Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs of 2023
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- Computer science is a rapidly growing field with high demand.
- A master's in computer science is sometimes required to enter the field.
- The median cost of the degree is more than $8,000.
- Computer science jobs tend to pay extremely well, often more than $97,000 annually.
When was the last time you went more than a day without using technology? The ease of technology has made it an essential tool, and you have computer scientists to thank for that.
Whether you use tech for your job or just for fun (hello, TikTok), computer scientists are the ones behind the scenes. They figure out what to do next when technology needs a breakthrough.
Computer scientists use their knowledge to solve problems about how computers work or what technology needs to improve. It's a job that's become increasingly important given how much interaction happens between humans and computers daily.
But keep in mind: Computer scientists need to be well-educated to do their work. A master's in computer science is often the go-to choice for those seeking to advance in the field. And you can earn the degree online.
Featured Master's in Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Should You Get a Master's in Computer Science Degree?
When you consider all the positives, getting a master's in computer science seems like a no-brainer.
Computer science is a rapidly growing field that pays extremely well. Professionals with master's degrees in the subject are in high demand because companies need workers with tech skills.
A master's in computer science also qualifies you for numerous computer science jobs, including in software development and database administration. These positions have high projected job growth and median salaries compared to other fields.
"As computers become more powerful and widespread, there is never a better time to be involved in this rapidly growing field. These days, computer science has indeed come into its own as an indispensable profession."
— Abdul Rahim, MCA in Computer Science
Benefits of Getting an Online Master's in Computer Science Degree
- Rapid job growth caused by increased demand for computer software
- Access to many high-paying jobs
- Nearly recession-proof due to reliance on computer science experts
- Wide variety of specializations based on your preference and experience
- Opportunities for creativity and innovation
Reasons for Getting Your Master's in Computer Science Online
- Balance work and school
- Flexible class schedule
- Learn from anywhere
- More free time
- Better for neurodivergent learning needs
"Students who like to find solutions, think creatively and critically, and work on diverse teams would benefit the most from completing their master's in computer science. Since the field is ever-evolving, you will have an opportunity to stay current on the latest improvements and help drive positive change in almost any industry."
— Jon Preston, MS in Computer Science
Read More: What Is Computer Science?
Master's in Computer Science Jobs
You won't find many other industries projected to grow as quickly as computer science.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects computer science jobs will grow by 15% from 2021-2031. These professionals also earned far more in 2021 than the annual median wage across all industries.
| Job | Median Salary (May 2021) | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $109,020 | 25% |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,010 | 16% |
| Web Developer | $78,300 | 23% |
| Database Administrator | $101,000 | 9% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $131,490 | 21% |
Just how much does a computer science job pay? According to the BLS, the median annual salary for a computer scientist was $97,430 in 2021. The median annual wage for all other jobs was $45,760.
Plus, your salary will only continue to rise as you progress through your career. So, compared to many other fields, getting a master's in computer science can lead to excellent pay and job security.
Read More: Top Trends in Computer Science Careers
Read More: Computer Science Career Track
How Much Does an Online Master's in Computer Science Cost?
The median cost of an online master's in computer science is $8,464 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. And the cost may be higher or lower depending on your school and how long you take to finish your degree.
But, if you're worried about the cost, there are ways to make a master's in computer science more affordable. Computer science scholarships can help you save money.
Computer Science Scholarships for Graduate Students:
- SMART Scholarship for Service
- AAAS Mass Media Science And Engineering Fellows Program
- Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
Read More: Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?
How Long Does an Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Take?
An online master's program in computer science can take anywhere from 2-5 years to complete. The timeline depends on how many credits you take.
You're considered a full-time master's degree student if you take eight or more credits per semester. Maintaining that pace means you'll likely finish your computer science degree in about two years.
A part-time master's student takes fewer than eight credits per semester. Taking fewer credits can extend the timeline to about five years or less.
Average Length of Time*
2-5 years
Required Course Credits*
30-36 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
How Much Money Will You Make with a Master's in Computer Science?
Source: Payscale
Read More: Is Computer Science Hard? What to Know
How Do You Choose an Online Master's in Computer Science Program?
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Still Looking for the Right Fit in Technology? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Best Online Master's in Computer Science Programs
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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
City University of Seattle
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
DePaul University
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID - 4 years
- Online + Campus
George Washington University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Computer Science Degree
What are the admission requirements for a master's in computer science program?
A bachelor's degree in computer science is a common requirement for admission to a master's-level computer science program. But, some programs allow students without a bachelor's degree to take remedial coursework and meet the admission requirements.
For example, students in certain master's in computer science programs may need to be competent in certain undergraduate-level computer science classes, such as:
- Systems, design and analysis of algorithms
- Formal languages and automata theory
- Networking and communications.
Is a master's in computer science hard?
In general, computer science can be hard for a lot of students. The difficulty only increases at the master's level. It will be easier if you understand subjects like discrete mathematics, data structures, and algorithms well.
You'll also need a balance of technical and analytical skills. But, you can increase your odds of success if you study hard and try to improve areas of weakness.
What does a computer scientist do?
A computer scientist is an expert at using computer-based systems to solve problems. They work on projects involving specific areas such as data science, programming language theory, and machine learning.
Computer scientists understand how computers and applications work and process information. So when you need a piece of technology improved, computer scientists know the best methods for doing so.
