Yes! There are many accredited online computer science degrees that are widely respected in industry and wield as much value as on-campus obtained degrees. Top universities like SNHU, University of Phoenix, and Purdue Global offer fully online CS degrees with the same curriculum as traditional programs.
Research shows that employers increasingly value skills over delivery method. In study published by Bluesky-thinking.com 54% of hiring managers considered online degrees equal to in-person ones.
Can You Work From Home as a Computer Science Major?
Absolutely. CS careers like software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity have the highest remote-work rates according to the FlexJobs 2025 report.
The top remote employers in the space include GitLab, Amazon, and start-ups on AngelList. You can also explore freelance platforms like Upwork, Toptal, etc and see what remote gigs are offered for coding.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Computer Science Online?
If you going for a Bachelor’s degree you should expect to spend 3–4 years. Some institutions like Capella University/Walden University offer accelerated options online computer science programs.
If you go the bootcamp route yes you can spend 3 to 12 months in programs offered by platforms like Udacity, Pluralsight, etc for focused and well-structured tracks
With self-paced approach, it can take you 6 to 8 months to learn computer science online following programs like edX (Harvard’s CS50) or Coursera (Google IT Cert).
Do You Have to Be Really Smart for Computer Science?
No—just persistent. CS relies more on problem-solving practice than innate talent. You can learn and master computer science.
If you need beginner-friendly resources look into online learning platforms like Codecademy and Khan Academy.
Also be aware that the imposter syndrome is common. Even pros use Stack Overflow daily and now ChatGPT and different AI tools. While AI can be useful to handling mechanical tasks and getting quick explainers or some topics and concepts – it is not recommended to rely on AI for your learning journey.
You need to get your hands dirty and learn the concepts first using traditional learning resources: books, courses, videos, mentorships.
Can I Study Computer Science at Home?
Yes, and many do. All you need is a laptop (no high-end specs required) and a good internet connection to access online resources.
For your free low cost learning tools consider, Vs Code (coding editor) and Github Student Pack which has 6 months’ worth of free access to over 70 practical courses that span critical computer science topics like Web Development, Python, Java, and Machine Learning, etc.
For structured courses some of your best programs are the MIT OpenCourseWare and Udemy‘s CS101 program.
FAQs
Are online CS degrees taken seriously by employers?
Indeed -especially if these are offered by regionally accredited schools like SNHU or ASU Online.
What’s the easiest computer science job to get remotely?
Front-end development (HTML/CSS/JS) or IT support (Google Cert via Coursera) are amongst the easiest computer science jobs to get remotely.
Can I get a CS job in 1 year without a degree?
It is possible but no easy. However coding bootcamps like Thinkful, Springboard plus a strong portfolio of projects make this achievable.
How hard is math in online CS degrees?
Most online computer science programs include algebra and discrete math as core subjects. These can be challenging subjects however resources like Khan Academy make it easier to bridge any gaps, especially for beginners.
Final Thoughts
An online CS degree is a flexible, credible path to tech careers. Platforms like edX (MicroBachelors) and MasterClass (Chris Hadfield’s problem-solving lessons) supplement formal education. Whether you choose Walden University’s BSCS or self-study via Udemy, focus on projects, internships, and networking to stand out.