2023 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Programs

The large, public University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign (UIUC) offers a Master of Computer Science. To graduate, students must complete eight courses for a total of 32 credit hours. Four of the eight courses must be core courses in artificial intelligence, databases, human-computer interaction, software engineering, scientific computing, or high-performance computing. Graduate students can also opt for a Master of Computer Science in Data Science, which requires 32 credit hours of courses in machine learning, data mining, data visualization, and cloud computing. Neither program requires a thesis.

UIUC students use the Canvas platform to access course materials, complete homework assignments, and engage with classmates. Online students can take advantage of tutoring, mentoring, career development, and other services.

At Drexel University, a large, private non-profit, the Master of Science in Computer Science blends theory with practice. Coursework is designed to train students to solve real-world problems using the latest technology tools. In addition to broad-based core courses, students can choose electives addressing specific topics, such as programming systems, intelligent systems, applications, and more. The program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year, and students must complete 45 quarter credits to graduate.

Online students complete their primarily asynchronous courses through the Blackboard platform. Drexel offers a range of services for online students, including academic advising, mental health counseling, writing assistance, and a career development center.

A large, public university, the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) with four possible areas of specialization: (1) computational perception and robotics, (2) computing systems, (3) interactive intelligence, and (4) machine learning. GIT also offers two related programs — a Master of Science in Analytics and Master of Science in Cybersecurity. All of these programs require the completion of 30 credit hours, and the analytics and cybersecurity programs also involve a practicum. Students typically finish their degrees in one to three years.

The OMSCS program is delivered through Udacity, while other GIT master's programs are delivered through Canvas. Online computer science students have access to academic advising, IT support, and the library.

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn), a medium-sized, private non-profit, offers a Master of Computer and Information Technology. The program provides a broad overview of computer science, which is designed to train graduates to use theoretical concepts and technological tools to solve complex problems. To graduate, students must take six core courses and four electives in topics such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics. A full-time student typically completes their degree in 16 months, while a part-time student may need 20-30 months.

Penn delivers fully asynchronous courses through the Canvas learning platform. Online students can take advantage of career development, counseling, and a range of other services.

Columbia University in the City of New York is a medium-sized, private, nonprofit institution that offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with eight areas of concentration. Enrollees must select from one of the following eight tracks after completing their first semester: computational biology; computer security; foundations of computer science; machine learning; natural language processing; network systems; software systems; or vision, graphics, interaction, and robotics. At least six of the required 30 credit hours must be courses related to a student's chosen track.

At Columbia, students use the CourseWorks platform to access materials, complete assignments, and interact with peers and instructors. Library services are available for online students.

Johns Hopkins University — a medium-sized, private non-profit — offers three online degree programs for those interested in computers. Students pursuing the Master of Science in Computer Science can choose one of 12 specializations. Due to the program's wide range of electives, students can customize their degrees according to their career goals. Finally, students enrolled in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity can select from four focus areas: (1) networks, (2) systems, (3) assured autonomy, or (4) analysis.

Graduate students use the Canvas platform to access course materials, complete homework assignments, and engage in class discussions. Tutoring, academic advising, and career development are among the available resources for online students.

At the University of Southern California (USC), which is a large, private non-profit, students with a strong background in computer science may be interested in the Master of Science in Computer Science. Online students with some experience in the field can select from three concentrations: (1) computer security, (2) data science, (3) software engineering. A fourth concentration, Scientists and Engineers, is designed for prospective students with a limited background in computer science. This master's program does not require any fieldwork or internships. Full-time students at USC generally complete the program in 18-24 months, while part-time students may take 30-36 months.

Through the Blackboard learning platform, online students can interact with classmates and instructors, access course materials, and complete assignments.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a medium-sized, private, non-profit institution that offers a 30-credit Master of Science in Computer Science. The program introduces students to many aspects of computer science, such as computer graphics, data management, and intelligent systems. Students can either write a thesis or complete a project in their capstone course. Most students finish the program in approximately two years, but applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree in a subject other than computer science may be required to take a number of prerequisite courses.

RIT enrollees can study with a part- or full-time schedule, using the myCourses learning platform to access primarily asynchronous coursework. Library services, tutoring, and academic advising are among the many available student resources.

A large, public institution, George Mason University offers two master's degrees for those interested in computers: a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Applied Information Technology. Students enrolled in the computer science program take core courses in computer systems, databases, and algorithms. Electives may include artificial intelligence, programming languages, and networks, to name a few. Applied information technology students take similar core courses and select electives that build toward a cybersecurity or data analytics concentration. Both programs require a total of 30 credit hours.

George Mason's online classes are delivered through Blackboard and typically include readings, projects, and class discussions. Among the student resources available are a writing center, academic advising, and career services.

Stevens Institute of Technology’s online Master of Science in Computer Science requires 30 credit hours. This program includes ten traditional and advanced courses students will take that are spread over five terms. Some of the courses within the program include Algorithms, Computer Organization & Programming, Introduction to Java Programming, and Web Programming.

Graduates can look forward to a wide range of job options, such as becoming a software developer, computer systems analyst, network administrator, or an information security analyst. Eligible students must have a bachelor’s degree, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation to apply.