A Guide to Online Computer Science Degrees in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is the 6th most populous state in the country and is known for its diverse landscape, unique cultural communities, higher education, and its eclectic cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Both cities are home to some of the finest institutions in the United States- Carnegie Mellon University and Drexel University. Industries like banking, agriculture, and film are still prevalent across the state, with the addition of information technology focused businesses. Philadelphia has shifted to become a much more IT-centric economy. That combined with Pennsylvania’s strong infrastructure, and continual large and small city growth has made Pennsylvania a great option for jobs in computer science.

Computer Science opportunities in Pennsylvania

Thanks to Pennsylvania’s grants for funding tech companies, tax-free zoning, and affordable locations, many tech companies head to Philadelphia and even smaller towns like Harrisburg to launch their latest innovative ideas. And with Pennsylvania’s great location, startups not only benefit from state incentives, they also benefit from their pretty powerful neighbors- Washington D.C., New York, and Baltimore. The Office of Innovation and Technology in Philadelphia was established to increase utility of the information technology infrastructure in Philadelphia and link technology and business. Computer and technology-related startups in Pittsburgh are also launching at an astronomical rate. The latest from Carnegie Mellon includes Cognistx which develops to help retailers better engage with their customers- bolstering two industries at once. Clever technical solutions such as these continue to raise the demand for educated individuals who are looking for opportunities in this massively growing field. The governor of Pennsylvania even issued action for high school students who have taken an interest in the field of technology- making technology education not only accessible but also applicable to students even before they enroll in a university. Healthcare, another major industry in not only Pennsylvania but the nation, is seeking out technological solutions that not only streamline data, but save lives. Tech companies like Forest Devices for example, developed a device that determines in less than one minute if someone is experiencing a stroke. Technology is useful everywhere and in so many economic sectors. It’s no wonder that those with a computer science background are flocking to Pennsylvania to help them make their tech start up dreams a reality

Cost for tuition against national average

Pennsylvania has some of the finest public education schools in the country with phenomenal programs that rank as some of the best in the world. Penn State dominates the public four-year university sector and as a public flagship institution has overall set the average price of tuition as of 2016 at $11,065. Though about $2,000 above the national average, we believe the quality of classes and vast range of online options offsets the costs. Cost of living in Pennsylvania is also below the national average. In large part, that is due to the lower housing prices in Pennsylvania. Renters save hundreds of dollars a month compared to the rest of the U.S. and with the huge global campus presented through Penn State, there is no need to set foot inside of a brick and mortar campus or to pay for room and board. Adult parents who would need to seek out childcare services for their time in a classroom also save tremendously. Combined with the average cost for room and board and the cost of commuting and paying for childcare, those who study online in Pennsylvania look at saving close to $100,000 in education costs.

Average Salary for various jobs in the state:

  • Web Designer $70,781
  • Software Applications Developer $84,000
  • Operating Systems Programmer $90,757
  • Database Administrator $85,119
  • Data Scientist $118,906
  • Information Technology Manager $119,922

The 5 Best Online CS Degree Providers: PA

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
Carnegie Mellon University
CSZ Score: 98/100
Online CS Degrees:3

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1900 as a technical school, today Carnegie Mellon University enrolls over 13,600 students. Classes remain small at Carnegie Mellon and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. According the U.S. News Carnegie Mellon University is ranked as the 24th best university in the nation, 14th best college for veterans, and 45th best value school. As one of the top 100 schools in the world, Carnegie Mellon ranks highly across departments with particular nod to their business, engineering, and social sciences schools among several others. Their computer engineering program is one of the best in the world and programming aims to tackle problems of the future through robotics, big data, innovative start-ups, brain science and much more. The Middle State Commission on Higher Education accredits Carnegie Mellon University to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Carnegie Mellon University offers 3 computer science- related degrees. They are the Master of Science in Information Technology, Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance, and the Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analysis. Since 2005, Carnegie Mellon has ranked number 1 for their information, technology, and management programs. Each degree is 144 unit of coursework which is broken down into 60 units of core material, 84 unite of electives, and 12 units of independent study. We love their programs for their high quality as well as their student support services. In addition to their fantastic online option, Carnegie Mellon provides further support your needs through the Learning for a Lifetime initiative that includes free open source course material (MOOCS) and others that will help you to supplement and further tailor your studies to meet your goals. There are hundreds of additional options for students but some of the computer science-related options we like include music and technology, computational finance, information technology, information networking, and information security just to name a few.

2
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
CSZ Score: 97.5/100
Online CS Degrees:4

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private four-year university located in the state capital. There are 3,500 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Middle State Commission of Higher Education accredits Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to award bachelor’s, master’s degree’s, and a Ph.D in data sciences. Harrisburg University is home to the Agile Lean Center of Science and Technology, The Geospatial Technology Center, and the Security Center of Excellence among other. Degree programs are centered around the STEM field, and students are equipped to tackle the challenges and demands of the ever-growing STEM job market. These career-focused degrees have placed 92% of graduates into a job in their field. The year-round calendar helps students to accelerated the process and their fixed tuition rate aids in predictable financial planning. HUST offers a wide-range of online bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology offers four online computer science-related degree programs. Students may choose from the accelerated B.S. in digital marketing, M.S. in Learning Technologies, M.S. in Information Systems Engineering and Management, and an M.S. in Analytics. Harrisburg uses the E2C format for online learners. The instructor-led sessions are broadcast using Adobe Connect. Students must engage with the assignments at the same time as in real-time, but have the added benefit of learning virtually anywhere. Some of the computer science-related programming requires one day per month visits to campus. It is important to check with your head of department before registering to determine which programs require on-campus time. We like these programs for the high quality of classes as well as their immediate relevance in today’s work place. The bachelor’s program features an accelerated format with 7-week classes, practical experience, discussions and projects. This program is offered 100% online.

3
Lehigh University
CSZ Score: 96.5/100
Online CS Degrees:2

Lehigh University is a private research university located in Bethlehem. This historic town is just a short drive to New York or Philadelphia. There are over 7,000 students enrolled who benefit from their small classes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. According to U.S. News Lehigh University ranks as the 44th best school in the nation, 38th best value school and highly for their online MBA and engineering programs. There are five academic colleges offering degrees: Arts & Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, College of Education, and the College of Business & Economics. There are over 2,300 courses offered. As a research university, all students have the opportunity to engage in research including undergraduate students. In fact, over 1,000 undergraduates take part in research every year, and 55 students engaged in research received funding for their own projects! Lehigh is regionally accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education.

Lehigh offers two computer science-related degrees including a Master of Science in Healthcare Systems Engineering, and a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering. Online classes are delivered through two learning platforms including Classroom LIVE which delivers classes in real time from Lehigh’s campus, and also through Classroom Online which is an asynchronous online format that allows for further flexibility though web-conferencing and streaming video. As one of the top tier research schools globally, Lehigh University offers excellent quality classes and innovative programming. The world-class faculty are engaged and involved in your learning. Professors interact through email, discussion board, web-conferencing or telephone. We like this program for its academic excellence, flexible delivery methods and student support.

4
La Salle University
CSZ Score: 94.5/100
Online CS Degrees:3

La Salle University is a private Roman Catholic University located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Originally founded as an all male school, La Salle University is now a co-educational institution that enrolls 5,675 students. The student body benefits from their small classes and a the student-to-faculty ratio which is just 12:1. According to U.S. News La Salle University ranks as the 35th best school in the region, 19th best college for veterans, and 16th best value school. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits La Salle University to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs that range from the bachelor’s to doctoral level. We like La Salle not only for their high quality of classes but also their flexibility afforded through adult education, online/distance learning, and their hybrid courses and distinct programs. There are three colleges and schools offering academic programs including their school of business, school of arts and sciences, and school of nursing and health sciences.

La Salle University offers 3 computer science-related degrees including the M.S. in Information Technology Leadership, M.S. in Instructional Technology, and the M.S. in Computer Information Science. Students participate in asynchronous sessions with discussion boards, blogs, journals as well as sychronously through real-time chat and video or audio web conferencing. The format is entirely online and each course is 8-weeks- allowing for two courses per semester and an accelerated graduation time. Master’s degrees are between 36 and 45 graduate credit hours. The IT Leadership program focuses on managerial, technical, and technology management competencies. While the instructional technology manager degree prepares students for web design, usability, and visual literacy, as well as project management, media production and much more. We like the high quality comprehensive education, flexible course delivery, and level of student support offered at La Salle University.

5
Immaculata University
CSZ Score: 94/100
Online CS Degrees:1

Immaculata University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Malvern is one the main line in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Originally founded as a woman’s college, Immaculata is now a co-educational institution that enrolls nearly 3,000 students. Classes are small and the student-to-faculty ratio is just 9:1. U.S. News ranks Immaculata University as the 152nd best school in the nation. We like Immaculata University for its quality classes and flexible programs that include accelerated and online options as well as the over 60 programs available on campus. Programming is appropriate for both traditional and non traditional learners. In fact, there are more than 900 traditional degree programs available and over 600 adult/ non-traditional programs. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Immaculata University to offer associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.

Immaculata University offers a number of online bachelor’s degree programs including the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management. We selected Immaculata University for its high quality of classes, flexible offerings and generous transfer policies. The total credit requirements for this program are 126 where 54 are related to the major, 27 are liberal arts core credits, and 45 are electives- giving students added flexibility when it comes to tailoring their degrees to match their interests. In addition to health care information systems, and applied research experience, candidate of this program additional learn about the legal and social aspects of health care, organizational ethics, and leadership in health care settings. The program is versatile for individuals seeking employment in health care informatics as well as management. The university boasts as 92% retention rate indicating high levels of student satisfaction. All programs are taught by the same faculty as on-campus and include professional development services.

Directory of Online Computer Science Degrees in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Harrisburg, PA Online CS Degrees: 4




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(717) 901-5100
326 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • B.S. Digital Marketing

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Learning Technologies
  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Systems Engineering And Management
  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Analytics
Robert Morris University Moon, PA Online CS Degrees: 4




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(800) 762-0097
6001 University Blvd, Moon, PA 15108


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Engineering Management
  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Security And Assurance
  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Internet Information Systems
  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Competitive Intelligence Systems
Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA Online CS Degrees: 3




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(412) 268-2000
5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Business Intelligence & Data Analytics
  • Master of Science in Information Security & Assurance
  • Master of Science in Information Technology & Management
La Salle University Philadelphia, PA Online CS Degrees: 3




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(215) 951-1000
1900 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19141


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership (M.S. Itl)
  • M.S. Degree in Instructional Technology Management
  • Ms Computer Information Science
Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(610) 758-3000
27 Memorial Dr W, Bethlehem, PA 18015


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Healthcare Systems Engineering
  • Master of Science in Management Science And Engineering
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg, PA Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(570) 389-4000
400 E 2nd St, Bloomsburg, PA 17815




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Instructional Technology
Clarion University of Pennsylvania Clarion, PA Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(814) 393-2000
840 Wood St, Clarion, PA 16214




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Leadership

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Education in Technology
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park, PA Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(814) 865-5403
100 Innovation Blvd, University Park, PA 16802




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences And Technology
  • Bachelor of Science in Security And Risk Analysis – Information And Cyber Security Option
Immaculata University Immaculata, PA Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(610) 647-4400
1145 W King Rd, IMMACULATA, PA 19345




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Villanova University Villanova, PA Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(610) 519-4500
800 Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Computer Engineering Cybersecurity
Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, PA Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(717) 361-1000
1 Alpha Dr, Elizabethtown, PA 17022




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Science in Information Systems
Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia, PA Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(610) 660-1000
5600 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Business Intelligence And Analytics
Mercyhurst University Erie, PA Online CS Degrees: 1





ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

:(814) 824-2000
501 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16546


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Applied Intelligence
King’s College Wilkes-Barre, PA Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(570) 208-5900
133 N. River Street Wilkes-Barre, Pa 18711




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
DeSales University Center Valley, PA Online CS Degrees: 1





ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(610) 282-1100
2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, PA 18034


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Education in Technology in Education
Gwynedd Mercy College Geynedd Mercy, PA Online CS Degrees: 1





ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

:(215) 646-7300
1325 Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Education – Business, Computers And Information Technology Certification
Peirce College Philadelphia, PA Online CS Degrees: 1





ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(215) 545-6400
1420 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19102




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Information Technology