Students are required to take classes in:. Columbia offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with a number of tracks to choose from, including:. University of Michigan is a public university based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is a private university with a strong research focus in computer science.

Duke offers a credit M. Students have two options for completing the program. Johns Hopkins University is a private university in Baltimore, Maryland. Typically, students finish the degree program in three full-time semester terms.

Elective courses include:. UC San Diego is a California public research university. The first two plans require 40 units, or credit hours, while the third plan requires 48 units to complete. Focus areas for the program include:.

University of Illinois — Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. Students can take courses on:. The program requires 30 semester hours for completion, and students must take one class from each of these categories:. Also, there is a technical writing requirement where students must demonstrate writing ability by creating a technical document.

Located in Los Angeles, California, University of Southern California is the oldest private research university in the state. By adding four more credits, students can earn a specialization in the following fields:. Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is a private research university. The school offers courses in relevant areas such as :. Established in , University of Chicago UChicago is a private research institution of higher learning located in Chicago, Illinois.

UChicago offers an M. All of the classes are held at night to accommodate students with full-time jobs. Students in the program will take courses on:. The first plan requires a thesis, while the second plan requires a project or exam.

The university offers courses about:. Students can choose from a diverse set of electives in topics such as:. News and World Report. The degree is for individuals interested in technology-based careers, and is designed to be finished in four quarters, with an extra optional quarter for an internship.

Purdue University is a public research university with a main campus located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Elective topics include:.

Rice University is a private research school in Houston, Texas. Rice offers a Master of Computer Science professional degree for individuals who wish to pursue careers in technology. The normal time for completion is three full-time semesters.

Students must complete 30 semester hours to graduate. The school is most active in researching computer architecture, machine learning, databases, and networks.

They also benefit from UW's strong computer science alumni association. Most UW computer science MS candidates receive institutional financial support, including research or teaching assistantships, fellowships, and on-campus employment. Applicants must submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement, official transcripts, and a resume or CV. Located in Storrs, the University of Connecticut serves more than 32, students annually and offers 17 graduate degrees. UConn offers a credit master's in computer science with the option to complete a thesis or coursework-only degree.

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. Founded in , the University of Georgia in Athens ranks as the United States' oldest publicly chartered university. The state's flagship institution, UGA serves 38, students annually across 17 colleges and schools.

UGA's MS in computer science focuses on computing theory, software design, and system design. The program's credit curriculum covers subjects such as automata and formal languages, software engineering, computer systems architecture, and distributed computing systems.

Full-time students usually take credits a semester. Degree-seekers can choose a thesis or non-thesis option. Non-thesis students complete a master's project and report, typically during the last two semesters of study. The thesis option requires learners to conduct original research in a particular computer science area.

Computer science majors can apply for department assistantships, internships, and part-time jobs in other departments. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, preferably in computer science or a related field. Students without this background must complete prerequisite classes.

Additional requirements include GRE scores, three recommendation letters, and a personal statement. The Provo, Utah- based school offers undergraduate majors and 88 master's programs. BYU's master's in computer science program fosters proficiency in research and communication.

The curriculum explores areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, networking and security, and computer and information theory. Individual courses examine big data systems, deep learning, advanced neural networks, and algorithmic languages and compilers. A master's degree can help graduates gain the qualifications and skills necessary for managerial positions.

To accommodate their current jobs, learners can pursue a master's degree in computer science online. Online master's in computer science programs are similar to on-campus programs in many ways. They typically entail the same staff, course content, and learning goals.

Assignments, exams, and projects are also the same with either program type. However, degree-seekers should expect to see some differences between online and on-campus formats. These may include cost, scheduling, and content delivery. Both online and on-campus master's in computer science programs can provide positive outcomes for students. However, several elements may vary between the two formats.

The following table highlights key differences to consider when searching for the right program. Online degree-seekers may benefit from lower costs, accelerated program options, and flexible scheduling.

Motivated learners can also complete online coursework at their own pace. However, on-campus programs usually allow more interaction with peers and instructors. Online students may not gain as many opportunities for group work and hands-on experiences as on-campus learners.

Computer science bootcamps help students learn industry concepts quickly. Generally, bootcamps take much less time than master's degree programs, lasting no more than a few months.

These intensive programs also include flexible scheduling options and affordable pricing. However, a bootcamp's curriculum covers less ground than a master's degree. Bootcamps often emphasize entry-level content. A master's degree teaches advanced concepts for high-level computer science careers.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level. Fully online programs provide instruction through digital methods like video meetings and online learning platforms. In contrast, a hybrid model requires at least some in-person classes. Learners should also consider whether asynchronous or synchronous learning meets their needs best. With no set meeting times, asynchronous classes allow students to complete coursework at their own pace.

Synchronous online courses require students to meet for class, usually over live video. Self-motivated learners who need scheduling flexibility may prefer an asynchronous model. Our ranking includes only accredited schools with computer science programs. Regionally accredited schools must meet high educational standards based on accrediting agency guidelines.

Regional accreditation denotes a school's commitment to academic excellence, faculty experience, and positive student outcomes. In contrast, national accrediting bodies typically endorse vocational, technical, and religious programs. Their guidelines are not as rigorous as those of regional accrediting bodies. Computer science degree-seekers should also consider programs with ABET accreditation. This programmatic accreditation recognizes exemplary computer science programs.

Several factors can influence program cost, including school reputation and public or private status. Many schools charge different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students.

Online tuition may differ from on-campus rates. In-person learners may need to pay technology fees to use classroom equipment and resources. Online students often avoid these fees. Degree-seekers can offset educational expenses using financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholarship and grant programs provide funding that does not require repayment.

Learners must pay back loans, but they can usually defer payments while pursuing their computer science degree. The best online master's in computer science degrees offer in-depth curricula and hands-on skill-building opportunities. They also let learners study at their own pace while working. Although online programs include several benefits for computer science degree-seekers, they may not be the best option for everyone. Students who thrive on social interaction with instructors and peers could find online courses isolating.