The data expertise discipline affords unimaginable alternatives for expert professionals, and a computer science master’s diploma places graduates in a place to capitalize. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) initiatives the addition of greater than 660,000 new computer occupations between 2020 and 2030. An superior computer science diploma can result in among the most in-demand positions amongst them. Master’s graduates are outfitted to work in cybersecurity, massive information, cloud computing, and software program and software improvement — among the fastest-growing and most integral IT fields. Here, we rank the most effective computer science master’s applications in the nation. We additionally study the computer science self-discipline and diploma ranges extra carefully. The finest online master’s in computer science degreesOur rankings leverage probably the most related and up-to-date publicly obtainable data. To discover out extra about how we decide which applications deserve the best spots, take a look at ZDNet’s rating methodology. Unless in any other case indicated, information is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and every program’s web site.
1. North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina
About this system: NC State’s 31-credit online computer science master’s program options core coaching in engineering and computer idea and techniques. The diploma has no thesis or on-campus necessities.Acceptance fee: 45%Graduation fee: 79%Avg. annual web worth: $16,458Years to completion: 2 (part-time and accelerated schedules could also be obtainable)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: Tw0Course supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: North Carolina State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
2. Stanford University
Stanford, California
About this system: Stanford’s 45-unit online computer science master’s program options specializations in synthetic intelligence, computer and community safety, data administration, and biocomputation.Acceptance fee: 4%Graduation fee: 96%Avg. annual web worth: $11,496Years to completion: 3-5Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment intervals per 12 months: FourCourse supply strategies: Online, synchronous and asynchronousAccreditation: Stanford is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC).
3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
About this system: U of I’s online computer science master’s program options 32 credit score hours of core computer science coaching in human-computer interplay, software program engineering, synthetic intelligence, and high-performance computing.Acceptance fee: 59%Graduation fee: 86%Avg. annual web worth: $15,880Years to completion: 2 (self-paced schedules obtainable)Minimum GPA: 3.2Enrollment intervals per 12 months: TwoCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
4. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
About this system: USC’s 28-credit online computer science master’s program affords concentrations in computer safety, information science, and software program engineering. Acceptance fee: 11%Graduation fee: 92%Avg. annual web worth: $29,528Years to completion: 1.5-3Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment intervals per 12 months: TwoCourse supply strategies: Online and synchronousAccreditation: The University of Southern California is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC).
5. East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
About this system: ECU’s online computer science master’s program encompasses a minimal of 30 semester-hours, together with core coaching in machine studying and the design and evaluation of algorithms.Acceptance fee: 79%Graduation fee: 66%Avg. annual web worth: $15,844Years to completion: 2 (part-time schedules could also be obtainable)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: ThreeCourse supply strategies: Online, synchronous and asynchronousAccreditation: East Carolina University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
6. University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho
About this system: U of I’s online computer science master’s program affords a 30-credit thesis and non-thesis possibility, together with emphases in cybersecurity, survivable techniques, information science, and collaborative digital environments. Acceptance fee: 78%Graduation fee: 57%Avg. annual web worth: $14,132Years to completion: 2Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: ThreeCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: The University of Idaho is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU).
7. Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
About this system: Ok-State’s online computer science master’s program options between 30-33 credit, masking core areas like excessive assurance software program engineering, synthetic intelligence, information science, and cybersecurity. Acceptance fee: 95%Graduation fee: 61%Avg. annual web worth: $18,285Years to completion: 2Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: ThreeCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: Kansas State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
8. University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
About this system: UMass Amherst’s 30-credit online computer science master’s program focuses on software program improvement and options programs in database design, bioinformatics, and cellular robotics.Acceptance fee: 64%Graduation fee: 77%Avg. annual web worth: $22,501Years to completion: 2Minimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment intervals per 12 months: TwoCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronous Accreditation: The University of Massachusetts Amherst is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
9. Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
About this system: BU’s online computer science master’s program options 40 credit of coaching in computer software techniques. The diploma affords concentrations in IT venture administration, computer networks, well being informatics, and safety. Acceptance fee: 19%Graduation fee: 86%Avg. annual web worth: $30,259Years to completion: 1.5-2Minimum GPA: 3.0 recommendedEnrollment intervals per 12 months: RollingCourse supply strategies: Online, asynchronous and synchronousAccreditation: Boston University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
10. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
About this system: CSU’s 35-credit online computer science master’s program supplies coaching in parallel computing, software program engineering, database techniques, and networking and safety.Acceptance fee: 81%Graduation fee: 69%Avg. annual web worth: $18,668Years to completion: 2Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: TwoCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronous Accreditation: Colorado State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
11. University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
About this system: UIS’ 32-credit online computer science master’s program focuses on software program program design and implementation, together with analysis and evaluation.Acceptance fee: 77%Graduation fee: 55%Avg. annual web worth: $12,477Years to completion: 2Minimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment intervals per 12 months: ThreeCourse supply strategies: Online, asynchronous and synchronousAccreditation: The University of Illinois Springfield is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
12. Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri
About this system: Missouri S&T’s 31-credit online computer science master’s program emphasizes coaching in cybersecurity and information science. Acceptance fee: 79%Graduation fee: 68%Avg. annual web worth: $14,262Years to completion: 2Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: ThreeCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: Missouri University of Science and Technology is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
13. University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
About this system: UofL’s online computer science master’s program options 30-credit hours of coaching in the areas of knowledge mining, analytics, and synthetic intelligence. Acceptance fee: 69%Graduation fee: 53%Avg. annual web worth: $16,867Years to completion: 2 (part-time choices can be found)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: ThreeCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: University of Louisville is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
14. Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
About this system: SMU’s 30-credit online computer science master’s program options a synthetic intelligence specialization, together with programs in cloud computing and information mining.Acceptance fee: 47%Graduation fee: 80%Avg. annual web worth: $36,222Years to completion: 2Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: TwoCourse supply strategies: Online, synchronous and asynchronousAccreditation: Southern Methodist University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
15. New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, New Jersey
About this system: NJIT’s 30-credit online computer science master’s program focuses on software program and computer techniques design and improvement. The program additionally affords specializations in bioinformatics, software program engineering, and database and information mining. Acceptance fee: 73%Graduation fee: 77%Avg. annual web worth: $19,706Years to completion: 1.5-2 (part-time schedules could also be obtainable)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: TwoCourse supply strategies: Online, synchronous and asynchronousAccreditation: The New Jersey Institute of Technology is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
16. Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, New Jersey
About this system: Stevens’ 30-credit online computer science master’s program focuses on programming and software program design. The diploma affords 10 specialization choices, together with safe techniques, cloud computing databases, and gaming and simulation.Acceptance fee: 40%Graduation fee: 83%Avg. annual web worth: $37,588Years to completion: 2 (part-time schedules can be found)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: TwoCourse supply strategies: Online, synchronous and asynchronousAccreditation: Stevens Institute of Technology is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
17. Georgia Southwestern State University
Americus, Georgia
About this system: GSW’s online computer science master’s program contains 30 credit and prepares college students to design and develop new computer applied sciences to serve numerous industries. Acceptance fee: 58%Graduation fee: 44%Avg. annual web worth: $11,157Years to completion: 2 (part-time schedules could also be obtainable)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: ThreeCourse supply strategies: OnlineAccreditation: Georgia Southwestern State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
18. DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
About this system: DePaul’s 52-credit online computer science master’s program encompasses a analysis and thesis possibility, together with emphasis areas in information science, synthetic intelligence, and software program and techniques improvement.Acceptance fee: 68%Graduation fee: 68%Avg. annual web worth: $30,090Years to completion: 2 (part-time schedules could also be obtainable)Minimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment intervals per 12 months: FourCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: DePaul University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
19. Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
About this system: Drexel’s online computer science master’s program options 45 credit, together with core programs in information buildings and algorithms, creating person interfaces, and computer graphics. Electives come from the fields of purposes, computer techniques, and programming techniques.Acceptance fee: 75%Graduation fee: 66%Avg. annual web worth: $34,914Years to completion: 2 (part-time and accelerated schedules can be found)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: FourCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
20. Lewis University
Romeoville, Illinois
About this system: Lewis’ 32-credit online computer science master’s program prepares college students to develop sensible IT purposes and improvements. The diploma options concentrations in software program engineering, cybersecurity, digital forensics, and enterprise and cloud computing. Acceptance fee: 64%Graduation fee: 67%Avg. annual web worth: $18,664Years to completion: 1-2 (accelerated and part-time schedules can be found)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: TwoCourse supply strategies: OnlineAccreditation: Lewis University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
21. Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York
About this system: Hofstra University’s online computer science master’s program options 30 semester hours and trains college students in programming, algorithms, and working techniques. The program additionally affords concentrations in networking and safety and internet engineering. Acceptance fee: 68%Graduation fee: 63%Avg. annual web worth: $32,838Years to completion: 2 (part-time choices can be found)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: RollingCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: Hofstra University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
22. Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
About this system: CUW’s 30-credit online computer science master’s program teaches college students tips on how to create and handle {hardware} and software program techniques. The diploma options concentrations in software program engineering and knowledge techniques. Acceptance fee: 64%Graduation fee: 54%Avg. annual web worth: $23,855Years to completion: 1.5-2 (part-time and accelerated schedules can be found)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: RollingCourse supply strategies: Online, asynchronous and synchronous Accreditation: Concordia University Wisconsin is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
23. University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, Connecticut
About this system: UB’s online computer science master’s program options 34 credit and trains college students in working techniques, algorithm evaluation, and information and computer communication.Acceptance fee: 55% Graduation fee: 46%Avg. annual web worth: $22,600Years to completion: 2 (part-time and accelerated schedules can be found)Minimum GPA: 2.9Enrollment intervals per 12 months: TwoCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: The University of Bridgeport is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
24. National University
San Diego, California
About this system: NU’s online computer science master’s program options 58.5 quarter items of research in the areas of software program structure, fashionable working techniques, database design, and computing safety.Acceptance fee: 55%Graduation fee: 46%Avg. annual web worth: $22,600Years to completion: 1-2Minimum GPA: 2.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: RollingCourse supply strategies: Online and asynchronousAccreditation: National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC).
25. City University of Seattle
Seattle, Washington
About this system: CityU’s online computer science master’s program options 39-59 credit and affords programs in computer structure, software program testing, expertise venture administration. Acceptance fee: Not publicly obtainableGraduation fee: 48%Avg. annual web worth: Not publicly availableYears to completion: 2 (part-time and accelerated schedules can be found)Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment intervals per 12 months: FourCourse supply strategies: Online, asynchronous and synchronousAccreditation: City University of Seattle is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU).
Insights from a computer science graduateKrimy Jain is the co-founder and CTO of the rental housing market Cirtru. She has a master’s diploma in computer science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Previously, she labored at an enterprise firm and was additionally an early engineer at a startup known as SumoLogic, now listed on NASDAQ. She was a short-term contractor at Eightfold.ai, which is now a unicorn. She has additionally interned at Microsoft and has met Bill Gates.
ZDNet: What kind of particular person is profitable and thrives in a computer science profession? What kind of particular person is probably not the most effective match?Krimy Jain: In a computer science profession, an individual with sturdy debugging expertise will thrive. In addition, it’s good to be good at logical reasoning and breaking down a fancy drawback into smaller simple issues. You should be dynamic and hold updating your skillset. You additionally should be a immediate prototyper to validate options to issues. But if you happen to get complacent and don’t sustain with the newest instruments and applied sciences, you might be certain to get dated and be unsuccessful. If you aren’t the one who can resolve issues, computer science will not be for you.ZDNet: What was probably the most difficult, rigorous course you took in your computer science master’s program? What recommendation would you give to college students who’re about to start out this course?KJ: High-performance computing structure was probably the most rigorous course that I took up in my MS CS program. My recommendation could be to work exhausting each day, not simply nearer to the deadline. You can have peace of thoughts and in addition will have the ability to optimize your initiatives and submissions when you have ample time readily available. Do not take up a couple of or two rigorous programs per semester. Balance them out all through the size of your computer science program.ZDNet: How did you take advantage of your computer science diploma program in order that it ready you for post-grad jobs? KJ: I attempted to take programs that me probably the most. If I used to be in the programs I pursued, I might naturally fare properly in the grades. I might advise younger pursuers to deal with constructing a powerful basis on which they’ll prolong their computer science expertise. If you have got a stable basis, it is possible for you to to deal with any drawback that comes your approach. Fetching nice post-grad jobs will get simpler if you happen to can crack their interviews, which entails you demonstrating your problem-solving expertise with out getting nervous whereas doing so. This solely occurs when you’re a pure problem-solver.What to anticipate in an online computer science master’s diploma programAn online computer science master’s program supplies technical and theoretical coaching in a number of areas, together with programming, computer techniques, software program improvement, networking and safety. Learn extra by trying out our information on what to anticipate in a computer science diploma program.Computer science master’s diploma programsWhile each computer science master’s diploma encompasses a distinctive curriculum, some topics have a tendency to look in most applications. Prospective college students can discover a record and particulars of among the commonest subjects in our overview of computer science programs.Computer science diploma rangesComputer science affords a number of diploma ranges, with every stage that includes totally different postgraduate alternatives and approaches to the fabric. For instance, affiliate levels and bachelor’s levels often result in entry-level computer science jobs, master’s levels can result in management positions, and doctorates result in analysis and tutorial careers. The following part supplies particulars on the totally different diploma ranges and highlights among the attainable profession pathways opened by them.Associate in computer scienceLength: Two yearsCost: $11,389 per yearPost-grad careers: Computer help specialist, internet builders, and computer programmersA computer science affiliate diploma supplies college students with the sphere’s fundamentals. Students study the fundamentals of computer techniques, programming, and internet improvement by means of conventional classes. They additionally choose up sensible expertise for fixing computing issues by means of hands-on assignments.While the coaching prepares learners for some entry-level careers, it additionally helps degree-seekers develop a powerful basis for additional computer-related coaching. Graduates acquire an knowledgeable perspective on the trade and may select a extra specialised discipline of curiosity. Bachelor’s in computer scienceLength: Four yearsCost: $28,123 per yearPost-grad careers: Computer community architects, computer techniques analyst, and knowledge safety analystThe commonest of the computer science levels, a bachelor’s diploma supplies a complete exploration of the sphere, masking fundamentals and superior supplies. Through a mixture of instruction, project-based studying, and practicums and internships, college students collect expertise in software program and software improvement and safety.According to the BLS, a bachelor’s diploma qualifies graduates for many entry-level computer occupations, together with computer analysts, architects, and directors. Due to the excessive demand for professionals in this discipline, many computer science scholarships can be found.Master’s in computer scienceLength: 1-2 yearsCost: $19,792 per yearPost-grad careers: Computer and knowledge analysis scientist, computer and knowledge techniques supervisor, and computer {hardware} engineerA computer science master’s builds on the basics from earlier applications, instructing extra advanced programming languages and strategies, scientific computing, and software program engineering. Students might also have the power to specialize in totally different subdisciplines, comparable to synthetic intelligence, human-computer interplay, and information mining and administration.The coaching strategies at this stage contain far more research- and practice-based studying. Online computer science master’s applications put together graduates for careers in analysis and administration, together with large-scale engineering and structure roles.Doctorate in computer scienceLength: 3-5 yearsCost: $92,200-$127,100Post-grad careers: Postsecondary trainer, computer scientist, and computer techniques engineerA computer science Ph.D. is the terminal diploma for the sphere and focuses on utilized analysis in a specific subdiscipline. Students usually select a specialization — comparable to information science, digital media, or sport design — and full analysis and publications on the topic.In addition to extremely superior and specialised data, Ph.D. college students develop knowledgeable analysis, communication, and management expertise. They can go on to show college students, lead advanced initiatives, or analysis and develop computing improvements.In conclusionThe computer science discipline supplies useful academic {and professional} flexibility for all scholar sorts. Prospective college students get pleasure from various instructing strategies, specializations, and profession alternatives from every diploma stage. Among these, a computer science master’s diploma delivers among the most sought-after coaching and rewarding postgraduate pathways.
