Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs of 2023

University of Southern California is one of the top universities in the nation, ranked #25 in the country by U.S. News and World Report. USC's online programs stand out for their innovation, user experience, rigor, and strong reputation. The motto of USC Online is "Same Faculty. Same Program. Same Degree," meaning that whether you choose to earn an MS in Computer Science on campus or online, you'll be taught by the same luminaries, study the same curriculum, and be held to the same high expectations. That's why a USC degree carries such weight and integrity, whether earned in person or online. To further differentiate yourself on the job market, you can specialize in a subarea like Computer Security, Data Science, or Software Engineering.

Stevens Institute of Technology boasts many impressive statistics, among them a job placement rate of 97% within three months of graduation. U.S. News and World Report rank Stevens #1 in New Jersey for Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs. Stevens has won the U.S. Distance Learning Association's 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning seven times and counting. Stevens has also been recognized by The Princeton Review and Payscale for its career placement and value, respectively. The MS in Computer Science curriculum is divided into traditional and advanced courses, and students can typically complete the entire 10-course sequence in two years or less. Stevens Institute of Technology boasts many impressive statistics, among them a job placement rate of 97% within three months of graduation. U.S. News and World Report rank Stevens #1 in New Jersey for Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs. Stevens has won the U.S. Distance Learning Association's 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning seven times and counting. Stevens has also been recognized by The Princeton Review and Payscale for its career placement and value, respectively. The MS in Computer Science curriculum is divided into traditional and advanced courses, and students can typically complete the entire 10-course sequence in two years or less.

Johns Hopkins University is renowned around the world for its excellence in STEM fields, including Computer Science. JHU Engineering for Professionals' online MS in Computer Science is ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (second only to Columbia University's program, which cannot be completed online). The innovative curriculum includes a capstone project, degree concentration, and degree focus areas. In the capstone course, you can pursue meaningful research under the guidance of JHU's world-class faculty. It will appear on your degree and transcript if you choose to complete a concentration in Communications and Networking. If you instead choose to pursue a focus area in a field like Bioinformatics, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Cloud Computing, or Software Engineering, to name a few, that will not appear on your degree but will shape the emphasis of your degree.

Drexel University is known for its hands-on, industry-oriented education, and DU's Online MS in Computer Science is no exception. The program is career-oriented and constantly helps you link theory and practice to prepare to succeed in information technology and related industries. The curriculum includes foundational courses coupled with a wide range of elective options in subfields such as Theory, Intelligent Systems, Programming Systems, Applications, and Vision and Graphics, among others. Because the program is structured into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two-semester system), you can take more courses in a shorter time. This enables you to complete your degree sooner and to take more elective courses tailored to your unique interests and goals.

At Texas Tech University, you top off your online MS in Computer Science with one of three capstone options: thesis-based plan, project-based plan, or report-based plan. Whichever plan you choose, the goal is to produce original work that reflects extensive research, engagement with theory and praxis, and in some cases an application or product. If you select either of the non-thesis options (project-based plan or report-based plan), you must also complete additional course credits. Whichever path you choose, the capstone represents a chance to show what you've learned in the program and position yourself toward an industry career, research position, and/or additional study of computer science.

Syracuse University's MS in Computer Science centers on weekly live, online classes where you meet your peers and professors face-to-face via video conferencing and virtual immersion experiences featuring industry leaders. The program offers four start dates per year, and the GRE is not required to apply. The curriculum consists of 30 total credits, half of which are electives. Syracuse's innovative approach means you'll learn about topics at the cutting edge of the field, including advanced programming, computer architecture, security and assurance, and artificial intelligence. You can complete the entire program in as little as 15 months and quickly apply your new credentials to the job market.

Kennesaw State University offers an online MS in Computer Science program open to CS and non-CS majors alike. The MSCS program at KSU serves two teaching models: one for computer scientists' research training and the other professional training for industry practitioners. Thus, whether you want a research career in computer science or an industry career in a related field, KSU has a customized curriculum to meet your unique needs and goals. If you choose the research/thesis model, you conduct original research under the guidance of a professor and defend your thesis before a committee. If you choose the professional/industry model, you complete additional electives instead of writing a thesis.

Among North Carolina State University's illustrious faculty are 50 tenure-track professors and a pool of adjunct professors and lecturers with significant industry experience. NC State's faculty includes two Alumni Distinguished Professors, 20 recipients of the National Science Foundation's prestigious CAREER Award, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, several Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellows, and several University Outstanding Teachers. As an online Master of Computer Science (MCS) student, you can learn from this amazing faculty-on your own time and at your own pace. Designed for working professionals, the MCS is a terminal degree program that does not require a thesis, final oral exam, or on-campus residency.

Pace University's online MS in Computer Science stands out for its innovative virtual lab, the Seidenberg Portable Lab, which grants you access to a full-featured personal lab of software development tools and enterprise servers right on your own laptop. The MSCS program can be completed in as little as 1.5 years, meaning you can quickly put your new credential to work in your current career or on the job market. If you don't have a technical background, you can complete a unique bridge course to prepare you for the MS in CS program. Once in the MS program, you'll benefit from a regularly updated curriculum to ensure it's as relevant as possible to the current industry landscape, as well as multiple options to customize your learning path.

Dakota State University's MS in Computer Science is practical and career-oriented by design. Whereas other MS in CS programs focus heavily on Computer Science theory, DSU's online program equips you with the practical, hands-on skills you need to succeed on the job. This program is not suited to aspiring researchers or academics. Instead, it is designed for students who want industry careers in computer science. Besides a strong, practical computer science core, you get to choose five elective courses and craft your own specialization. You can earn a specialization in Cyber Operations or Artificial Intelligence or simply choose electives that reflect your unique interests and career goals. You can even take electives from related programs like MS in Cyber Defense (MSCD) or Analytics (MSA).