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.
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.
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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.
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. The 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.
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
- 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.
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 12 percent from 2018 and 2028. 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 2019 median annual salary for jobs in this field was $88,240, according to the BLS. That’s significantly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, which was $39,810.
Computer and information research scientists, computer network architects, software developers and computer programmers are among the highest-paid professionals in the field, according to the BLS. The 2019 median annual pay for these positions were $122,840, $112,690, $107,510 and $86,550 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 $117,720 in 2019, while those in educational services earned a median annual salary of $81,400.
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.
Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs List
Here’s a comprehensive list of online master’s in computer science programs currently available nationwide:
Syracuse University
Online Master of Science in Computer Science from Syracuse University
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.
City University of Seattle
Master of Science in Computer Science from City University of Seattle
City University of Seattle offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 39 credits. The program is offered both part-time and full-time, but most applicants finish the program within two years. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is needed to apply to this program. GRE scores are not required.
Clarkson University
Master of Science in Computer Science from Clarkson University
Clarkson University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science comprised of 30 credits. All students are required to complete a thesis. Classes are mainly offered in an asynchronous format with on-campus options available. In order to apply, students are expected to have a background in computer science. A GRE score is required.
Colorado State University
Master of Computer Science from Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 35 credits. The program is offered both part-time and full-time. All classes are offered in an asynchronous format with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students and professors. Students entering the master’s program are expected to be fluent in an object-oriented language. GRE scores are required for international applicants only.
Colorado Technical University
Master of Computer Science from Colorado Technical University
Colorado State University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 35 credits. The program is offered both part-time and full-time. All classes are offered in an asynchronous format with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students and professors. Students entering the master’s program are expected to be fluent in an object-oriented language. GRE scores are required for international applicants only.
Columbia University
Master of Computer Science from Columbia University
Columbia University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 30 credits. The program offers multiple tracks, including: Computational Biology, Computer Security, Foundations of Computer Science, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Network Systems, Software Systems, Vision, Graphics, Interaction and Robotics. Classes are delivered fully online. In order to apply, a bachelor’s degree in computer science is recommended but not required. A GRE score is required when applying.
DePaul University
Master of Science in Computer Science from DePaul University
DePaul University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 52 credits. Specializations are offered in: Software and Systems Development, Theory, Data Science, Database Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Game and Real-Time Systems, and Human-Computer Interaction. Students also have an option of writing a thesis. Classes are offered online in an asynchronous format. However, when taking exams it might be required for students to be proctored at their local library, college, or university. GRE scores are not required.
Drexel University
Master of Science in Computer Science from Drexel University
Drexel University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 45 credits. Drexel’s highly interactive online learning environment engages and challenges students while remaining convenient for working professionals. Both a thesis and non-thesis track are available to students. In order to apply, a bachelor’s degree closely related to the field of computer science is necessary. GRE scores are required.
Florida Atlantic University
Master of Science in Computer Science from Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 33 credits. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available for the program. Most classes are offered in an asynchronous format. Students who do not have a computer science background will be expected to take additional courses. GRE scores are required.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 30 credits. Specializations are offered in Computational Perception & Robotics, Computing Systems, Interactive Intelligence, and Machine Learning. Classes are mainly asynchronous, and proctoring for exams is done solely online. It is recommended that students who apply come from a computer science background. GRE scores are not required.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Online Master of Science in Computer Science from Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 30 credits. Students can focus on one of eight specializations: Computational Intelligence, Cyber-Physical Systems, Data Analytics, Database Systems, Distributed and Cloud Computing, Information Security and Assurance, Networking and Communications, or Software Engineering. A student without a bachelor’s degree in computer science may require extra time to make up deficiencies in prerequisite undergraduate coursework. GRE scores are not required.
Johns Hopkins University
Master of Science in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 30 credits. The program offers one concentration in Communications and Networking. The degree is offered fully online in both part-time and full-time formats. All courses must be completed within 5 years. A combination of synchronous and asynchronous classes are required. A bachelor’s degree is required to apply, along with your prior education including one year of calculus; a mathematics course beyond calculus (e.g., discrete mathematics, linear algebra, or differential equations); a course in data structures; a course in computer organization; and a course in programming using a modern programming language such as Java or C++. GRE scores are not required.
Lewis University
Online Master of Science in Computer Science from Lewis University
Lewis University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science comprised of 30 credits. Students may concentrate their studies into one of three areas: Software Engineering, Cyber Security, or Intelligent Systems. The program is offered both full-time and part-time and can be completed in as little as two years. Courses are offered fully online in an asynchronous, 8-week format. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or information systems is preferred. A GRE score is not required.
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Master of Science in Computer Science from Missouri University of Science & Technology
Missouri University of Science and Technology offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 31 credits. The program has two areas of emphasis: critical infrastructure protection and software engineering. Both a thesis option and a non-thesis option are available. Most classes are offered in an asynchronous format, but some classes might require live participation. GRE scores are required.
National University
Master of Science in Computer Science from National University
National University offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree that is comprised of 54 graduate units. Students have the option to specialize in Advanced Computing, Software Engineering, or Database Engineering. The program is available offline in an asynchronous format. The program ends with the student creating an original project with practical applications utilizing software engineering concepts. GRE is not required for students with a 2.5 GPA or above.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Computer Science from New Jersey Institute of Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a Master of Science in Computer Science comprised of 30 credits. The program offers a few specializations, including Databases and Data Mining, Networking, Cybersecurity, and Generalist. Course content is delivered asynchronously through the university’s learning management system. A GRE score is not required.
North American University
Master of Science in Computer Science from North American University
North American University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 30 credits. Both part-time and full-time options are available, with a degree completion possible in as little as 16 months. To apply, a bachelor’s degree in computer science is recommended but not required. GRE scores are not required.
North Carolina State University
Master of Computer Science from North Carolina State University
NC State University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 31 credits. Courses are provided in streaming video form over the Internet through the Engineering Online program. Course work and results are exchanged electronically, and exams are taken (under properly proctored conditions) at the student’s site. In order to apply, a bachelor’s degree is needed, preferably in computer science. GRE scores are required.
Northcentral University
Master of Science in Computer Science from Northcentral University
Northcentral University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 30 credits. Northcentral offers classes completely online with a one-to-one learning model. The program can be completed within 23 months.
Old Dominion University
Computer Science MS Degree Online from Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 34 credits. A courses-only track, a project track, and a thesis track are all available. Many classes don’t have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. However, the instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. To apply for this computer science MS degree online, you should have a strong background in the C or C++ programming language, Data Structures, Computer Organization, Operating Systems, and Theoretical Computer Science. A GRE score is required.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Computer Science Master’s Program from Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 30 credits. The program’s areas of focus include: Gaming and Simulation, Mobile Systems, Modeling, Simulation and Visualization, Network and, Systems Administration, and Web Application Development. A bachelor’s degree is needed to apply. GRE scores are required.
University of Idaho
Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Idaho
University of Idaho offers a Master of Science in Computer Science comprised of 30 credits. Both a thesis and non-thesis track are available for students. Before being accepted into the Master’s program, a prospective student must provide demonstrated evidence that he or she has mastery of certain basic mathematical and computer science skills. A GRE score is not required for this program.
University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign
Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign
University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 32 credits. The program is research-oriented, with a master’s thesis required. All degree requirements must be completed within five consecutive semesters with only fall and spring semesters offered. Applicants who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science must have sufficient background in computer programming, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, and theory of computation. GRE scores are not required.
University of Louisville
Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Louisville
University of Louisville offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 30 credits. The program is available for interested individuals who have an adequate technical background, but do not necessarily have a baccalaureate degree in engineering or computer science. The online graduate degree in computer science can be completed in as little as two years and focuses on areas that include foundations, software, analytics, electives and a project option. GRE scores are required.
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 30 credits. Classes are mainly offered in an asynchronous format with specific due dates for assignments. Students with a BS in a field other than Computer Science or Computer Engineering may be required to complete 4 fully online courses in computer science fundamentals that may be finished within one year. The GRE requirement is waived for students successfully completing the UMass Dartmouth Computer Science online certificate.
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
University of Michigan – Dearborn offers a Master of Science in Computer and Information Science that is comprised of 30 credits. Two tracks are available, a project-track and a thesis-track. The following concentration areas are also offered: Computer Graphics, Geometric Modeling, and Game Design, Computer Networks and Security, Data Management and Analytics, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Systems Software, and Web Computing. A bachelor’s degree is required to apply to the program, with preference given to students with a background in Computer and Information Science and Computer Engineering.
University of Southern California
Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Southern California
The University of Southern California offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 28 credits. Classes are offered fully online in a synchronous format. A thesis is not required, but is an option for interested students. To apply, an undergraduate degree in engineering, math or hard science from a regionally-accredited university is needed. GRE test scores are required.
University of West Georgia
Online MS in Applied Computer Science from University of West Georgia
University of West Georgia offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that is comprised of 36 credits. The program is delivered in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous formats. To end the program, students are required to take a project course that is a culmination of all concepts learned throughout the program. GRE scores are not required.
Note: Information for the following online computer science programs is up-to-date as of October 2019.