Why Study Computer Science
Are you fascinated by solving complex technical problems and aspire to enter or advance in a technology career? Johnson & Wales University’s online Computer Science bachelor’s program provides real world skills and knowledge needed to meet the challenges of working in a rapidly evolving industry. A computer science degree can lead to roles in software or web development, IT, cybersecurity, business intelligence analysis and clinical data management in healthcare — virtually every industry hires people who are skilled in technology applications.
The demand for professionals with programming and networking skills is on the rise — and jobs in computer and information technology are expected to increase faster than the average over the next decade.
Two Options For Studying Computer Science
In 2025, Johnson & Wales University Online introduced a new 91-credit degree option for the Computer Science program in addition to the traditional 121-credit program. In a recent interview, Johnson & Wales Chancellor Mim Runey explains why the university is eager to offer the shorter degree. “The number one conversation that we have, beyond the interest that students have in a particular degree program is, how are they going to afford to come to college?”
This new 91-credit bachelor’s degree program, accredited by the New England Commission for Higher Education, is designed to help students save time, reduce costs and accelerate their careers.
Skills For A Tech-Driven World
Harry Ryan, Director of Academic Programs, Liberal Arts and Science for JWU Online explains, “Our Computer Science bachelor’s degree program offers an exceptional path for students looking to thrive in the ever-changing tech industry. We offer options to complete the degree in the traditional 121-credit format or the accelerated 91-credit, three-year career-focused option, where students receive the same rigorous, hands-on education led by experienced faculty who have been teaching on campus.”
Ryan notes, “Our goal is to not only teach you the technical aspects of computer science but also provide opportunities for you to apply your learning. At JWU Online, our students are equipped with the tools and experiences needed to fast-track their careers and succeed in today’s tech-driven world.”
Professor Charles DeSassure, DSC contributed to the curriculum development of the 91-credit Computer Service degree. He adds, “The online computer science program is regarded for its practical, hands-on activities that demand students develop and learn critical thinking skills, which facilitate their ability to solve problems. While course offerings are pared down from the 121-credit program to fit into 91 credits in three years, both programs are continually adding courses that address emerging trends in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing and other technologies, ensuring students develop skills that meet the industry’s changing needs.”
Who Should Consider A 91-Credit Degree
For students who want to earn their degree more quickly and potentially reduce the cost of their education, the 91-credit career-focused degree option may offer the best fit. Chancellor Runey acknowledges,“The program is really designed for the student who absolutely knows what they want to do and who may already be laser-focused on a particular career or pathway.”
The 91-credit program is designed for students looking to transfer 30 or fewer credits. This degree offers the same rigorous, real-world preparation for your future career, ensuring you have the skills and knowledge employers are looking for, no matter which option you choose. Our admissions and student advising team provide personalized assistance throughout your program so that you have a plan that puts you on a path to success.
Work-Integrated Learning
Students enrolled in the 91-credit degree option complete the same general education core courses as in the 121-credit program, but will also complete 600 hours of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). This new component allows students to gain real-world experience while completing their degree.
WIL can be fulfilled through meaningful part-time employment and other activities that build work skills, for example leadership in professional clubs, certificates, volunteering research, competitions and job shadowing. The 91-credit program goals are to offer the same collaborative and experiential education as the 121-credit program, preparing students for impactful technology careers. Students are supported by JWU faculty and advisors from Experiential Education & Career Services in finding internships and employment to meet WIL requirements and start their careers.
Traditional 121-Credit Bachelor’s Degree
Our traditional 121-credit degree is intended for students who want to focus on areas of special interest within computer science or pursue integrated learning opportunities throughout the university, for example by adding business courses. For students who want to transfer previously earned credits, the 121-credit program may be the best option. JWU Online’s liberal transfer policy can shorten the time to complete the 121-credit bachelor’s degree.
Joshua Orndorff ’26, B.S. – Computer Science credits the transfer policy for helping him rebound after an unfortunate interruption to his education. “Half-way through earning a bachelor’s degree, the school I was attending closed down. Although I hadn’t failed, the experience felt like a failure — I honestly thought there would be no going back to finish my degree. Years later, when I decided to complete my degree, many schools wanted me to repeat courses I had already taken. JWU Online transferred 65 out of 66 credits toward my Computer Science bachelor’s degree.”
The Computer Science Program
“The Computer Science curriculum is innovative in how it reflects the current workforce industry needs,” notes DeSassure. “Besides the foundation’s courses, students complete a course in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing to Scale, and Human-Computer Interaction/Usable Security, which is particularly important as it focuses on how users interact with security systems. The aim is to prevent threats to user security and privacy. Many computer science programs do not offer these courses, so this makes JWU unique.”
Karina Lopez, ’26, B.S. – Computer Science, finds the bachelor’s degree is opening new opportunities in the financial services group where she works. “The company offers mentorship programs, and they have connected me with a mentor in the computer science field. I have been exposed to multiple shadowing opportunities in the data analysis, cloud computing, and UI/UX industry. I am currently partnering with a data science executive to help me develop my skills for this specific field. My mentors are impressed with the level of education that I have had in JWU Online’s Computer Science program.”
Similar to Lopez, Joshua Orndorff is being mentored to help him move into a computer science-related position at the insurance company where he works. “There are so many different areas that I can go into within the company. I feel that with by getting the Computer Science bachelor’s degree from JWU Online and completing specific certifications through my company, I can go far.”
How is the Computer Science Program Delivered Online?
“Students use demonstrations, examples, and hands-on activities to learn computer science online,” says DeSassure. “Computer programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and other computer science concepts are often taught through interactive lessons, projects, and access to course materials. The objective is to ensure that assignments are reflections of the real world.”
Kathleen Campbell, ’25, B.S. – Computer Science, graduated summa cum laude this spring. She shares, “The online delivery of the Computer Science program was exceedingly organized. The work for every course was categorized by each week and deadline in the course. I found the delivery of the courses to be extremely easy to understand and every assignment was easy to access. All the necessary software that I used in coding assignments could easily be downloaded to my laptop computer.”
A hallmark of the program is the Design Project class, in which students complete a capstone-like project, from start to completion, including gathering, documenting, implementing and testing. DeSassure describes the Design Project course as a good example of how something taught in the classroom can now be taught online. “In a traditional class, students complete the written software test plan using real-world scenarios provided by the professor, or by selecting their own topic, and then make a presentation in front of the class.
“JWU Online students can record themselves using a variety of video tools available to them and make an outstanding virtual presentation. These video presentations outline the project’s scope and functionality and includes a written software test plan using real-world scenarios.”
Campbell completed a Capstone Project in which she worked closely with one of her professors to create a software engineering project. “My professor and I planned and produced a software engineering project in Python. This project allowed me to get hands-on experience in the software development life cycle and also prepared me to complete a software engineering project in the workplace.”
Another course, Network Protocols, teaches students about computer networking protocols and gives them hands-on experience working with real-world networking software, such as Wireshark and Nmap. DeSassure explains, “These computer networking tools are designed to assist in the management and performance of computer networks. Using this approach, students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the technology world.”
Why JWU Online
“Choosing a sound educational program can be challenging today due to the many options available,” says DeSassure. “Prospective students can feel confident that taking the 121-credit or the 91-credit online computer science program at Johnson & Wales University will be a desirable choice for many reasons.”
Supportive Learning Environment
“JWU Online staff and faculty work together as a team to help students become successful,” says DeSassure. “Staff and faculty members are always available to help students via email or Zoom for face-to-face communication. The faculty provides quality feedback to students on their assignments to help them improve.”
Campbell concurs, “I felt connected to the faculty and the program even though I was not in geographical proximity to the campus. The small class size allowed the students to become familiar with their professors and other students, which may not always be the case with other online degree programs.”
Variety of Courses
Campbell cites the wide variety of courses available in the program as having helped her discern which specific facet of the field she is most interested in. “This sets JWU Online’s Computer Science program apart from other programs, which may not offer this wide variety of electives. Also, the school offered the ability to gain credits from an internship that could be either online or in person, which may not always be available in other online programs.”
Flexible Online Format
DeSassure notes, “JWU’s computer science program provides convenience in a 100% online format for students. The Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) allows students to access their course materials 24/7. The curriculum includes discussion board questions, written assignments, reading materials, videos and Zoom meetings for interactions with the professor at the student’s request.”
Lopez comments, “As a full-time employee, mother and wife, obtaining my degree always felt out of reach. JWU Online made it possible by offering flexible and accessible resources that supported me every step of the way. Today, I am a senior and close to obtaining my Computer Science degree.”
Quality Education For Career Success
“The program absolutely met my expectations,” Campbell declares. “Learning programming languages, including C, C++, and Python and data structures plus discrete mathematics, helped me earn a scholarship towards a master’s degree program in cybersecurity.”
Lopez remarks, “I have gained real value from hands-on instruction, and I feel confident and qualified to pursue opportunities in the engineering field thanks to the wonderful mentors I have had along the way. The quality of education at Johnson & Wales University has prepared me for the role of my dreams in data analysis. At JWU, there is no limit to what you can achieve.”
Are You Ready To Advance Your Computer Science Career?
Both 91- and 121-credit degree programs are designed to provide a solid foundation in software development, networking, and system design to preparing students for real-world challenges through experiential learning opportunities.
The bachelor’s degree options allow you to choose the educational path that fits your work-life needs while pursuing your career goals. Your dedicated JWU Online admissions associate will help you determine whether the 91-credit or 121-credit degree path is best for you and will answer all of your questions about cost, transfer credits, program details and the enrollment process.
Take the next step in starting or advancing a versatile and rewarding technology career with an online 91-credit or 121-credit degree offered by a respected and accredited university. For more information about the online B.S. – Computer Science degree at Johnson & Wales, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].