Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs of 2024

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Source: Payscale