One of the best ways to stand out in today’s highly-competitive, tech-driven job market is by earning a graduate degree from an accredited and flexible online computer science master’s program. Learn about top-rated schools and get other key info in this comprehensive guide.
Author: Michael Hoffman, JD, MA
Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent SuccessEditor: Jordan Cosselman
Reviewer: Scott DeLoach, PhD, MS
Expertise: Computer ScienceComputer Engineering- 3 Master's Programs
In Focus: Three Online Master's Programs in CS
Read more - Benefits
Benefits of Earning a Master's in Computer Science
Read more - What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in a Computer Science Master's Program
Read more - Accreditation
Accreditation for Online Master's Programs in CS
Read more - Potential Careers
Potential Careers for Computer Science Master's Graduates
Read more - Best Programs
Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Computer Science
Read more
Computer science is one of today’s fastest-growing career fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and IT occupations is projected to grow 11% over the next decade — nearly three times faster than the average for all occupations.
At the same time, the field is competitive. Earning a fully accredited online master’s in computer science can help you:
- Advance your career
- Increase your earning potential
- Specialize in high-demand areas
- Compete for leadership roles
Three Popular Online Master’s Programs in Computer Science
When comparing programs, focus on cost, flexibility, specialization options, and student support. Below are three respected programs worth considering.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s Online Master of Computer Science (MCS) blends the scientific and engineering foundations of computer science.
This 30-credit, non-thesis program is delivered fully online through Coursera, with academic oversight from ASU faculty. Students can choose a concentration in Cybersecurity or Big Data.
The curriculum emphasizes both theory and application, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, blockchain, and data systems.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA on the final 60 undergraduate credits. Applicants without a STEM background may need to complete prerequisite coursework or pass competency exams.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech’s Online MS in Computer Science (OMS CS) is known for its affordability and academic rigor. Tuition is approximately $7,000 total, making it one of the most accessible top-tier programs in the country.
The 30-credit program is delivered asynchronously through Udacity. Students select a specialization — such as Machine Learning or Computing Systems — and complete coursework equivalent to the on-campus degree.
A bachelor’s degree is required for admission, with preference given to applicants in computer science or related fields. A 3.0 GPA is recommended but not always mandatory.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois offers a 32-credit Online Master of Computer Science delivered via Coursera, with grading and advisement handled by university faculty.
Students begin with core coursework across major subject areas such as artificial intelligence, databases, and systems. From there, they move into advanced-level classes. A data science track (MCS-DS) is also available.
Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or to complete prerequisite coursework before admission.
Why Earn a Master’s in Computer Science?
Pursuing a graduate degree requires time and financial investment, but the long-term return can be significant.
First, you’ll develop advanced technical expertise in fast-evolving areas like AI, distributed systems, and cybersecurity. Graduate-level coursework goes far beyond foundational undergraduate content.
Second, many programs incorporate leadership and management training. You’ll strengthen communication, project management, and strategic thinking skills — all critical for supervisory or executive roles.
Finally, online programs are designed for working professionals. Most allow part-time enrollment and asynchronous coursework, making it possible to continue working while earning your degree.
What You’ll Learn in a Computer Science Master’s Program
Computer science master’s programs typically combine advanced theory with practical application.
Core coursework often includes:
- Algorithms
- Computer Networks
- Database Systems
- Operating Systems
- Software Design and Architecture
Algorithms
Graduate study focuses on the design and analysis of efficient algorithms, including graph theory, dynamic programming, and complexity analysis.
Computer Networks
Students explore network architecture, communication protocols, TCP/IP systems, and advanced networking topics through lectures and applied projects.
Database Systems
Courses examine database design, query optimization, indexing structures, and cloud-based data management systems.
Operating Systems
Students study internal OS algorithms, distributed systems, synchronization, and large-scale computing environments.
Software Analysis and Design
Hands-on coursework emphasizes real-world engineering challenges, software architecture principles, and system implementation strategies.
Specialization Options
While not all programs offer formal concentration tracks, most allow you to tailor coursework toward a specific area.
Common focus areas include:
Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, and pattern recognition.
Computing Systems Design
Advanced operating systems, architecture, and distributed systems.
Data Science
Large-scale data analysis, statistical modeling, and data mining techniques.
Machine Learning
Algorithm development and systems that improve through experience.
Software Engineering
Software architecture, testing, quality assurance, and project management.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures academic quality and financial aid eligibility.
Unlike bachelor’s programs, computer science master’s degrees are not programmatically accredited by ABET. Instead, you should verify that the university holds proper institutional accreditation through a recognized accrediting body.
Always confirm accreditation before enrolling.
Career Opportunities with a Master’s in Computer Science
A master’s in computer science can lead to advanced roles in research, development, and management.
Common career paths include:
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Computer and information research scientists create, design, and develop new theories and technologies in computer architecture, hardware, and software.
Specific tasks include inventing new and improved computing languages, methods, tools, and equipment; working with engineers and scientists to solve complex computing-related problems; and designing experiments to test hardware and software systems and analyzing the test results.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $69,990 | $122,840 | $189,780 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Database Administrators
Database administrators (DBA) are in charge of maintaining computer databases and database software to ensure their security and efficiency. DBAs often take “general purpose” roles in managing a company’s or organization’s database operations.
Still, they may also act as specialists like systems DBAs (requiring advanced skills in systems architecture) and application DBAs (maintaining databases for a specific application or set of applications).
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $51,800 | $93,750 | $148,060 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts are responsible for creating and maintaining computer security for an organization’s computer and IT systems and networks.
Typical job tasks include installing and maintaining security software, such as data encryption programs and firewalls; monitoring systems for security breaches and finding solutions to those breaches when they occur; advising management on information security issues and recommending program enhancements; and developing disaster recovery plans and procedures.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $57,810 | $99,730 | $158,860 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Software Developers
Software developers are the ones that develop all of the programs and applications that make the computer and IT worlds go round. Tasks include writing code to create applications; testing, modifying, and debugging application software; and documenting application systems for reference in future upgrades and maintenance.
Software developers must have a vital mastery of commonly-used computer languages and a solid familiarity with a variety of operating systems.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $64,240 | $107,510 | $164,590 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Web Developers
Web developers meet with management or clients to map out their specific website requirements and preferences and then design a website that meets those specifications.
Web developers may be responsible for the way a website looks (front-end development) or the website’s technical construction (back-end development). They may also act as a site’s webmaster, responsible for site maintenance (ensuring overall performance, fixing broken links and other problems, etc.)
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $39,550 | $73,760 | $142,080 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Costs & Financial Aid for Computer Science Master’s Students
Regardless of which program you choose, pursuing your master’s in computer science degree can be expensive. The good news is that there are several valuable financial aid resources to explore, including scholarships and grants (from private providers and degree programs themselves), graduate fellowships and assistantships, work-study programs, employer tuition assistance programs, and loans.
Our advice is to consider all of these funding sources and start your funding search as soon as possible. For more information on the various resources available for funding your online master’s in computer science program, visit our financial aid webpage.
| Program | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University | 35 | $715.00 | $25,025 |
| Drexel University | 43 | $1,342.00 | $60,390 |
| University of West Florida | 30 | $425.00 | $12,750 |
Q&A with a Computer Science Professor & Department Head
Can you tell us a bit about who your students are and what they’re seeking to gain in their computer science master’s programs?
Most of the students we get are out working in industry. They want to get enhanced skills. They want to go deeper and learn things they didn’t have a chance to at the undergraduate level and so far haven’t in their industry jobs.
There are really, in my view, two kinds of [online] master’s degrees out there. There are those that are basically set up to do online where you take ten courses or whatever and that’s your master’s degree. There’s special faculty and special courses for the online version. Many of our students were telling us that they really didn’t want to go through that and wanted to be more connected. They wanted to do some research or projects that would be larger than just a single course.
Our students actually have the opportunity to do a thesis or report which is similar to a thesis, just not quite as theoretically intensive. Or they can do a coursework-only option as well, although that’s not very popular.
Do you find that you have students coming to your program for the purpose of gaining the skills needed to address the most current technologies and trends in computer science?
Yeah, a lot of people have specific things they want to learn about. One of the unique things in our master’s program is that we have very strong programs in data science and artificial intelligence. Cybersecurity is another one. What we call high-performance software engineering is another one of our key areas. People will come back looking at those specific areas.
But a lot of times students will come back and say, “Oh, I’m really interested in, say, cyber-physical systems (which is another one of our areas) but I want to have security with that. They want to create their own specialized knowledge area. So, they can also create courses if they find a faculty member who is interested in pursuing that topic area with them.
Do you have students planning to earn their PhDs, or is your program geared more toward applied skills for students moving on in their industry careers?
A little bit of both, really. By providing the project and thesis options, we attract students who may not know now if they want to pursue academia but want to do a thesis and see if that’s something they’re going to be interested in. So, our version of the master’s degree opens up more toward the academic side, even though I would say that two-thirds to three-quarters of our students are more industry-focused.
Do you have students coming in directly from their bachelor’s programs?
The on-campus version has almost all students coming directly from undergraduate programs. The online program is almost all students that have been working. I’ve always told people that the preferred way is, once you get your undergraduate degree, to go work for a couple of years and then come back and get your master’s. That’s what I did. I was a much better student, so much more interested and had a better understanding of how what we were learning applied. It just made a night and day difference.
I’m teaching a class this spring that has both online students and on-campus students in it. I try to mix up my groups or teams so that some of the on-campus students get to work with some of the online because [the online students] have so much to offer them.
Do you have any advice for online students coming into the program that would help them but maybe they hadn’t thought about?
I think probably the most important thing is that if they’re going to be successful, they have to take control of their education. This is not about Kansas State giving them an education, it’s more about educating themselves with the help of Kansas State. Especially in the online arena. They have to make sure they keep up. You can’t just pop into the professor’s office to ask a question, so you have to find ways to communicate. And the professor isn’t just going to check up on you and email you or call you up on the phone all the time and ask you how you’re doing and if you have any questions.
So, because they’re not having that in-person experience in class, students have to take a little more responsibility for their own interactions with the professors.
Do you believe that students that interact more get more out of their programs?
Absolutely. Just like on-campus. It’s not really any different. The more effort you put in to interacting with your professors and other students, the more you get out of it.