ComputerScienceOnline.org recently listed MTSU University College’s online degree offerings among the “Best Online Computer Science Degrees” for 2015.

Click the image to view the rankings.

Computer Science Online, a resource for online learning in computer science and related fields, says it analyzed data from hundreds of colleges offering computer science degrees online. The company developed a scoring system to see which schools ranked highest across a dozen central computer science and tech-related disciplines.

The company says the included programs offer a wide variety of degree specializations as well as the flexible learning options of an online program. To create the list, the company looked at metrics such as tuition costs, student-teacher ratios, graduation rates, accreditation and more.

MTSU offers a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology that can be earned fully online. The information technology degree is part of the university’s Professional Studies program, designed for distance and nontraditional students through University College.

“MTSU is aware that most adults who pursue an online degree are looking for the skills necessary to move up in their current job, or are seeking the skills to make a career change,” said Dr. Mike Boyle, dean of MTSU’s University College. “The challenge is making the degree flexible enough to fit into their busy life. The Professional Studies Degree was designed to fit the needs of working adults.”

Boyle said he was not surprised to learn that this program was so highly rated and is pleased that an external organization “recognizes that we have successfully combined high quality instruction into a flexible learning environment. Our goal is to make it possible for adults meet their career goals, while fulfilling their life obligations.”

Dr. Mike Boyle

MTSU’s Professional Studies program prepares students for management level positions, with foundation courses in statistics, international context, communications, and supervision. In the Information Technology concentration, courses center on software analysis, database management, data communications, and operating systems.

Rankings can be found at http://www.computerscienceonline.org/degree-programs/.

“Computer science is one of the fastest growing education programs available,” said Doug Jones, founder of Computer Science Online. “The diversity of related career fields is expansive and the opportunities are endless.”

Information technology, cybersecurity, computer engineering and other related career fields and education specializations are all relatively new as technologies have advanced from what they were 20 years ago, the company says.

“Students wishing to enter one of the fastest-growing career fields have more options than ever,” Jones said. “These schools offer students the flexibility of online learning options from high-quality, accredited institutions.”

For more information about MTSU’s program, visit http://www.mtsu.edu/programs/professional-studies/.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)