A Guide to Online Computer Science Degrees in Florida

The third-most populous state in the country, and among the fastest-growing, Florida has over 20.5 million residents, three-quarters of which live within 10 miles of the coast: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and St. Petersburg are the state’s largest cities. The center of the Florida peninsula is home to some of the country’s most unique territory, including the famous Everglades. Given its colonial history and proximity to the Caribbean, it’s no surprise Florida is among the country’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, with nearly a quarter of Floridians identifying as Latino or Hispanic. The state’s economy follows suit: healthcare, biomedical and life sciences, international trade, international finance, tourism, aerospace and defense, real estate, and commercial space travel all contribute to a GDP of $750 billion, the fourth-largest in the U.S.

Predictably, the state’s highly robust and diversified business profile has attracted computer science, IT, IS, and generally tech-related jobs across a wide spectrum, many of which come from the state’s 15 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including World Fuel Services Corp, Publix Super Markets, Office Depot, Fidelity National Financial, Fidelity National Information Services, WellCare Health Plans, and Jabil Circuit. Other highly regarded companies with headquarters or offices in-state include Ultimate Software, a human capital management firm; PwC, one of the nation’s “Big Four” accounting firms; Hilton Worldwide; American Express; and the Mayo Clinic, a leading healthcare organization. Finally, according to the Kauffman Foundation’s 2017 Index of Startup Activity, Miami-Fort Lauderdale ranks No. 1 among the 40 largest metro areas in the country.

Of course, Florida’s wealth of quality public colleges and universities is a major source of economic growth and stability, and education remains exceptionally affordable relative to the rest of the country. For 2015-16, average tuition at four-year institutions was $6,356, $3k cheaper than the national average, representing a 1% year-over-year decrease and nominal 6% increase over five years. The same trend holds for two-year community colleges: the $3,242 average price-tag is $1,000 less than most state tuitions, and that number has only increased 2% in the last five years. For in-state students, this translates to world-renowned public education at a fraction of the cost you might encounter in another state. In other words, nearly unbeatable value.

Florida Tech Salaries

  • Web Developer: $62,320
  • Software Applications Developer: $88,300
  • Computer Systems Analyst: $82,830
  • Database Administrator: $83,230
  • Data Scientist: $113,493
  • Information Technology Manager: $112,610

The 5 Best Online CS Degree Providers: FL


While students should first and foremost make sure that a university offers the exact field of study they’re interested in pursuing, knowing the overall quality of an online degree providing university is also important. Below we’ve surveyed all of the computer science-related degree providers in Florida and ranked them according to academic prestige and the breadth of their academic offerings. Our academic prestige metric takes into account online-centered predictors of program quality such as class size, the range of online support services, the percentage of faculty with terminal degrees in their field, and admissions profiles. Together these two metric categories help to flesh out some of the overall best online degree-granting institutions for computer science in the state. Check out our top offerings below!

1
University of Florida
CSZ Score: 97.5/100
Online CS Degrees:6

Ranked among the top 15 public schools in the country by US News, The University of Florida has an enrollment of over 50,000, 60% of which is undergraduate and is among the oldest schools in the country, founded in 1853. It also stands out for overall value: Kiplinger’s Finance and Fisk each ranked it #3 on their respective affordability lists, and 66% of students graduates with zero debt. With a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, courses combine a collaborative learning approach with individualized, tailored instruction. Nearly half of classes consist of less than 20 students — impressive for a school of Florida’s size – and less than 16% of classes have 50 or more. Financial aid is available, as well: about half of full-time undergraduates receive some form of aid, nearly all of which is met by the university.

Florida offers a variety of online tracks for computer science students and professionals. At the undergraduate level, UF has a BS in Computer Science and BS in Telecommunication Media & Society, each of which consist of 120 credits, with generous transfer policies in place (up to 60). At the graduate level, UF offers online master’s degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering (with specializations in Communications and Semiconductor Device Technology), Computer Engineering (with a specialization in Bioinformatics), and Industrial and Systems Engineering (with 5 specializations, including Communication Systems Engineering and Information Systems Engineering). An online EdD in EdTech is also available. All courses are designed to fit students’ unique schedules, on full- and part-time bases, and asynchronous delivery allows for maximum flexibility. Additional benefits include personalized academic advising, tech support, career services, and enrollment assistance.
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2
University of South Florida
CSZ Score: 97/100
Online CS Degrees:9

The University of South Florida, founded in 1956, has a total enrollment of about 42,000. Ranked among the top public schools in the nation, the university system an annual budget of $1.6 billion and is ranked 43rd in for research expenditures among all universities; it is one of only four public universities in Florida classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Foundation. The school’s 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports a vibrant, collaborative educational community that also emphasizes personalized instruction. Nearly a third of classes have fewer than 20 students, and less than 16% have 50 or more — good numbers for a school of its size. Financial aid is available, too: 65% of full-time undergrads receive some form of aid. With additional campuses in Sarasota and St. Petersburg, online students have the option to attend some on-campus classes.

USF has several tracks for computer science students. At the undergraduate level, online BS tracks are available in Information Studies and Information Technology, each of which are customizable through a range of concentrations in areas like Health Informatics, Data Science & Analytics, Information Security, and Information Science & Technology. At the graduate level, students and working professionals choose between master’s in Cybersecurity, Health Informatics, Information Technology, and MEd/EdS tracks in Instructional Technology. Most graduate degrees can be completed in as little as two years. Through the Canvas learning platform, students have easy access to instructors, group discussion boards, live chat rooms, videoconferencing, and more, creating a dynamic learning atmosphere. Additional services include academic advising, library assistance, tech support, career services, and online orientation.
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3
Florida Institute of Technology
CSZ Score: 96/100
Online CS Degrees:10

Founded in 1958, Florida Institute of Technology has a total enrollment of about 6,600, divided between undergraduates and graduates. Ranked as a Tier One university by US News, Times Higher Education, Washington Monthly, Princeton Review, and Barron’s have all highlighted the school, the latter of which ranking it among the country’s “Best Buys.” The school’s 8:1 student-to-faculty is among the best in the nation, fostering a highly intimate, tight-knit educational community that combines collaborative learning with personalized instruction. Half of all classes have fewer than 20 students, and less than 5% have 50 or more. For those interested, FIT also offers excellent financial aid: 50% of full-time undergrads receive some form of aid, and the need met is over 75%.

FIT offers computer science-related degrees at several levels, including: an AS in Computer Information Systems; a bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems (with a Business Administration concentration option); and master’s in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Information Technology (with concentrations in Cybersecurity and Data Administration), and tech-centric MBA tracks in Cybersecurity and IT Management. FIT’s online learning platform features informative videos, interactive media, discussion boards and chat rooms, and all courses deliver in accelerated 8-week blocks and are asynchronous for students’ convenience and scheduling flexibility. Support services include enrollment assistance, on-call student services reps, 24/7 tech support, online tutoring, and career management services.
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4
Florida State University
CSZ Score: 95/100
Online CS Degrees:3

Florida State University, founded in 1851, has an enrollment of 40,000, three-quarters of which is undergraduate. Ranked among the top public universities in the country, FSU has also been recognized for an affordable price-tag: the Princeton Review and USA Today rank it fourth overall in value, and the Fisk Guide calls the university a “Budget Ivy.” With a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1, the university supports a highly collaborative educational community that also manages individualized instruction; about a third of classes have fewer than 20 students – a good number for a school of its size — and less than 20% have more than 50. For those interested, financial aid is available, too: over half of undergrads receive some form of aid, and the average need met is 61%. The school’s nationally recognized faculty include Nobel Laureates, two Pulitzer Prize winners, 11 active Guggenheim Fellowship recipients, and over 30 Fulbright Scholars.

FSU offers 4 online master’s which may interest computer science professionals: an MS in Information Technology, MSI in Information, MS in Management Information Systems, and MS in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies. All tracks can be completed in as little as two years on a full-time basis, and part-time students typically finish course work in four years (students have up to 7 years). Most delivery is synchronous to simulate the traditional classroom experience, but the degrees remain highly flexible to accommodate students’ unique schedules. Through Blackboard, students have direct access to instructors, group discussion boards, live chat rooms, web conferencing, tech support, and more. Applicants should have earned at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and some tracks require GRE or GMAT scores.
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5
Hodges University
CSZ Score: 94.5/100
Online CS Degrees:12

Hodges University, founded in 1990, is a private school with a total enrollment of about 1,700. All course work is career-oriented and grounded in a real-world approach to prepare students for life after school. Hodges’s 15:1 student-to-factly supports an intimate, tight-knit educational community that balanced individualized instruction with peer-to-peer, collaborative learning opportunities. Over 85% of classes consist of fewer than 20 students, and none have over 49. For those interested, Hodges has top-notch financial aid services: 95% of full-time undergraduates receive some form of aid, and the average need met is over 75%.

For aspiring and current professionals in the computer science field, Hodges offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate level, including pre-professional tracks in Digital Design & Graphics and Computer Information Technology; bachelor’s in Computer Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Forensics, Digital Design and Graphics, and Software Development; and an MS in Information Systems. All courses emphasize Hodge’s experiential learning model and are designed for maximum flexibility to accommodate a variety of students; accelerated and self-paced delivery are available for select programs. Through the Blackboard platform, students have access to group discussion boards, live chat rooms, video conferencing, tech support, and more. Additional support services include tutoring, enrollment assistance, and a personalized mentor program.
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Directory of Online Computer Science Degrees in Florida

Hodges University Naples, FL Online CS Degrees: 12




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(800) 466-8017
2655 Northbrooke Dr, Naples, FL 34119


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Science in Digital Design And Graphics (Ddg)
  • Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology (Cit)
  • Associate of Science in Health Information Management (Him)
  • Associate of Science in Health Information Management (Him)
  • Bachelor of Science in Digital Design And Graphics (Ddg)
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Business Analyst (Isba)
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology (Cit)
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Networking
  • Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity And Forensics
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Development

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Information Systems Management (Mis)
Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL Online CS Degrees: 10




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(321) 674-8000
150 W University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • AS Computer Information Systems
  • BA Business Administration Computer Information Systems
  • BS Computer Information Systems

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Business Administration with a Specialization in Information Technology Management
  • Master of Business Administration with a Specialization in Internet Marketing
  • Master of Science in Information Technology
  • Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
  • MS Information Technology/Cybersecurity
  • MS Information Technology/Database Administration
  • MS Information Technology/Enterprise Resource Planning
University of South Florida Tampa, FL Online CS Degrees: 9




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(813) 974-2011
4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences – Information Studies
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Studies, BS IT

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • M.S. in Entrepreneurship in Applied Technologies
  • Ed.S. in Instructional Technology
  • M.S. in Cybersecurity
  • M.S. in Electrical Engineering for Professionals
  • M.S. in Health Informatics
  • M.S. in Information Technology
  • M.S. in Management Information Systems
University of Florida Gainesville, FL Online CS Degrees: 6




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

1 (352) 392-3261
Gainesville, FL 32611


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Media and Society, BS Computer Science

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Engineering Electrical And Computer Engineering
  • Master of Science in Computer Engineering
  • Master of Science in Computer Engineering – Bioinformatics
  • Master of Science in Electrical And Computer Engineering – Communications
  • Master of Science in Electrical And Computer Engineering – Semiconductor Device Technology
Saint Leo University St Leo, FL Online CS Degrees: 5




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(352) 588-8200
33701 FL-52, St Leo, FL 33574


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Information Technology
  • B.S. Computer Information Systems
  • B.A. Information Technology

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • M.B.A. – Marketing Research and Social Media Analytics
  • M.S. Cybersecurity
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, FL Online CS Degrees: 4




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(386) 226-6100
600 S Clyde Morris Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Science in Technical Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Management Information Systems
  • Master of Science in Information Security And Assurance
Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FL Online CS Degrees: 4




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(386) 506-3000
1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Science in Accounting Technology
  • Associate of Science Computer Information Technology -Computer Programming And Analysis
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Florida State University Tallahassee, FL Online CS Degrees: 3




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

1 (850) 644-2525
600 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32306


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Management Information Systems, Ms
  • Master of Science in Instructional Systems And Learning Technologies, Ms
  • Master of Science in Information Technology, Ms
Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(561) 297-3000
777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Masters Computer Engineering
  • MS Computer Science
Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(239) 590-1000
10501 FGCU Blvd S, Fort Myers, FL 33965


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Curriculum And Instruction: Educational Technology
  • Master of Education in Curriculum And Instruction: Educational Technology
Indian River State College Fort Pierce, FL Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(772) 462-4772
3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34981


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Science in Business Technology
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management/Cyber Security
Jones College Jacksonville, FL Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(904) 743-1122
5353 Arlington Expy, Jacksonville, FL 32211


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
University of Central Florida Orlando, FL Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(407) 823-2000
4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Digital Forensics M.S.
Miami Dade College Miami, FL Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(305) 237-2000
300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate in Computer Programming And Analysis – Business
Northwood University West Palm Beach, FL Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(561) 478-5500
2600 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33409


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Management
Seminole State College of Florida Sanford, FL Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(407) 708-4722
100 Weldon Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Science Major in Computer Programming And Analysis
Remington College Lake Mary, FL Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(407) 562-9100
660 Century Point #1050, Lake Mary, FL 32746


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate’s in Health Information Technology