Can I work while studying for my bachelors degree in computer science?
While studying for a bachelors degree in any field can be very demanding, it is possible to work while you earn your computer science bachelor degree online or at a traditional university. It is important to maintain a balance between working and studying, however, and doing both full time is not recommended as it could easily lead to you burning out.
One of the best ways to supplement the skills you acquire in an on-campus or online computer science bachelors degree is by working in the field of computer science. Such entry-level jobs include being an IT technician, doing technical support over the phone or installing or repairing computer systems. The advantage to working in the field is that not only will you gain valuable knowledge in addition to what you learn at school, you will also already have experience on your resume upon earning your traditional or online computer science bachelor degree.
A disadvantage to working while studying for your bachelors is encountering potential scheduling conflicts. However, if you are earning an online bachelor degree in computer science, you will have more flexibility in scheduling your coursework around your job.
Are there any brick-and-mortar colleges that offer an online computer science bachelors degree program?
Some brick-and-mortar colleges have programs where you can earn an accredited computer science bachelors degree online. One such institution is Regis University, which offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This degree covers computer networking, programming skills, data administration, IT project management and a comprehensive array of business skills to prepare students for lucrative careers in computer science.
Students enrolled in this program can choose to complete their degree entirely online or as a mix of online and on-campus coursework. This top online bachelors in computer science requires 128 credit hours for completion, which traditionally takes 4 years, though there are accelerated options available, including the option to complete semester-long classes in 5 or 8 weeks. In addition, if you are interested in earning a masters in computer science, Regis offers an accelerated combined bachelors and masters degree program.
Another traditional university offering a BS in Computer Science online is Oregon State University. This computer science online bachelor degree program can actually be completed in 1 year if you are already enrolled in a different bachelors degree program or you already hold a BS in a different field. The program consists of coursework that takes place entirely online.
Are there any scholarships for traditional or online bachelors degree students in computer science?
There are several scholarships tailored specifically for students pursuing a computer science bachelors online or at a traditional university. These scholarships range from paying for just a few of your online computer science courses to covering your entire tuition. Some of the top computer science schools offer their own scholarships for computer science students, which you can learn about through your university’s financial aid office or website.
One nationwide scholarship offered to students interested in pursing computer science is the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, a government-sponsored scholarship awarded to full-time sophomores or juniors pursuing careers in computer science, mathematics or engineering. Up to 300 are awarded annually.
Several private companies, especially those in the technology and computer science fields, also offer scholarships to students enrolled in on-campus or online bachelor degree programs in computer science. One such scholarship is the Microsoft Scholarship program. This software giant awards over half a million dollars in scholarships annually to college students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who wish to pursue careers in computer science or related technical fields.
In addition, Google offers several scholarships for students studying computer science and IT, as well as scholarships to cover travel costs for students interested in attending computer science conferences.
Can I study abroad during my on-campus or online bachelors degree program in computer science?
Because computers can be found everywhere today, most universities around the world offer courses and degrees in computer science. Thus, it is possible to study abroad if you are earning a bachelors in computer science at a brick-and-mortar university.
For example, Carnegie Mellon University allows students earning a bachelors from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department to spend a semester or even a full year studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China or National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan. If you are thinking of enrolling in an on-campus bachelors degree program and would like to study abroad, contact the study abroad office at your prospective school to see if this is possible.
Study abroad is far less common for online students, even those enrolled in the best online bachelors degree in computer science programs. However, since your classes do not take place on a specific campus, it is far easier to travel abroad while pursuing your computer science degree, as long as you have access to a computer. Alternatively, if your online bachelors program is run by a traditional university, you can always inquire at the study abroad office about opportunities for you through the university’s partner colleges around the world.
