A Guide to Online Computer Science Degrees: New York

With almost 20 million residents, New York is the fourth largest state in the country. Of course, New York City is its largest city, making up 40% of the state’s population. Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, and capital city Albany are the state’s other major urban areas. Driven largely by NYC, New York is one of the country’s most ethnically diverse states; over 20% of residents are foreign-born. New York higher education is equally notable: its 307 degree-granting institutions are behind only California in total number, and SUNY, the public statewide system, is the largest in the U.S., with 460,000 students and 1.1 million continuing education students across 64 campuses. Needless to say, the wealth of high-quality colleges and universities make a major impact on the state’s economy.

With a $1.44 trillion GDP, New York ranks in the country, behind California and Texas, and would rank as the 12th largest in the world. Of course, much of the state’s wealth is generated by New York City, and, in turn, Wall Street, which is increasingly reliant on computer science-related professionals to develop financial technologies. That said, there’s much more to New York’s economy than investment banking, including international trade, healthcare, marketing and advertising, entertainment, and much more. Silicon Alley, as its known in NYC, is home to a variety of media, software development, biotech, game design, communications, and IT-focused companies, in addition to a large flux of startups; the area attracted over $2 trillion in VC investments in 2014. Fortune 500 companies based in New York include IBM, Verizon Communications, Pfizer, J.P. Morgan Chase, American International Group, Time Warner, and more. Google, Facebook, and many other tech giants have offices in NYC.

New York’s impressive roster of public colleges and universities is a major source of economic growth and stability, and education remains very affordable relative to the rest of the country. For 2015-16, average tuition at four-year institutions was $7,707 per year, or nearly $2,000 cheaper than the national average. While that represents a 17% increase over a five-year period, it’s unchanged since last year; and, taking into consideration New York’s high quality of education and well-known priciness, in-state students are getting a steal. (Two-year community college students will pay a slightly steeper rate: $5,261 compared to a national average of about $4,100; up 2% from the year before and 16% the last five years.)

New York Tech Salaries

  • Web Developer: $81,140
  • Software Applications Developer: $$113,120
  • Computer Systems Analyst: $98,090
  • Database Administrator: $91,720
  • Data Scientist: $127,276
  • Information Technology Manager: $126,287

The 5 Best Online CS Degree Providers: NY


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 California 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
Syracuse University
CSZ Score: 99/100
Online CS Degrees:7

Founded in 1870, Syracuse University in New York is a private research school with a total student enrollment of 21,800. One of the top-ranked schools in the region, Syracuse has been highlighted by The Princeton Review, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Forbes, Washington Monthly, and U.S. News & World Report, especially for overall value. Almost 90% of faculty hold terminal degrees, and many are considered leading experts in their discipline. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, instruction is personalized while maintaining a collaborative, peer-to-peer learning environment. Nearly 60% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and less than 10% have more 50. Distinguished alumni include Vice President Joe Biden, Stephen Crane, Samuel Irving Newhouse, Jr., and Megyn Kelly.

For computer science students, Syracuse offers several undergraduate and graduate online options. A BS in Information and Technology Management consists of 120 credits and includes 6 concentration tracks: Database Management, Digital Retail Strategies, Information Security Management, Network and Systems Management, Project Management, and Web Design and Management. Students can further customize the degree through dual major tracks and an accelerated track to the MS is available, too. At the master’s level, Syracuse offers degrees in Information Management, Information Management for Executives, Data Science, Enterprise Data Systems, Library and Information Science, and Library and Information Science School Media. All courses are designed for maximum flexibility, and graduates will enter a Syracuse iSchool alumni base of 10,000.
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2
The New School
CSZ Score: 97.5/100
Online CS Degrees:3

Founded in 1919, the New School in New York City is a premiere liberal arts, performing arts, design, and social research university – ranked 1st in the nation for Art & Design and International Schools by US News – with a total enrollment of about 10,200 and additional campuses in Paris, Shanghai, and Mumbai. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, New School students enjoy intimate, personalized instruction from some of the world’s leading professors and experts in their respective fields, and collaborative, hands-on learning with their peers. Over 90% of classes consist of fewer than 20 students, and just 1% have 50 or more.

Online, New School offers 3 graduate degrees that may be of interest: master’s in Media Management, Strategic Design And Management, and Media Studies. All courses are highly interactive and flexible, delivering asynchronously to allow students to complete course work according to their own schedules. By using the Blackboard learning platform, students have direct access to instructors, group discussion threads, live chat rooms, video conferencing technology, and other tools. Additional student services include tech support, a generous transfer policy, career assistance, advising, and more.
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3
Pace University
CSZ Score: 95/100
Online CS Degrees:4

Founded in 1906, Pace University, with campuses in New York City and Westchester County, has a total enrollment of about 12,900. Pace’s emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning has produced a highly active internship placement program that facilitates more than 5,000 internships, co-ops, field experiences, and clinicals at over 650 employers per year in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Pace combines a tailored, intimate instructional model with a collaborative and vibrant educational setting. Half of classes consist of less than 20 students, and less than 3% have 50 or more. Named by Business Insider as one of the most underrated colleges in the country, Pace’s online programs have been ranked in the top 10 by US News.

For computer science working and aspiring professionals, Pace offers tracks at every level: an AS in Applied Information Technology, a BS in Professional Technology Studies, and two master’s in Internet Technology and Enterprise Analytics. The bachelor’s track consists of 120 credits, half of which can be waived through the university’s generous transfer policy, and includes concentrations in Computer Forensics and Business Technology Leadership. The master’s degrees each consist of 30 credits and can be completed in as little as 2 years. Built-in electives allow for curricular customization to professional needs and interests, and both tracks are designed for working professionals looking to earn managerial roles.
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4
Rochester Institute of Technology
CSZ Score: 94.5/100
Online CS Degrees:4

Rochester Institute of Technology, founded in 1829, is a private university with a total enrollment of about 15,600. Ranked among the best schools in the region, with particular emphasis on overall value and veteran services, RIT has a student-to-faculty of 12:1, supporting one-on-one instruction from leading experts and a collaborative, intimate educational environment. Nearly half of all classes consist of fewer than 20 students, and just 5% have 50 or more. All RIT programs stress a hands-on, experiential approach with career-oriented curricula to prepare students for the workplace. Graduates enter an alumni base of over 110,000 in 147 countries and working at different 3,723 employers.

RIT offers four master’s tracks which may interest computer science professionals, in Computer Security, Microelectronics, Human-Computer Interaction, and Networking & System Administration. Each consists of 30 credits and can be completed in 2 years by full-time students (part-time students can expect a 4-year timeline). Courses are designed for maximum flexibility, including opportunities for accelerated 8-week modules and traditional 16-week to accommodate working professionals’ unconventional schedules; admissions are rolling and there are multiple start dates throughout the year. The school’s generous transfer policy allows for experiential credits, potentially accelerating course work, and 95% of graduates enter the workforce or continue their education.
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5
Mercy College
CSZ Score: 94/100
Online CS Degrees:5

Founded in 1905, Mercy College is a private school with a total enrollment of about 11,300. Mercy’s unique Personalized Achievement Contract is nationally recognized for a pedagogical approach that matches students with professional mentors that provide integrated support for academic, career, and personal improvement. The school also emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning through internship opportunities. With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Mercy maintains intimate, individualized instruction combined with a vibrant and collaborative educational setting. Over half of classes have fewer than 20 students, and just .4% have 50 or more. For those interested, financial aid opportunities are available, as well: 83% of full-time undergraduates receive some form of aid, and the average need met is about 50%.

Mercy offers a variety of online options for computer science students and professionals. Bachelor’s are available in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, and Cybersecurity, each of which consist of 120 credits, 15 of which require residency at the 200-level. (Note that Mercy’s generous transfer policy allows 75-90 credits to be waived.) At the master’s level, Mercy offers an MS in Cybersecurity that consists of 30 credits and can be completed in as little as 18 months; alternatively, the BS-MS combination can be completed in 5 years. Courses include Forensic Computing, Firewall & Intrusion Detection, Data Mining, Applied Cryptography, Info Assurance & Management. All classes are designed for maximum flexibility, and admissions are rolling to fit the schedules of working professionals and adult learners.
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Directory of Online Computer Science Degrees in New York

Syracuse University Syracuse, NY Online CS Degrees: 7

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(315) 443-1870
Syracuse, NY 13210



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Professional Studies in Knowledge Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Management & Technology

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Information Management ForExecutives
  • Master of Science in Computer Engineering
  • Master of Science in Computer Science
  • Master of Science in Telecommunications And Network Management
  • Master of Science in Information Management
Mercy College Dobbs Ferry, NY Online CS Degrees: 5

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(877) 637-2946
555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (Cis)
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Cybersecurity Combined Bs & Ms Degree
  • Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Pace University New York, NY Online CS Degrees: 4

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(866) 722-3338
1 Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • AS in Applied Information Technology
  • BS in Professional Technology Studies

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • INTERNET TECHNOLOGY, MS
  • Doctor of Professional Studies in Computing, DPS
Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY Online CS Degrees: 4

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(585) 475-2411
1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY 14623



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Engineering in Microelectronics
  • Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction
  • Master of Science in Networking & System Administration MS in Computing Security
Polytechnic Institute of New York University Brooklyn, NY Online CS Degrees: 4

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(646) 997-3600
6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Bioinformatics
  • Master of Science in Computer Engineering
  • Master of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Master of Science in Cybersecurity – Management Track
Tompkins Cortland Community College Dryden, NY Online CS Degrees: 4

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(607) 844-8211
Athletics Facility, 170 North Street, Dryden, NY 13053



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Applied Science in Computer Forensics
  • Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
  • Associate of Applied Science in Computer Support Specialist
  • Associate of Applied Science in Web & Mobile Application Design
The New School New York, NY Online CS Degrees: 3

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(212) 229-5600
Johnson Hall, 66 W 12th St, New York, NY 10011



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Media Management At Nspe
  • Master of Science in Strategic Design And Management At Parsons
  • Master of Arts in Media Studies At Nspe
Medaille College Buffalo, NY Online CS Degrees: 3

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(800) 292-1582
18 Agassiz Cir, Buffalo, NY 14214



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems
  • Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
  • Bachelor of Professional Science in Health Information Administration
Canisius College Buffalo, NY Online CS Degrees: 2

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(716) 883-7000
2001 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14208



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Health Information Technology
  • Master in Education Technologies And Emerging Media
SUNY Empire State College Saratoga Springs, NY Online CS Degrees: 2

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(518) 587-2100
111 West Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science, Mathematics And Technology

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Learning And Emerging Technologies
Adelphi University Garden City, NY Online CS Degrees: 1

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(800) 233-5744
1 South Ave, Garden City, NY 11530



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics
Marist College Poughkeepsie, NY Online CS Degrees: 1

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(845) 575-3000
3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Technology Management
Roberts Wesleyan College Rochester, NY Online CS Degrees: 1

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(800) 777-4792
2301 Westside Dr, Rochester, NY 14624



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics Administration