Online Master’s in Computer Science Degrees of 2022
Computers are important tools in our daily lives—connecting us to information, from the office to the classroom to our homes. If you have an interest in learning the intricacies of computer technology and how it impacts different industries, a career in computer science may be for you.
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University of Texas at Austin
Master of Computer Science
The Online Master of Science in Computer Science program from University of Texas at Austin’s top-ranked Department of Computer Science is designed to give you a foundational knowledge of computer science that will help you accelerate your career in an in-demand field. Affordable and 100% online, this flexible program can be completed in as few as 1.5 or up to three years.
- Top-Ranked Department of Computer Science
- Affordable. 100% Online
- Complete in 1.5-3 years
- Foundational computer science curriculum
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To enter the field, you’ll likely start out with an undergraduate degree before settling on a specialization in graduate school. For instance, you could focus on areas like interaction and robotics, networking and systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, or software engineering while earning a master’s degree.
So, what is computer science? Broadly, it is the study of computers and software systems. To enter the field, you’ll likely start out with an undergraduate degree before settling on a specialization in graduate school. For instance, you could focus on areas like interaction and robotics, networking and systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, or software engineering while earning a master’s degree.
Online master’s in computer science degrees are a convenient way to grow your knowledge or advance your career. Many colleges and universities across the country offer part- or full-time online programs to suit your needs and professional goals.
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Syracuse University
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Master of Science in Computer Science
Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science focusing on subjects crucial to understanding emerging systems.
- Complete in 15 months
- No GRE currently required
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Check out our full list of Online Master’s in Computer Science programs
What to Expect from Your Online Master’s in Computer Science Degree?
While every program offering differs, many online master’s in computer science programs share some similarities. Generally, programs require students to complete 30 to 50 credits of coursework before earning their degree. This will be a mixture of required core classes and electives. To cap off your studies, you may be required to work on a final, culminating thesis or research project, or take a final exam.
When it comes to admissions requirements, different universities ask for different things. Some programs might require that you have a working knowledge of computer programming language like C++ or Java. Others will only accept applications from candidates who have completed necessary coursework in areas like calculus.
Most online programs do well to mirror their on-campus offerings, prioritizing interactivity through videos and more. Some online programs include group projects with students and other hands-on learning opportunities that may require you to visit campus several times.
By the end of your degree program, you will have acquired the skills necessary for many roles in the field and made career connections with peers and professionals. At that point, you also have the option to earn a Ph.D., that’s if you are more interested in pursuing a profession in academics.
What Can Graduates Do with a Computer Science Degree?
A degree in computer science leads to a field that encompasses the following job titles, among others:
- Computer scientist
- Web developer
- Computer systems analyst
- Network architect
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Software tester
- Full-stack developer
As you can tell, a computer scientist can branch in any number of directions. It is a multidisciplinary vocation. For example, computer scientists who choose to go the theoretical route, may end up working in academia. These professionals publish their own research, while also training the next generation of computer scientists.
Those with a specialization in analytics may find work as a business analyst. Think of these computer scientists as the “fix-it” people of the corporate world, working hard to help businesses improve how they function. They do this by identifying organizational problems and crafting solutions driven by a company’s data. They’re also responsible for setting expectations for how IT systems might run at an organization and carrying out training workshops and statistical analyses at a firm.
A completely separate role is that of a data scientist. This is the person who collects and analyzes a company’s huge sets of structured and unstructured data. They analyze, process and model data to develop useful plans for corporations and other organizations. They are essentially wrangling and rounding up all of the data churned out by a company—some of it fits neatly into a database, while some of it includes the chaotic information generated by a businesses’ email accounts and social media feeds. A person with a computer science programming background may be able to transition into this field but may need to master some data science skills, especially if that was not their area of focus during their graduate studies.
Online Master’s in Computer Science Curriculum
Online computer science degrees offer a curriculum that is equivalent to that of on-campus programs. Here’s a sampling of subjects you may cover while enrolled in an online master’s program:
Analysis of Algorithms. You’ll develop the skills needed to understand and graph computer algorithms. Courses in this area will also enable you to optimize, randomize and analyze algorithms so that you’re capable of applying algorithmic thinking in the real world, to produce solutions to sorting and searching.
Operating Systems Principles. You’ll develop the skills needed for design and implementation of different operating systems. Courses in this area will give you insight into process scheduling and coordination, memory management, and file system management and structuring.
Computer Architecture. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to evaluate computer hardware design, from memory hierarchies to run-time optimization to parallel processing, and more. Courses in this area will also expose you to vector processing and instruction sets, namely RISC and CISC.
Software Engineering. You’ll learn about software life cycle models, which include software design techniques, data flow and structures, project and risk management, and coding and testing methods. Courses in this area place an emphasis on best practices in software engineering, by industry.
Online Master’s in Computer Science Faculty
Earning a degree from an online master’s in computer science program can expose you to qualified experts in the field, who are currently working on real-world solutions and cutting-edge research. When assessing what program makes the most sense for your academic and career interests, review faculty member profiles and make sure that you have access to the same faculty and mentors as the students on campus.
It is also important to look at their work history and published research and reports if they have any. By doing so, you can determine if their work is aligned with your interests in computer science. And if they are, perhaps that person could become a mentor to help guide you in forging an academic and research path of your own, or toward another professional goal.
How to Choose the Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Program for You?
Think of your computer science career as a structure you’re building overtime. This sets the foundation, but the master’s degree helps you to hone your skills in a specific concentration. With an online master’s in computer science, you can pursue jobs in information security, data analytics, software engineering, or cryptography, among others. You can also compete for high-level roles in any one of these areas.
Choosing the right degree for you—one that will help you to advance your career—may seem overwhelming at first, given the many options available to you. But a wealth of choices can be a good thing. It allows you to compare the programs you’re most interested in, list the pros and cons of each (such as concentrations available), and determine which one aligns with your career goals. The right degree program for you should also accommodate your current lifestyle.
You may find that an online master’s degree program is the best fit for you. There are many online learning advantages. For one, people with busy schedules find flexibility with these programs while still having access to a world-class education.
If you’re worried about whether you will get the support you need from universities as a distance learner, know that many schools provide students with services like online library access, career and academic counseling, and connections to alumni. All accredited online programs will see you working with knowledgeable faculty who are top professionals in their fields.
Online Masters in Computer Science Career and Salary Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS) projects employment of computer and information technology workers to grow 13 percent from 2020 and 2030. This rate is faster than the average for all occupations (5 percent).
A career in computer and information technology, such as a computer scientist, can be financially lucrative. The 2020 median annual salary for jobs in this field was $91,250, according to the BLS. That’s significantly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, which was $41,950.
Computer and information research scientists, computer network architects and computer programmers are among the highest-paid professionals in the field, according to the BLS. The 2020 median annual pay for these positions were $126,830, $116,780, and $89,190 respectively.
While these averages give you an idea of earning potential, remember, pay varies by location, employer, industry and more. Take computer network architects for example. Those who worked for insurance carriers earned a median annual salary of $121,730 in 2020, while those in educational services earned a median annual salary of $84,570.
You may only need a bachelor’s degree to land an entry-level computer science job, but a master’s may increase your pay. Carefully review job descriptions to ensure you meet the minimum educational requirements.
FAQs
A computer science master’s degree may be worth pursuing for someone interested in a computer science related field. The job outlook for computer and information research scientists is also projected to grow by 22% between 2020 and 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A master’s in computer science may provide opportunities in a variety of fields, including web development, software development, and a network architect. An individual with a master’s in computer science may also pursue a career in academia.
A master’s degree in computer science typically takes two years to complete, however, this may change if someone pursues their program part time instead of full time.
Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs List
Here’s a comprehensive list of online master’s in computer science programs currently available nationwide. The university’s website is the best place to find the most up to date information on program offerings

Syracuse University
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Master of Science in Computer Science
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science offers a Master of Science in Computer Science program delivered online. This program requires 30 credits and is designed to help students discover groundbreaking solutions to complex technology challenges. Students will advance their knowledge in critical areas of computer science in live, online classes, at on-campus immersions, and through engaging coursework. The M.S. in Computer Science program requires applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. GRE waivers are available for qualified applicants.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: Complete in as few as 15 months
Credits: 30

University of Texas at Austin
Master of Computer Science
The Online Master of Science in Computer Science program from The University of Texas at Austin’s top-ranked Department of Computer Science is designed to give you a foundational knowledge of computer science that will help you accelerate your career in an in-demand field. Affordable and 100% online, this flexible program can be completed in as few as 1.5 or up to three years.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 – 3 Years
Credits: 30
City University of Seattle
Master of Science in Computer Science
Seattle, Washington
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 39-59
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Arts or Master’s in Computer Systems, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or an ABET- accredited program
Clarkson University
Master of Science in Computer Science
Potsdam, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Resume
- Statement of purpose.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts.
- GRE scores
- TOEFL or IELTS
Colorado State University
Masters in Computer Science
Fort Collins, Colorado
Name of Degree: Masters in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 35
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Bachelor’s
- GRE scores
- 3.2 GPA
- TOEFL/IELTS
Colorado Technical University
Masters in Computer Science
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Name of Degree: Masters in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: N/A
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 48
Concentrations:Cybersecurity Engineering, Data Science, Software Engineering
Admission Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Bachelor’s
- TOEFL/IELTS
Columbia University
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Masters in Computer Science
New York, New York
Name of Degree: Masters in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Computational Biology, Computer Security, Foundations of Computer Science, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Network Systems, Software SystemsVIsion, Graphics, Interaction and Robotics
Admission Requirements:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Transcripts
- GRE scores
- 3.3 GPA
- TOEFL/IELTS
DePaul University
College of Computing and Digital Media
Masters in Computer Science
Chicago , Illinois
Name of Degree: Masters in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 32
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Bachelor’s
- GRE scores
- 2.5 GPA
- TOEFL/IELTS
Drexel University
Master of Science in Computer Science
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 45
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Essay/statement of purpose
- Resume
Florida Atlantic University
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Master of Science with a Major in Computer Science
Boca Raton, Florida
Name of Degree: Master of Science with a Major in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- GPA 3.25
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores
Georgia Institute of Technology
College of Computing
Master of Science in Computer Science
Atlanta, Georgia
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: N/A
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Computational Perception and Robotics, Computing Systems, Interactive Intelligence, Machine Learning
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- GRE or GMAT
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
Illinois Institute of Technology
Master of Computer Science
Chicago, Illinois
Name of Degree: Master of Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Business, Computational Intelligence, Cyber-Physical Systems, Data Analytics, Database Systems, Cloud Computing, Finance, Information Security and Assurance, Networking and Communications, Software Engineering
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores
- One letter of recommendation
- Essay/statement of purpose
- Resume
- Completion of prerequisite coursework
Johns Hopkins University
Whiting School of Engineering
Masters in Computer Science
Baltimore , Maryland
Name of Degree: Masters in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 21+
Concentrations:Cybersecurity, Data Communications
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- CV or Resume
- Completion of of prerequisites coursework
Lewis University
Master of Science in Computer Science
Romeoville, Illinois
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 33-51
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
- 3.0 GPA
- Undergrad coursework in calculus
- Professional resume
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- TOEFL score for international students
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Master of Science in Computer Science
Rolla, Missouri
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 31
Concentrations:Cybersecurity, Computational Intelligence, Big Data Management
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline
- 3.0 GPA
- GRE scores
- International requirement: TOEFL or IELTS
National University
Master of Science in Computer Science
San Diego , California
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Self-paced
Length of Program: Less than 1 year
Credits: 58.5
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Professional resume
- Official or Unofficial transcripts
- The program is designed for professionals currently working in business, government, or industry who want to advance their careers
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Masters in Computer Science
Newark, New Jersey
Name of Degree: Masters in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Bioinformatics, Computer Networking & Security, Database & Data Mining, Image Processing & Pattern Recognition, Software Engineering
Admission Requirements:
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- GRE/GMAT results
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo results for international applicants
- One letter of recommendation
North American University
Master of Science in Computer Science
Stafford, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.3 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
- Copy of ID
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- TOEFL score for international students
North Carolina State University
Master of Computer Science
Raleigh, North Carolina
Name of Degree: Master of Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 31
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate coursework in a three- semester sequence in differential and integral calculus, a calculus
- 3.0 GPA
- GRE scores
- TOEFL score for international students
Old Dominion University
Masters in Computer Science
Norfolk, Virgina
Name of Degree: Masters in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 31-34
Concentrations:Bioinformatics, Data Mining, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Computational Foundations
Admission Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- GRE waived through Fall 2022
Stanford University
Master of Science in Computer Science
Stanford, California
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 45
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- Resume
- Statement of Intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
Stevens Institute of Technology
Masters in Computer Science
Hoboken , New Jersey
Name of Degree: Masters in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Cloud Computing Databases, Software Development, Visual Computing and Information Extraction, Secure Systems, Gaming and Simulation, Mobile Systems, Modeling, Simulation and Visualization, Network and Systems Administration, Web Application Development, Machine Learning
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, from an accredited institution]
- Official college transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume (optional)
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (for international students)
- GRE or GMAT score
University of Idaho
Masters in Computer Science
Moscow , Idaho
Name of Degree: Masters in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores test score
- Resume
- Statement of Intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Grainger College of Engineering Computer Science
Master of Computer Science in Data Science
Champaign County, Illinois
Name of Degree: Master of Computer Science in Data Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 32
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
University of Louisville
Master of Science in Computer Science
Louisville, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or Resume
- Official transcripts”
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Master of Science in Computer Science
Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Official transcripts from all accredited post- secondary institutions
- Two letters of recommendation
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Masters in Computer and Information Science
Dearborn, Michigan
Name of Degree: Masters in Computer and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Computer Graphics, Geometric Modeling and Game Design, Computer Networks and Security, Database Management and Analytics, Software Engineering, Systems Software, Web Computing
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3.0 GPA/4.0 or higher
- GRE not required
University of Southern California
Master of Science in Computer Science
Los Angeles, California
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Enrollment Type: N/A
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 28
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate/Graduate Transcripts
- TOEFL/IELTS (only required for international students)
- Personal statement
- Resume or CV
University of West Georgia
Master of Computer Science with a Major in Applied Computer Sciences
Carrollton, Georgia
Name of Degree: Master of Computer Science with a Major in Applied Computer Sciences
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Resume or CV or CV
- Personal narrative letter
- Three letters of recommendation