• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

TechGuide

  • Degrees
    • Analytics
      • Analytics Associate
      • Online Bachelor's in Data Analytics
      • Online Bachelor's in Data Science
      • Data Analytics Master's
      • Data Science Master's
      • Business Analytics Master's
      • Online Master's in Business Analytics
      • Online Data Analytics Master's
      • Online Master's in Data Science
      • Data Science PhD
      • Data Analytics PhD
      • Business Analytics PhD
    • Computer Science
      • CS Associate
      • IT Associate
      • Computer Science Bachelor's
      • Artifical Intelligence Master's
      • Computer Science Master's
      • Machine Learning Master's
      • Software Engineering Master's
      • Online Associate Degree in Computer Science
      • Online Bachelor's in Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence Online Master's
      • Online Master's in Computer Science
      • IT PhD
    • Design
      • Graphic Design Associate
      • Graphic Design Bachelor's
      • Graphic Design Master's
      • Instructional Design Master's
      • Integrated Design Master's
      • UX Design Master's
      • Online Graphic Design Degree
      • Online Video Game Design
      • Online Master's in Instructional Design
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering Master's
      • Aerospace Engineering Master's
      • Electrical Engineering Master's
      • Engineering Management Master's
      • Industrial Engineering Master's
      • Mechanical Engineering Master's
      • Robotics Master's
    • Fintech
      • Fintech Associate
      • Fintech Bachelor's
      • Blockchain Master's
      • Fintech Master's
    • MBA
      • Business Analytics
      • Business Intelligence
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
      • Fintech
      • Information Technology
  • Careers
    • Analytics
      • Business Analyst
      • Business Intelligence
      • Data Analyst
      • Data Architect
      • Data Engineer
      • Data Scientist
      • Data Specialist
      • Sports Data Analyst
    • Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Cloud Computing
      • Computer Programmer
      • Computer Scientist
      • Front-End Developer
      • Full Stack Developer
      • Machine Learning
      • Software Developer
      • Software Engineer
      • Video Game Developer
      • Web Developer
    • Design
      • Data-Driven Designer
      • Graphic Designer
      • Instructional Design
      • Multimedia Artist
      • Product Designer
      • UX Designer
      • Video Game Designer
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineer
      • Civil Engineer
      • Computational Science
      • DevOps Engineer
      • Electrical Engineer
      • Engineering Manager
      • Industrial Engineer
      • Mechanical Engineer
      • Robotics Engineer
    • Fintech
      • Fintech App Developer
      • Blockchain Developer
      • Compliance Expert
      • Cryptocurrency Analyst
      • Financial Analyst
      • Innovation Analyst
      • Investment Analyst
      • Investment Banker
      • Product Manager
      • Quantitative Analyst
      • Tech Sales
    • Marketing
      • Content Marketing
      • Content Strategist
      • Marketing Analyst
      • Social Media Manager
  • Certifications
    • Analytics
      • Business Analyst
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
    • Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Cloud Computing
      • Computer Coding
      • Cybersecurity
      • Information Technology
    • Design
      • Instructional Design
      • UX Design
    • Engineering
      • Engineering
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Project Management PMP
      • Systems Engineering
    • Fintech
      • Blockchain
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Fintech
      • Procurement
  • Bootcamps
    • Analytics
      • Business Analytics
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
    • Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Coding
      • Front-End Development
      • Full-Stack Development
      • Information Technology
      • Machine Learning
      • Software Development
    • Design
      • UX Design
    • Engineering
      • Project Management
      • Software Engineering
    • Fintech
      • Blockchain
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Fintech
  • Resources
    • Courses
      • Blockchain
      • Coding
      • Computer Science
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
      • Fintech
      • Project Management (PMP)
      • UX Design
    • Jobs
      • Business Analyst
      • Computer Programming
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science and Data Scientist
      • Electrical Engineer
      • Graphic Designer
      • Instructional Designer
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Web Developer
    • Guides
      • Tech Career Mini Course
      • A Career with Numbers
      • K-12 STEM Resources
      • Internships in Tech
      • Best Tech Scholarships
      • A Veteran’s Guide to a Job in Tech
      • Women in Tech
  • Podcast
Home   >   Computer Science   >   Online Master's in Computer Science

Online Master’s in Computer Science

Justin Paulsen – Last updated: May 14, 2025

WRITER

Justin Paulsen started his own content development company in 2009, researching and writing for clients in the evenings while working full-time management jobs during the day.

On This Page
  • Master's Curriculum
  • 2025 rankings
  • Application Process
  • Virtual Classroom
  • Career Outlook
  • FAQs
  • School Listings
  • Resources

An online master’s degree in computer science is a great way to get the professional skills necessary to meet the growing demand in tech fields.

Computer scientists enjoy a very high demand for their skills and occupy a wide variety of organizational roles. This means job security, relatively high salaries, and plenty of upward mobility for savvy computer specialists. 

Of course, with great opportunity comes great competition. Many professionals are increasing their technological know-how, as virtually all modern industries intersect with technology in one way or another.

So how can you stand out in this competitive environment and land your dream gig?

Ad
techguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.
Featured Masters Programs

School NameProgramMore Info
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline MS in Computer ScienceVisit Site
Syracuse UniversityOnline MS in Computer Science - No GRE RequiredVisit Site
George Mason UniversityOnline MS in Computer ScienceVisit Site
Adelphi UniversityOnline MS in Computer ScienceVisit Site
University of West FloridaOnline MS in Computer ScienceVisit Site
Campbellsville UniversityOnline MS in Computer ScienceVisit Site

One method is pursuing an online master’s degree in computer science. Acquiring the skills to succeed in this field usually requires some mix of self-taught capabilities and formal academic training.

As of 2020, 42 percent of the US population attained undergraduate degrees, with only 13 percent pursuing it through the graduate level. This means a graduate program can help you differentiate yourself from employers, acting as both skill development and professional qualification.

The downside to a graduate degree program is the time and money it takes to complete, not to mention the inconvenience of driving to class (often after working a full shift). To offset some of these opportunity costs, many university programs are offering their curriculum entirely online.

This reduces the inconvenience and time investment, while also (often) lowering prices as well. After all, universities can operate more cost-effectively without relying on classroom space. This begs the question: do the benefits outweigh the costs?

The answer will vary on a case-by-case basis, but an online master’s degree in computer science will open many doors, professionally speaking. From artificial intelligence to web design to business analytics and even game development, computer scientists are pretty much in demand in every industry and locale.

Success means commanding higher salaries and working from almost anywhere in the world, which is about as good a reason as any to invest time into an online graduate degree program.

If all of that sounds rather free to you, the next step is deciding what type of content to study (and why). Let’s take a look at some common curricula to lay some foundation for your decision.

Master’s-level Computer Science Curriculum

Graduate-level coursework operates under the assumption that all the general education content has been completed at the undergraduate level.

The upside to this is that students can dive right into the core content they’re interested in, which in this case revolves around software engineering, programming, mathematics, and computer networking.

While it would be exhaustive to expand upon every possible area of expertise, there are five or so starting points to get your career contemplations started:

  • Algorithms and data structures: Algorithms and data structures, or DSA, speak to the intersection between structuring information and executing operations to make use of that data. It can be viewed as a Venn Diagram, allowing programmers to align the architecture of information with expected use cases.

  • Database systems: Similarly, database experts focus on how data is stored, modified, and/or deleted throughout a constant process of use and reuse. Database systems have specific languages (like SQL), and database engineers can capture significant value for organizations through efficiently designing database systems for security, scalability, efficiency, and concurrency. 

  • Computer networking: Management of computing networks simply means mediating the communication and information flow between devices. Networks are digital highways, and network engineers lay the concrete and police those highways. It’s a very important task, as it enables virtually all of our modern communication apparatus.

  • Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence, or AI, is an emergent phenomenon in computer science, where iterative learning protocols (i.e. machine learning and deep learning) are capable of completing relatively complex tasks autonomously. Designing machine learning algorithms is great for abstract thinkers with a knack for problem-solving and thinking outside of the box.

  • Software engineering: A broader field of study compared to AI would be software engineering, which encompasses the construction of programs and applications that drive functionality on devices. Software engineers are particularly adept at designing, developing, and maintaining computer software. They are expert problem-solvers, in the sense that they design and build programs that are fit for a given purpose.

Each of these fields could represent an entire concentration, or be used as secondary skills which support more specialized computer science disciplines. Game development is on the rise, overlapping significantly with software engineering, database design, and computer networking.

Web design and UX/UI is another viable option for creative types. Certified specialists in AWS and other cloud computing platforms are also in particularly high demand, and cloud computing more generally will continue to drive strong salaries.

As you may have noticed, all of these capabilities can be learned completely remotely. One of the great benefits of an online graduate degree in computer science is that all you need is proper motivation, a working computer, and coursework that can show you the way.

Projects tend to be hands-on, and deliverables are tangible. The important thing is that you apply yourself, and have the self-motivation to successfully engage with the content. 

Speaking of applying yourself, let’s take a quick look at the typical application procedure for online graduate school programs in computer science.

Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs for 2025

  1. Stevens Institute of Technology

    Hoboken, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science and Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $106,776
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,966
    Credits: 36
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  2. Lewis University

    Romeoville, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $28,380
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $860
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  3. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

    Atlanta, Georgia
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $5,850
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $195
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  4. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    Worcester, Massachusetts
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $48,300
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,610
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  5. Stanford University

    Stanford, California
    Program: M.S. Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $68,130
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,514
    Credits: 45
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  6. Columbia University in the City of New York

    New York, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $73,860
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,462
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  7. Case Western Reserve University

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $45,000
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,500
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  8. Illinois Institute of Technology

    Chicago, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $56,960
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,780
    Credits: 32
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  9. Concordia University-Wisconsin

    Mequon, Wisconsin
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $26,100
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $870
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  10. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

    Raleigh, North Carolina
    Program: Master of Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $16,957 in-state | $52,731 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $547 in-state | $1,701 out-of-state
    Credits: 31
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  11. University of Illinois at Springfield

    Springfield, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $10,626 in-state | $21,351 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $322 in-state | $647 out-of-state
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  12. Drexel University

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $64,710
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,438
    Credits: 45
    GRE requirement: Recommended for international students and for domestic students with a GPA below 3.0
    Learn more: Program details
  13. Northern Illinois University

    DeKalb, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $17,670 in-state | $29,109 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $570 in-state | $939 out-of-state
    Credits: 31
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  14. Clarkson University

    Potsdam, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $45,000
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,500
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  15. Rochester Institute of Technology

    Rochester, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $73,890
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,463
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  16. University of Central Missouri

    Warrensburg, Missouri
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $12,750
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $425
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  17. Fitchburg State University

    Fitchburg, Massachusetts
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $6,435
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $195
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  18. Southern Methodist University

    Dallas, Texas
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $40,500
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,350
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  19. University of Bridgeport

    Bridgeport, Connecticut
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $24,150
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $805
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  20. Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
    Total tuition: $33,750
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,125
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  21. Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $29,370
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $979
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  22. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

    Norman, Oklahoma
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $15,279 in-state | $43,197 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $463 in-state | $1,309 out-of-state
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  23. Monroe University

    New York City, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & hybrid
    Total tuition: $33,984
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $944
    Credits: 36
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  24. Hofstra University

    Hempstead, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $50,850
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,695
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Optional
    Learn more: Program details
  25. Pace University

    Pleasantville, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $47,700
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,590
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

2024 Rankings

  1. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
  2. GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
  3. STANFORD UNIVERSITY
show more
  1. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
  2. STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
  3. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT SPRINGFIELD
  4. FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
  5. CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
  6. ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
  7. TUFTS UNIVERSITY
  8. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
  9. UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI
  10. SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
  11. NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
  12. LEWIS UNIVERSITY
  13. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
  14. UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-PITTSBURGH CAMPUS
  15. WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
  16. NORTH AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
  17. TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY-COLLEGE STATION
  18. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY AT RALEIGH
  19. CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY – WISCONSIN
  20. UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT
  21. UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS-AMHERST
  22. CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE
show less

Applying for a Computer Science Master’s

As a general rule, online graduate school programs have a similar (and sometimes identical) application procedure as their onsite counterparts. Technical programs do have a more rigorous curriculum in general and are therefore a bit more challenging to gain admission to in many cases.

Eligibility criteria for acceptance will vary from institution to institution, but reputable online graduate degree programs will expect some combination of the following:

  • A minimum GPA from your undergraduate degree program (3.0 being a common norm)
  • An undergraduate degree in computer science or related field
  • Demonstrate completion of prerequisite courses (official transcripts required)
  • Letters of recommendation, ideally from professors and employers
  • A personal statement and CV
  • GRE test scores and, if applicable, English fluency test scores (TOEFL)

Application deadlines are typically the same for online enrollment compared to onsite, often with the addition of a summer semester. This is because many of the classes will be delivered live by professors, and these professors are operating on the same schedule as online students as offline students.

While it may seem convenient to have rolling enrollment for online courses, there is still the logistical necessity of organizing cohorts that will collaborate (and paying professors to assess the quality of work delivered).

It’s a good idea to prepare your applications carefully and distribute them widely. Understanding the variance in application requirements based upon the stringency of the program will allow aspiring graduate students the best chance of participating in the right program for their level of expertise and experience levels.

Assessing the learning environment at each institution, even as an online student, is an important consideration as well.

At this point, many prospective online graduate students are wondering what the actual learning environment is like. How do digital classrooms work? Will I still be working within a team? How strict will my schedule be? Let’s take a look.

The Virtual Classroom

Online learning programs are highly flexible from a scheduling perspective, allowing students to go at their own pace as they earn their MS in computer science.

Some students will finish programs more quickly than a traditional onsite arrangement, while others will spread it out and take their time. Most graduate students are working full-time, and therefore tend to space out the course requirements in a part-time manner.

We’ve worked really hard to make it affordable. It’s at a price tag of $10,000. Each one of them, you have to take 10 courses. The courses are $1,000 each. They are synchronous courses, so you take them during the semester with a cohort of students who are all going through it together. – Peter Stone, Professor at UT Austin

The courses themselves consist of a combination of live lectures, pre-recorded lectures, group work, and technical assignments. Let’s break this down a little further:

  • Cohorts: Group work may be on a per-assignment basis, or the courses may be designed to accommodate cohorts. Cohorts are groups that stay together across an entire set of courses, building stronger relationships through consistent collaboration.

    As one of the primary drawbacks to an online graduate program is the lack of networking opportunities, prioritizing live courses that make use of cohorts is a fairly good way to offset this lack of opportunity.

  • Live (Virtual) Classes: Of course, not all lectures will be live, and even missing a live lecture often means having the opportunity to rewatch it at your convenience. The importance of live classes, even virtually, comes from participation. Participative learning is more effective, as it motivates students to pay attention, ask questions, and stay on their toes.  

  • Learning Management Systems (LMS): Interactions between students, professors, and cohorts will be a fairly lively mix of conference calling software, emailing, and assignment tracking. All of these capabilities will exist within a single online platform, or LMS.

    It’s worth exploring how mature a given university’s LMS is, as this is essentially going to be the centerpiece of the educational experience. It should include the virtual classroom capability, as well as collaboration tools, assignment submissions, calendars, syllabi, and a record of all lectures.

While these tools are all maturing rapidly, there’s still no perfect substitute for in-class networking and face-to-face mentorship. Building networks sometimes happens over an unexpected coffee encounter or casual conversation after class.

Similarly, mentorship of some skills is best achieved when you can share a keyboard and screen, iterating on a problem together in real-time.  Weighing the pros and cons, as well as requesting a demo of the university’s LMS, is an important part of the decision-making process.

Of course, the final decision comes down to achieving your future professional goals and ambitions. Let’s take a quick tour of the typical jobs a recent master’s in computer science would be qualified for, as well as the salary they can expect on average.

Career Outlook

Computer science jobs are notoriously high-paying, which is certainly nothing to complain about. Job growth is also very high, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting computer science jobs to grow at three times the national average.

The only real downside here is that computer science jobs are many and varied, and it’s difficult to predict which specific functions will become more or less important. As such, let’s outline some of the most common job categories:

  • Software Developer: Developing programs and applications is the bread-and-butter of computer science in the 21st century. These professionals identify design needs within a given application’s parameters, and build, manage, and test the development of solutions to those needs. The average salary is around $94,026/year.

  • Front-end Developer: Front-end developers build out web applications and user interfaces, and can include UX/UI designers. Front-end developers excel in Javascript, HTML, CSS, and React. The average salary is around $114,108/year.

  • Database Engineer: Designing the back end, including the database architecture and functionality, is a huge task. Database engineers deal with massive data streams, securing and organizing this data for application use. These professionals command an average salary of $128,881/year.

  • Full Stack Developer: Computer scientists who have mastered the database layer, software layer, and presentation layer are referred to as full stack developers. These professionals are prized for their technical versatility and may see upward mobility due to their broad view of a software product from start to finish. They are compensated quite well, with an average of $125,835/year.

This is only a small sample of the full list of career paths a computer scientist might embark on, and it’s well worth taking a bit of time to explore more resources. Getting started is as easy as the following 5 steps:

  1. Identify your current skill and qualifications level. Do you hold an undergraduate degree? GPA over 3.0? Prerequisites in computer science?
  2. Determine your ideal career path, and work backward to identify which courses and specializations are required to get you there.
  3. Research online university programs, and build a shortlist of preferred institutions. Make sure to check application requirements, as each institution has its own approach.
  4. Speak with career advisors at the universities that accept you, and confirm that your aspirations can be met via the available coursework at that institution. Demo the LMS, if you can!
  5. Enroll in graduate school, and begin your career transformation from the comfort of your own home!

It’s hard to go wrong with a career in computer science, so long as you love problem-solving and don’t mind getting your hands dirty with the programming work. Best of luck on your journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I pursue an online master’s in computer science?

Pursuing an online Master’s in Computer Science differentiates you in a competitive job market. It blends self-taught capabilities and formal academic training, making you a more desirable candidate for tech roles​.

What are the advantages of an online master’s degree over traditional degrees?

Online Master’s degrees offer flexibility, reduced time commitment, and often lower costs compared to traditional degrees. They open doors to careers in AI, web design, business analytics, game development, and more.

What does a master’s-level computer science curriculum include?

The curriculum focuses on core subjects like software engineering, programming, mathematics, and computer networking, assuming completion of general education at the undergraduate level​.

What is the application process for an online computer science master’s program?

The application process generally includes submitting undergraduate transcripts, a minimum GPA requirement, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, CV, and GRE scores​.

How does the virtual classroom work in these programs?

Online programs are highly flexible, offering a mix of live and pre-recorded lectures, group work, and technical assignments. They utilize Learning Management Systems for student and professor interactions​.

Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs

  1. Arizona State University-Tempe

    Tempe, Arizona
    Program: MS Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $25,110 in-state | $52,980 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $837 in-state | $1,766 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  2. Ball State University

    Muncie, Indiana
    Program: Online Master of Science in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $16,704 in-state | $25,056 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $464 in-state | $696 out-of-state
    Credits: 36
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  3. Baylor University

    Waco, Texas
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $79,893
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,421
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  4. Case Western Reserve University

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $45,000
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,500
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  5. City University of Seattle

    Seattle, Washington
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $34,905
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $895
    Credits: 39
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  6. Clarkson University

    Potsdam, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $45,000
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,500
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  7. Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

    Colorado Springs, Colorado
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $29,280
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $610
    Credits: 48
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  8. Columbia University in the City of New York

    New York, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $73,860
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,462
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  9. Concordia University-Ann Arbor

    Ann Arbor, Michigan
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $20,160
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $840
    Credits: 24
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  10. Concordia University-Wisconsin

    Mequon, Wisconsin
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $26,100
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $870
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  11. Davenport University

    Grand Rapids, Michigan
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $31,680
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,056
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  12. DePaul University

    Chicago, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $26,740
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $955
    Credits: 28
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  13. Drexel University

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $64,710
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,438
    Credits: 45
    GRE requirement: Recommended for international students and for domestic students with a GPA below 3.0
    Learn more: Program details
  14. East Carolina University

    Greenville, North Carolina
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $7,920 in-state | $29,820 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $264 in-state | $994 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  15. Eastern Michigan University

    Ypsilanti, Michigan
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Campus & hybrid
    Total tuition: $32,538 in-state | $56,397 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $986 in-state | $1,709 out-of-state
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  16. Felician University

    Rutherford, New Jersey
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $35,700
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,190
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Optional
    Learn more: Program details
  17. Fitchburg State University

    Fitchburg, Massachusetts
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $6,435
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $195
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  18. Franklin University

    Columbus, Ohio
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $24,120
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $670
    Credits: 36
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  19. Frostburg State University

    Frostburg, Maryland
    Program: MS in Applied Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $14,220 in-state | $18,450 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $474 in-state | $615 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  20. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

    Atlanta, Georgia
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $5,850
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $195
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  21. Georgia Southern University

    Statesboro, Georgia
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
    Total tuition: $12,900
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $430
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  22. Georgia Southwestern State University

    Americus, Georgia
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $7,890
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $263
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Scores may be requested
    Learn more: Program details
  23. Governors State University

    University Park, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Campus & hybrid
    Total tuition: $13,893 in-state | $27,786 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $421 in-state | $842 out-of-state
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  24. Hofstra University

    Hempstead, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $50,850
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,695
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Optional
    Learn more: Program details
  25. Illinois Institute of Technology

    Chicago, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $56,960
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,780
    Credits: 32
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  26. Indiana State University

    Terre Haute, Indiana
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $15,246 in-state | $29,997 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $462 in-state | $909 out-of-state
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  27. Kennesaw State University

    Kennesaw, Georgia
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $7,272 in-state | $26,856 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $303 in-state | $1,119 out-of-state
    Credits: 24
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  28. Lewis University

    Romeoville, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $28,380
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $860
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  29. Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
    Total tuition: $33,750
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,125
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  30. Monroe College

    New York City, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & hybrid
    Total tuition: $33,984
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $944
    Credits: 36
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  31. National University

    San Diego, California
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $17,238
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $442
    Credits: 39
    GRE requirement: Not required for those with a GPA over 2.5
    Learn more: Program details
  32. New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Newark, New Jersey
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $36,780 in-state | $52,800 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,226 in-state | $1,760 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Only required for students who have a GPA below 3.0.
    Learn more: Program details
  33. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

    Socorro, New Mexico
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $19,089 in-state | $56,052 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $707 in-state | $2,076 out-of-state
    Credits: 27
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  34. North American University

    Stafford, Texas
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $12,060 in-state | $21,960 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $402 in-state | $732 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  35. North Carolina A&T State University

    Greensboro, North Carolina
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $7,500 in-state | $26,310 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $250 in-state | $877 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  36. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

    Raleigh, North Carolina
    Program: Master of Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $16,957 in-state | $52,731 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $547 in-state | $1,701 out-of-state
    Credits: 31
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  37. Northern Illinois University

    DeKalb, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $17,670 in-state | $29,109 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $570 in-state | $939 out-of-state
    Credits: 31
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  38. Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $29,370
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $979
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  39. Oregon State University

    Corvallis, Oregon
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $28,485
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $633
    Credits: 45
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  40. Pace University

    Pleasantville, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $47,700
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,590
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  41. Portland State University

    Portland, Oregon
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $20,835 in-state | $31,050 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $463 in-state | $690 out-of-state
    Credits: 45
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  42. Rochester Institute of Technology

    Rochester, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: No
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $73,890
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,463
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  43. Southern Methodist University

    Dallas, Texas
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $40,500
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,350
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  44. Stanford University

    Stanford, California
    Program: M.S. Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $68,130
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,514
    Credits: 45
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  45. Stevens Institute of Technology

    Hoboken, New York
    Program: MS in Computer Science and Engineering
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $106,776
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,966
    Credits: 36
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  46. Texas A&M University-College Station

    College Station, Texas
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $38,190 in-state | $54,150 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,273 in-state | $1,805 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  47. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

    Chattanooga, Tennessee
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $19,800 in-state | $21,351 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $600 in-state | $647 out-of-state
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  48. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

    Knoxville, Tennessee
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $30,330 in-state | $53,520 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,011 in-state | $1,784 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  49. Tufts University

    Somerville, Massachusetts
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $51,900
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,730
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  50. University of Bridgeport

    Bridgeport, Connecticut
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $24,150
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $805
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  51. University of Central Missouri

    Warrensburg, Missouri
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $12,750
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $425
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  52. University of Colorado Boulder

    Boulder, Colorado
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $17,856 in-state | $47,352 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $744 in-state | $1,973 out-of-state
    Credits: 24
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  53. University of Idaho

    Moscow, Idaho
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $21,630 in-state | $60,090 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $721 in-state | $2,003 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  54. University of Illinois at Springfield

    Springfield, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $10,626 in-state | $21,351 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $322 in-state | $647 out-of-state
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  55. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Urbana, Illinois
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $39,552 in-state | $75,040 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,236 in-state | $2,345 out-of-state
    Credits: 32
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  56. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

    Amherst, Massachusetts
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $67,260 in-state | $134,520 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,242 in-state | $4,484 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Optional
    Learn more: Program details
  57. University of Nebraska at Omaha

    Omaha, Nebraska
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $11,640 in-state | $27,000 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $388 in-state | $900 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  58. University of North Dakota

    Grand Forks, North Dakota
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $31,680
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,056
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  59. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

    Norman, Oklahoma
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $15,279 in-state | $43,197 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $463 in-state | $1,309 out-of-state
    Credits: 33
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  60. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $55,410 in-state | $95,790 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,847 in-state | $3,193 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Optional
    Learn more: Program details
  61. University of South Carolina-Columbia

    Columbia, South Carolina
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $27,480 in-state | $59,520 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $916 in-state | $1,984 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details
  62. University of West Georgia

    Carrollton, Georgia
    Program: MS with a Major in Applied Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $11,520
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $320
    Credits: 36
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  63. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

    Whitewater, Wisconsin
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $19,440 in-state | $36,780 out-of-state
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $648 in-state | $1,226 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details
  64. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    Worcester, Massachusetts
    Program: MS in Computer Science
    ABET accreditation: Yes
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $48,300
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,610
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

Related Resources

  • Find a Degree, Certification, Bootcamp, or Career in Computer Science
  • Computer Science Degree Programs
  • How to Become a Computer Scientist
  • A Complete Guide to Computer Science Courses
  • Best Online Computer Science Degree

Primary Sidebar

Justin Paulsen – Last updated: May 14, 2025

WRITER

Justin Paulsen started his own content development company in 2009, researching and writing for clients in the evenings while working full-time management jobs during the day.

ON THIS PAGE

  • Master's Curriculum
  • 2025 rankings
  • Application Process
  • Virtual Classroom
  • Career Outlook
  • FAQs
  • School Listings
  • Resources

Follow us

About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Copyright © 2025 | TechGuide | All Rights Reserved