Top Computer Science Degree Programs In Virginia
Earning a computer science degree online in Virginia opens doors to high-demand careers in a state thriving with tech innovation. With major employers like Capital One, Northrop Grumman, and Amazon Web Services expanding their presence, skilled professionals can shape industries ranging from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence. The average salary for computer science roles in Virginia exceeds $110,000 annually, with software developers and information security analysts seeing particularly strong growth—projected to expand by 25% over the next decade.
Flexible online programs let you balance coursework with professional commitments while gaining hands-on experience through virtual labs and collaborative projects. Virginia’s proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors creates unique opportunities in government-related tech sectors, where security clearances and specialized skills command premium compensation. Employers increasingly value competency over traditional campus attendance, especially when paired with certifications in cloud computing or data analytics.
Several Virginia schools offer respected online computer science programs recognized for academic rigor and industry-aligned curricula. These programs prepare you to solve real-world challenges through coursework in machine learning, network architecture, and software engineering—skills directly applicable to positions at Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing startups alike. Whether you’re transitioning from another field or advancing in your current tech role, an online degree provides the credentials to compete for leadership roles in Virginia’s $48 billion technology sector.
The combination of remote learning convenience and strong local job markets makes this path particularly strategic. As companies accelerate digital transformation initiatives, your ability to design scalable systems or optimize cybersecurity frameworks becomes critical to their success—and your career trajectory. Explore program options through resources like Online Computer Science Programs in Virginia to find pathways aligning with your professional goals and schedule.
Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Virginia
Below are the top-ranked Online Computer Science programs in Virginia, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Key Highlights
- Old Dominion University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is ABET-accredited.
- The program prepares graduates for roles in software development, network administration, and information security analysis.
- Students will gain skills in software development, network administration, database administration, and information security analysis.
- The curriculum covers experimental techniques, engineering methodology, and problem solving.
- Old Dominion University's program is ranked among the top programs by Intelligent.com and AcademicInfluence.com.
- The program offers a strong military pathway, allowing students to tailor military experience into college credits.
- Guaranteed admission agreements with Virginia Community Colleges make it an accessible option for students.
Program Description
Old Dominion University's online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program provides students with a wide range of knowledge and applied skills in the field. The curriculum covers experimental techniques, engineering methodology, and real-world problem-solving. Graduates will be prepared for roles in software development, network and database administration, and information security analysis. The program is designed to accommodate both students with no prior college credits and those seeking to transfer existing credits.
Program Features
- Accreditation: ABET
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Software development, Network administration, Database administration, Information security analysis, Problem solving, Experimental techniques, Engineering methodology
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Cost Per Credit: $408
- Out-of-State Cost Per Credit: $439
- Additional Cost Information:
Active duty military students may qualify for a discounted undergraduate tuition rate.
- These rates are effective Fall 2024.
- Rates are subject to change.
Liberty University
Computer Science Cybersecurity (B.S.)
Key Highlights
- The Computer Science Cybersecurity (B.S.) program covers topics including programming, data structures, database management, network architecture, and information security.
- Graduates will gain skills in cryptography, system administration, and software engineering.
- Required courses include Modern Cryptography and Technical Aspects of Computer Security.
- This program prepares students for careers in cybersecurity, software development, and IT administration.
- Students will complete Cybersecurity Capstone I and Cybersecurity Capstone II.
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Cybersecurity at Liberty University is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of computer science principles and cybersecurity practices. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including programming, data structures, database management, network architecture, and information security. The program aims to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, software development, and IT administration.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Management, Network Security, Cryptography, System Administration, Software Engineering
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $15,015/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $15,015/year
Sample Courses
Introduction to Computer Science, Precalculus with Trigonometry, General Physics I, Introduction to Information Systems and Information Technology, Introduction to Programming Using C++...
Why Virginia is a Smart Choice for Your Online Degree
Choosing Virginia for your online computer science degree positions you in a state where tech employment is projected to grow faster than many national averages, with software developer roles expected to expand by 22% through 2030—adding over 21,000 new jobs as industries from federal contracting to cloud infrastructure scale operations. This growth is concentrated in regions like Northern Virginia’s “Data Center Alley,” home to 70% of global internet traffic and employers actively recruiting talent for AI, cybersecurity, and distributed systems roles. You’ll join a pipeline feeding into defense hubs requiring security clearances and tech startups in Richmond’s Silicon Canal, where venture capital funding for AI-driven SaaS platforms grew 34% last year.
Virginia’s academic reputation strengthens your credentials, ensuring employers recognize the rigor of your coursework in machine learning or secure coding. Remote learning doesn’t limit networking—you’ll access virtual recruiting events with employers like Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos, who partner with universities to fill roles in quantum computing and federal IT modernization projects. Salaries here reflect specialization: cloud architects in Arlington earn 18% more than national averages, while AI engineers in Loudoun County’s data center cluster see compensation packages exceeding $180,000 due to high demand.
With 95,930 tech professionals already employed statewide and another 21,000+ positions opening this decade, Virginia’s ecosystem offers stability alongside innovation. Online programs align curricula with these trends, integrating certifications like AWS or CISSP that employers prioritize—Capital One alone hires over 1,000 tech grads annually from local universities. By earning your degree here, you position yourself for leadership roles in sectors where Virginia leads nationally, from autonomous systems development to healthcare IT. Explore programs now to align your skills with the state’s strategic growth areas and secure your place in this expanding market.
Where Can You Work After Graduating?
Virginia offers diverse opportunities for software engineering graduates, with established corporations and growing tech firms actively seeking talent. Fannie Mae stands out as a major employer, hiring software engineers for roles in financial technology and mortgage systems. With over 5,000 employees in Virginia, the company provides structured mentorship programs and hybrid work options, as noted in Glassdoor’s list of top Virginia employers. Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin also play a significant role, offering positions in cybersecurity and embedded systems across six Virginia offices. Their projects often require security clearances and provide opportunities to collaborate on federal contracts, making them ideal if you’re interested in government-related tech work.
Northern Virginia’s tech corridor, particularly near Arlington and Reston, hosts companies like Mastercard, which focuses on payment processing innovation. Their teams frequently work on blockchain applications and AI-driven fraud detection tools, with a culture emphasizing cross-department collaboration. For those interested in mid-sized firms, GoodFirms’ ranking of Virginia software companies highlights agencies like Unified Infotech and SDLC Corp. These companies specialize in custom software solutions for healthcare, logistics, and e-commerce, offering roles in full-stack development and cloud integration. Their smaller team sizes often mean faster project cycles and direct client interaction, which can accelerate skill development early in your career.
Startups in Richmond and Norfolk are expanding Virginia’s tech footprint, particularly in SaaS and EdTech. While less established than corporate giants, these companies provide opportunities to shape products from the ground up, often with flexible work environments. To maximize your job search, attend meetups hosted by groups like NOVA Tech Talks or Richmond’s Startup Grind to connect with local hiring managers. Update your LinkedIn profile with keywords related to cloud computing or DevOps—skills in high demand across both corporate and startup sectors. Many Virginia employers prioritize candidates with internship experience, so consider applying for co-op programs through your online program’s career services to gain a foothold in these competitive industries.
What Can You Earn as a Software Engineer in Virginia?
If you're considering a software engineering career in Virginia, salary prospects show strong earning potential across experience levels. Recent data from Indeed's Virginia salary survey reports an average base salary of $122,088 for software engineers in the state, with entry-level roles typically starting between $98,000 and $107,000 annually. This baseline often rises quickly—mid-career professionals with 3-7 years of experience frequently see salaries ranging from $135,000 to $160,000, particularly in tech hubs like Northern Virginia where government contracting and defense sectors drive demand.
Levels.fyi's compensation analysis reveals a broader salary spectrum, showing total compensation packages (including bonuses and equity) spanning $115,000 to $188,000. Senior engineers with 8+ years in specialized fields like cloud architecture or machine learning often reach the upper third of this range, especially at companies with major Virginia offices like Capital One or Raytheon. Location plays a clear role: salaries in Arlington and Alexandria average 12-18% higher than in Richmond or Roanoke due to proximity to federal agencies and Fortune 500 employers.
Glassdoor's 2025 projections suggest total annual earnings (base pay plus bonuses) could reach $149,743 for experienced professionals, outpacing the national average by 6-8%. Certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or CISSP cybersecurity credentials can boost salaries by $15,000-$25,000, while advanced degrees in high-demand areas such as AI or data engineering add another 10-15% to compensation offers. Virginia’s growing tech corridors—fueled by data center expansions in Loudoun County and defense tech investments—position software engineers for sustained salary growth, with industry forecasts predicting 5-7% annual increases through 2030 as employers compete for specialized talent.
FAQs About Online Computer Science Degree Programs in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to complete an online computer science degree in Virginia? A: Most online bachelor’s programs take 4 years full-time. Accelerated options may reduce this to 3 years, while part-time students often take 5-6 years. Old Dominion University’s ABET-accredited program follows a standard 4-year timeline but offers military-friendly pacing for active-duty students.
Q: Are ABET-accredited programs important for computer science careers? A: ABET accreditation matters for engineering-focused roles or government positions requiring certified credentials. Programs like Old Dominion’s ABET-accredited degree meet strict quality standards, while other schools may focus on different specializations. Some employers distinguish between CS degrees in engineering vs arts/science schools.
Q: Can military experience count toward college credits in these programs? A: Yes. Many Virginia schools accept ACE-recommended military credits. Old Dominion University specifically offers discounted tuition for active-duty military and evaluates service-related training for credit eligibility.
Q: What career support do these universities offer online students? A: Most provide virtual career fairs, resume reviews, and employer networking. Virginia’s tech job growth in Northern Virginia and Richmond creates strong local recruitment opportunities, with universities often connecting students to regional defense contractors and Fortune 500 companies.
Q: How do Virginia's tech job opportunities compare to other states? A: Virginia ranks #5 for tech workforce concentration nationally, with 25% projected growth in software developer roles through 2030. Northern Virginia’s data center hubs and federal contractor presence create 18% higher salaries for cloud architects compared to national averages.
Q: Are there flexible scheduling options for working professionals? A: Online programs typically offer asynchronous courses and multiple start dates. Some allow coursework pauses during busy work periods, with 24/7 access to lecture materials and virtual labs.
Q: What financial aid options exist for online students in Virginia? A: Beyond federal aid, Old Dominion offers reduced tuition for active-duty military ($250/credit undergraduate). Virginia residents may qualify for state grants, and many employers provide tuition reimbursement for tech-related degrees.
Q: Can you transfer credits from Virginia community colleges? A: Most universities accept credits from Virginia Community College System (VCCS) schools through articulation agreements. Confirm transfer policies directly with your target program—ODU’s ABET-accredited CS degree typically accepts up to 90 transfer credits.