[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online learners can finish accelerated computer science programs in less than four years by taking more courses simultaneously, enrolling in condensed classes, or attending school throughout the summer.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Popular concentrations in accelerated computer science programs include AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, project management, and software engineering.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many careers pursued by computer science graduates — including information security analyst and computer network architect — boast median annual salaries above $100,000.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Over the last several decades, computer science has evolved to interact with almost every industry, corporation, and individual. For example, Statista estimates over [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.statista.com/statistics/1559435/connected-devices-worldwide/” target=”_blank”]17.4 billion devices[/hen-ui-link] are connected to the internet as of 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As computer science has grown, so have career opportunities in the industry. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]Computer science programs[/hen-ui-link] allow you to learn the necessary skills and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/what-is-an-accelerated-program/”]accelerated programs[/hen-ui-link] can help you earn your CS degree faster than the traditional four-year timeline.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to explore the top accelerated computer science programs, career paths, and specializations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Benefits of an Accelerated Computer Science Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/accelerated/”]accelerated bachelor’s program[/hen-ui-link] helps you complete a degree in a condensed time frame. Highlights of these programs include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Relevant Skills: [/hen-ui-text]Accelerated computer science degree programs teach essential programming and data structuring skills that graduates can use in an array of careers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Product Creation: [/hen-ui-text]Graduates of computer science programs can pursue jobs where they contribute to the product creation process, helping develop tangible tools for other people to use.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Remote Work Potential: [/hen-ui-text]Because computer science jobs are so entwined with technology, professionals in this field can often work partially or fully from home, saving money on relocation and transit.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Accelerated Learning: [/hen-ui-text]Attendees of accelerated programs can graduate and enter the workforce more quickly than their counterparts in traditional programs, meaning they can begin earning salaries faster than other students.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects many computer science jobs will grow in the coming years. For example, the BLS projects software developer careers [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm” target=”_blank”]will grow 17%[/hen-ui-link] between 2023 and 2033 — much faster than the average career growth rate.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accelerated Bachelor’s in Computer Science Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the best schools offering accelerated computer science degrees are listed below. Accelerated computer science programs specifically at the bachelor’s level are relatively uncommon, as many schools focus on combined bachelor’s and master’s degree options.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our list features a variety of formats to showcase the different ways institutions structure their accelerated pathways.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Top Accelerated Bachelor’s in Computer Science Programs[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Student Population[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Type of Accelerated Computer Science Program[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Graduation Rate[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Net Price: 2022-23[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”][hen-ui-link href=”https://scds.uoregon.edu/cs/graduate-programs/accelerated” target=”_blank”]University of Oregon[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Student Population”]23,786[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Accelerated Computer Science Program”]BS-to-MS[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Graduation Rate”]71%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Net Price: 2022-23″]$23,917[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”][hen-ui-link href=”https://cs.camden.rutgers.edu/undergraduate/accelerated-degree/” target=”_blank”]Rutgers University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Student Population”]5,776[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Accelerated Computer Science Program”]BS-to-MS[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Graduation Rate”]66%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Net Price: 2022-23″]$18,735[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/computerscience/” target=”_blank”]Lewis University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Student Population”]6,636[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Accelerated Computer Science Program”]Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Graduation Rate”]63%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Net Price: 2022-23″]$19,472[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.regis.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/undergraduate/computer-science-bs-online” target=”_blank”]Regis University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Student Population”]4,631[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Accelerated Computer Science Program”]Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Graduation Rate”]61%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Net Price: 2022-23″]$25,062[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/computer-science.html” target=”_blank”]Western Governors University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Student Population”]185,015[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Accelerated Computer Science Program”]Online BS-to-MS[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Graduation Rate”]51%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Net Price: 2022-23″]$9,555[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/bs-in-computer-science” target=”_blank”]Southern New Hampshire University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Student Population”]184,099[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Accelerated Computer Science Program”]Online BS-to-MS[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Graduation Rate”]45%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Net Price: 2022-23″]$33,163[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”][hen-ui-link href=”https://harrisburg.psu.edu/science-engineering-technology/computer-science-bs-ms” target=”_blank”]Pennsylvania State University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Student Population”]4,651[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Accelerated Computer Science Program”]BS-to-MS[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Graduation Rate”]29%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Net Price: 2022-23″]$22,406[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation for Computer Science Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants should ensure their prospective schools or programs have received accreditation from an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accreditation agency[/hen-ui-link]. Holding institutional accreditation verifies that a school meets standards of academic excellence.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-computer-science/”]master’s degree in computer science[/hen-ui-link], you typically need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Some programs require your undergraduate degree to be in computer science, while others [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-computer-science/non-cs-majors/”]programs accept applicants from non-CS backgrounds[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to institutional accreditation, which applies to an entire school, individual computer science programs can hold programmatic accreditation from agencies like ABET. This form of accreditation is optional but affirms that a department’s coursework helps prepare learners for careers in their field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Jobs for Computer Science Program Graduates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer science covers a variety of subsections and careers. Below, you’ll find some of the most popular career paths and their annual median pay as of 2024, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accelerated Computer Science Degree Concentrations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools offer general [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]computer science degrees[/hen-ui-link], while other institutions offer specializations to prepare students for careers in particular subfields. Acquiring expertise in a computer science niche can help graduates qualify for specific jobs, some of which pay higher-than-average salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Below, we explore common concentrations for computer science degrees, including:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Artificial Intelligence[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computing Systems[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cybersecurity[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data Analytics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Game Design[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High-Performance Computing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mobile App Development[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Project Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Software Engineering[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Web Development[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Artificial Intelligence[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Enrollees in computer science bachelor’s degrees with an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/artificial-intelligence/”]artificial intelligence[/hen-ui-link] concentration study machine learning techniques and design innovative solutions to real-world issues. Specialization courses may include logic for programming and introduction to computer vision. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Skill=Artificial_Intelligence_(AI)/Salary” target=”_blank”]According to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], professionals with artificial intelligence skills earn an average salary of $142,000 as of July 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technology enthusiasts who believe in the future of artificial intelligence and machine learning may thrive in this concentration.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Computing Systems[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computing systems refer to devices or components that can process or store data. Individuals pursuing this specialization learn to create complex computing systems and organize the accompanying data. Graduates can pursue careers like computer systems analyst, which earns an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_Systems_Analyst/Salary” target=”_blank”]average salary of $82,140[/hen-ui-link] as of April 2025, according to Payscale.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]FAQ About Accelerated Computer Science Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How fast can I get a computer science degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typical bachelor’s in computer science degrees take four years of full-time study, while learners can finish accelerated computer science degrees within three or fewer years. Accelerated program attendees often take more courses simultaneously or work through summers to complete the degree in fewer than four years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Are accelerated computer science degree programs accredited?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, accredited accelerated computer science degree programs exist. During the application process, check each school on your list to ensure it holds institutional accreditation from an authorized accrediting agency. Most school websites display their accreditation status, but applicants can also use [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/search-programs” target=”_blank”]free search tools[/hen-ui-link] to verify this information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Should I get an accelerated computer science degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals who want to learn about computer science and graduate on a faster timeline can enroll in accelerated computer science programs. Accelerated computer science degrees teach the same principles as traditional computer science bachelor’s programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,905,1538″][/hen-ui-article-row]