Why This Matters

  • JOBS EXPECTED TO INCREASE 15% BY 2031

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the U.S. will add 682,800 new computer and information technology-related jobs over the next decade. This growth rate is faster than the average for all other occupations.

  • THE U.S. NEEDS 82,400 MORE TECH MANAGERS

    Companies typically seek individuals with advanced degrees for management positions, such as computer and information systems managers. Employment of these positions will rise 16% in the coming years.

  • EARN $9,000 MORE WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE

    According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Salary Survey, the starting salary for someone with a master’s in computer science is $85,894 compared to $76,746 for a bachelor’s-level employee.

Our Research

This list features some of the best online master’s in computer science programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online master’s in computer science programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Top 41 Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs

Best Master's in Computer Science Programs 2023
01
Intelligent Pick
University of Southern California
01
Best Employment Rate
Stevens Institute of Technology
01
Most Prestigious
Johns Hopkins University Engineering for Professionals
01
Most Career-Oriented
Drexel University
01
Best Capstone Projects
Texas Tech University
01
Best Synchronous Program
Syracuse University
01
Most Customizable
Kennesaw State University
01
Best Faculty
North Carolina State University
01
Best Virtual Lab
Pace University
01
Best Specializations
Dakota State University
01

Vanderbilt University
01

James Madison University
01

UMass Dartmouth
01

University of Louisville
01

Rice University
01

Old Dominion University
01

University of Texas at Austin
01

National University
01

University of North Dakota
01

Georgia Institute of Technology
01

Stanford University
01

Lewis University
01

NSU Florida College of Computing and Engineering
01

University of Minnesota at Twin Cities
01

Saint Leo University
01

University of Illinois at Springfield
01

NC State University
01

DePaul University
01

East Carolina University
01

Baylor University
01

University of Illinois
01

Kansas State University
01

Georgia Southern University
01

Colorado State University
01

Florida International University
01

Tufts University
01

University of West Florida
01

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville
01

University of Bridgeport
01

La Salle University
01

Hofstra University
01

Purdue University
01

University of Idaho
01

Rochester Institute of Technology
01

George Mason University

What You Should Know About This Degree

Earning a graduate degree is an excellent way to advance your career, move into a leadership role, and earn more money. However, as the computer and information technology sector gets more specialized, schools are developing more degree programs in particular areas of computer science, such as cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering. It’s important to think about your career goals and consider if a different degree besides computer science is better suited to helping you achieve them.

Likewise, a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) is also a popular degree for individuals who want to pursue management positions. Employers may look for individuals with business knowledge as well as tech skills. Many MBA programs offer a concentration in computer science or information technology, allowing you to blend technical skills with business acumen.

Because of the specialized nature of this field, most master’s programs want students who already have a degree or prerequisite coursework in computer science. If you have a different educational background but are thinking about getting a master’s in computer science, be sure to review the program’s eligibility requirements, talk to a program representative about your options, and plan accordingly to take any prerequisite courses you may need.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Computer Science programs:

  • Does this program have the specialization I want? Under the umbrella of computer science, there are many different specializations, such as data management and analysis, software development, information assurance, and more. If you know you want to focus on a specific area within computer science, check to see if the program you’re exploring offers that type of specialization.
  • What type of standardized tests are required for admission? Many schools require either the GRE or MAT as part of the admissions process for graduate programs. Find out what test the school accepts and what the minimum score is, and make arrangements to take the test prior to applying.

Researching application processes and deadlines is an important part of the college search process as well. Visit the program’s website or talk to an admissions representative to find out what is required for an application and how to submit those materials.

Financing your education is another important consideration. Find out what the program offers in terms of scholarships, assistantships, and financial aid. You should also check with your employer to see if they offer tuition assistance benefits.