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Best Online Computer Science Certificates Of 2024

Audited & Verified: May 16, 2024, 10:43am

Liz SimmonsStaff Writer

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Liz Simmons

Liz SimmonsStaff Writer

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Brenna SwanstonFormer Staff Editor

Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accol...

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Brenna Swanston

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Brenna SwanstonFormer Staff Editor

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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

An online computer science certificate can help you learn in-demand technical skills and qualify for new jobs with better pay. It can also help you get a promotion or raise in your current role.

Not everyone can or wants to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science. An online certificate can teach you the fundamentals of the field in less time and for less money than a traditional degree. It can also be a good way to test the waters and see if you might want to pursue a computer science-related degree in the future.

Online computer science certificate programs vary in focus, cost and length. Generally, they explore computer science fundamentals, including programming, web design, computer security and computing theory.

This ranking lists all 10 online computer science certificate programs that met our ranking criteria. Learn what to expect from these programs, including costs, prerequisites and transfer credit options.

Our Methodology

Table of Contents

Our Top Picks

Harvard University
University of California, Berkeley
Regent University
Loyola University Chicago
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
Colorado State University Global
University of Missouri – St. Louis
Kansas State University
Davenport University
City University of Seattle

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways
Best Online Certificates in Computer Science
Should You Enroll in an Online Computer Science Certificate Program?
Accreditation for Online Certificates in Computer Science
How To Find the Right Online Computer Science Certificate for You
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Computer Science Certificates

Best Certifications

Key Takeaways

An online computer science certificate can help you qualify for an in-demand, well-paying tech job.
A certificate in computer science generally takes less time and money to complete than a traditional degree in this field.
Length, cost, requirements and focus areas for computer science certificate programs vary by school.

Best Online Certificates in Computer Science

Best with no prerequisites

Harvard University

Certificate Tuition

$466

Time Commitment

6 months

Can Certificate Credits Transfer to a Degree?

N/A

$466

6 months

N/A

Editor's Take

Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers a professional certificate in computer science for web programming through its Harvard Online division. Faculty from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences teach the classes, which happen asynchronously with no set meeting times. The two-course certificate takes six months to complete.

The program offers an introduction to computer science and teaches students to create web applications using Python, SQL and JavaScript. Learners complete hands-on projects and get experience with database design, user experience, security and scalability. The certificate fee of $466 includes tuition and all required materials.

What To Know

School Type: Private
Certificate Prerequisites: None
Certificate Credit Requirements: 2 courses
Example Courses: Introduction to computer science, web programming with Python and JavaScript
Certificate Graduation Requirements: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

Best for students with busy schedules

University of California, Berkeley

Certificate Tuition

$995/course

Time Commitment

60-180 days per course

Can Certificate Credits Transfer to a Degree?

Yes

$995/course

60-180 days per course

Yes

Editor's Take

Students can earn an online certificate in software development and programming from the University of California, Berkeley‘s Extension division. The self-paced program teaches learners how to code and explores issues like system administration, security and the software development life cycle.

The certificate requires one core programming course and classes from at least two other topic areas, like web development, current topics or data and databases. The certificate has no official prerequisites, but some courses require prerequisites like proficiency with Microsoft Excel or basic computer literacy. Students pay for each course separately, with an estimated total cost of around $5,000.

What To Know

School Type: Public
Certificate Prerequisites: None
Certificate Credit Requirements: 10 credits
Example Courses: Introduction to computers and programming, introduction to data analytics
Certificate Graduation Requirements: Minimum grade of C or better in each course and must graduate within five years
In-Person Requirements: No

Best for career-switchers

Regent University

Certificate Tuition

$395/credit (full time) or $450/credit (part time)

Time Commitment

N/A

Can Certificate Credits Transfer to a Degree?

N/A

$395/credit (full time) or $450/credit (part time)

N/A

Editor's Take

Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, offers an undergraduate certificate in computer science for students who want to pursue a computer science career without completing a full degree. The 15-credit, five-course program covers algorithms and data structures, ethical issues in computer science and software engineering fundamentals.

Other topics include programming, coding methodologies and computer science theory. Students learn about abstract structures, programming using C++ and software engineering design methods. Eligible learners can pay for tuition using VA benefits. The certificate is available online or on campus.

What To Know

School Type: Private
Certificate Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
Certificate Credit Requirements: 15 credits
Example Courses: Ethics for computer science, introduction to computer science
Certificate Graduation Requirements: 2.0 GPA
In-Person Requirements: No

Best for graduating quickly

Loyola University Chicago

Certificate Tuition

$790/credit

Time Commitment

8 weeks

Can Certificate Credits Transfer to a Degree?

Yes

$790/credit

8 weeks

Yes

Editor's Take

Loyola University Chicago‘s School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers an accelerated online computer science certificate for working professionals. The certificate can transfer to an undergraduate degree and meets prerequisite requirements for the university’s M.S. in information technology and software engineering program. The estimated cost for the certificate is $7,110.

The nine-credit certificate explores programming in object-oriented languages and requires two core courses and one elective. Participants don’t need a computer science or programming background to enroll. The fully online program takes one eight-week semester to complete and includes synchronous weekly meetings that happen in the evening.

What To Know

School Type: Private
Certificate Prerequisites: Official transcripts, completed application
Certificate Credit Requirements: 9 credits
Example Courses: Data structures, introduction to object-oriented programming
Certificate Graduation Requirements: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

Best for students on a budget

University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh

Certificate Tuition

$342/credit

Time Commitment

N/A

Can Certificate Credits Transfer to a Degree?

Yes

$342/credit

N/A

Yes

Editor's Take

If you’re an enrolled student pursuing any major, you can earn a computer programming certificate from the Computer Science Department at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.

The program focuses on software coding and requires two courses in object-oriented programming and design. Students also complete either a data structures or computer architecture and assembly language class to complete the certificate.

The department of computer science offers a computer science club, tutoring, software for students and student branches of professional organizations. Computer science faculty research interests include computational geometry, human-computer interaction problems and natural language processing.

What To Know

School Type: Public
Certificate Prerequisites: Must be an enrolled student at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
Certificate Credit Requirements: 10-11
Example Courses: Object-oriented programming and design I, data structures
Certificate Graduation Requirements: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

Best for students with some experience

Colorado State University Global

Certificate Tuition

$375/credit

Time Commitment

6 months

Can Certificate Credits Transfer to a Degree?

Yes

$375/credit

6 months

Yes

Editor's Take

Colorado State University Global offers an accelerated online undergraduate certificate in computer programming that takes as little as six months to complete. The stand-alone program requires six three-credit courses and can transfer to a degree if you decide to earn a bachelor’s at Colorado State University Global. Students can use financial aid to pay for the certificate.

The curriculum explores software development, basic computer programming, data structures and algorithms, and platform-based development. Students use Java to design and implement algorithms, write software programs and develop conceptual models. The school also offers a 27-credit undergraduate certificate in computer programming with leadership fundamentals.

What To Know

School Type: Public
Certificate Prerequisites: Understanding of basic computer skills and networking technologies; must hold 24 undergraduate credits
Certificate Credit Requirements: 18 credits
Example Courses: Programming I, software engineering
Certificate Graduation Requirements: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

Best for students who want to transfer to a degree program

University of Missouri – St. Louis

Certificate Tuition

$480/credit

Time Commitment

N/A

Can Certificate Credits Transfer to a Degree?

Yes

$480/credit

N/A

Yes

Editor's Take

Students can earn eight different undergraduate computer science certificates from the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL). Options include artificial intelligence, computer programming, computer programming education, cybersecurity, data science, internet and web, and mobile apps and computing.

Students without a computer science background should contact the certificate coordinator to learn about prerequisites and find out if they can enroll. To pursue one of these online undergraduate computer science certificates, you must be a current UMSL undergraduate student or be admitted as a non-degree student. Credits earned for these certificates can transfer to many degree programs at UMSL.

What To Know

School Type: Public
Certificate Prerequisites: Minimum 2.5 GPA; other prerequisites vary by certificate program.
Certificate Credit Requirements: 15-18 credits
Example Courses: Introduction to computing, programming and data structures
Certificate Graduation Requirements: Minimum overall 2.0 GPA
In-Person Requirements: No

Best for beginners

Kansas State University

Certificate Tuition

$683/credit

Time Commitment

[hours/week (omit if not available), program length in weeks]

Can Certificate Credits Transfer to a Degree?

Yes

$683/credit

[hours/week (omit if not available), program length in weeks]

Yes

Editor's Take

Kansas State University‘s undergraduate computer science certificate from the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering can prepare you for careers like software developer, information systems manager or database administrator. The fully online curriculum focuses on core computer science knowledge and computer programming skills.

The 17-credit program offers courses like data structures and algorithms I and II, advanced programming and introduction to computing. If you pursue this certificate as a nondegree-seeking student, you won’t qualify for financial aid or scholarships. The program accepts applications year round.

If you’re a Kansas State University student, you can sign up to take a free sample course that provides an introduction to the program.

What To Know

School Type: Public
Certificate Prerequisites: N/A
Certificate Credit Requirements: 17 credits
Example Courses: Data structures and algorithms I, elements of computer programming
Certificate Graduation Requirements: Minimum 2.3 GPA in each course
In-Person Requirements: No

Best for immersive learning

Davenport University

Certificate Tuition

$974/credit (in state)

Time Commitment

1 year

Can Certificate Credits Transfer to a Degree?

Yes

$974/credit (in state)

1 year

Yes

Editor's Take

Davenport University offers an online computer information systems certificate through its Global Campus. The program prepares you to pursue work as an entry-level programmer or application developer. It can also give you a head start on a Davenport University degree, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree in computer information systems.

Students learn software skills, develop a portfolio through hands-on work and can take three professional certification exams while completing the program over one year. The curriculum includes classes like introduction to programming, object-oriented programming with C# or Java, and Python scripting. Small class sizes make it easier for learners to get individual attention from professors.

What To Know

School Type: Private
Certificate Prerequisites: N/A
Certificate Credit Requirements: 18 credits
Example Courses: Python scripting, web page applications
Certificate Graduation Requirements: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

Best for students who don't need federal financial aid

City University of Seattle

Certificate Tuition

$515/credit

Time Commitment

[hours/week (omit if not available), program length in weeks]

Can Certificate Credits Transfer to a Degree?

Yes

$515/credit

[hours/week (omit if not available), program length in weeks]

Yes

Editor's Take

Students can earn an undergraduate certificate in fundamentals of computing online from the City University of Seattle. The program focuses on computing fundamentals and can prepare you for careers like data scientist, network architect, software developer or systems analyst. Students enrolled in this certificate program are not eligible for federal financial aid.

The 30-credit certificate requires classes like database technologies, statistical computing, web design and cybersecurity. Students learn critical thinking, collaboration and effective decision making. The program also provides networking opportunities that let learners connect with classmates, instructors and alumni who work in the field.

What To Know

School Type: Private
Certificate Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
Certificate Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Example Courses: Cybersecurity, database technologies
Certificate Graduation Requirements: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

Should You Enroll in an Online Computer Science Certificate Program?

Pro Tip

If you enjoy learning independently and have good organizational and time management skills, you might do well in an online computer science certificate program.

Earning a computer science certificate online can be a great way to start or advance your career in programming or software development. However, it’s not the right learning modality for everyone. Consider the factors below when deciding whether or not to pursue your certificate online.

Budget: Students who pursue a certificate online can avoid some of the expenses of an on-campus program, including the cost of housing and transportation. Online programs at public universities may charge flat-rate tuition to all distance learners, no matter where they live, allowing students to avoid paying out-of-state tuition.
Schedule: Online programs provide flexibility that many students appreciate. If you work full time or have other time-consuming personal commitments, look for online programs that offer asynchronous classes with no set meeting times.
Learning Style: Successful online students usually enjoy learning independently and have good time management and organizational skills. If you think you’d do better with more structure and support, consider an on-campus certificate program.

Accreditation for Online Certificates in Computer Science

Look for online computer science certificate programs at institutionally accredited colleges. Although not all certificate programs qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited school to qualify. Also, if you want to eventually transfer your certificate to a degree program, it will be much easier to do so when it’s from an accredited school.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education oversee and approve the accrediting agencies that evaluate U.S. colleges and universities. To receive accreditation, a school must meet minimum quality standards for its academic programs, financial management and faculty qualifications.

Programmatic accreditation applies to individual programs or departments within an institutionally accredited school. Computer science bachelor’s programs can receive separate programmatic accreditation from ABET. However, the organization does not accredit on-campus or online computer science certificate programs.

Prospective students can look up school accreditation information on CHEA’s website.

How To Find the Right Online Computer Science Certificate for You

Pro Tip

To help you choose the best computer science certificate program for you, consider what you want to do after graduation, such as what career path you hope to pursue and whether you expect to transfer your certificate credits to an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online computer science certificate can help you get the skills to take the next step in a tech career. However, not all computer science certificate programs are the same, so it’s important to find one that aligns with your academic and career goals.

For example, consider whether your preferred computer science certificate can transfer to a degree program. If you expect to continue your education through a bachelor’s or associate degree in computer science, choosing a certificate that can transfer may save you time and money. If you know that you only want to earn a certificate and don’t plan to continue your education in this field, this consideration is less important.

Also, consider what type of training you need to advance your career or launch a new one. If you want to become a programmer, for example, seek out a certificate that focuses on programming and provides hands-on learning experiences.

Know Your Budget and Financing Options

Tuition rates for the computer science certificate programs in our guide range from $342 to $974 per credit. The average program that charges tuition by credit requires 9 to 30 credits, bringing the estimated cost of the certificate between $3,078 and $29,220. Some certificate programs charge tuition by the program or by the course.

There are fewer financing options for certificate seeking college students than degree seekers. Students enrolled in eligible certificate programs may qualify for the same financial aid as other college students, including loans, grants and scholarships. However, not all certificate programs qualify for federal financial aid. You can contact the school or program directly to find out about aid eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Computer Science Certificates

Which certification is best for computer science?

There isn’t one best certification for computer science professionals. Instead, the best certification depends on your specialization, prior education and experience, and career goals. You can find popular computer science certifications from Cisco, CompTIA and Microsoft.

Is a certificate in computer science worth it?

A certificate in computer science can help you get the skills you need for entry-level programmer jobs and other roles in the information technology field. Whether or not it’s worth it depends on how much the certificate costs, your potential salary after earning it and what you hope to gain from completing the program.

What is a certificate in computer science?

A computer science certificate is typically a short-term course of study that covers computer science fundamentals. These programs help prepare students for entry-level jobs in the field or to transfer to a degree program. Course content, length and cost for a computer science certificate vary significantly by program.

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Liz Simmons

Staff Writer

Liz Simmons is an education staff writer at Forbes Advisor. She has written about higher education and career development for various online publications since 2016. She earned a master’s degree in urban studies from Portland State University and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of British Columbia. In addition to her experience with professional writing and editing, she has worked in museums, libraries, universities, and in the historic preservation field.

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