Is an Online Computer Science Degree Worth It? – Pros, Cons and Job Prospects

Introduction

An online computer science degree is an academic program that allows students to gain knowledge in the field of computer science without attending a physical college or university. With the rise of the internet, it has become increasingly popular among those who are unable to attend traditional brick-and-mortar schools due to financial or geographic constraints. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of pursuing an online computer science degree, as well as the job prospects and salaries for graduates.

Interview with a Graduate of an Online Computer Science Degree Program

To gain a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of pursuing an online computer science degree, we interviewed a recent graduate of an online program. Here is what they had to say:

Why did you decide to pursue an online degree?

I decided to pursue an online degree because I was unable to attend a traditional college or university due to financial and geographical constraints. An online program offered me the flexibility to study from anywhere, at my own pace, and on my own schedule.

What were some of the challenges you faced during your program?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was staying motivated and engaged despite being in a virtual environment. It was difficult to stay focused and on track without the structure of a physical classroom. Additionally, I found it difficult to find appropriate internships and network with other professionals in the field.

What benefits did you experience by pursuing an online degree?

The biggest benefit I experienced was the cost savings. An online degree allowed me to save money on tuition and living expenses. Additionally, I was able to access specializations and courses that may not have been available through a traditional program.

Pros and Cons of Pursuing an Online Computer Science Degree

Now that we’ve heard from a student who has experienced an online computer science degree program, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of pursuing an online degree.

Pros

There are several advantages to pursuing an online computer science degree, including:

• Cost savings. Online programs are often more affordable than traditional degree programs, as there are no costs associated with transportation, housing, or meals. Additionally, many online programs offer discounted tuition rates for students.
• Flexibility. Online programs allow students to study from anywhere, at their own pace, and on their own schedule. This makes them ideal for students who work full-time or have other commitments.
• Access to specializations. Many online programs offer specialized courses and concentrations that may not be available through a traditional program.

Cons

However, there are some drawbacks to pursuing an online computer science degree, including:

• Lack of in-person interaction. While most online programs offer virtual classrooms and chat rooms, they lack the in-person interaction of a traditional program. This can make it difficult to form relationships with peers and professors.
• Difficulty in finding appropriate internships. Since online programs do not have the same connections as traditional programs, it can be difficult to find appropriate internships and job opportunities.
• Lack of credibility in some fields. Some employers are still hesitant to hire graduates from online programs, as they view them as less credible than those from traditional programs.

Comparison of Job Prospects and Salaries of Online Degree Holders Versus Traditional Degree Holders

When considering whether an online computer science degree is worth it, one of the main factors to consider is the job prospects and salaries of graduates. To get a better understanding of how online degree holders fare in the job market, we looked at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here’s what we found:

Data on Job Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is largely attributed to the increased demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cybersecurity.

In terms of salary, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $88,240 in May 2019, which is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations ($39,810).

Data on Salaries

The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $146,360 in May 2019, which is significantly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations ($39,810). The highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $82,530.

Employer Preferences for Online Versus Traditional Degree Holders

While the job prospects and salaries for online degree holders are similar to those for traditional degree holders, there are still some employers who prefer to hire graduates from traditional programs. To get a better understanding of employer preferences, we looked at data from a survey of employers conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Here’s what we found:

Analysis of Data from Employers

The survey found that nearly half of employers (48 percent) prefer to hire graduates from traditional programs, while only 13 percent prefer to hire graduates from online programs. However, the survey also found that employers are becoming more open to hiring graduates from online programs, with the number of employers who prefer to hire graduates from online programs increasing by 5 percent since 2017.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The data suggests that while there is still a preference for graduates from traditional programs, employers are becoming more open to hiring graduates from online programs. Therefore, if an online computer science degree is the only viable option for you, then it may be worth pursuing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an online computer science degree can be a great option for those who are unable to attend a traditional college or university due to financial or geographical constraints. While there are some drawbacks, such as lack of in-person interaction and difficulty in finding appropriate internships, there are also many benefits, such as cost savings and access to specialized courses. Additionally, the job prospects and salaries for online degree holders are similar to those of traditional degree holders, and employers are becoming more open to hiring graduates from online programs. Ultimately, an online computer science degree can be a viable option for those who cannot attend a traditional school.