The 8th most populous state in the country, Georgia totals about 10.3 million residents, representing a 5.5% increase since the 2010 census. (The 1990s saw the state’s largest expansion which saw a 25% population increase.) The capital of Atlanta is by far the state’s biggest city, followed by Columbus, Augusta, Macon, Savannah, and Athens. Georgia is also one of the most demographically diverse states in the union: as of 2011, 60% of Georgia’s population younger than age 1 were minorities; 60% of the state identifies as white, 30% as black, and 9% as Latino and Hispanic. Georgia’s economy follows a similar pattern of diversity. Agriculture, mining, logistics, military, energy, film, and tourism all contribute to the state’s economic makeup, which ranks 8th in the country for state GDP (over $400 billion). Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest airport, and 15 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Georgia, including Home Depot, UPS, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Aflac, Southern Company, and Suntrust Bank.
Computer Science opportunities in Georgia
In the last decade, Georgia’s computer science and information technology sector has exploded, keeping pace with national trends. Atlanta in particular has become a major tech magnet in the region, attracting top talent and developing a thriving tech startup community, in large supported by leading higher ed institutions like Georgia Tech, Emory University, and Georgia State. It has been named one of the top-10 cyber cities in the country for technology opportunities, and is also a major player in biotech; in addition to the CDC headquarters, the city is home to many of the South’s largest healthcare providers that are in constant demand for IT, informatics, data analytics and management,
and computer science-related workers. Other major sectors in the city and state looking for CS/IT workers include finance, real estate, engineering, logistics, and more.
Cost for tuition against national average
As mentioned, Georgia’s excellent public colleges and universities are a major source of economic growth and stability, and education remains very affordable compared to the rest of the country. For 2016-17, average tuition at four-year institutions was $8,453, or about $1k less than the national average. That actually represents a 1% year-over-year decline (compared to a 2% national increase) and a 9% increase over five years (compared to a 12% increase overall). Better yet, the same trend holds for two-year community colleges: Georgia’s $3,702 annual tuition for two-year institutions is about $400 less than the national average. That’s an 11% increase over five years, but the same number as 2015-2016. For in-state students, the above translates to world-class public education at a fraction of the national price tag.
Average Salary for computer science-related jobs in Georgia:
- Web Developer: $77,250
- Software Applications Developer: $101,720
- Computer Systems Analyst: $92,310
- Database Administrator: $88,440
- Data Scientist: $114,502
- Information Technology Manager: $112,207
The 5 Best Online CS Degree Providers: GA
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!
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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Directory of Online Computer Science Degrees in Georgia
Mercer University | Macon, GA | Online CS Degrees: 3 | |
ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (478) 301-2700 1501 Mercer University Dr, Macon, GA 31207 |
Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | Online CS Degrees: 3 | |
ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (912) 478-4636 1332 Southern Dr, Statesboro, GA 30458 |
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | Online CS Degrees: 2 | |
ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (404) 894-2000 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30332 |
University of Georgia | Athens, GA | Online CS Degrees: 2 | |
ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (706) 542-3000 Athens, GA 30602 |
Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | Online CS Degrees: 2 | |
ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (678) 466-4000 2000 Clayton State Blvd, Morrow, GA 30260 |
Valdosta State University | Valdosta, GA | Online CS Degrees: 2 | |
ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (229) 333-5800 1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31698 |
Darton State College | Albany, GA | Online CS Degrees: 2 | |
ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (229) 317-6000 2400 Gillionville Rd, Albany, GA 31707 |
Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | Online CS Degrees: 1 | |
ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (470) 578-6000 1000 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144 |
Albany State University | Albany, GA | Online CS Degrees: 1 | |
ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (229) 430-4600 504 College Dr, Albany, GA 31705 |