Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs of 2024

Find out which online master’s in computer science degree programs are the best fit for you and how online learning can help you achieve your educational goals.
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Updated September 19, 2024
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

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Computer science can cover a variety of topics including data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Almost all industries require computer science to help employees track data and communicate.

An online master’s in computer science program can teach you essential skills to pursue a career in the field. If you are interested in a career in computer science, the following page discusses the top master’s programs, the benefits of earning a degree, and prospective career paths.

Featured Master’s in Computer Science Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Top Online Computer Science Master’s Programs 2024

#1

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$14,635

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,674

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

60%

Acceptance Rate

84%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,446

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,444

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

56,607

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,635

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,674

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,635

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,674

Acceptance Rate

60%

Online Enrollment

84%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,446

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,444

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

56,607

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA4 yearCampus + Online

$14,570

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,140

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

16%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,258

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,370

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

43,859

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,570

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,140

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,570

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,140

Acceptance Rate

16%

Online Enrollment

62%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,258

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,370

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

43,859

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$9,095

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,082

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

47%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,535

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,320

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

36,831

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,095

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,082

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,095

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,082

Acceptance Rate

47%

Online Enrollment

50%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,535

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,320

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

36,831

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

$38,076

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,076

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

53%

Acceptance Rate

37%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,780

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,780

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

8,287

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,076

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,076

Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,076

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,076

Acceptance Rate

53%

Online Enrollment

37%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,780

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,780

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

8,287

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#5

Stanford University

Stanford, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$54,315

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,315

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

4%

Acceptance Rate

5%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$55,473

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$55,473

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

17,680

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,315

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,315

Stanford University

Stanford, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,315

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,315

Acceptance Rate

4%

Online Enrollment

5%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$55,473

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$55,473

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

17,680

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#6

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$28,980

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,980

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

60%

Acceptance Rate

32%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,640

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,640

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

7,230

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,980

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,980

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,980

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,980

Acceptance Rate

60%

Online Enrollment

32%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,640

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,640

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

7,230

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#7

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

13%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

49,318

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Acceptance Rate

13%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

49,318

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#8

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online

$8,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,096

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,920

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,724

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

28,042

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,096

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,096

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,920

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,724

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

28,042

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#9

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$3,420

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,420

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,050

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

6,674

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,420

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$3,420

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,420

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$3,420

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

64%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,050

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

6,674

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$29,052

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,052

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

41%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$48,555

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,555

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

6,486

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,052

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,052

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,052

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,052

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

41%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$48,555

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,555

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

6,486

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

How to Find the Right Online Computer Science Master’s Programs

You will spend significant time, energy and money to study an online master’s in computer science.

Because institutions may vary in their cost, curriculums, and accreditation, you should consider all these variables when finding the master’s in computer science programs that suit you best. The section below highlights some important factors to compare between schools.

Cost

Computer science master’s online programs have a median cost of $8,464, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

You can reduce the cost of a master’s degree by applying for financial aid. Financial aid can come in the form of grants, scholarships, or loans. You can start the financial aid process by applying to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Program Format

An online computer science master’s degree takes approximately two years to complete, or 12-18 months for accelerated programs. You will take 30-45 course credits, depending on the program. These courses may teach you programming, algorithms, and data mining.

Location

Institutions may receive tax dollars from in-state residents. Since residents have contributed to funding the institution, they often receive a reduced in-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition can thus be significantly higher than in-state tuition.

Accreditation

Accrediting bodies and agencies provide accreditation to schools. Institutions that receive accreditation have proven that they meet a certain standard of learning.

All programs within an accredited institution receive accreditation by association. Individual programs can also receive accreditation. Future schools and employers may check if your school holds accreditation.

Why Should You Get an Online Computer Science Master’s 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 a Master’s in Computer Science

  • 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 Online

  • Balance work and school
  • Flexible class schedule
  • Learn from anywhere
  • More free time
  • Better for neurodivergent learning needs

What Jobs Can I Get With an Online Computer Science Master’s Degree?

Almost every industry requires computer science experts to build products, maintain websites, and optimize solutions. You can follow your topics of interest in a master’s in computer science program. You can pursue computer science roles including computer programmer, software engineer, or database administrator.

Experts expect available roles in the computer science industry to grow rapidly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects some careers, including data scientists, to grow 36% between 2023-2033.

This growth rate outpaces the average career growth rate. Several computer science careers, including software developers, had a median salary exceeding $100,000 per year, according to the BLS.

Computer Science Career Paths
CareerMedian Annual Salary (2023)Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
Computer and Information Research Scientists$145,08026%
Computer Network Architects$129,84013%
Computer Programmers$99,700-10%
Data Scientists$108,02036%
Information Security Analysts$120,36033%
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers$130,16017%
Web Developers and Digital Designers$92,7508%
Source: BLS

Salaries With a Master’s in Computer Science

Source: Payscale

What Else Do I Need to Know About Online Computer Science Master’s Degrees?

The best online master’s in computer science program is subjective. You may have different considerations — program concentrations, student-to-faculty ratio, cost — than other students on the same journey.

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