Best Computer Science Degree Programs In Minnesota (2025)
Thinking about advancing your career in tech? Minnesota’s growing demand for computer science skills creates opportunities you can tap into without putting your life on hold. From healthcare and finance to retail and agriculture, industries across the state rely on software developers, cybersecurity specialists, and data scientists to drive innovation—and they’re hiring. With an online computer science degree, you can build expertise in programming, AI, or cloud computing while maintaining your current job or personal commitments, positioning yourself for roles that offer median salaries ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 in Minnesota.
The job outlook here outpaces national averages, with tech employment projected to grow by 15% over the next decade. Major employers like Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth Group—all headquartered in Minnesota—regularly seek talent to develop cutting-edge solutions, from e-commerce platforms to AI-driven healthcare systems. Even smaller companies in booming sectors like agritech and renewable energy need skilled professionals to optimize operations. Programs at Concordia University, St. Paul and Capella University provide flexible online pathways to gain these in-demand skills.
What sets Minnesota apart is its blend of corporate giants and innovative startups, giving you options to work on large-scale projects or niche technical challenges. Whether you’re aiming to transition into tech or move up from an IT role, an online degree lets you apply new knowledge immediately—debugging code during lunch breaks or designing algorithms after the kids are asleep. The state’s tech ecosystem thrives on collaboration, with meetups and hackathons offering chances to network while you learn. If you’re ready to leverage Minnesota’s opportunities, exploring online computer science programs could be your next step toward a role that shapes the future of industries rooted here.
Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Minnesota
Below are the top-ranked Online Computer Science programs in Minnesota, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Concordia University, St. Paul
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Key Highlights
- The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program equips students with essential skills for the tech industry.
- The curriculum includes study of programming with Java, modern web design, database design, and server-side development.
- Students will gain skills in software development, computer programming, and web design.
- The program provides hands-on software development experience through a capstone course.
- The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Description
Concordia University, St. Paul's online B.S. in Computer Science program is designed to equip students with essential skills for the tech industry. The curriculum provides a liberal arts perspective, combining general education with 55 credit hours in the major. Students will study programming with Java, modern web design, database design, and server-side development. The program culminates in a capstone course, offering realistic hands-on software development experience and prepares graduates for top tech jobs.
Program Features
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Software development, Computer programming, Web design, User experience, Object-oriented programming, Security, Core web technologies, Agile techniques
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $420
Sample Courses
Programming with Java, Modern Web Design, Database Design, Server-Side Development, Mobile App Development...
Capella University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Key Highlights
- This Computer Science program integrates Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
- Students gain skills in software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, computer vision, algorithm design, programming languages, and machine learning.
- The curriculum includes courses such as Principles of Programming Languages, Algorithms and Data Structures, Introduction to Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence.
- The program prepares students to function as team members or leaders.
- Students gain practical experience in a virtual learning environment.
- The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at Capella University focuses on design and creation of cutting-edge technology, integrating AI and machine learning. Students learn computational theories, development practices, and gain practical experience in a virtual learning environment, building algorithms and computer systems to address complex, real-world challenges. The program emphasizes software engineering, data science, AI, computer vision, programming languages, and algorithm design using industry-recognized tools and frameworks. Students are prepared to function as team members or leaders with solid understanding of ethical insights.
Program Features
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Software engineering, Data science, Artificial intelligence, Computer vision, Algorithm design, Programming languages, Machine learning
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $14,436/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,436/year
- Additional Cost Information:
Here's a breakdown of Capella University's tuition costs:
FlexPath:
- Billing: $2,500 per 12-week billing session
- Accelerated Pace: $20,000 (20 months)
- Typical Pace: $27,500 (28 months)
- Slower Pace: $42,500 (46 months)
GuidedPath:
- Credit Costs:
- $365 per 1000-2000 level credit
- $415 per 3000-4000 level credit
- Max Transfer Credits: $18,675 (18 months)
- Average Transfer Credits: $42,590 (42 months)
- No Transfer Credits: $70,170 (75 months)
Additional Information:
- Capella Progress Reward Scholarship: $15,000 available
- Potential Savings with CISA Certification: $7,420
Sample Courses
CSC4010 Principles of Programming Languages, CSC4020 Algorithms and Data Structures, CSC4030 Introduction to Machine Learning, CSC4040 Computer Vision, IT4535 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Why Get an Online Computer Science Degree in Minnesota?
Choosing an online computer science degree in Minnesota positions you at the center of a tech landscape primed for sustained growth, with 75% of state occupations projected to expand through 2030 according to Minnesota labor analysts. This growth extends beyond traditional tech sectors, with roles in green energy, advanced manufacturing, and bioinformatics accelerating as companies like 3M and Boston Scientific invest in AI-driven solutions. Software engineering remains a standout—Minneapolis-based professionals earn a mean annual wage of $132,930, reflecting demand that outpaces national salary trends.
Minnesota’s collaborative tech ecosystem amplifies opportunities beyond coursework. Local organizations like MinneAnalytics host hackathons and data science conferences, letting you build connections while completing your degree. Employers increasingly prioritize candidates who can apply emerging tools to sector-specific challenges—whether optimizing supply chains for retail giants or developing precision agriculture platforms for the state’s thriving agritech startups. With remote work options expanding, you could contribute to projects for coastal tech firms while benefiting from Minnesota’s lower cost of living, effectively maximizing earning potential.
As industries here modernize, specialized skills in cybersecurity and distributed systems will become critical—areas where Minnesota’s online programs offer focused electives. By aligning your studies with these regional priorities, you’re not just earning a credential; you’re preparing to fill gaps in a market where tech talent shortages persist. Explore accredited online computer science programs designed to fit your schedule, and position yourself to lead innovation in a state where tech careers are being redefined.
Where Can You Work After Graduating in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s growing tech scene offers diverse opportunities for computer science graduates, particularly in the Twin Cities area. Major employers like the University of Minnesota stand out for roles in research-focused software development and academic technology projects, often collaborating with departments across its Minneapolis campus. Large corporations such as General Mills also hire for tech positions, including data engineering and analytics roles that support their consumer goods operations, with offices across Minneapolis providing structured mentorship programs for early-career professionals. Thomson Reuters, another key player, focuses on legal and financial software solutions, offering roles in cloud computing and AI development at their Minneapolis hub, often with flexible hybrid work options.
Mid-sized firms like Emergent Software and MentorMate, highlighted in industry reports on Minnesota tech employers, provide opportunities to work on custom software projects for clients in healthcare, fintech, and logistics. Emergent Software emphasizes agile development practices and cross-functional teamwork, while MentorMate is known for its global client base and collaborative culture, often hiring for full-stack and mobile development roles. Startups such as Coherent Solutions and Design Center Inc. add to the mix, offering faster-paced environments where you might contribute to emerging technologies in IoT or enterprise software.
For those interested in big tech, companies like Amazon and Microsoft maintain offices in the region—Amazon’s Minneapolis site focuses on cloud services and logistics tech, while Microsoft’s local team (including former Flipgrid developers) works on education-focused software tools, as noted in discussions about Twin Cities tech employers. Remote work options are also increasingly common, with companies like IBM offering roles based out of Rochester in areas like healthcare IT and quantum computing research.
To maximize opportunities, connect with local tech meetups in Minneapolis-St. Paul or attend career fairs hosted by organizations like MinneAnalytics. Many Minnesota employers prioritize candidates with hands-on project experience, so highlighting internships or collaborative coding projects during your job search can strengthen your applications. Regional job boards like Tech.MN and partnerships with coding bootcamps also provide targeted entry points into the state’s tech ecosystem.
How Much Do Software Engineers Make in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, software engineer salaries vary significantly based on experience and data source. Indeed’s Minneapolis-specific data shows an average annual salary of $102,169, with entry-level roles often starting closer to $85,000 in smaller companies or non-tech industries. Salaries here can rise to $120,000 for mid-career professionals (3-7 years) in mid-sized firms, influenced by factors like company funding and project scope. ZipRecruiter’s 2025 projections suggest a higher statewide average of $144,486 per year, reflecting senior roles at large corporations or tech hubs—this figure likely includes bonuses, stock options, or specialized positions in fields like AI or cybersecurity. Engineers with 8+ years in these niches can earn upwards of $160,000 annually. For granular comparisons, Levels.fyi’s Minneapolis-St. Paul report outlines a broader range: $98,000 for early-career roles at startups to $161,800 for senior engineers at established tech firms, with median salaries surpassing the national average of $120,000.
Certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Kubernetes-focused credentials can boost earnings by 10-15%, particularly in industries like healthcare tech or fintech. Remote work opportunities with coastal companies—while maintaining a Minnesota residence—also elevate earning potential. Over the next decade, expect salary growth to align with national tech sector trends, accelerated by demand for engineers skilled in machine learning, DevOps, and scalable systems.
FAQs About Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Minnesota
Common Questions About Minnesota Computer Science Programs
Q: Are these programs accredited? A: Yes, both Concordia University and Capella University hold accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. This ensures their online computer science degrees meet national quality standards, which Minnesota employers like Target and UnitedHealth Group recognize.
Q: How long does it take to finish an online computer science degree? A: Capella University offers 20-month accelerated tracks or 46-month slower-paced options. Concordia’s program typically takes 4 years full-time, but many students finish faster by transferring credits. Check each school’s transfer policies to estimate your timeline.
Q: Can I work while completing the program? A: Absolutely. Capella’s FlexPath lets you set your weekly workload, while Concordia’s courses use asynchronous formats. Many students balance jobs with 15-20 hours/week of study. Schedule flexibility is a key advantage of Minnesota’s online programs.
Q: What career support do these schools offer? A: Both universities provide virtual career fairs, resume reviews, and interview prep. Capella offers salary negotiation workshops and a $15,000 scholarship for students pursuing certifications like CISA. Concordia connects graduates with Twin Cities tech employers through its industry partnerships.
Q: Are scholarships available for online students? A: Capella provides a $15,000 Progress Reward Scholarship and up to $7,420 savings with CISA certification. Concordia offers institutional aid based on GPA and financial need. Minnesota residents might qualify for state STEM grants through MDE’s career resources.
Q: How do online classes compare to in-person learning? A: Online programs cover identical content to campus versions but offer more scheduling flexibility. You’ll miss some lab access but gain virtual tools like cloud-based IDEs. For curriculum comparisons, review degree requirements between BA and BS programs.
Q: What programming languages will I learn? A: Expect Python, Java, and JavaScript as core languages. Advanced courses often include C++ or SQL. Capella’s curriculum emphasizes languages used in cloud computing, while Concordia integrates industry tools like Git and Docker alongside coding instruction.
Q: Do Minnesota employers hire graduates from online programs? A: Yes. Major Twin Cities employers like Best Buy and General Mills actively recruit from accredited online programs. Capella reports 82% of its computer science graduates land tech roles within 6 months, often through employer partnerships built into the programs.