Specializations & Finding Your Niche in Online Computer Science Master’s Degrees

What will be your computer science niche? Explore graduate-level specializations of computer science, common coursework, and career outcomes.

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Updated January 5, 2024

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Graduate students can specialize in subfields like artificial intelligence, computer engineering, or software development
Schools awarded roughly 14,274 master’s in computer science degrees in 2020-2021
Master’s in computer science degree-holders earn an average base salary of $110,000
Specializations of computer science can ready you for high-paying computer science careers

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), universities awarded over 14,000 master’s degrees in computer science during the 2021-2021 school year.

A master’s in computer science elevates your undergraduate-level programming and statistics knowledge through in-depth studies of advanced engineering, scripting, security, information systems, and computational theory.

More than a bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree in computer science offers a specialized education. Earning a specialization unlocks opportunities to work as a computer network architect, software developer, information security analyst, or data scientist.

Here we discuss what you can do with specializations of computer science, your career prospects, and salary expectations.

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Finding the Right Computer Science Master’s Degree

There is no universally perfect computer science program for everyone. Your capability, interests, and life circumstances play a role in determining the best computer science degree for you.

Think about how a specific master’s degree in computer science can support you in reaching your career goal. For instance, if you’re considering a path in cybersecurity, it’s worth looking into specializing in computer security.

To find a specialization of computer science that works for you, consider a school’s resources and student services. The college retention rates and graduation rates often demonstrate how well a school supports its students.

Making sure the school holds accreditation is crucial, because accreditation impacts transfer credits and how legitimate some employers may consider your degree.

Only accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation can confer institutional accreditation. Master’s in computer science degrees may also hold programmatic accreditation from accrediting bodies organizations like the ABET.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $686
Out-of-State | $686

Credits to Graduate: 32

U of I's master in computer science program, offered through Coursera, provides a flexible time frame, letting you graduate in 1-5 years. This program requires eight courses.

You'll study database and information systems, software engineering, scientific computing, and artificial intelligence. To graduate, you must complete a capstone in cloud computing or data mining.

Applicants with any bachelor's degree can apply, if they complete undergraduate coursework that includes linear algebra, object-oriented programming, and statistics. A GPA of at least 3.2 is advised.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $686
Out-of-State | $686

Credits to Graduate: 32

U of I's master in computer science program, offered through Coursera, provides a flexible time frame, letting you graduate in 1-5 years. This program requires eight courses.

You'll study database and information systems, software engineering, scientific computing, and artificial intelligence. To graduate, you must complete a capstone in cloud computing or data mining.

Applicants with any bachelor's degree can apply, if they complete undergraduate coursework that includes linear algebra, object-oriented programming, and statistics. A GPA of at least 3.2 is advised.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $180
Out-of-State | $180

Credits to Graduate: 30

The Georgia Tech online master's in computer science, offered in partnership with Udacity and AT&T, provides five specializations. Areas of focus include computational perception and robotics, computing systems, human computer interaction, interactive intelligence, and machine learning. Most students graduate within a three-year timeframe.

New students start in the fall and spring. For admission, the college looks for students with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar field and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $180
Out-of-State | $180

Credits to Graduate: 30

New students start in the fall and spring. For admission, the college looks for students with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar field and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525

Credits to Graduate: 31

NC State's master's in computer science is taught by tenured faculty members, many of whom have won awards. Streaming courses combine theory, systems principles, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and networks. There is no comprehensive exam.

After completing your second semester with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, you can apply for assistantships. The college admits students on a rolling basis. Applicants need to show proof of U.S. citizenship and submit GRE scores.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525

Credits to Graduate: 31

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,864
Out-of-State | $1,864

Credits to Graduate: 30

Enroll in Stevens master's in computer science program and you can graduate within two years. The 10 virtual courses explore algorithm design, machine learning, agile development skills, mobile application development, software design, and programming languages like Java, C++, and Python.

You do not need a computer science background to apply, but candidates must hold a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3.0 a GPA. Your application also must include a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,864
Out-of-State | $1,864

Credits to Graduate: 30

Stanford University

Stanford, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$54,315

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,315

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,304
Out-of-State | $1,304

Credits to Graduate: 45

At Stanford's computer science department, you can complete Stanford's online master's in computer science program and specialize in artificial intelligence, systems specializations, or information management and analytics.

To complete the required 45 credits takes 3-5 years on a part time schedule and 1-2 years if you study full time. The coursework combines operating systems and systems programming, networking, databases, and computer graphics and imaging.

Qualified applicants need solid quantitative and analytical skills and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.

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

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,304
Out-of-State | $1,304

Credits to Graduate: 45

Qualified applicants need solid quantitative and analytical skills and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,610
Out-of-State | $1,610

Credits to Graduate: 30

At WPI's master of computer science program, you have the opportunity to customize your master's with electives and four specializations. You can specialize in artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, data analytics and management, or business intelligence. The courses emphasize the use of programming languages such as Python and Javascript, culminating in a final capstone project to exhibit your learning.

WPI's program doesn't ask for GRE scores or an application fee. Applicants do not need a bachelor's in computer science, but they need completed calculus, statistics, or probability prerequisites.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,610
Out-of-State | $1,610

Credits to Graduate: 30

WPI's program doesn't ask for GRE scores or an application fee. Applicants do not need a bachelor's in computer science, but they need completed calculus, statistics, or probability prerequisites.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,424
Out-of-State | $2,424

Credits to Graduate: 28

The USC master's in computer science degree, run through the Viterbi School of Engineering, blends computer systems applications, design, and programming. As a student, you can concentrate your studies in applied data science or cybersecurity engineering and graduate in 1.5-3 years.

Candidates need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Otherwise, applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in computer science courses such as database systems and organization, operating systems, and numerical computation.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,424
Out-of-State | $2,424

Credits to Graduate: 28

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $985
Out-of-State | $985

Credits to Graduate: 33

OU's online M.S. in computer science offers areas of emphasis in algorithm design, neural networks, security software, and more. The program consists of 11 courses covering concepts and theories in computer science, such as artificial intelligence, computer security, and data mining.

To apply, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, or a related discipline. You also need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 during your undergraduate studies. The program takes 21 months or more to complete.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $985
Out-of-State | $985

Credits to Graduate: 33

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $405
Out-of-State | $405

Credits to Graduate: 33

Fitchburg State's M.S. in computer science prepares students to adapt to the fast-changing industry. The 33-credit program offers a variety of fundamental and advanced concepts. Core courses include theory of computation, advanced mathematics, and computer programming. Electives branch out to topics like data communications and embedded systems.

Candidates need the equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree to apply. Admitted students must take a placement test for programming languages. Candidates may need to complete prerequisite courses depending on their test results. The program carries an online fee of $58 per credit.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $405
Out-of-State | $405

Credits to Graduate: 33

#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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,712
Out-of-State | $1,712

Credits to Graduate: 30-32

The College of Computing offers IIT's master's in computer science that lets you pick from a coursework-only, thesis, or culminating project format. The hybrid and online programs take two years to complete. Courses cover database organization, computer graphics, computation theory, and computer architecture. You can get hands-on experience through the Illinois Tech's Elevate program which offers studying abroad options and internships.

This STEM-designated program meets F-1 visa requirements. Admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree in any field and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,712
Out-of-State | $1,712

Credits to Graduate: 30-32

This STEM-designated program meets F-1 visa requirements. Admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree in any field and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

What Can You Specialize in With a Master’s in Computer Science?

Computer science pertains to the science of computing. Specializations of computer science build on this foundation, training you in specific areas beyond advanced scripting and software development. Specializations of computer science can give you access to jobs otherwise not available.

Hiring managers for cyber security analysts may interview only candidates with work experience or college credits in cybersecurity. Specializations can help you dive into a specific career that interests you right after graduation, even if you lack the work experience.

Artificial Intelligence

If you want to gain the skills to develop and implement large language models and/or generative artificial intelligence, a concentration in AI may interest you. In graduate school, you’ll get experience working with Python machine learning libraries needed for AI engineering careers.

Bioinformatics

As a bioinformatic engineer, you’ll need to perform data analyzing and processing in collaboration with healthcare workers, engineers, and other scientists. A bioinformatics concentration trains you in career-specific skills, such as Next Generation Sequencing technology, a common job requirement.

Computer Engineering

Earn a concentration in computer engineering and you’ll combine your computer science knowledge with electrical engineering to solve complex problems. Computer engineers do everything from build silicon chips to develop software.

Networks

If you want to advance your knowledge in network integration across multiple networking systems, you can pursue a concentration in networking. The concentration teaches career-specific skills like how to improve multi-protocol label switching network architecture.

Computer Science Careers and Outlook

No matter the specialization, you have the advantage on the job market when you earn a master’s in computer science. Beyond the careers discussed here, you can use this versatile graduate degree to go into research or postsecondary instruction.

Careers as computer network architects, software developer, information security analyst, or data scientist open up with a master’s degree. These jobs can fetch six-figure median annual wages.

Computer Science Careers and Wages
Computer Science Career	Median Annual Wage (2021)
Computer Network Architect	$126,900
Database Administrator	$112,120
Data Scientist	$103,500
Information Security Analyst	$112,000
Software Developer	$124,200

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Compensation for computer science jobs correlates to experience and where you work — both in terms of the industry and region. Expect to earn more as you gain seniority in your field.

Common Coursework for Online Computer Science Master’s Degrees

A master’s degree in computer science emphasizes research and the development of advanced computer science theories and applications. The core coursework integrates artificial intelligence, programming, software engineering, computer security, computing theory, and computer systems and networks.

Schools have varying coursework; below are common courses that graduate students take to earn a master’s in computer science.

Algorithmic Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence
Big Data Management
Computer Architecture
Computer Networking
Data Structures with Applications
Machine Learning and Data Mining
Network Security
Operating Systems Theory
Principles of Scientific Computing

In the final stages of a graduate program, you’ll synthesize everything you have learned by writing a thesis or completing a capstone project. Capstone courses often explore specializations such as network security, artificial intelligence, or software engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Science

Which CS specialization is in demand?

The demand for computer science jobs, particularly in artificial intelligence and machine learning, is high. Choosing to specialize in AI could provide strong job security, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting a 23% growth in computer and information research scientist positions from 2022-2032.

Which is better, CS or CS with specialization?

The better choice aligns with your career ambitions and salary expectations. A generalist computer science degree may not qualify you for more niche specialty work in artificial intelligence without a specialty or certification.

Which is the fastest-growing field in CS?

According to the BLS, occupations for information security analysts should grow by 32%, with employers creating 16,800 new positions each year from 2022-2032. Also, in-demand are computer and information research scientists, with careers expected to grow by 23%.

Is it worth it to specialize in CS?

A specialization in computer science subfields like AI or machine learning can provide a good return on investment. That said, not earning a specialization does not prevent you from working in computer science, or later learning a specialization on the job.

Page last reviewed November 30, 2023.