Computer Science Program Overview
In today’s fast-paced, information-driven society, combining your previous education and experience with a computer science degree opens a vast number of employment opportunities. Our online Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate degree is designed for working professionals with a prior bachelor’s degree who are looking to make a career pivot, move ahead in their current career path, or deepen their knowledge of computer science in 45 credits.
The program’s flexible format allows you to pursue your degree, full-time or part-time, from anywhere in the world.
By the end of the program, you will have strong skills and knowledge in computing and information technology that can be applied to a wide variety of business or research contexts. These skills and knowledge include:
- Technical proficiency in Python and C++ coding, data mining, software development, artificial intelligence, and more
- The ability to design, implement, and evaluate computer and software-based systems
- A deep understanding of the effects of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
With a computer science degree from CU Boulder’s prestigious College of Engineering and Applied Science, you’ll be positioned to take advantage of one of the world’s fastest-growing career fields.
Program at a Glance
Degree Program:
Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science
Offered By:
Tuition:
Tuition for the Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate program is determined by your residency. For the current rates, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Tuition for the Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate program is determined by your residency. For the current rates, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Credit Hours:
45
What is a Post-Baccalaureate Degree?
A post-baccalaureate (post-bacc) degree is a specialized bachelor’s degree program designed for students who already have at least one bachelor’s degree. Post-baccalaureate programs are typically offered on an accelerated schedule and are tailored to prepare students for graduate school or a specific career. Our online post-baccalaureate degree program offers students the ability to earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science in just 45 credit hours.
As an eCommerce business owner, I rely on software tools to help automate and run my business, and I have lots of ideas for new tools or improvements to existing tools. I am excited to pursue a CS degree to help work on tools to help other business owners.
– Cailyn C. | Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate | Online Student
Computer Science Program Details
Our online post-baccalaureate program is built for professionals who would benefit from a more specialized computer science education. Many of our students are looking to make a career shift from a variety of fields, including business, healthcare, education, biology, and finance. With 100% online courses that match the curriculum of our on-campus courses, you’ll get the world-class education you need to build a career in computing as well as the flexibility of a degree program that fits your lifestyle.
Our instructors are industry leaders and researchers who have a deep knowledge of the courses they teach. Our rigorous, applied learning experience transforms students with diverse academic backgrounds into computer science professionals with a mix of foundational computer science courses and focused electives.
Program Timeline
The fully online post-baccalaureate degree in computer science consists of 45 credit hours of computer science courses. You’ll have the flexibility to start any term — fall, spring, or summer — and you can study from anywhere in the world.
We offer several pathways to completion, including a 2-year plan, a 3-year plan, and an accelerated pathway to earning the degree in under 2 years. We recommend that working adults follow a 2–3-year degree plan.
Applied Computer Science Curriculum
This online program offers you the opportunity to take career-relevant computer science courses and earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science from the College of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Colorado. All courses in this innovative post-baccalaureate program are developed and taught by University of Colorado Boulder faculty who are experts in their field.
Our online students follow the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus students, with coursework that focuses on the fundamentals of computer science, software development, and programming languages before delving into advanced topics in mathematics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data management.
In order to graduate, you must complete at least 45 credit hours of computer science courses. All general education course requirements will be satisfied by your prior bachelor’s degree.
Required Courses (26 Credits)
- Computer Science 1: Starting Computing (CSPB 1300)
- Computer Science 2: Data Structures (CSPB 2270)
- Computer Systems (CSPB 2400)
- Discrete Structures (CSPB 2824)
- Algorithms (CSPB 3104)
- Principles of Programming Languages (CSPB 3155)
- Software Development Methods and Tools (CSPB 3308)
Elective Courses (19 Credits)
In addition to the required courses above, you must take a total of 19 credit hours of elective courses to complete your degree. Several of our elective classes focus on building comprehensive skills in data analysis, including the methods and mechanisms used to process big data. Currently, the following courses are planned to be offered online, with additional courses to be added in the future:
- Linear Algebra with Computer Science Applications (CSPB 2820)
- Introduction to Data Science Algorithms (CSPB 3022)
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (CSPB 3202)
- Design and Analysis of Data Systems (CSPB 3287)
- Introductions to Cybersecurity for a Converged World (CSPB 3403)
- Cognitive Science (CSPB 3753)
- Design and Analysis of Operating Systems (CSPB 3702)
- Information Visualization (CSPB 4122)
- Data Mining (CSPB 4502)
Transfer Credits
Students who have taken on-campus computer science courses at CU can receive credit for a maximum of 15 computer science credit hours before matriculating into the program.
Students who have taken computer science courses from other universities can transfer a maximum of 9 credit hours to the program assuming that the courses are equivalent to the courses in the program.
Students may combine CU and other university transfer credits; however, they may not exceed more than 15 credits total. As part of the admissions process, the Office of Admissions will officially evaluate your credits approximately 2 weeks after admission.
Furthermore, courses that have been taken over 10 years ago may not be transferred to the program.
Admissions
Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student or an international student.
Learn more about the admissions process by filling out the form above or contacting the CSPB Enrollment Advisor today.
We're Here to Help
Our dedicated Enrollment Advisor will help you get more information on this in-demand program, answer questions, and support your journey toward a career in computer science. Schedule an appointment today!
After skimming through the numerous ads for bootcamps around the Denver area, I started to look at real degrees. Eventually, I came across Boulder's online program. It stood out to me because of its rigorous and respected nature. I liked the fact that I was held to the same standards as an on-campus student, but I didn't have to quit my job or scale back hours to do it.
– Aaron M. | Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate | Online Student
Tuition & Fees
As you think about earning a degree in Applied Computer Science, we know that cost is one of the most important aspects to consider. That’s why we’re here to help you explore all the options available to fund your education. Our Enrollment Navigators are available to answer your tuition questions and point you toward resources to help you finance your education. Email us at CSPBonline@colorado.edu or schedule an appointment.
Tuition for the Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate program is determined by your residency. For the current rates, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Career Outlook
A Bachelor’s in Applied Computer Science from CU Boulder is a highly marketable degree — one that will allow you to confidently enter the workforce with skills and knowledge that can be applied to a wide range of roles.
Innovative and well-trained computer science professionals are in high demand across every industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the computer science field is expected to grow by 15 percent from 2021 to 2031 — and these professionals earned a median annual wage that was more than double the national median wage for all occupations as of May 2021.
Many of our students advance their careers within their current organizations using the skills and knowledge gained through the post-baccalaureate program, while others launch new careers or start their own businesses. Over the past seven years, on average, 91% of our undergraduate-level computer science students were employed within six months of completing their degree. Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as Ford Motor Company, Charles Schwab, Churchill Navigation, Vertafore, Return Path, United Launch, and Zayo.