Online master’s in computer science degrees

Computers are important tools in our daily lives—connecting us to information, from the office to the classroom and our homes. If you are interested in learning the intricacies of computer technology and how it affects different industries, a career in computer science may be for you.

The program cards featured on this page were last updated in July 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.

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Syracuse University

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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

University of Texas at Austin

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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.

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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.

An online master’s in computer science degree can be one 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.

Sponsored school

Syracuse University

College of Engineering and Computer Science

info

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

infoSPONSORED

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 program offerings differ, many online master’s in computer science programs have similarities. Generally, programs require learners 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 thesis or research project, or take a final exam.

When it comes to admission requirements, universities ask for different things. Some programs might require that you have a working knowledge of computer programming languages such as C++ or Java. Others have prerequisite coursework in topics like calculus.

Online programs can mirror their on-campus offerings by prioritizing interactivity through videos and more. Some online programs also include group projects with learners 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 new skills and made career connections with peers and professionals. At that point, you also have the option to earn a Ph.D. 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 can lead to a variety of fields and jobs. For example:

A computer scientist can work in many industries and branches of the field. It is a multidisciplinary vocation. For example, computer scientists who choose to go the theoretical route might 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.

Another role is that of a data scientist. This is the person who collects and analyzes a company’s 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 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 could benefit from mastering some data science skills, too.

Online master’s in computer science curriculum

Online computer science degrees can offer a curriculum that is equivalent to that of on-campus programs. Here’s a sampling of subjects you may study while enrolled in an online master’s program:

Analysis of algorithms. Develop the skills 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 and produce solutions involving sorting and searching.

Operating systems principles. Learn to design and implement 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. 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, such as RISC and CISC.

Software engineering. 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, consider reviewing faculty member profiles and confirming that you have access to the same faculty and mentors as on-campus learners.

It could also be helpful to look at faculty members’ work histories and published research and reports. You can determine if their work is aligned with your interests in computer science. If it is, 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

A master’s degree can help you 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.

Choosing the right degree for you — one that will help you to advance your career—may seem overwhelming at first. 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 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.

Many schools also provide learners with services like online library access, career and academic counseling, and alumni connections.

Online master’s in computer science career and salary outlook

Employment of computer and information technology workers will grow much faster than the average for all other occupations between 2022 and 2032—about 377,500 openings are projected each year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.

The 2022 median annual wage for jobs in this field was $100,530, according to BLS data

Computer and information research scientists, computer network architects, and software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are among the highest-paid professionals in the field, according to BLS data. The 2022 median annual pay for these positions were $136,620, $126,900, and $124,200 respectively.
While these estimates give you an idea of earning potential, pay varies by location, employer, industry, and more. Among computer network architects, those who worked in computer systems design earned a median annual salary of $129,230 in 2022, while those in educational services earned a median annual salary of $92,470.

You may only need a bachelor’s degree to land an entry-level computer science job, but a master’s degree may increase your pay. Carefully review job descriptions to ensure you meet the minimum educational requirements.

FAQ

Is a master’s in computer science worth it?

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 projected to grow 23% between 2022 and 2032, according to the BLS.

What can you do with a master’s in computer science?

A master’s in computer science may provide opportunities in a variety of fields, including web development, software development, and network architecture. An individual with a master’s in computer science may also consider pursuing a career in academia.

How long does it take to get a master’s degree in computer science?

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 list of online master’s in computer science programs currently available nationwide. Each university’s website will be the best place to find the most up-to-date information on program offerings.

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor of Arts or Master’s in Computer Systems, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or an ABET- accredited program
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from City University of Seattle

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Resume 
  • Statement of purpose.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts.
  • GRE scores
  • TOEFL or IELTS
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from Clarkson University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Bachelor’s
  • GRE scores
  • 3.2 GPA
  • TOEFL/IELTS
Learn more about the Masters in Computer Science from Colorado State University

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
Learn more about the Masters in Computer Science from Colorado Technical University

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
Learn more about the Masters in Computer Science from Columbia University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Bachelor’s
  • GRE scores
  • 2.5 GPA
  • TOEFL/IELTS
Learn more about the Masters in Computer Science from DePaul University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 3.0 GPA 
  • Official transcripts
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Essay/statement of purpose
  • Resume 
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from Drexel University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • GPA 3.25
  • Official transcripts
  • GRE scores
Learn more about the Master of Science with a Major in Computer Science from Florida Atlantic University

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 
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology

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
Learn more about the Master of Computer Science from Illinois Institute of Technology

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
Learn more about the Masters in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University

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/A

Admission 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
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from Lewis University

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
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from Missouri University of Science and Technology

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/A

Admission 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
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from National University

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
Learn more about the Masters in Computer Science from New Jersey Institute of Technology

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/A

Admission 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
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from North American University

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/A

Admission 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
Learn more about the Master of Computer Science from North Carolina State University

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
Learn more about the Masters in Computer Science from Old Dominion University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • 3.0 GPA
  • Unofficial/Official transcripts
  • Resume
  • Statement of Intent
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from Stanford University

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
Learn more about the Masters in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology

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/A

Admission 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
Learn more about the Masters in Computer Science from University of Idaho

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/A

Admission 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
Learn more about the Master of Computer Science in Data Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree 
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement or Resume
  • Official transcripts”
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Louisville

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume
  • Official transcripts from all accredited post- secondary institutions 
  • Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

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
Learn more about the Masters in Computer and Information Science from University of Michigan – Dearborn

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate/Graduate Transcripts 
  • TOEFL/IELTS (only required for international students)
  • Personal statement
  • Resume or CV
Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Southern California

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Resume or CV or CV
  • Personal narrative letter
  • Three letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Computer Science with a Major in Applied Computer Sciences from University of West Georgia

Last updated December 2023.