More than 53,000 degrees in computer science were pursued in the U.S. alone in 2020. The growth rate is 12%, and that percentage is only expected to rise. With computer science being the new trendy career path in 2023 and beyond, it’s logical to explore how a BSc in the field can help.
Whether you want to become a data analyst, web developer, network administrator or software engineer, a BSc Computer Science degree can help you kickstart a career in the ever-growing IT industry.
This article reviews BSc Computer Science subjects in each of the three years of the program, different computer science colleges, course details, and more.
What Are the Subjects in BSc Computer Science?
Most bachelor of computer science programs last three years. Below is an overview of the BSc Computer Science subjects you can expect to find in different educational institutions throughout the study.
BSc Computer Science Subjects 1st Year
BSc Computer Science subjects for first year answer the “What is BSc Computer Science” question in detail. The first year has entry-level programs that introduce the student to the world of computer science. In most colleges, you can attend these courses even if you have no experience in the field because they’re designed for beginners.
Colleges have different approaches when it comes to computer science program syllabi. OPIT is an example of a comprehensive program that offers diverse learning opportunities for students. Here are the BSc Computer Science subjects list for your reference:
- Technical English – Introduces students to basic terminology used throughout the course.
- Computer Networks – Helps students understand how computer networks function.
- Programming Principles – Students get to know how computers work and learn about basic programming tasks and concepts.
- Computer Architecture – Introduces students to computer systems, data movement, CPU, and other parts of hardware and software.
- Basic Math – Here the students receive all the knowledge in math they’ll need to build their analytical skills.
- Web Development – Students learn the science behind the internet, HTTP, and other markup languages.
BSc Computer Science Subjects 2nd Year
- Database Introduction – Basics of databases and their management systems.
- The infrastructure of Cloud Computing – Introduction to cloud computing, basic concepts, and important components.
- Programming Paradigms – Understanding how programming languages work.
- Business Strategy – Foundations of running a business in modern times.
- Introduction to AI – Introduction to the important concepts of AI so the student can understand how to use it.
- Introduction to Machine Learning – Taking the first steps toward machine learning projects.
- Cloud Development – Introduction and training to create cloud solutions.
- Digital Marketing – Better understanding of the ins and outs of online marketing and its key concepts.
- Introduction to Computer Security – Cryptography and other cyber security aspects so the student is aware of common threats and how to solve them.
BSc Computer Science Subjects and Electives 3rd Year
In the third year of BSc Computer Science, you can choose electives depending on your interest. Some subjects you can expect to find include:
- Cybersecurity – Further education in cybersecurity across systems.
- Parallel and Distributed Computing – How to create parallel and distributed apps.
- Machine Learning – A deeper focus on machine learning and the development and training of computer systems required for the projects.
- Computer Vision – Teaches how computers can read and analyze visual content.
- Cloud Computing Automation and Ops – A popular specialization, cloud computing automation and ops takes the cloud field more seriously and teaches how to automate tasks.
- Front-End Programming – This subject focuses on markup languages, libraries, frameworks, and other platforms needed to build websites.
- Mobile Programming – Creation of apps for Android and iOS mobile devices.
- Software Engineering – In-depth education in creating, designing, and maintaining software.
- Computer Science and AI Ethics – Learning how to use computer science ethically and legally.
- Game Development – Basics of game design, mechanics, interfaces, and more.
Top BSc Computer Science Colleges
If you want to study computer science at the college level, you can explore different traditional and modern programs.
- Stanford’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Full-time, four years, on campus, in English. A multidisciplinary approach with different levels is available to fit students of different skills.
- East Central University Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Full/part-time, two years, remote learning in English. The curriculum follows Association for Computing Machinery guidelines.
- Methodist University Online BSc in Computer Information Technology – Full/part-time, 42 months, remote learning, in English. Offering Cybersecurity and Business Information Systems specializations.
- The Global American University, BSc in Computer Science – Full-time, four years, on-campus, in English. The overall course is in math, computing, and data analysis.
- Concordia University’s BS in Computer Science – Full/part-time, eight weeks, remote learning in English. Introduction to the technology career with hands-on practice.
- Ambrose University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Full-time, four years, campus learning in English. Focus on computer architecture, application development, and software engineering.
- Opit’s Bachelor in Modern Computer Science – Self-paced, three years, online, in English. Comprehensive syllabus based on theory and hands-on practice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a College
- The College Curriculum – The program shouldn’t be based on outdated textbooks. Rather, it should be flexible and up to date with current software design trends. The problem with traditional learning systems is that they’re mostly based on old information and materials that don’t equip students with functional knowledge.
- Reputation – The college must have a stellar reputation, easy access to the list of professors, and their publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Required Equipment – Ensure you can afford or have access to the necessary equipment to attend the courses, especially if you consider remote learning. See whether any equipment is included in the tuition.
- Syllabus – The BSc computer science syllabus needs to contain a variety of subjects (like those mentioned above) and not only focus on one or two hard skills or theories. The curriculum should be future-proof and focused on more than just the current needs of the industry.
- Alumni Experience – Explore how college alumni are doing and find examples of their work online.
- Internship Opportunities – Does the college you like also provide internships? If not, does the curriculum offer enough hands-on practice?
- Cost – Last but not least, consider the cost of the program. Weigh up the pros and cons of each college and use your budget to make the final decision. Does the college you want to attend offer financial aid?
BSc Computer Science Course Details
BSc Computer Science duration, fees, and eligibility criteria are other important factors to consider before applying for a program.
Course Duration
A typical course duration for BSc Computer Science is two to three years. Some three-year programs offer a fast-track option allowing you to complete the degree in two years. The course duration plays an important role when planning your studies, especially if you choose the traditional learning method.
Course Fees
Bachelor of Science programs in Computer Science differ in pricing. The fees can depend on several factors:
- Reputation
- Location
- College experience
- Learning facilities
- Availability of scholarships
The most sensible approach is to compare the course fees and programs of multiple BSc Computer Science colleges so you can pick the best option that matches your budget and learning goals.
Eligibility Criteria
Different courses and universities offer different eligibility criteria. Most require completion of a 10+2 or similar science stream examination. Some colleges may include a qualifying examination or pre-entry exams. Contact the college you’re interested in attending to get detailed information about their eligibility criteria.
Many online degree programs like OPIT only offer requirements like English proficiency (B2 and higher), a high school or undergraduate degree, or previous work or education experience for credit transfer.
You can find eligibility criteria on the official website of the college in which you’re interested.
Career Opportunities After BSc Computer Science
Almost every industry deploys technology in one way or another, which means that skilled IT professionals are in high demand. With career opportunities everywhere, it’s no wonder the number of computer science students grows exponentially each year.
A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science unlocks the doors to some of today’s best-paid and in-demand jobs. They include, but aren’t limited to the following fields:
- Data Science
- Software Development or Engineering
- App and Game Development
- Web Development
- Database Architecture
Importance of Specialization in the Field
Computer science is a broad field. From building applications to analyzing data to providing security for software and companies, there are tons of specializations to choose from. Here’s why it’s important to pick one field of specialization:
- You get to acquire deep knowledge about your field of interest.
- You become more competitive and have a higher chance of finding a job to your liking.
- You unlock new research opportunities.
- You can advance in your field of specialization and come up with innovative solutions.
Skyrocket Your Career With BSc Computer Science Programs
Pursuing a BSc Computer Science degree will help you unlock numerous rewarding career opportunities with a high-income potential. You also get to be a part of a fast-developing field with unlimited prospects for further development and growth.
Choosing a reputable college and the right bachelor of computer science subjects will help ensure you make the most of your learning experience and will put you on the right track to becoming a successful IT professional.
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From the same author
Read the articleFrom personalization to productivity: AI at the heart of the educational experience.
Click this link to read and download the e-book.
At its core, teaching is a simple endeavour. The experienced and learned pass on their knowledge and wisdom to new generations. Nothing has changed in that regard. What has changed is how new technologies emerge to facilitate that passing on of knowledge. The printing press, computers, the internet – all have transformed how educators teach and how students learn.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the next game-changer in the educational space.
Specifically, AI agents have emerged as tools that utilize all of AI’s core strengths, such as data gathering and analysis, pattern identification, and information condensing. Those strengths have been refined, first into simple chatbots capable of providing answers, and now into agents capable of adapting how they learn and adjusting to the environment in which they’re placed. This adaptability, in particular, makes AI agents vital in the educational realm.
The reasons why are simple. AI agents can collect, analyse, and condense massive amounts of educational material across multiple subject areas. More importantly, they can deliver that information to students while observing how the students engage with the material presented. Those observations open the door for tweaks. An AI agent learns alongside their student. Only, the agent’s learning focuses on how it can adapt its delivery to account for a student’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, and existing knowledge.
Think of an AI agent like having a tutor – one who eschews set lesson plans in favour of an adaptive approach designed and tweaked constantly for each specific student.
In this eBook, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) will take you on a journey through the world of AI agents as they pertain to education. You will learn what these agents are, how they work, and what they’re capable of achieving in the educational sector. We also explore best practices and key approaches, focusing on how educators can use AI agents to the benefit of their students. Finally, we will discuss other AI tools that both complement and enhance an AI agent’s capabilities, ensuring you deliver the best possible educational experience to your students.
Read the articleThe Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) began enrolling students in 2023 to help bridge the skills gap between traditional university education and the requirements of the modern workplace. OPIT’s MSc courses aim to help professionals make a greater impact on their workplace through technology.
OPIT’s courses have become popular with business leaders hoping to develop a strong technical foundation to understand technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, that are shaping their industry. But OPIT is also attracting professionals with strong technical expertise looking to engage more deeply with the strategic side of digital innovation. This is the story of one such student, Obiora Awogu.
Meet Obiora
Obiora Awogu is a cybersecurity expert from Nigeria with a wealth of credentials and experience from working in the industry for a decade. Working in a lead data security role, he was considering “what’s next” for his career. He was contemplating earning an MSc to add to his list of qualifications he did not yet have, but which could open important doors. He discussed the idea with his mentor, who recommended OPIT, where he himself was already enrolled in an MSc program.
Obiora started looking at the program as a box-checking exercise, but quickly realized that it had so much more to offer. As well as being a fully EU-accredited course that could provide new opportunities with companies around the world, he recognized that the course was designed for people like him, who were ready to go from building to leading.
OPIT’s MSc in Cybersecurity
OPIT’s MSc in Cybersecurity launched in 2024 as a fully online and flexible program ideal for busy professionals like Obiora who want to study without taking a career break.
The course integrates technical and leadership expertise, equipping students to not only implement cybersecurity solutions but also lead cybersecurity initiatives. The curriculum combines technical training with real-world applications, emphasizing hands-on experience and soft skills development alongside hard technical know-how.
The course is led by Tom Vazdar, the Area Chair for Cybersecurity at OPIT, as well as the Chief Security Officer at Erste Bank Croatia and an Advisory Board Member for EC3 European Cybercrime Center. He is representative of the type of faculty OPIT recruits, who are both great teachers and active industry professionals dealing with current challenges daily.
Experts such as Matthew Jelavic, the CEO at CIM Chartered Manager Canada and President of Strategy One Consulting; Mahynour Ahmed, Senior Cloud Security Engineer at Grant Thornton LLP; and Sylvester Kaczmarek, former Chief Scientific Officer at We Space Technologies, join him.
Course content includes:
- Cybersecurity fundamentals and governance
- Network security and intrusion detection
- Legal aspects and compliance
- Cryptography and secure communications
- Data analytics and risk management
- Generative AI cybersecurity
- Business resilience and response strategies
- Behavioral cybersecurity
- Cloud and IoT security
- Secure software development
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Leadership and communication in cybersecurity
- AI-driven forensic analysis in cybersecurity
As with all OPIT’s MSc courses, it wraps up with a capstone project and dissertation, which sees students apply their skills in the real world, either with their existing company or through apprenticeship programs. This not only gives students hands-on experience, but also helps them demonstrate their added value when seeking new opportunities.
Obiora’s Experience
Speaking of his experience with OPIT, Obiora said that it went above and beyond what he expected. He was not surprised by the technical content, in which he was already well-versed, but rather the change in perspective that the course gave him. It helped him move from seeing himself as someone who implements cybersecurity solutions to someone who could shape strategy at the highest levels of an organization.
OPIT’s MSc has given Obiora the skills to speak to boards, connect risk with business priorities, and build organizations that don’t just defend against cyber risks but adapt to a changing digital world. He commented that studying at OPIT did not give him answers; instead, it gave him better questions and the tools to lead. Of course, it also ticks the MSc box, and while that might not be the main reason for studying at OPIT, it is certainly a clear benefit.
Obiora has now moved into a leading Chief Information Security Officer Role at MoMo, Payment Service Bank for MTN. There, he is building cyber-resilient financial systems, contributing to public-private partnerships, and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
Leading Cybersecurity in Africa
As well as having a significant impact within his own organization, studying at OPIT has helped Obiora develop the skills and confidence needed to become a leader in the cybersecurity industry across Africa.
In March 2025, Obiora was featured on the cover of CIO Africa Magazine and was then a panelist on the “Future of Cybersecurity Careers in the Age of Generative AI” for Comercio Ltd. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry also invited him to speak on Cybersecurity in Africa.
Obiora recently presented the keynote speech at the Hackers Secret Conference 2025 on “Code in the Shadows: Harnessing the Human-AI Partnership in Cybersecurity.” In the talk, he explored how AI is revolutionizing incident response, enhancing its speed, precision, and proactivity, and improving on human-AI collaboration.
An OPIT Success Story
Talking about Obiora’s success, the OPIT Area Chair for Cybersecurity said:
“Obiora is a perfect example of what this program was designed for – experienced professionals ready to scale their impact beyond operations. It’s been inspiring to watch him transform technical excellence into strategic leadership. Africa’s cybersecurity landscape is stronger with people like him at the helm. Bravo, Obiora!”
Learn more about OPIT’s MSc in Cybersecurity and how it can support the next steps of your career.
-
Go to all authors
Related posts
From personalization to productivity: AI at the heart of the educational experience.
Click this link to read and download the e-book.
At its core, teaching is a simple endeavour. The experienced and learned pass on their knowledge and wisdom to new generations. Nothing has changed in that regard. What has changed is how new technologies emerge to facilitate that passing on of knowledge. The printing press, computers, the internet – all have transformed how educators teach and how students learn.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the next game-changer in the educational space.
Specifically, AI agents have emerged as tools that utilize all of AI’s core strengths, such as data gathering and analysis, pattern identification, and information condensing. Those strengths have been refined, first into simple chatbots capable of providing answers, and now into agents capable of adapting how they learn and adjusting to the environment in which they’re placed. This adaptability, in particular, makes AI agents vital in the educational realm.
The reasons why are simple. AI agents can collect, analyse, and condense massive amounts of educational material across multiple subject areas. More importantly, they can deliver that information to students while observing how the students engage with the material presented. Those observations open the door for tweaks. An AI agent learns alongside their student. Only, the agent’s learning focuses on how it can adapt its delivery to account for a student’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, and existing knowledge.
Think of an AI agent like having a tutor – one who eschews set lesson plans in favour of an adaptive approach designed and tweaked constantly for each specific student.
In this eBook, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) will take you on a journey through the world of AI agents as they pertain to education. You will learn what these agents are, how they work, and what they’re capable of achieving in the educational sector. We also explore best practices and key approaches, focusing on how educators can use AI agents to the benefit of their students. Finally, we will discuss other AI tools that both complement and enhance an AI agent’s capabilities, ensuring you deliver the best possible educational experience to your students.
The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) began enrolling students in 2023 to help bridge the skills gap between traditional university education and the requirements of the modern workplace. OPIT’s MSc courses aim to help professionals make a greater impact on their workplace through technology.
OPIT’s courses have become popular with business leaders hoping to develop a strong technical foundation to understand technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, that are shaping their industry. But OPIT is also attracting professionals with strong technical expertise looking to engage more deeply with the strategic side of digital innovation. This is the story of one such student, Obiora Awogu.
Meet Obiora
Obiora Awogu is a cybersecurity expert from Nigeria with a wealth of credentials and experience from working in the industry for a decade. Working in a lead data security role, he was considering “what’s next” for his career. He was contemplating earning an MSc to add to his list of qualifications he did not yet have, but which could open important doors. He discussed the idea with his mentor, who recommended OPIT, where he himself was already enrolled in an MSc program.
Obiora started looking at the program as a box-checking exercise, but quickly realized that it had so much more to offer. As well as being a fully EU-accredited course that could provide new opportunities with companies around the world, he recognized that the course was designed for people like him, who were ready to go from building to leading.
OPIT’s MSc in Cybersecurity
OPIT’s MSc in Cybersecurity launched in 2024 as a fully online and flexible program ideal for busy professionals like Obiora who want to study without taking a career break.
The course integrates technical and leadership expertise, equipping students to not only implement cybersecurity solutions but also lead cybersecurity initiatives. The curriculum combines technical training with real-world applications, emphasizing hands-on experience and soft skills development alongside hard technical know-how.
The course is led by Tom Vazdar, the Area Chair for Cybersecurity at OPIT, as well as the Chief Security Officer at Erste Bank Croatia and an Advisory Board Member for EC3 European Cybercrime Center. He is representative of the type of faculty OPIT recruits, who are both great teachers and active industry professionals dealing with current challenges daily.
Experts such as Matthew Jelavic, the CEO at CIM Chartered Manager Canada and President of Strategy One Consulting; Mahynour Ahmed, Senior Cloud Security Engineer at Grant Thornton LLP; and Sylvester Kaczmarek, former Chief Scientific Officer at We Space Technologies, join him.
Course content includes:
- Cybersecurity fundamentals and governance
- Network security and intrusion detection
- Legal aspects and compliance
- Cryptography and secure communications
- Data analytics and risk management
- Generative AI cybersecurity
- Business resilience and response strategies
- Behavioral cybersecurity
- Cloud and IoT security
- Secure software development
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Leadership and communication in cybersecurity
- AI-driven forensic analysis in cybersecurity
As with all OPIT’s MSc courses, it wraps up with a capstone project and dissertation, which sees students apply their skills in the real world, either with their existing company or through apprenticeship programs. This not only gives students hands-on experience, but also helps them demonstrate their added value when seeking new opportunities.
Obiora’s Experience
Speaking of his experience with OPIT, Obiora said that it went above and beyond what he expected. He was not surprised by the technical content, in which he was already well-versed, but rather the change in perspective that the course gave him. It helped him move from seeing himself as someone who implements cybersecurity solutions to someone who could shape strategy at the highest levels of an organization.
OPIT’s MSc has given Obiora the skills to speak to boards, connect risk with business priorities, and build organizations that don’t just defend against cyber risks but adapt to a changing digital world. He commented that studying at OPIT did not give him answers; instead, it gave him better questions and the tools to lead. Of course, it also ticks the MSc box, and while that might not be the main reason for studying at OPIT, it is certainly a clear benefit.
Obiora has now moved into a leading Chief Information Security Officer Role at MoMo, Payment Service Bank for MTN. There, he is building cyber-resilient financial systems, contributing to public-private partnerships, and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
Leading Cybersecurity in Africa
As well as having a significant impact within his own organization, studying at OPIT has helped Obiora develop the skills and confidence needed to become a leader in the cybersecurity industry across Africa.
In March 2025, Obiora was featured on the cover of CIO Africa Magazine and was then a panelist on the “Future of Cybersecurity Careers in the Age of Generative AI” for Comercio Ltd. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry also invited him to speak on Cybersecurity in Africa.
Obiora recently presented the keynote speech at the Hackers Secret Conference 2025 on “Code in the Shadows: Harnessing the Human-AI Partnership in Cybersecurity.” In the talk, he explored how AI is revolutionizing incident response, enhancing its speed, precision, and proactivity, and improving on human-AI collaboration.
An OPIT Success Story
Talking about Obiora’s success, the OPIT Area Chair for Cybersecurity said:
“Obiora is a perfect example of what this program was designed for – experienced professionals ready to scale their impact beyond operations. It’s been inspiring to watch him transform technical excellence into strategic leadership. Africa’s cybersecurity landscape is stronger with people like him at the helm. Bravo, Obiora!”
Learn more about OPIT’s MSc in Cybersecurity and how it can support the next steps of your career.
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