Computer science is a high-demand field with numerous opportunities for skilled workers to find rewarding work. Taking a free online computer Science degree program is a great way for students and professionals interested in pursuing a career in this industry to develop the foundational skills and knowledge needed to get started.
We researched and reviewed the 15 best Free Online Computer Science Degrees to assist you in finding the best free online computer science degree available.
Candidates with a degree in computer science can pursue careers in business, the creative industries, education, engineering, medicine, science, and a variety of other fields.
Any computer science graduate with an offline or online computer science certificate can work as an application programmer, coder, network administrator, software engineer, systems analyst, or video game developer, to name a few.
Dare to dream big, and you’ll be rewarded! We’re not saying the job is easy, but you will certainly reap the rewards of earning your online computer science degree for free.
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Online Computer Science Degree
Maybe you’ve always been interested in computer software engineering and computer hardware. That is why you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this field. While working toward your dream job, an online free computer science program can help you balance other aspects of your life, such as work and family.
Programs in Information Technology, computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human-computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics, and computing theory are typical requirements for a computer science degree.
Before you begin an online computer degree program, you probably want to know what career paths it can lead to. There are numerous options, and your interests can guide you in the right direction.
Computer Science Degree Careers and Salaries
You probably want to know how much an online computer science bachelor’s degree is worth before you invest the time, energy, and money to complete it. Here is an overview of job opportunities, potential earnings, and future job growth.
A Computer Engineer, also known as a Software Engineer, is in charge of creating computer systems, software, and hardware applications.
Their responsibilities include developing hardware and software such as routers, circuit boards, and computer programs, as well as testing their designs for flaws and supervising computer networks. They are employed in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, data communications, energy, and information technology.
The median annual salary for computer and information research scientists according to U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS is around $126,830, but you can earn more by working your way up to a senior-level or management position.
Also, the computer science career field will grow at a rate of 22 percent in the next ten years much faster than the average for all occupations.
Choosing a free online computer science degree
When you’ve decided to pursue an online computer science degree, you’ll want to look around for the best schools. Here are a few features to think about:
- Tuition cost
- Financial aid
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Degree program accreditation
- Special concentrations within the electrical engineering bachelor’s program
- Acceptance rate
- Graduation rate
- Job placement services
- Counselling services
- Acceptance of transfer credits
- Credit for experience
Some online computer science degree programs are designed to be used in conjunction with previously earned credits to complete the bachelor’s degree. Transfer credits are heavily used in these programs.
However, some programs allow you to complete the entire bachelor’s degree program online. It is worthwhile to spend time researching multiple schools and making informed decisions.
List of 15 Free Online Computer Science Degrees
Earn your B.S. in Computer Science online free from any of the institutions listed below:
- Computer Science-Stanford University via edX
- Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose- Princeton University
- Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals Specialization- the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science- California San Diego
Computer Science for Business Professionals- Harvard University - Internet History, Technology, and Security- University of Michigan
- International Cyber Conflicts- The State University of New York Online
- Computers and Office Productivity Software- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- User Experience Design- Georgia Tech
- Web Development- University of California, Davis
- Kotlin for Java Developers- Jetbrains
- Learn to Program: The Fundamentals- University of Toronto
- Machine Learning for All- University of London
- Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science – University of California, San Diego
- Modern Robotics: Foundations of Robot Motion- Northwestern University
- Natural Language Processing- HSE University
Free Online Computer Science Degree
#1. Computer Science-Stanford University via edX
This is an outstanding self-paced computer science program provided by Stanford Online and delivered via the edX platform.
It’s one of the best free online computer science programs for beginners we’ve found, as it introduces users with no prior knowledge of the subject.
There are no prerequisites or assumptions for this online computer science course. Students who are already familiar with most of the above concepts will likely find the course too rudimentary; however, it is ideal for the absolute beginner.
A certificate of verification can be purchased for $149, but it is not required because the course can be completed for free.
#2. Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose- Princeton University via Coursera
Learning to program is the necessary first step in computer science, and this Princeton University program covers the subject thoroughly with over 40 hours of instruction.
Unlike some of the other introductory courses on our list, this one uses Java, though the main goal is to teach students programming in general.
#3. Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals Specialization- the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
This fundamentals of computer science specialization consist of three courses, each of which can be taken in audit mode for free on the Coursera platform to get the full specialization experience.
You will not be able to participate in hands-on projects or earn a certificate in the free mode, but all other aspects of the coursework will be available. If you want to get the certification but can’t afford it, you can apply for financial assistance on the website.
Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++, Ordered Data Structures, and Unordered Data Structures are the three courses.
The free computer science course online, taught by computer science professor Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider, is designed for students who have already taken an introductory course in a programming language such as Python and can write a program.
#4. Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science- California San Diego
Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science is a 25-hour beginner-level computer science program that teaches students the critical mathematical thinking skills required in all aspects of computer science.
The free online computer science degree program teaches students about discrete mathematics tools such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality. The tools you’ve learned about will then be used to answer programming questions.
Throughout the study, you will be solving interactive puzzles (which are also mobile-friendly) to help you develop the reasoning skills needed to figure out the solutions on your own. This fascinating program requires only basic math skills, curiosity, and a desire to learn.
#5. Computer Science for Business Professionals- Harvard University
This program is intended for business professionals such as managers, product managers, founders, and decision-makers who need to make technological decisions but are not technically savvy.
Unlike CS50, which is taught from the bottom up, this course is taught from the top-down, emphasizing mastery of high-level concepts and related decisions. Computational thinking and web development are two of the topics covered.
#6. Internet History, Technology, and Security- University of Michigan
Everyone who is interested in the history of the internet and how it works will benefit from the University of Michigan’s free online course. The course Internet History, Technology, and Security look at how technology and networks have influenced our lives and culture.
Throughout ten modules, students will learn about the evolution of the internet, from the dawn of electronic computing during World War II to the rapid growth and commercialization of the internet as we know it today. Students will also learn how to create, encrypt, and deploy applications and websites. The course is suitable for beginners to advanced students and takes about 15 hours to complete.
#7. International Cyber Conflicts- The State University of New York Online
Because of seemingly daily reports of international cybercrime, SUNY Online’s free online course has become more popular than ever. In International Cyber Conflicts, students will learn to distinguish between political espionage, data theft, and propaganda.
They will also learn to identify the various players in cyber threats, summarize cybercrime efforts, and apply various psychological theories of human motivation to various international cyber conflicts. The course is open to students of all levels and lasts approximately seven hours in total.
#8. Computers and Office Productivity Software- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software is available at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. This free online computer science course is ideal for anyone looking to update their resume or CV with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint knowledge. Students will also learn how to use GIMP to edit photos.
The various parts of a computer as well as the various types of software used on a computer system are also covered. The course is open to all, taught in English, and lasts approximately 15 hours.
#9. User Experience Design- Georgia Tech
If you want to learn User Experience (UX) Design, this is the course for you. Introduction to User Experience Design, a course offered by Georgia Tech, covers designing alternatives, prototyping, and much more.
It is best suited for beginners and takes approximately six hours to complete.
#10. Introduction to Web Development- University of California, Davis
U.C. Davis offers a free online computer science course called Introduction to Web Development. This beginner-level course is ideal for anyone considering a career in web development and covers fundamentals such as CSS code, HTML, and JavaScript.
Students will have a better understanding of the structure and functionality of the internet by the end of the class. Students will also be able to design and publish their web pages. It takes about 25 hours to complete the course.
#11. Kotlin for Java Developers- Jetbrains
Intermediate-level programmers looking to expand their knowledge will benefit from this free online computer science course. JetBrains Kotlin for Java Developers is available through the educational website Coursera. “Nullability, Functional Programming,” “Properties, OOP, Conventions,” and “Sequences, Lambdas with Receiver, Types” are among the topics covered in the syllabus. The course lasts approximately 25 hours.
#12. Learn to Program: The Fundamentals- University of Toronto
Do you want to know how to make things happen in the world of computer science? Then you should take a look at this free online course offered by the University of Toronto. Learn to Program: Object-Oriented Programming is, as the name suggests, an introductory programming course.
The Fundamentals course teaches the fundamentals of programming and how to write useful programs. The course focuses on Python programming. Beginners are welcome to enroll in the course, which can be completed in about 25 hours.
#13. Machine Learning for All- University of London
Machine learning is one of the most popular topics in computer science, and you can learn everything you need to know about it in Machine Learning for All.
This free online course from the University of London does not focus on the programming tools that are covered in most other courses on the subject.
Instead, this course covers the fundamentals of machine learning technologies, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of machine learning for society. By the end of the course, students will be able to train a machine learning module using datasets. The course is designed for beginners and takes approximately 22 hours to complete.
#14. Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science – University of California, San Diego
Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science is a free course offered by UC San Diego in collaboration with HSE University on Coursera.
The online course covers the most important discrete mathematics tools, including induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality.
The only requirement is a basic understanding of math, though a basic understanding of programming would be advantageous. The course is designed for beginners and is part of a larger discrete mathematics specialization.
#15. Modern Robotics: Foundations of Robot Motion- Northwestern University
Even if you are interested in robots as a career or simply as a hobby, this free course from Northwestern University is unquestionably worthwhile! Foundations of Robot Motion is the first course in a modern robotics specialization.
The course teaches the fundamentals of robot configurations, or how and why robots move. Foundations of Robot Motion is best suited for intermediate-level students and takes about 24 hours to complete.
FAQs about Free Online Computer Science Degree
Can I study computer science online for free?
You certainly can. E-learning platforms which including Coursera and edX provide free online computer science courses — with optional paid certificates of completion — from schools such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, the University of Michigan, and others.
Where can I learn CS for free?
The following offer free cs for free:
- MIT OpenCourseWare. MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) is one of the best free online coding classes for beginners
- edX
- Coursera
- Udacity
- Udemy
- Free Code Camp
- Khan Academy.
Is an Online computer science degree program hard?
Yes, learning computer science can be difficult. The field necessitates a thorough understanding of difficult subjects such as computer technology, software, and statistical algorithms. However, with sufficient time and motivation, anyone can succeed in a difficult field such as computer science.
You may also like to read
- 10 Best Computer Science Bachelor Degree Online
- 15 Best Software Engineering Schools Online
- 25 Best Universities in Germany for Computer Science
- 50+ Best Universities for Computer Sciences in the World
- Free Online Computer Courses with Certificate.
Conclusion
All industries, from business and health care to aviation and automobiles, require skilled computer scientists who can solve complex problems.
Earn your B.S. in Computer Science online from any of the institutions listed in this article and gain the advanced skill set needed to thrive in any market and adapt to the changing needs of businesses around the world.
