January 21, 2021

Online Degree in Computer Science: 3 ways to get it!

by Jens Ischebeck

You are a young man or woman, clever and ambitious?

You want to gain skills and you are heading for a well-paying job?

You want to earn a degree in computer science? An online degree in computer science?


But you have a problem: you don’t get a place to study (or it’s too expensive).


Then this article is just right for you!


Let’s dive in.

Why an online degree?

The pursuit of higher education has gained significant popularity over the years. Traditionally, the number of students that got into universities wasn't as high as it is now.

With a better quality of education and more emphasis on education's importance, more people are getting into universities. For this reason, state-owned universities are already overcrowded.

While there is the option of private universities, they are costly. The knowledge that university education is highly sought-after has given private universities an incentive to hike their prices to control overcrowding and applications.

E.g. in the case of Nigeria, this leaves students that have successfully passed their UTME tests without a place to seek higher learning.


 For this reason, e-learning in Africa has become popular.

Online education and its requirements

Studying online allows you to acquire a quality education without being fixed to a classroom or a traditional education setting. Online studying is conducted solely online through gadgets like a computer or smartphone.

With online learning, you can acquire skills from anywhere and at any time. Thus, it's a great tool to minimize education inequality.

There are very few requirements for studying online.

First, you have to access online courses or an online educational institution.

The next thing you need to do is get a computer.

Another essential requirement is the internet. Without the internet and a gadget with internet connectivity, online learning is impossible.

 With the above requirements, you can start studying online without compromising your quality of education. It is worth noting that you will have to pay to study online. 


Granted, online education is not as expensive as the latter. Learn more.

What are the advantages of online study?

Online study offers numerous benefits like:

  • You do not have to relocate to get a quality education like it would be the case if you were accepted into a state or private university away from your home town.
  • It allows you to study from anywhere at any time because of the flexible times
  • It allows you to achieve optimal school-life balance, whether you are a full-time or part-time student.
  • It allows you to develop and maintain healthy habits
  • You get more time to get other things done and embark on your hobbies. For instance, you can attend work duties and still study.
  • It makes it possible for you to keep your job while still studying.
  • Online learning is more comfortable to concentrate and participate in school activities
  • You can boost your time management and communication skills.
  • It reduces carbon footprint because fewer students are commuting from school to work and back home every day.
  • It reduces the stress of traditional education.
  • Another significant benefit is that online studies are not as expensive. You do not have to pay for transport, relocating and getting accommodation elsewhere, and give up your job. The cost of the education itself is significantly lower. 


See also my article "Why A Valuable Online Degree Is the Secret Ingredient" and "Acknowledged degrees: how to figure it out".


Computer science is an education that allows you to learn a lot from home. Since most of the skills you learn in computer science are computer-based, it is an excellent course to study online.

Computer science mainly revolves around getting knowledge, learning thinking in algorithms, and acquiring and applying coding skills. This is the main reason why an online degree for computer science is popular.

Note that only one-third of developers learn programming at traditional universities. 31% of developers are self-taught, and the other 36% learn through other channels like online education.

And, last but not least, all about coding and computers is booming right now. A good example is Facebook's expansion in Africa.

advantages of studying online

Where can you get an online degree in computer science?

Below are three possible education providers to get an online degree in computer science.

With Udemy, you get the right skills.

With Coursera, you get a high quality degree at a top university.

With Online Business School, you get a good quality degree at an affordable price.


 Let me describe them.

Solution #1: Udemy

Udemy is one of the leading online learning platforms on the internet, with more than 100,000 video courses. Some people refer to Udemy as a marketplace for online learning and instruction.

The platform functions around the notion that teachers do not have to perform their duties within conventional four-wall spaces. The platform helps connect learners from all parts of the globe.

It is primarily a convenient platform for curious people in Africa as it allows them to link up with other interested people and instructors from across the globe. African students can do this without having to spend a lot of money moving across the globe.

It is mainly an excellent platform for people who are looking to build and apply their skills.

 This is because Udemy helps provide a variety of learning styles and full-time access to learning sources. It is worth noting that Udemy provides access to around 65 languages, allowing students from different parts of the world to access the platform's services. 


It is worth noting that Udemy offers a money-back guarantee. This means that you have 100% access to all content upgrades and assessment tests when you pay for a course. However, this factor greatly depends on the instructor offering the course. Note that the main disadvantage of Udemy is that you only get a certificate of participation once you have completed a course. Udemy does not offer accredited degrees. 
Udemy online courses

How to access online education through Udemy


Getting started on Udemy is relatively easy. All you have to do is open an account on the platform. The following steps should come in handy;

  • Visit the official Udemy website 
  • Click on the signup button. You should find the button on the top right end of the home page.
  • You will be required to enter some data like your name and email address. Naturally, you will also have to create a password. All you have to do is follow the prompts one after the other.
  • From there, click signup, and with that, you have an account on Udemy.

You do not have to log in through the online website only. You can do it through the Udemy app. You can also log in with your email, Apple, Facebook, or Google accounts. With these methods of signing up, you do not need to create a password. 

The cost of learning through Udemy


The typical cost of courses on Udemy is between 12 and 50 USD. However, this does not apply to all courses. Some can go as high as 200 USD like online degree in Computer Science. Moreover, some instructors on this platform may offer their services for free. The platform also offers a wide range of discounts and coupon codes that students can use. Therefore, you can access education on Udemy at low and convenient prices. Generally, compared to other online learning platforms, Udemy is on the affordable side. The reason is that the platform encourages instructors to lean more towards affordability. 



Computer engineering courses offered on Udemy


Other than an online degree in Computer Science, you can also get the following courses:


  • How to build a website
  • Computing technology degree and network engineer degree
  • How to code
  • How to become an IT and software developer

Solution #2: Coursera

Coursera is a leading provider of Massive Open Online Courses on the internet. Top universities across the globe publish these courses.

This is the high level solution. High quality courses (and expensive certificates).

It could be popular among African students, because it allows students from Africa to access high-quality education better as local on-campus universities and without relocating or going through a hefty or stressful process.

African students go through a lot of challenges like few tutors, course shortages, and high tuition fees. With Coursera, these students can broaden their knowledge from their home.

Coursera was developed to provide education to students from all walks of life.

After its establishment, the company would offer free and for-money short courses, certifications, and degrees in various subjects. So far, Coursera offers 3200 general courses and 310 specializations.

Coursera offers education in multiple languages. This helps make sure that everyone has a chance at a high-quality education like an online IT degree. This means that your language doesn't have to be standing in between you and advancing your skills and education level.

Coursera massive open online courses


How to get started on Coursera


To get started on Coursera, the first thing you have to do is create an account. The following steps should help you do this;

  • Access the official Coursera website on your computer or gadget with internet access. You can do this by searching the term Coursera on any search engine.
  • Go to the Coursera official home page and click on the Signup or Join for Free button. These buttons are usually located on the top right side of the page.
  • Click on the button then a signup page will pop up. You will be given options like continue with Google, Facebook, or Apple. If you choose these options, you only have toad your account emails and password, and you will be good to go. The fourth option is to create an account. Here, you will have to provide some information like your name, email address and create a password for your account. 


Once you have created an account, you can go to the Coursera login page through the link on the homepage's top right corner. Try to log in so that you can confirm if your account is live. Make sure you note down your login details lest you want to be locked out of your account. However, you are free to change the details at any time.


Computer science courses offered on Coursera


Below are some computer science courses offered on Coursera;


The cost of online study on Coursera


Most of the online courses on this online learning platform are free. However, for some courses and depending on the instructor, you will have to spend some money.

Regardless, Coursera is a cost-efficient platform. Additionally, the fact that you do not have to pay for accommodation, transport and other costs of attending a regular university is an added benefit.

The cost of courses on Coursera ranges between 29 and 99 USD per course like online degree computer science.

This platform offers financial aid and scholarships to students who cannot afford to pay for the courses. To access this financial assistance for computer technology degree, all you have to do is click the link on the website.

If you qualify for these scholarships, you will get to study your course of choice until completion without paying any money.

Note that your participation on Coursera is free but getting certificates is costly. You can also achieve online graduation for a course like online computer engineering degree or software engineer degree at a high cost.

Solution #3: Online Business School

Online Business School (OBS) is the go-to platform for students looking to enhance their skills and get higher education.

For me it's a very good balance between high quaility education and affordable prices.

This platform is particularly ideal for African students who are limited by their geographic location. It allows these students to access high-quality education without spending money to relocate or seek education from another country or continent.

They can get high-quality education from the comfort of their home.

Online Business School delivers pathway programs with a full undergraduate and postgraduate diploma like computer technology degree.

 
This online learning platform provides all the benefits of a traditional campus regarding the curriculum and educational advantages. This is an element that most online learning platforms do not afford their students.


The online school allows students to select their course of choice and study it whenever and however they want.

For this reason, students can complete a regular course as fast as they want because the platform offers a 24/7 student networking system.

Online Business School online degree


How to get started on Online Business School and enroll


To get started on Online Business School, you have to start by creating an account;

  • Access the online OBS website
  • Click on create an account or signup
  • Follow the prompts and provide all the information you will be asked for
  • Log into your account. 

After creating an account, you can choose a course to take. Before you can enroll in a course on Online Business School, you first have to choose which course you are interested in.

You should access a list of the available courses on the official Online Business School platform.

Once you have selected your area of study, you can click on the "view course" button to get further information on the area. After reading through the information carefully and convinced that you have made the right decision, you can enroll by clicking on the “Enroll Now” button.

Note that you have to be 18 years old or older to enroll in Online Business School courses. It would help if you also had a high school education or an equivalent depending on your location. You must meet this criterion to get accepted.

To enroll, you must provide details like your name, address, email, city, postal code, and date of birth.

Finally, you have to create a password to get a student account then make a payment.

From there, you can start acquiring skills that will better your life and career. Note that the platform features online assistants who can help make the process easier. These assistants are available round the clock.


The cost of studying on Online Business School


There is no specific price tag for the courses on this platform. This is because different subject areas and courses are priced differently. The average price for an undergraduate course for Level 4 & 5 are £2,600.

Regardless, the school is very affordable compared to its counterparts and considering the quality of education it offers.

Once you pay, you do not have to pay anything else. The initial payment covers the entire module.

You have to pay during the enrollment process so that you can access the course material.


All assignments on the platform are free as long as you have paid for the course. If you cannot afford to pay the entire fee during enrollment, the platform allows you to organize a payment plan.



Online Business School also offers financial assistance to needy students. This assistance is given in the form of an interest-free payment plan. This means that you will be required to pay within a set amount of time. It is usually set in months. To gain access to this plan, all you have to do is contact your student advisor at any time around the clock.

OBS also offers access to student loans and top-up programs. You can also use student codes to reduce the amount you have to pay less for an online IT degree or software engineer degree.


With this online learning platform, you never have to worry about any additional or hidden costs, like other popular platforms.

All payments on OBS are made through online sources like Sage Pay, credit or debit cards.

Note that OBS's fee for undergraduate courses stands at 1995 GBP.


Computer science courses available on Online Business School

  • IT and computing
  • IT and networking
  • IT and eCommerce
  • IT and web design

If you continue with a course of the Online Business School and you want to enroll there, you’ll get my special offer: 10% discount on the course fee!

Conclusion

The academic industry has experienced a lot of changes over the last few years. People have moved from conventional practices like going to traditional four-wall classes to getting degrees and certificates online.

The world has changed so much that hiring organizations and companies accept online degrees and certificates when employing.

Online degrees offer students access to higher education in situations that would have been hard.

African students do not have to relocate, spend a lot of money, or leave their culture to access higher education.

You also do not have to go through the tedious process of getting a visa, applying to an international school, or looking for scholarships to get a quality education like an online degree for computer science.

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  1. Thank you very much and we’re very happy to get way for education and May bless you and help you in all over your things

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