Online graduate programs in computer science

Thesis students can elect to complete a research-based or design-based thesis. The design thesis focuses on design, implementation, and documentation of a computing system, while the research thesis addresses a theoretical problem. Students typically complete the computer science and engineering MS in semesters. Many master's candidates hold teaching or research assistant positions while completing their degrees. Prioritizing diversity and inclusion, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering organizes events to encourage underrepresented groups in the field.

Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree, two recommendation letters, GRE scores waived for the academic year and preparation in computing and mathematics.

Applicants must also qualify for the research, teaching, or five-year track. A major research institution founded in , the University of Washington educates over 54, students annually. The Seattle-based school ranks among the oldest state-supported universities on the Pacific coast. Housed in the Paul G. The credit degree typically takes about 2.

Degree-seekers pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency or citizenship status. The program welcomes international learners and enrollees from underrepresented backgrounds. Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement for the PMP program. Students enjoy access to UW computer science libraries. PMP applicants must live and work in Seattle. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, a minimum 3.

One of the world's most prestigious educational institutions, Harvard University enrolls over 23, students at its Cambridge, Massachusetts campus. Four million more learners study through HarvardX, the university's online platform. Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers one of the best computer science master's programs in the United States. Combining computer science with applied mathematics, the interdisciplinary computational science and engineering program awards master of science SM and master of engineering ME degrees.

Thirty percent of computational science and engineering program faculty members hold joint appointments in other departments. The one-year SM program features coursework in computational foundations, systems development, and advanced scientific computing. Students use mathematical techniques to model complex systems, analyze big data, and participate in collaborative software development.

A final-semester capstone research project finishes the degree. Applicants must demonstrate a background in computer science, math, and statistics. Required materials include a statement of purpose, three recommendation letters, transcripts, and a resume or CV.

The program does not accept GRE scores. The public university's more than undergraduate and graduate programs emphasize real-world learning and hands-on experience. Cal Poly's credit master's in computer science program prepares degree-seekers for careers in areas such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and computer graphics.

The curriculum includes courses in computer architecture, software engineering, advanced data mining, and computer support for knowledge management. Students complete a thesis or project under faculty supervision. A variety of computer science student organizations provide opportunities for community engagement. Cal Poly encourages women and underrepresented minorities to apply to the master's in computer science program. Applicants with a bachelor's in computer science need a minimum 3.

The program also requires GRE scores and three recommendation letters. A private university established in , Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee enrolls over 13, students annually.

Vanderbilt students enjoy access to more than clubs and organizations. One of the best computer science master's programs for aspiring tech professionals, Vanderbilt's MS in computer science program features coursework in software engineering and computer science theory. Learners develop technical skills through hands-on learning. Enrollees can choose between online and on-campus course delivery and may elect a thesis or non-thesis track.

The online program features live instruction. Courses focus on topics such as cybersecurity, software and systems engineering, mobile and cloud computing, and distributed systems. The program requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or another field with a strong computing emphasis. Over current and former faculty members hold membership in the National Academies of Engineering, Sciences, and Medicine.

These selective programs receive over 6, applications annually. Enrollees can follow one of three MS plans. The thesis plan and comprehensive standard plans encompass 40 credits and the comprehensive interdisciplinary plan All students complete breadth requirements in theory, systems, and applications. Additional coursework explores subjects such as algorithms design and analysis, computer communication networks, database system principles, and computer science logic.

Applicants need a minimum 3. Students with degrees in non-computing fields must complete prerequisite computer science and engineering courses. The University of California, Santa Barbara offers more than degrees, majors, and credentials. The public university serves over 26, students annually. UC Santa Barbara's credit master's in computer science program features courses in advanced computer architecture, advanced topics in operating systems, numerical simulation, and data and knowledge bases.

The program offers three degree plans with varying research commitments. Under faculty supervision, thesis plan participants complete and defend an approved thesis involving significant research. Project plan students conduct directed or supervised research, complete a report, and deliver a minute public presentation. The comprehensive examination plan requires additional coursework in place of independent research.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in a STEM field and a minimum 3. The program does not require the GRE for fall applicants. Students can specialize in 11 different areas including: business, database systems, and software engineering. Participants can elect to complete a major project or additional coursework.

The other degree track is a master of science in computer science , designed for students who want to continue on to a PhD program or a career in research and development.

IIT Online offers a full range of support services to virtual students. Referred to as "Illinois", the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is known for far-reaching research, top-tier educational opportunities, and its status as one of the founders of the Big Ten.

More than 44, attend, pursuing degree programs at the baccalaureate, graduate, and post-graduate levels. At the forefront of web-based learning — the university offered one of the oldest off-site programs as far back as — Illinois now hosts Illinois Online, where students select from over 75 degree programs.

In the credit professional master's in computer science , distance learners receive the same lectures and assignments as their on-campus counterparts. The non-thesis program is composed of coursework only.

A specialized data science concentration is an option. The degree takes three to five years to complete. One of the country's oldest technology schools, Stevens sits across the river from Manhattan in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Since its founding in , the institute has built a national reputation for innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and community service. The 3, graduate students outnumber the school's undergraduates in the institution's four schools.

With a student to faculty ratio of , all learners enjoy a close relationship to the faculty. Stevens' online arm, the WebCampus, offers 18 degree programs, including an online master's in computer science. The computer science masters at Stevens' school of engineering and science takes a broad look at the nature of computer technology.

It covers operating systems, languages, applications, systems, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. At least 21 of the credits required for graduation must come from computer science courses. The degree is customizable with electives; possible focus areas might be: cloud computing, data mining, gaming, security, web applications, mobile computing, and software development. Students interested in computer science might also appreciate some of Stevens' other online master's offerings: computer engineering, information systems, networking, information and data engineering, enterprise and cloud computing, and software engineering.

The University of Illinois system UIS boasts small classes and close relationships between students and faculty. Located near Lake Springfield, about miles southwest of Chicago, the school offers a variety of programs that include 31 bachelor's degrees, 20 master's degrees, and one doctoral program.

The student population of about 5, is split roughly in half between undergraduates and graduates students. More than 1, are enrolled in UIS' online programs, and criminal science is the most popular graduate program. The 8 course, credit curriculum of UIS' online master's in computer science emphasizes software. Students delve deep into the design, function, use, and management of software applications through classes like discrete structures, systems programming languages, and data structures and algorithms.

Other topics in the computer science master's degree program include security and information assurance. Classes are cohort based. Applicants with a baccalaureate background in computing are preferred; the GRE is not required. UIS publishes a newsletter twice annually to keep its web-based students up-to-date, and it hosts a brunch for online students at graduation.

A private research institution, the school is now non-sectarian in its academics and promotes independent and creative thinking. One of the country's most powerful academic supercomputers is used for research at the university. SMU's online computer science master's takes an interdisciplinary approach and features a great deal of networking, collaboration with peers, and face time with professors.

In the master of science in data science program students attend live classes delivered through the web. They also participate in study groups and social networking. Periodic on campus "immersions," meetings with faculty, guest speakers, and classmates, are required.

A wide array of support services is available to online students, from tech support and platform help to advising and library access.

UH was founded in as Hawaii's land-, sea-, and space-grant institution, and it's become known as a research leader in oceanography, astronomy, genetics, and tropical agriculture. About a third of the school's 18, students come from outside the state, and they represent different countries, giving the school an international feel.

UH created its distance learning program to extend educational opportunities to students in remote areas of the Hawaiian Islands, and it now serves learners all around the globe. The university's online master's in computer science is aimed at students who are interested in a high-level position at a tech company or want to earn a PhD in the subject. The credit master of science in computer science program focuses on software, its construction, uses, and maintenance.

Students can select between the thesis or capstone track. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, a 3. They also must have passed the GRE and completed a year-long course in calculus. UH offers a wealth of services to online learners, including IT support, library access, and proctoring help.

Established in , Nova opened its doors in Fort Lauderdale as a technology school with revolutionary ideas about learning. The private, non-profit school is a research institution with 24, students studying in centers across Florida, the U. Nova is a national leader in online learning. The credit curriculum of Nova's master of science in computer science program gives participants a solid foundation in the basics of computer programming and usage and encourages critical thinking and problem solving.

Classes explore algorithms, operating systems, languages, and software engineering. Six areas of concentration allow students to tailor their degree to their field of interest. They include: theory, computer systems, software engineering, data science, real-world computing, and a security specialization recognized by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency.

Nova's online platform puts a premium on interaction and collaboration and it features many real-time components. One of the oldest public universities in the country, the University of Tennessee was founded two years before Tennessee even entered the Union. Set on acres in the city of Knoxville, it's the flagship of the public university system in the Volunteer State and its biggest institution. More than 6, of Tennessee's 28, students are pursuing graduate and professional degrees.

The school's virtual campus, Vols Online, offers over a dozen master's programs, including a master's in computer science online. The Master of Science in Information Science is a credit program that explores the use, dissemination, collection, and role of information in modern America.

It uses the Internet to connect remote learners to on-campus classrooms with many classes running in real time, using the school's Zoom application, which allows students anywhere to participate in lectures, discussions, and seminars. The program kicks off and ends in Knoxville, with a mandatory 1-day orientation and a final exam or thesis defense. Admission requires a baccalaureate degree and preferably a GPA of 3. UT is transitioning from the Blackboard platform to Canvas.

Located in Newark's University Heights neighborhood, New Jersey Institute of Technology is one of the nation's top public polytechnic universities, and it's been on a growth spurt since , doubling the size of its campus. Known for innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in STEM-related business, NJIT is home to 11, students, pursuing undergrad and graduate degrees, in six schools and colleges.

Online education has been a priority at the school — NJIT has long been a "computing intensive" place — and it now offers a baker's dozen graduate degrees, including an online master's in computer science.

Does the program accept transfer credits? How many? Consider the following questions if an online program features in-person immersion experiences: Are immersion experiences optional or mandatory? How long is each immersion? How many immersions per semester?

Is each immersion located on campus? Are other sites included? For more information on the program, visit Drexel University at www. The four-course program draws on a Master of Computer Science MCS program offered by NC State and confers 12 graduate credits that students can transfer into the MCS program, if and when a student opts to pursue further graduate studies.

The program does not require students to attend any campus visits. Transparency and accuracy form the foundation of all the resources we create. For more details on our sources of data, program classifications, and other important information, please review our Sources and Disclaimers page. Graduate Certificate Programs in Computer Science. Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics. Graduate Certificate in Information Technology.

Graduate Certificate in Software Design and Development. Be Informed. Program Website. Graduate Certificate in Computer Networks. Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science.