100% Online

Online Bachelor's Degree in Applied Computer Science

REQUEST INFORMATION
Ready to learn more about the
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, transfer credits process, and financial aid options.
34
Total Courses
$371
Cost per Credit
4 years
Average Completion*
15–18 Hours/Week
Course Effort

BS in Applied Computer Science Overview

Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 26% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. It’s time to get the computer science degree your career deserves and be ready for your next big opportunity.

  • Earn your degree 100% online, on your schedule
  • Study all aspects of computer science with practical, hands-on learning opportunities
  • Prepare to advance in software development, information security, systems research and management, and other computer science fields
  • Develop critical skills in mathematics
  • Complete an optional micro-credential in artificial intelligence, or another career-related subject, as part of your degree

Move Your Career Forward

In this online computer science degree program, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge that are most important to today’s employers.

You’ll learn to apply fundamental and emerging concepts of computer science, analyze computer systems, create complex software applications, find solutions to challenging IT problems, effectively collaborate with teams, and make ethical decisions.

Throughout this program, you can apply what you learn directly to your current workplace and prepare to advance your career. The BS in Applied Computer Science program culminates in a capstone project based on your professional interests.

Review College Scorecard data for this program.

See Program Degree Plan and Policies

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Calculate Your Time and Cost

Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.

Get Started

What Courses Will I Take?

With your applied computer science degree, you’ll have the working knowledge of the concepts, methods, and emerging technologies to design information systems. Most of the courses for your major will include hands-on projects and AI applications.

Plus, all our courses are regularly updated by our dedicated curriculum department and advisory board to ensure they reflect the most recent developments in the field. You’ll be ready to add value to your current workplace and advance in a fast-changing IT industry.

Sample Courses

  • Advanced Database Concepts
  • Software Engineering
  • Network Security Concepts
  • Operating Systems
  • Computer Architecture
  • Programming for Data Analysis (Python, R, and Java)
See All Applied Computer Science Courses

Program Requirements

9
Core Courses
19
Major Courses
6
Elective Courses
34
Total Courses
180
Total Quarter Credits

1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours

3-Week Trial

Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Try an undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week trial period.

There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply. That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.

Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial. See Notes and Conditions below.

Admissions Requirements

You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You must also complete orientation before you start classes.

Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

Customize Your Degree With a Micro-Credential

Use your elective credits to earn an optional micro-credential that aligns with your career goals and interests. Enhance your skills in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, business, and more, while earning your bachelor’s degree. The micro-credential is seamlessly integrated into your program, if you choose to pursue it.

Featured Micro-Credential

Exploring AI: Core Concepts and Applications
Explore the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in this micro-credential program. You’ll examine topics including generative AI, ethical considerations about the use of AI, and the use of AI applications in various professions.

Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Get a Head Start on Your Master's Degree

Complete your master’s degree sooner with a graduate program pathway. It weaves graduate-level courses into your bachelor’s program, giving you a jump on your master’s degree requirements. You’ll save on time and tuition compared with finishing both programs separately.

Plus, your degrees don’t have to be in the same fields. You can customize your academic journey to support your career goals and interests. To learn more, view the University Catalog or connect with an Advisor.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Earn Credit for Prior Coursework and Experience

The average bachelor's degree student pays $15k and takes 2.3 years to complete their degree.

Get the Credit You Deserve

Ways to Save on Time and Tuition

Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.

Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.

Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

Undergraduate tuition savings for military include a 55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans.

Earn credit for your military training. The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.

View the total cost of attendance for your program.

Career Opportunities

It’s predicted that America will have about 356,700 IT job openings each year from 2023 to 2033. Purdue Global will prepare you to pursue a wide range of careers in information technology.

Average Salary

Range

General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control.

Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional certification or licensing may be required to work in certain fields.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

100%

IT faculty members who have advanced degrees

36%

IT faculty members who hold a doctorate

484

Faculty publications in 2022–2023

More Than 40,000

Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2022–2023

Advanced and Doctoral Degrees: Statistics include all Purdue Global IT faculty members. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, May 2022.
Publications and Development Hours: Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023. 2022–2023 academic year.

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Estimated Graduation Date and Average Completion: Estimated graduation date is based on the assumption that you will enroll in time to begin classes on the next upcoming start date, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Completion time is based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.

Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment. Additional certification or licensing may be required to work in certain fields.

Certification Exams: Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.

Completion Time and Average Net Price: Cost and completion times for individual programs may vary. Average institutional completion time for Purdue Global degree students who graduated in the 2022–2023 academic year. Average net price reflects all institutional-level charges for all graduates, including those who transferred to Purdue Global, after application of scholarships, tuition reductions, grants (including federal Pell grants for undergraduate students), employer tuition assistance, and/or military tuition assistance. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023.

Credit for Prior Learning: Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit from any of these sources. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

Graduate Program Pathways: To start a Graduate Program Pathway, students should consult with their Student Advisor to confirm eligibility. Not all Graduate Program Pathways are available on all tracks, and some may require students to meet academic standards to continue taking graduate courses in their bachelor’s degree program. Visit the University Catalog for more information.

Job Growth—Computer and Information Research Scientists: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Research Scientists Occupations, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Job Growth—Computer and Information Technology: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Three-Week Trial: Students who inform Purdue Global they do not wish to pursue the program during the 3-week trial will not be charged. Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial, and will need to meet other specific requirements. Classes will be applied toward a degree if satisfactorily completed and students select to continue their studies at Purdue Global. No credits are earned if the student withdraws during the introductory period (3 weeks for new qualifying undergraduate students), which begins day one of the first term. Graduate programs and BS in Professional Flight not included. Additional terms may apply to international and non-U.S. citizen students. For further information, see the University Catalog.