A Guide to Online Computer Science Degrees in Georgia

Founded in 1885, Georgia Tech is one of the most prestigious technology and engineering schools in the country, as ranked by US News, Princeton Review, Forbes, and other publications. US News ranks it 7th in the country for innovation and among public schools. Following its long tradition of cutting-edge research and learning, Tech has been a leader in the online education revolution and has significantly expanded its online offerings in recent years. With a student body of just over 25,000, Tech’s 19:1 student-to-faculty combines a large research university’s vibrant, collaborative atmosphere with individualized instruction. Nearly 40% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and just a quarter have more than 49.

For computer science students, Tech offers several master’s tracks of interest. First, are full-time master’s tracks in Computer Science and Computational Science And Engineering, which are designed for maximum flexibility and customization options. (The Computer Science track is the first of its kind in the country, in collaboration with AT&T and MOOC-leader Udacity, and available for a fraction of the cost of comparable degrees.) Georgia Tech also offers a unique postgraduate Professional Master’s in Applied Systems Learning for working professionals who don’t have the freedom to drop everything to pursue a degree. Most online courses at Tech are asynchronous, meaning students can complete coursework on their own time, and professors keep virtual office hours for students needing additional assistance.
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Mercer, founded in 833, is a Tier 1 national university and ranked 24th in the country for overall value. The Princeton Review routinely ranks it inits top 15% of colleges and universities. With a total enrollment of 8,600, Mercer combines the best resources of both a small liberal arts school with a larger research university, including an active alumni base of 70,000. The school’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports small, intimate classes and tailored instruction. About two-thirds of classes consist of fewer than 20 students, and just 4% have more than 49.

For students interested in computer science-related degrees, Mercer offers three graduate programs: an MSE in Software Engineering, MS in Software Systems, and MS in Technical Communication Management. In particular, the first two master’s cover advanced Java, C++ or C#; Refactoring; Design Patterns; and requirements analysis, object oriented design, object oriented programming, and testing, using iterative, incremental processes. The Tech Communication track is max-impact degree, designed to hone and develop skills essential to managerial roles in the field. All programs are designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers and have the flexibility of an online course load. For interested students, hybrid tracks are also available, combining online course work with traditional, face-to-face classes.
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The first publicly chartered school in the country, the University of Georgia was established in 1785. Today it’s considered one of the best public universities in the nation, as ranked by US News, Princeton Review, Forbes, and other other publications. (US News ranks it 18th among public schools.) Even with its large student body — total enrollment is over 36,000 – UGA maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 to create a vibrant, collaborative educational setting that also provides individualized instruction. Over 40% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and just 13% have more than 49. UGA also prides itself on a top-ranked Honors Program and emphasis on experiential learning.

Computer Science students can look into several tracks at UGA. First, an online Master of Business and Technology (formerly a Master of Internet Technology) that is ranked 16th in the country by US News. Designed as a two-year track for working professionals, courses include Digital Business Technology, Internet Programming, Object Oriented Systems Analysis, Digital Transformation Strategy, User Experience Strategy, and Project Management. Students in the education sector may be interested in UGA’s online MEd in Learning, Design and Technology, with a concentration in Instructional Design and Development. A 36-credit cohort track, students take classes in Instructional Technology, Design & Development Tools, Video Production, Emerging Approaches in Teaching, and Designing and Teaching Online Courses, among others. All courses are built for maximum flexibility to accommodate adult learners and practicing professionals.
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Founded in 1978, the Savannah College of Art and Design, popularly known as SCAD, has a total enrollment of 13,000, with additional campuses in Atlanta, Hong Kong, and France. Considered one of the top art and design schools in the country, SCAD started its online education program in 2003, and today offers a range of affordable, flexible, and highly tailored tracks. SCAD’s 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio helps to maintain intimate, personalized instruction and encourages collaborative education through experiential course work and practicum classes. Over 70% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and no classes are over 49. Further, more than half of students receive some form of financial aid.

SCAD has the largest selection of computer science-related degrees on the list, with a special focus on design. At the undergraduate level, the university offers both a BA and BFA in Graphic Design, and a BA in Interactive Design And Game Development. At the graduate level, choose between a MA/MFA in Graphic Design, MFA in Interactive Interactive Design And Game Development, MFA in Motion Media Design, and MA in Interactive Design And Game Development. All of SCAD’s online degrees are designed integrate grounded theory with real-world practice, and many require multiple project-based classes to build a portfolio.
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Founded in 1969, Clayton State University is a public Tier 2 school with a total enrollment of about 7,000, located just outside of Atlanta in Morrow. Clayton prides itself on one-on-one instruction, and the school’s 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio speaks to this fact, allowing students the comforts of a small class size while also supporting collaborative learning opportunities when appropriate. Over 40% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and just 2.7% have more than 49. CSU also sponsors an excellent financial aid program: 87% of full-time undergrads receive some form of aid, and the average need met is nearly half.

Clayton State offers two bachelor’s for computer science students: a BAS in Technology Management (including three concentration tracks) and BS in Information Technology. The latter consists of 42 major credits, including: Systems Analysis and Design, Information Technology Project Management, Information Security, Architecture and Operating Systems, Human Computer Interaction, and Systems Acquisition, Integration and Implementation. All CSU online classes are designed for maximum flexibility and can be completed according to students’ individual schedules. Accelerated 8-week classes are available in some cases, and students with previous academic credits or work experience may be able to transfer into the program. Additional student services include personal advising, writing assistance, and a center for academic success.
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