The demand for computer scientists is ever-increasing in a digital-driven world. Discover the 30 best online master’s in computer science.
Earning a master’s degree in computer science builds upon a broad skill set. When you obtain your master’s degree in computer science with industry-leading faculty members, you will deepen your understanding of computer programming, as well as further your knowledge in specific concentrations within the industry, which could range from computer architecture to computational perception to big data.
If you choose to further your education with a master’s in computer science, you will be able to discover what specialization you’re truly interested in or good at. Are you interested in computing systems? What about information security? Or how about data analytics?
Once you complete your master’s degree, you will likely be able to rank in a higher salary bracket and advance in your role within your company – or go find a more prestigious position elsewhere or in a related field.
What is an Online Master’s in Computer Science?
A master’s degree will take everything you learned in your bachelor’s degree one step further. When you decide to study at this level, your course load will most likely require you to choose a concentration. An example of a concentration in computer science is software engineering or computer security.
Which classes you take or field you study will depend both on the school you choose to acquire your online degree from, as well as what specialty you select. Here’s a sampling of some of your options:
- Machine learning
- Information systems
- Artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Information technology
- Cloud computing
- Data mining
Regardless of what you choose, however, you will doubtless spend time learning both the theory behind subjects like data science and computer networks, as well as spend time getting your hands dirty with projects and practicals in a variety of programming languages and different computer systems and database systems.
How much can you earn with an Online Master’s in Computer Science?
With a master’s in computer science, your earnings will fluctuate depending on your role. According to PayScale, the median salary for a professional with a master of science in computer science is $101,000 per year.
Here’s a list of potential real-world positions you could fill after completing your master’s-level computer science program:
- Software Engineer
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Network Security Analyst
- Data Scientist
Your eligibility and earnings potential will depend, of course, upon work experience, your knowledge of computer engineering and software development, and whether you have any other advanced degrees. You should also consider “soft skills” which can help you rise to a managerial level (if that’s something you are interested in). Project management chops will also help you get a big picture of what your company is working on and can help salary potential.
What is required for an Online Master’s in Computer Science?
To earn a master’s degree in computer science, most programs will expect applicants to complete a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment. Students are not required to have a certain undergraduate major in order to apply to most graduate programs. You may, however, have to demonstrate that you are competent in skills covered in prerequisite coursework.
Depending on where you’d like to study, some programs might require experience within the industry. There’s a good possibility that upon graduating with your master’s degree, you will have to write a research-based thesis, take a capstone course, or pass an exit exam.
The logistics of online programs can vary. Some master of computer science online programs are full-time degree programs, while some don’t have the same credit hour requirements for each semester.
Just because you want to enroll in a master’s program as an online student doesn’t mean you should blow off the possibility of getting financial aid. A computer science master degree can be a lot cheaper than the sticker price.
What are the bestOnline Master’s in Computer Sciencedegrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.