Master's in Computer Science Program Overview
Potential graduate students who are new to the tech disciplines tend to have a lot of questions about the field — Is computer science hard? What can you do with a computer science degree? What is computer science, exactly? — and we'll do our best to answer those questions in this article.
Here's one computer science definition that covers the concept fairly well: computer science is the study of computing and the theoretical foundations of information. It's a rigorous academic discipline, requiring attention to detail and deep knowledge of foundational concepts, but it's not out of reach for anyone who can study and do the work.
Some schools that offer an online master's degree in computer science require students to hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, such as engineering or information systems, to be eligible for admission. Some schools allow applicants with any undergraduate background, provided they demonstrate appropriate knowledge or complete a series of prerequisite courses that may include the following:
- Introduction to programming
- Operating system fundamentals
- Computer system architecture
- Algorithms and analysis
- Calculus and discrete mathematics
- Theory of computing
- Data structures
Most computer science master's programs lead to Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Engineering (M.E.) degrees, but other degree titles may also be used.
Earning an Online Master's Degree in Computer Science
How long does an online master's in computer science program take?
The length of time you'll spend earning your degree will ultimately depend on the specific curriculum you study and the concentration you choose. Most programs require between 38 and 48 credit hours of study, which typically take anywhere from three to five years to complete.
Online students studying on a part-time basis tend to take fewer credit hours per term and usually spend longer in school than their full-time counterparts. Some computer science undergraduates may be able to weave the beginning of their master's into the end of their bachelor's program, shortening their total time to graduation.
What are the requirements to start an online master's degree in computer science?
Graduate admissions offices all set their own requirements for enrollment, but there are a few things that just about every school is likely to ask for:
- A sealed, official copy of your college transcript
- Official documentation of your scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- A statement of purpose or personal essay
- Recommendation letters
Programs also typically require a GPA that's above a certain threshold, usually 3.0 or 2.5, and may list prerequisite courses that must be completed before an applicant can become fully enrolled.
Why earn a master's in computer science online?
Online instruction can take a lot of the legwork out of the process of earning your degree, allowing you to view course materials at any time of day, attend lectures remotely and submit assignments from your home computer. Some online computer science master's programs offer asynchronous delivery, which means you can watch lectures whenever you're free to do so and complete the assigned work on your own schedule.
Computer science is also one of the disciplines that loses little in translation to the virtual classroom environment. Most online lessons are essentially identical to the ones taught face-to-face on campus.
Degree Timeline
Choose a specialization
If there's a specific branch of computer science that you're hoping to study, declaring your specialization early can give you a strong start down the path to the career you want.
Take core courses and electives
Core courses focus on advanced computer science fundamentals and elements of your chosen specialty. Electives are self-selected courses outside of your stated degree plan that can help you get a well-rounded education.
Thesis/capstone project
Programs often include the requirement to compose a master's thesis before graduation, although non-thesis options that substitute a final project or portfolio review for deep research are common as well.
Internships
Master's in Computer Science Concentrations
An online master's degree in computer science can usually be customized to allow graduate students to concentrate on the area of the discipline that they are most passionate about. Here are just a few computer science specializations that may be available, depending on your institution:
- Artificial intelligence: Concentrate on creating robotics that have humanistic senses and abilities
- Database systems: Study the design and creation of databases and other information computer science systems
- Game development: Develop the skills to create games on several different platforms
- Human-computer interaction: Learn to design effective user interfaces to improve the user experience
- Information security: Focus on designing secure systems and keeping networks secure
- Software engineering: Learn to develop and modify software applications
- Software theory: Focus on programming languages and systems
MBA in Computer Science
Some colleges and universities offer the option to earn your MS in computer science alongside another degree, and the MBA can be a popular choice for students planning on going into information technology management or another business-focused segment of the tech world. Business is inseparable from tech these days, and understanding both can be a big plus.
MBA programs are often available online, and they can take anywhere from one to three years to complete. If you're planning on earning a generalized computer science degree rather than choosing a specific technical concentration, an MBA might be just what you're looking for.