Is a bachelor’s degree in computer science worth it?

Yes, a computer science bachelor's degree can be worthwhile if you are passionate about the field and want to base your career around that passion. The demand for tech professionals is strong and should continue to be for the foreseeable future. However, it’s important to choose a specialty that is in demand and in line with your career expectations.

How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree in computer science

A typical bachelor's in computer science program takes four years of full-time study to complete. If you have transfer credits or enroll in an accelerated program, you can finish sooner. On the other hand, studying only part time may extend your completion time.

What are the benefits of getting a bachelor’s degree in computer science?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science can teach you valuable skills like problem-solving, programming, and analytic thinking and open the door to a wide array of jobs with advancement opportunities.

How to choose a bachelor's in computer science

By: Sarah Edwards, Edited by: Arthur McMahon

Published: February 12, 2025

Ready to put your passion for technology to use? A computer science degree might be the ideal option to jumpstart your career journey.

Learn about what factors to consider when choosing a bachelor's in computer science program so you can find the one that best aligns with your academic and career goals.

Guide to choosing a bachelor's in computer science

When choosing a bachelor's in computer science program, you'll need to consider several factors. Here are five primary considerations to think about before you choose a program to begin your studies.

Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that a college or program meets established academic standards. When exploring any degree program, you should verify that the institution offering it is regionally accredited. This means the school has completed a voluntary accreditation process and meets certain minimum standards.

Additionally, Accredited schools typically accept credit hours from other regionally accredited institutions. This can be valuable if you need to stop your program and change schools. Moreover, federal grants and loans are generally restricted to accredited colleges.

Going to a regionally accredited college or university will also make it easier to pursue higher degrees at other institutions in the future, such as a master's degree in computer science.

In addition to institutional accreditation, it's also important to check to see if the computer science program you're considering has programmatic accreditation from an organization such as ABET (formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Some employers will only consider applicants who earned their degrees from ABET-accredited programs.

Cost and financial aid

A bachelor's degree in computer science can be a wise investment, but you still need to understand the costs upfront.

Research tuition rates, additional fees, and the availability of scholarships and grants to help pay for your program. Many universities have in-house financial aid counselors who can help you explore different options for paying tuition.

Student loans are always an option. However, grants and pay-as-you-go plans can help minimize the amount of debt you take on.

Specializations

Computer science is a diverse field and features several specializations. Consider what niche you enjoy or are interested in and prioritize programs that offer one of your preferred specializations. A few specialization options you may encounter include:

Cybersecurity
Software development
Data science

Choosing a program that aligns with your career goals can help make you a stronger job candidate after graduation.

Some specialization opportunities include certifications in addition to your bachelor's degree. Graduating with a four-year degree and in-demand certifications can accelerate your path to higher-paying positions.

University resources and career services

Computer science is a hands-on field. With that in mind, you'll want to find a program with cutting-edge labs and other valuable resources. These tools will provide a more engaging educational journey and give you a chance to practice the theoretical concepts you learn in class.

Universities with robust career services departments can help connect you with prospective employers after graduation. Look for institutions that offer internships and job placement assistance.

Co-op programs and résumé workshops are some other valuable resources you may want to prioritize when learning how to choose a bachelor's in computer science.

Reputation

Don't get too caught up with pursuing big-name schools. The overall reputation of a program is more important than the price tag or level of prominence a school enjoys.

Research programs you are interested in to see how the school's computer science offerings stack up against other options on your list. You may find that a school you've never heard of has one of the best programs in the region.

You can also explore student reviews from recent graduates or current attendees. Learning about others' experiences in a program can help you identify if it's right for you.

Explore bachelor's degrees in computer science

Are you ready to break into the ever-expanding world of computer science? Then check out edX's courses and programs in computer science and get started today.

Common questions about getting a bachelor’s degree in computer science

Skill Development

Career

Computer programming