George Mason University’s College of Engineering and Computing offers an online master of science program in computer science, providing students with the experiences, problem-solving abilities, and skill sets they need for solving complex issues with computer science. Students gain skills in model construction and analysis, analysis of algorithms, and advanced programming as they advance their knowledge in the top areas of computer science, such as artificial intelligence, programming languages, databases, systems and networks, software engineering, visual computing, and theoretical computer science.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution, a GPA of at least 3.0, a completed online application, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a goals statement, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and TOEFL scores for international students. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.
This 30-credit program includes courses such as mathematical foundations of computer science; analysis of algorithms; computer systems; introduction to artificial intelligence; software testing; computer networking; software design and architecture; and computer graphics.
Graduates will be ready to take up roles such as computer network architects, computer and information systems managers, computer and information research scientists, software engineers, database administrators, computer systems analysts, and network and computer systems administrators.
Arizona State University offers an online master of computer science program. The program explores some of the latest technological developments, such as big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain, software engineering, and cybersecurity. The program also has two available concentrations in big data systems and cybersecurity.
Admission requirements for the program include an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, two semesters of advanced math in calculus I and II, official transcripts from all institutions attended, a statement of purpose, and TOEFL scores for international students. GRE scores are not required for admission.
Made up of 30 credits, the program provides students with a strong foundation in computer science. The coursework includes data mining; data visualization; artificial intelligence; software security; advanced computer network security; and applied cryptography. In addition, students learn how to build secure systems, use cloud platforms to increase productivity, and accurately analyze computer processes.
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to take up roles such as computer scientists, database administrators, software developers, computer programmers, computer network analysts, information technology managers, and computer systems analysts.
The University of Illinois offers a 100 percent online master of computer science degree. The program is offered through Coursera. Students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science can find the program most valuable.
To apply, students must have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum grade point average of 3.2 or higher, and sufficient knowledge of computer programming, algorithms, and data structures. GRE scores are not required for this program.
Consisting of 32 credits of study, the curriculum includes data visualization; an introduction to data mining; database systems; parallel computing; software engineering; cloud computing concepts; and cloud networking. In addition, students are trained to identify and solve computing problems, use best practices in design and development, and gain a solid understanding of mathematical and computer science concepts.
Upon completing the program, graduates can work as software developers, software engineers, computer programmers, and computer scientists.
Colorado State University offers an online master’s program in computer science. The faculty has extensive experience in development and research.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; a grade point average of 3.0 on all undergraduate coursework (and a grade point average of 3.2 in computer science and mathematics); and an understanding of computer organization, data structures, and algorithms, and software design methodology. GRE test scores are recommended but not required. TOEFL test scores are a requirement for international applicants only.
The program comprises a total of 36 credits. It provides students with advanced knowledge of computer science, including courses such as introduction to computer graphics; object-oriented design; artificial intelligence; machine learning; parallel programming; and database management systems.
The program helps students develop skills in software engineering, networking, machine learning, and parallel computing. Additionally, students also learn how to collaborate effectively with a team. Upon completing the program, graduates can work in some of the top computer software, aerospace, and high-tech companies.
Johns Hopkins University offers an online master of science in computer science. Students can complete the program online or in a hybrid format.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or must be in the last semester of undergraduate study). Additionally, they need to have a grade point average of at least 3.0, official transcripts from all college studies, and TOEFL scores for international students. While GRE is not required, it will be considered if submitted.
Focus area options are available in bioinformatics; data communications and networking; cybersecurity; database systems and knowledge management; human-computer interaction and visualization; software engineering; enterprise and web computing; data science and cloud computing; and artificial intelligence, among others.
Courses include foundations of software engineering; the principles of bioinformatics; operating systems security; network programming; principles of enterprise web development; computer graphics; software project management; foundations of computer architecture; and image processing.
The program helps students use computer algorithms, data structures, and deterministic and non-deterministic algorithms. At the end of the program, graduates can choose to work in several fields.
Rice University offers a 100 percent online master’s program in computer science. The faculty for the MCS@Rice program includes directors of university centers, members of the National Academy of Engineering and Institute of Medicine, and National Science Foundation CAREER award recipients.
Admission requirements for the program include a baccalaureate degree or equivalent, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, official transcripts from previous institutions, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a current resume, and TOEFL scores for international students. GRE test scores are not required but recommended.
The program comprises 30 credits and prepares students for a successful tech career. The program also has four online specialization options and elective courses allowing students to tailor their degree to their goals and interests. Specialization options include machine learning; data science; engineering leadership; and systems.
Some courses included in the curriculum are programming for data science; programming languages; databases; algorithms; and a three-credit capstone course in software construction. They also develop practical skills in architecture and statistics besides theoretical knowledge.
Graduates of the program are sought after by some top tech companies, including Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon.
The University of Pennsylvania offers an online master’s program in computer and information technology. This graduate-level program has been specially designed for students with no prior computer science experience.
To apply for the master of computer information technology (MCIT) program, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school or university, two letters of recommendation, transcripts from all institutions, and TOEFL scores (for international applicants). GRE scores are optional but will be considered.
The program comprises ten courses, including software development; mathematical foundations of computer science; an introduction to computer systems; data structures and software design; computer systems programming; and algorithms and computation. Students gain the skills to design and maintain software, use engineering and mathematical principles, and apply modern techniques, tools, and algorithmic thinking.
Upon completing the program, students can work in core software development and various other fields, such as education, government, social work, and healthcare.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online master of science in information technology with a concentration in software application development. The program allows students to undertake software projects and develop marketable, practical skills.
Applicants to the program must submit a completed online application, transcripts from all schools attended, a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75, and an attestation form stating that the student has graduated from high school or received a GED. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.
The 36-credit program gives students a complete overview of the software development process. Students develop several functional skills, from user research to recommending software upgrades and making it run smoothly. Some of the courses they study include advanced information technology; object-oriented application development; software design and modeling; mobile application development; distributed application development; and operating systems.
At the end of the program, graduates are well-equipped to pursue lucrative roles in software development.
Georgia Institute of Technology
The College of Computing at Georgia Tech offers an online master of computer science known as the OMSCS program. The OMSCS degree consists of 30 required credits spread out over 10 courses and a 15- to 18-credit specialization, equating to five or six additional classes. The remaining 12 to 15 hours equal four or five courses of free electives. The available specialization areas include computational perception & robotics; computing systems; human-computer interaction; interactive intelligence; and machine learning.
Preferred qualifications to apply to this program include an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field (e.g., mathematics, computer engineering) and a 3.0 GPA or higher. Previous work experience in the field is also a favorable qualification. The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
The OMSCS program leverages a MOOC (massive open online course) format, which increases accessibility and affordability for students. The online courses are of equal rigor to their on-campus equivalents. Students working full-time are recommended to take up to one three-credit course in their first semester to adapt to the program workload. Outside of class, instructors in this program are available via email and discussion board forums to answer questions. Some course materials are available free of charge, but some courses may require additional textbooks. Exams are proctored online at 4,500 physical test proctoring facilities.
Graduates from this program are prepared for employment in various STEM careers. AT&T is a collaborative sponsor of this program and hires approximately 30,000 employees per year with qualifications conferred with master’s degrees in computer science.
The College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota (UM) offers a hybrid master of computer science (MCS) degree. This is a coursework-only degree meaning a final research project and final oral exam are not required for graduation. Most courses are offered online, except for some classes and assessments students must complete on campus.
This 31-credit program requires a minimum of 16 credits at the 5,000 or 8,000 level, six credits at the 8000 level, and a one-credit colloquium class. All courses must be graded, and students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Courses earning a C- or lower grade will not count toward the graduate degree plan.
Students receive academic and career support from academic advisors, peer and research groups, and the department program administrator. The online courses are delivered via UNITE Distributed Learning, and UM staff in this program provide technical support for synchronous presentations and assessments. A unique feature of the UNITE program is that non-residents can pay resident tuition rates during the semesters they are not enrolled in on-campus sections.
Some of the courses in the curriculum include modern cryptography; animation & planning in games; data communications and computer networks; analysis of numerical algorithms; and computational aspects of matrix theory.
Graduates from this program are prepared to work for local and global companies such as Dell Compellent, General Mills, Medtronic, and Oracle.
Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an online master of science program in computer science. The program prepares students to address technological challenges by developing groundbreaking solutions at the forefront of the field.
Consisting of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as structured programming and formal methods; advanced computer architecture; design and analysis of algorithms; principles of operating systems; software engineering; machine learning; mobile application programming; computer security; software modeling; and internet security.
The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution, with an average grade point average of 3.0 or better and demonstrated core competencies in calculus, discrete mathematics, programming (C and C++), computer organization, and data structures. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.
Farheen Gani has researched a wide array of topics related to engineering since 2018. She has written about electrical and computer engineering programs, structural engineering programs, mechanical engineer salaries, environmental engineering programs, and many other subfields of engineering. She...
