Engineering and Computer Science Degree Programs

Computer Science Degree Programs

CTU offers computer science degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

• We offer an on-campus/online bachelor’s in computer science program for those who choose the general track or the concentration in cybersecurity engineering, while concentrations in data science and software engineering are available online only. Core courses include coverage of programming languages (Python, SQL, Java, C++), fundamentals of data structures, foundations of big data analytics, and more, while electives vary based upon the concentration chosen.
• We offer a fully online master’s in computer science concentration in cybersecurity engineering. The concentration in software engineering and the general track are available to be taken in on-campus or online formats. Core courses for both on-campus and online computer science master’s degree programs include coverage of design and analysis of algorithms, computer networking, modern operating systems, and more, plus five elective courses.
• You could earn a doctorate in computer science in one of three fully online areas of focus—a concentration in big data analytics or cybersecurity and information assurance, or a general track. This doctoral program’s objective is to teach students how to support computer science strategy and technology in changing environments and apply computer science theories and skills in support of organizational missions.

Computer Engineering Degree Programs

Those considering a computer science degree may also be considering a degree in computer engineering. Hardware engineering, computer network architecture, and network and computer systems administration are just a few of the fields in which a degree in computer engineering is desirable (most entry-level computer hardware engineers possess a bachelor’s in computer engineering, although a degree in electrical engineering or computer science is generally acceptable as well).⁶ CTU’s accredited Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program is available at our Colorado Springs campus. Core courses cover a range of industry-relevant topics, including C++, UNIX, circuit analysis, digital design, product design, and operating systems.

On-Campus Programs in Electronics Technology & Electrical Engineering

In addition to our robust online computer science degree and engineering degree program options, CTU offers the following traditional on-campus programs in electronics technology and electrical engineering at our Colorado Springs campus:

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers are involved in designing electrical systems for aircraft and automobiles, and in the design and oversight of the manufacture of electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment.⁷ For those interested in modern electrical engineering practice, our accredited Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program is built to teach students the techniques, skills, and tools required by the field. Core courses include Circuit Analysis I & II, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, Programming with C++, CMOS Design, Electronic Design I & II, Electromagnetics, Solid State Physics, and more, plus two elective courses.

Online Degree Programs—Admissions Overview

Prospective CTU students must complete an admissions interview with an Admissions Advisor and submit a completed application, but no SAT, no GMAT, no GRE, or any other standardized test is a prerequisite for our degree programs.

Additional admission requirements vary by program type. For undergraduate programs, proof of high school graduation (i.e., diploma, transcripts) or its equivalency (i.e., GED) must be provided to CTU. For our master’s degree in computer science program, official transcripts verifying completion of an accredited baccalaureate degree program in a related discipline must be submitted. For those pursuing a doctorate in computer science, submission of official transcripts verifying completion of an accredited master’s degree in computer science program or a related discipline is required. Further, doctoral degree applicants must have earned a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in their master’s program and are required to submit a resume and brief essay. See the University Catalog for complete admissions details for all programs.

Accredited Online Degree Programs

Colorado Technical University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering programs—available at our Colorado Springs campus—are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. Colorado Technical University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).

In 2023, CTU was ranked among the Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs list by U.S. News & World Report.*

Programs to Help You Graduate Sooner

Typical program lengths at CTU are 24 months for an associate degree, 48 months for a bachelor’s degree, 18 months for a master’s degree, and three years for a doctoral degree. However, there are a number of factors that can affect overall program length, including:

• CTU Fast Track™ Exams:⁴ Taking and passing these exams can result in completing your degree program up to 30 percent faster by making it possible to “test out” of certain classes
• Experiential Learning Portfolios (ELPs): You may be able to earn course credit to help you graduate sooner by submitting a successful ELP, which demonstrates how prior learning experience (typically professional experience) meets a particular course’s objectives²
• Military Education Benefits: Active military and veterans may be able to convert their military training and service into course credit²
• CTU’s Transfer Credit Policy: Eligible students may qualify to transfer-in up to 75 percent of the credits needed to complete their degree program²

Save on Tuition and Fees

The more credits you can apply to your program by passing CTU Fast Track™ exams, creating a successful Experiential Learning Portfolio, converting your military training and experience into course credits, or transferring-in credits from other accredited colleges and universities, the fewer courses you may have to take and the less money you may need to spend. And because CTU is a military-centric university, a reduced tuition rate for active and former military members and their spouses is also available.

Additional CTU financial aid tools and resources include:

• Scholarships and Grants: Learn how new and returning students who meet eligibility criteria can take advantage of institutional grants and scholarships to help them save on out-of-pocket costs
• Tuition and Graduation Date Calculator: This tool can show you how CTU Fast Track™ exams, transfer credits, or military affiliation may affect your total tuition and graduation date

Why Choose CTU for Computer Science and Engineering?

If you’ve been considering a computer science or engineering degree but are on the fence because you’re afraid of the impact that going back to school could have on your life, you’re not alone. That’s why we offer so many online options—because we understand that busy people need to structure classes around their busy lives instead of restructuring their busy lives around their classes. And at CTU, participating in lectures remotely, on your own time, doesn’t mean that you must sacrifice having a supportive network of faculty and fellow students. Our award-winning, proprietary online tools⁹ can help keep you engaged with your classwork and classmates, and our faculty and staff are able to provide you with assistance when requested. If you’re ready to restart your academic journey, take the next step and become part of the CTU community.

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¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Computer and Information Technology Occupations," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm (last visited 2/11/2020). This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
² Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
³ intellipath^® is not available for all courses.
⁴ The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition towards the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of CTU Fast Track^™ exams successfully passed. Fast Track program credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for possible 30% reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential Fast Track savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.
⁵ An in-person symposium component is required
⁶ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Computer Hardware Engineers,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm (last visited 2/11/2020).
⁷ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Electrical and Electronics Engineers,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm (last visited 2/11/2020).
⁸ Financial aid is available for those who qualify. University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University's catalog and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
⁹ https://www.coloradotech.edu/about/awards