs, offering 115 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, educational specialization and doctoral levels. There are 22,667 undergraduate and graduate students in total, however the student-faculty ratio is quite low at 16 to one. The university is highly committed to experiential learning, offering great opportunities for community service, research, internships and study abroad. US. The News and World Report ranks JMU 7th in Southern Regional Universities, 2nd in Best Public Schools and 3rd in Most Innovative Schools. The university's affordable tuition and excellent academics also earned it a 55th place in the Best Value Schools.
BloombergBusiness ranks JMU 21st in Best Value among Public Schools, and Kiplinger Magazine named it among the "100 Best Values in Public Universities." Job prospects for graduates are also high, with 81% receiving a job offer within 6 months of graduation.
James Madison University offers a prestigious and affordable online Master's Degree in Computer Science: Information Security. Affordable Colleges Online listed it among the Best Masters in Computer Science 2016, recognizing its low tuition and high quality. Launched in 1997, the program is one of the nation's first graduates in information security and one of seven National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense, as designed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency. (NSA). The goal of the degree program is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement, and maintain modern, secure information systems and infrastructure, and the online program features small class sizes, asynchronous delivery of course content, a virtual lab and a highly interactive format, with frequent collaboration and peer discussion. Classes are taught two at a time in a cohort format and include titles such as Computer Forensics, Cryptography: Algorithms and Applications, Secure and Ethical Programming, Law and Policy in Cyberspace. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis degree, and can choose to specialize in digital forensics, malware analysis, incident response, or mobile forensics. The entire program can usually be completed in five semesters plus one summer session. Tuition for this specialized and prestigious program is very affordable, costing only $774 per out-of-state credit.
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- Cost per credit hour: $774
14. Lewis University
Lewis University is a private Roman Catholic university sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers and located in Romeoville, Illinois. Lewis was founded in 1932 by the Archdiocese of Chicago as Holy Name Technical School, a men's technical college that emphasized aviation technology. The school became coeducational in 1949 and shortly thereafter began offering a broader range of academic programs, including business and liberal arts offerings, achieving full university status in 1973. Today, Lewis enrolls approximately 6,800 students, making it the seventh largest private non-profit university. in Illinois, however, the school maintains a remarkably low student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to one. Lewis administers more than 80 undergraduate degrees and programs of study, 22 graduate programs, and accessible and accelerated degree programs for working adults. Since then, the original aviation program has evolved into a robust and advanced Department of Aviation and Transportation Studies, with amenities such as a Boeing 737 jet, a full-size Southwest Airlines CFM-56 turbofan engine and a state-of-the-art hangar. with six laboratory rooms. Other on-campus features include a LEED-certified science center, nurse simulation labs, the nation's first digital college radio station, and a video production studio equipped with robotics. The US report A News and World ranks this affordable and innovative school 23rd in Midwest Regional Universities, as well as 42nd in Best Value Schools.
Lewis University offers a highly personalized and affordable online Master's in Computer Science. The program is designed to thoroughly train students to apply skills in building software systems, designing network-based distributed systems, and investigating and analyzing complex computational problems. The course consists of 10 courses totaling 30 credits and includes a wide range of course options. Students can choose from five courses within each of the three core content areas, and computer science electives make up no fewer than 15 of the required 30 credits. Course topics include cloud computing and virtualization, programming languages, and artificial intelligence. Students can also opt for a concentration in one of three available areas: intelligence systems, software development, or cybersecurity. The latter is an especially strong offering; Lewis was recently listed in CyberSecurityDegrees Top 20 Online Masters in Cyber Security. All computer science online master's students complete a research methods course, as well as a comprehensive coursework that may take the form of a senior thesis or project. This highly advanced and flexible degree is also affordable, with a low tuition fee of $795 per credit.
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- Cost per credit hour: $795
15. State University of Colon
Located in Columbus, Georgia, Columbus State University (CSU) is a public institution and member of the Georgia University System. In addition to the main campus, CSU operates a satellite location in nearby Fort Benning. The university began as a high school located in a hosiery factory in 1958, then moved to a former dairy farm and became a university in 1963. In modern times, CSU awards undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees. and doctorates in more than 90 disciplines. , and has a total enrollment of 8,307. CSU is especially notable for its strong offerings in leadership and business, as well as being the state's only theater teacher certification program. The university emphasizes global studies and community partnerships and, as a public school, offers very affordable tuition. The 132-acre main campus is home to a variety of amenities, including an environmental learning center with live animal exhibits, a Space Science Center, a state-of-the-art performing arts center, and arts and theater co-sponsored by the college's school complex and the city of Columbus. The most popular areas of study at CSU are the healthcare and business professions, followed by education, law enforcement and firefighting. US News and World Report ranks CTU 106th in Southern Regional Universities and 45th in Best Public Schools.
Columbus State University awards a respected, flexible, and accessible online Master's Degree in Applied Computing. CTU is considered one of the top online Masters in Computer Science by GoGrad and is ranked #3 in the country by ComputerScienceOnline.com. The degree program emphasizes the development of applied computer skills through hands-on learning exercises, including the design of some of the educational technologies used by the university itself. The online computer science undergraduate curriculum consists of 30 hours of computer science courses along with a foundation course designed to prepare students for graduation. Of these 30 credits, 12 are mandatory basic courses and 18 are concentration courses. Students who choose to complete a thesis in computer science will receive an additional 4 credits. Major class titles include Research Modeling and Simulation, Advanced Algorithms, Object Oriented Development, and Introduction to Cybersecurity. Within the online master's degree in computer science, four concentration options are offered: Traditional, Software Development, Modeling and Simulation, and Cybersecurity. This latter course has been singled out for merit by the Homeland Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, which have designated CTU as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. With a low tuition fee of $801, this affordable and respected online degree is an excellent value.
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- Cost per credit hour: $801
16. University of East Carolina
East Carolina University (ECU) is an American public research university headquartered in Greenville, North Carolina, and is a member of the University of North Carolina System. ECU is designated a Sea Grant University and Campus for Innovation and Economic Prosperity by the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities. The university originated in 1907 as the East Carolina Teacher Training School, became East Carolina University in 1951, and achieved full university status in 1967. Today, it is the third largest university in the state, enrolling 21,589 undergraduates and 5,797 undergraduates. postgraduate studies. including about 308 medical and 52 dental students. Despite its enormous size, CTU maintains relatively small class sizes, with an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school emphasizes community and global involvement and runs programs such as a video-based cultural exchange program with students in 30 countries, a student outreach program that provides dental care to underserved rural communities. Research and innovation are also essential to the school's mission; CTU operates a sustainability-focused coastal research station and conducts archaeological excavations at local sites. The medical center housed a number of advances related to heart surgery, treatment of diabetes, PTSD, stuttering, and IVF. US. News and World Report ranks CTU 207th among national universities and 113th among top public schools.
East Carolina University offers an affordable online Master's in Computer Science. The program is designed to train students in both the theory and practice of software design and hardware construction, with a solid foundation in programming languages, operating systems, hardware, database environments, and software engineering tools. The degree requires completion of 30 credit hours, including 12 credit hours in core computer classes, along with 18 credit hours in electives, including a 3-6 credit thesis or research project. Class titles within the core include Computer Systems Architecture, Software Engineering Fundamentals, Computability and Complexity, and Operating Systems. Facility with research is emphasized throughout the course of study, and all students are required to attend at least five research seminars and present at least one research seminar during the course of study. This rigorous and hands-on online computer science degree is quite affordable, priced at just $876 per out-of-state credit.
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- Cost per credit hour: $876
17. University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport (UB) is a private university based in the coastal city of Bridgeport, the largest in the state of Connecticut. The university was founded in 1927 and experienced rapid expansion in the 1970s, with a large influx of Vietnam veterans participating in the GI Bill. Enrollment declined in the 1980s and the school was taken over by the World Peace Teachers Academy (PWPA), an affiliate of the Unification Church, which operated the school in the 1990s. - sectarian institution serving a diverse student body of 2,897 undergraduates and 2,536 graduate and doctoral students, many of them international students. The school also operates an extensive continuing education department, offering a total of 125 different on-campus and online study programs aimed at working professionals. UB focuses on providing career-oriented education, and its most popular areas of study are business, engineering, psychology, health and dentistry. Classes are relatively small, with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to one. UB established the first university-affiliated chiropractic program in the country, the first university-affiliated program in the US, and the first Peace Corps preparatory program in New England. US News and World Report ranks the school 146th in Northern Regional Universities.
The University of Bridgeport awards a highly ranked and very affordable online Masters in Computer Science. The degree is ranked 40th in the top online computer information technology programs in the US. News and World Report, and is taught by academics and industry professionals. The course totals 34 credits and includes six required courses and a wide selection of electives, along with a project-based Capstone. Required classes include Object Oriented Programming using C++, Operating Systems, Advanced Databases and Algorithm Analysis. Course content is delivered asynchronously, following the traditional 16-week schedule during the fall and spring terms and offering a shorter summer semester. With a low tuition fee of $914 per credit, an online Master's in Computer Science from UB is an affordable option.
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- Cost per credit hour: $941
18. North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, North Carolina State University at Raleigh ("State of North Carolina") is a public land grant, marine grant, and space grant research university. It is the flagship of the University of North Carolina System and, along with Duke University and the University of North Carolina, forms one of the three corners of the "Research Triangle". The college dates back to 1887 when it was first established as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts. The school gradually expanded its offerings to include a variety of liberal arts programs and graduate studies, becoming a full university in 1962. Today, NC State offers a wide variety of degree programs, including 106 bachelor's, 104 masters and 61 doctorates. , and PhD in Veterinary Medicine. Total enrollment is 32,113, but class sizes are very small at this large university, which has a very low student-faculty ratio of 13 to one. NC State is distinguished by affordable tuition, rigorous academics, diverse program offerings, and robust research. Engineering and science remain some of the school's strongest and most popular programs, but NC State is also widely recognized for excellence in programs as diverse as textiles and design.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance awards the university ranked 11th in the nation for best value in higher education. US. The News and World Report ranks NC State 81st in National Universities, 33rd in Best Public Schools and 46th in Best Schools.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh awards a prestigious and affordable online master's degree in computer science. The program is distinguished by its elite faculty, which includes 40 tenured professors and accomplished professionals in computer science, several of whom have received the prestigious CAREER Award from the renowned National Science Foundation. Designed specifically for working professionals, the curriculum consists of 31 credit hours and does not require a thesis, final oral exam, or on-campus residency. Students have a wide degree of flexibility in their course of study, choosing three major classes from a selection of 14 offerings in the areas of computer science theory and systems and then completing an additional 21 credit hours in advanced science courses of computing. Class topics include database management, artificial intelligence, numerical analysis, computer performance modeling, and software engineering. Course content is delivered in the form of streaming video, often consisting of live or recorded on-campus lectures, supplemented by panel discussions and collaborative assignments. This elite program is ranked #4 in the Best Online Computer Information Technology Programs in the US. News and World Report, and is an exceptional value in light of its affordable tuition, priced at $1,007 per out-of-state credit.
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- Cost per credit hour: $1,007
19. University of West Florida
The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university based in the coastal city of Pensacola, Florida and is part of the State University System of Florida. The UWF was founded in 1963 and had just 58 students in its first class. Today, it is a comprehensive research university and medium-sized school with a student population of 12,979. The 1,600-acre main campus is the third largest campus in the State University System and occupies a nature preserve surrounded by two rivers and Escambia Bay. The school is also home to Northwest Florida's largest library and is home to the nearby Pensacola Historic Village, a collection of 28 historic buildings and museums. The UWF is made up of five faculties: Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities; Business School; College of Education and Professional Studies; Faculty of Health; and the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. Studies within the Parks and Recreation area are strong, thanks to the school's waterfront location, and students can take advantage of outdoor water sports and free access to mountain bike trails at their leisure. The most popular undergraduate courses are Health Professions, followed by Business and Management and Related Social Sciences. US News and World Report ranks the school 231st among national universities.
The University of West Florida runs an accessible online Master of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Database Systems or Software Engineering through the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. The UWF program was ranked among the nation's best value schools for computer science graduates by Affordable Colleges Online in 2016. The Database Systems concentration emphasizes the design and administration of large systems databases and trains students in database programming and SQL. Those pursuing a Software Engineering concentration study the analysis, design, and implementation of high-quality software systems. Both degree tracks are highly focused on practical training in applied skills and each culminates in a Capstone, which can take the form of a research-based project or thesis. This hands-on, computer science-focused program is also very affordable, with tuition as low as $1,044.
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- Cost per credit hour: $1,044
20. Purdue University
Purdue University is a public research university headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana, and the main campus of the Purdue University system. Purdue dates back to 1869 when it was established as a university of science, technology and agriculture through a gift from philanthropist John Purdue. In 1875, the school awarded its first degree, the Bachelor of Chemistry in 1875, and began to admit female students. Over time, Purdue began to integrate the liberal arts into the general curriculum, continuing to focus on technical and scientific fields. Today, the university has 40,451 enrollments, the second-largest in the state, and is home to the fourth-largest international student population in the country. Purdue awards degrees in more than 200 undergraduate specializations, 69 master's and doctoral programs, and professional degrees in pharmacy and veterinary medicine. The university continues to have a strong engineering department, as well as an innovative, state-of-the-art aviation and aerospace school, which pioneered the country's first four-year aviation degree. Meanwhile, the English department is famous for launching the influential and popular Online Writing Lab (OWL), the first virtual academic citation resource of its kind. The school as a whole has nearly 400 research labs and is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as having one of the most research-active campuses in the country. This elite university is known for its rigorous academic standards and has achieved several top rankings. US. News and World ranks Purdue 56th among national universities, 18th among top public schools and 12th among most innovative schools. Recognizing the university's high academic levels and return on investment in relation to affordable tuition, the same source also ranks it 74th in best value schools.
Purdue University offers an affordable online Master's in Computer Science with a world-class academic reputation. The online degree program is known for its talented faculty, remote research opportunities, and strong professional outlook. Purdue pioneered the nation's first university computer science department in 1962 and continues to be a leader in the field. US. News and World Report ranks Purdue's graduate program in Computer Science 20th in the country, and ranks its programming language 14th and its core systems 15th. credit courses or a thesis option that includes 8 of these courses. Course content is delivered via asynchronous videoconferencing, with occasional live video streaming, all using the same lectures that peers watch on campus. Online students also have the opportunity to participate in internships and research. Highly motivated students enrolled full-time can complete the program in less than a year, while most students take two years to complete, at a rate of three to four courses per semester. Classes cover basic computer science concepts such as software engineering, parallel and distributed computing, network security, data mining, and bioinformatics. This elite program has affordable tuition, priced at just $1,088 per credit.
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- Cost per credit hour: $1,088