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Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Design and create cutting-edge technology with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Capella University. Learn computational theories and development practices while integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Through practical experience in a virtual learning environment, you’ll build algorithms and computer systems to address complex, real-world challenges.
As you learn to master software engineering, data science, AI and computer vision, you’ll gain hands-on skills and ethical insights. You’ll also develop a solid foundation in programming languages and algorithm design using industry-recognized tools and frameworks. This program is designed to help prepare you for the dynamic field of computer science, whether you’re a team member or a leader.
Classes start January 6
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- 8–13 General education courses
- 9 Core courses
- 6 Specialization courses
- 8–15 Elective courses
- 2 Capstone courses
- 180 Total quarter credits
- 135 Max transfer credits
Reduce your tuition by $15,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $15,000 Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your bachelor’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore computer science courses
- This degree requires a total of 90 program points in FlexPath or 180 quarter credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete eight–13 general education courses, nine core courses, six specialization courses, eight–15 elective courses and two capstone courses
Show all descriptions
CSC4010
Principles of Programming Languages
6 quarter credits
Learners explore the fundamental concepts of modern programming languages, such as Java, Python, C++/C#, Kotlin, and Rust. Learners gain an understanding of principal language characteristics, including functional, imperative, and object-oriented paradigms; syntax specifications and semantic models; data typing, binding, and scoping; flow control structures and data operations; parameter passing and higher-order functions; and memory management. Learners engage with the practices and techniques of implementing programming languages through the creation of an interpreter for a simple bespoke language. Prerequisite(s): IT2249
6 quarter credits
CSC4020
Algorithms and Data Structures
6 quarter credits
Learners explore the design, implementation, and application of data structures and computing algorithms. Learners gain an understanding of data encapsulation constructs, including linked lists, stacks, queues, hashes, trees, and graphs. Learners apply techniques for sorting and searching; recursive, divide-and-conquer, greedy, and heuristic solving; graph traversal; memoization; and dynamic programming algorithms. Learners practice approaches for performing analysis of run-time complexity and NP-completeness. Prerequisite(s): IT2249, IT2230, MAT1200
6 quarter credits
CSC4030
Introduction to Machine Learning
6 quarter credits
This introductory course exposes learners to modern techniques and workflows for training, testing, and applying machine learning models. Learners gain an understanding of industry standard ML frameworks, including TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras. Learners explore foundational training methodologies such as supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning; neural and deep-neural networks; and clustering and ensemble methods. Learners utilize open-source image and structured data sets to evaluate the effects of over-fitting and generalization on model performance. Prerequisite(s): IT2249, MAT1200
6 quarter credits
CSC4040
Computer Vision
6 quarter credits
Learners explore the fundamentals of computer vision algorithms using industry standard open-source tools and frameworks, including OpenCV. Learners gain an understanding of foundational image processing techniques for feature detection, matching, and tracking. Learners practice techniques for image convolution, classification, and segmentation. Prerequisite(s): IT2249, MAT1200
6 quarter credits
IT4535
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
6 quarter credits
In this course, learners investigate the fundamental problems, theories, and algorithms of the field of artificial intelligence (AI), including heuristic search and game trees, knowledge representation, automated deduction, and its applications, problem-solving and planning, and an introduction to machine learning and other techniques to employ AI. Learners gain an understanding of the fundamental theories of artificial intelligence, and be able to evaluate opportunities for applying AI. Learners who have received credit for IT4310 and IT4320 may not take IT4535. Prerequisite(s): IT2230; IT2240 or IT2249.
6 quarter credits
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our nongraded, noncredit-bearing FlexPath Trial Course, you’ll explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
Get certified as you go
Throughout your program, you will have the option to earn the Google IT Support professional certificate as well as others. The cost of these certificates is included in your tuition,* and you can showcase completion on your resume to demonstrate industry readiness.
*Certificates are not Capella credit-bearing. If this Capella and Coursera partnership ends, learners will be responsible for the cost of completing the remaining portion of any uncompleted Career Academy professional certificate program in which the learner has enrolled. The Coursera Career Academy program page and website are prepared and maintained by Coursera. The statements and views expressed on Coursera’s website do not necessarily reflect the statements or views of Capella University.
What you’ll learn
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program integrates computational theory, practices and techniques with hands-on experience using industry-recognized tools, packages and frameworks. The curriculum focuses on the study and application of software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence and computer vision to produce solutions for modern computing problems. Students develop a foundational understanding of programming languages, along with practical approaches to algorithm design and implementation, while receiving instruction through fundamental and ethically responsible application of machine learning and object recognition. Students will be prepared to assume professional responsibilities to function effectively and ethically as team members or leaders.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
- Use industry-standard tools, packages and frameworks to solve real-world computing problems.
- Explain the importance of actively engaging in continuing professional development.
Review the Capella Career Exploration Guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Program eligible for experiential learning
Use your experience: bring your real-world projects into the courseroom to complete assignments and demonstrate what you're learning.
How much does the BS in Computer Science cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session*
$20,000
ACCELERATED PACE
$27,500
TYPICAL PACE
$42,500
SLOWER PACE
$2,500 per 12-week billing session, $125 resource kit, 90 total program points, 68 max transfer points
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$18,675
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$42,590
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$70,170
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit, $175 resource kit, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. These estimates do not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format are based on “accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students), “typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students), and “slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students) and assumes average number of transfer credits. Tuition estimates shown for programs in the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
*Exclusions and conditions apply. Additional fee of $50 assessed each quarter you request documented credit.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the BS in Computer Science admission requirements?
Applicants to the BS in Computer Science program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A transcript of any reported GED
- 4.5 credits eligible for transfer. See Sophia Admissions Pathways as an option to obtain credits.
- Applicants under the age of 24 must also submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- SAT and ACT are not required for admission
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- High school diploma or equivalent and 45 transferable college credits.
- The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8 OR at least 100 applied transfer college credits. Those with a lower GPA and less than 100 applied transfer college credits may have the option to satisfy GPA and/or transfer credit requirements through successful completion of gen-ed courses through our affiliate Sophia prior to starting a Capella degree program.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater). Those learners will also need to meet the requirement of 45 transfer credits to be approved for the transition into FlexPath.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a bachelor's student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with a BS in Computer Science degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
Job titles to explore*
- Principal systems engineer
- Software development engineer
- Software engineer
- Solutions architect
- Systems engineer
Employment settings to explore*
- Computer systems design services
- Custom computer programming services
- Engineering services
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.