Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs of 2024
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2024Computer science can cover a variety of topics including data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Almost all industries require computer science to help employees track data and communicate.
An online master’s in computer science program can teach you essential skills to pursue a career in the field. If you are interested in a career in computer science, the following page discusses the top master’s programs, the benefits of earning a degree, and prospective career paths.
Featured Master’s in Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Computer Science Master’s Programs 2024
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,446
- Out-of-state$34,444
- In-State$14,635
- Out-of-state$27,674
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled56,607
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,258
- Out-of-state$31,370
- In-State$14,570
- Out-of-state$29,140
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled43,859
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$27,320
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$27,082
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate47%
- Students Enrolled36,831
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Stevens Institute of Technology
- Hoboken, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,780
- Out-of-state$54,780
- In-State$38,076
- Out-of-state$38,076
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled8,287
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Stanford University
- Stanford, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,473
- Out-of-state$55,473
- In-State$54,315
- Out-of-state$54,315
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate4%
- Students Enrolled17,680
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment5%
- AccreditationYes
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Worcester, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,640
- Out-of-state$54,640
- In-State$28,980
- Out-of-state$28,980
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled7,230
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate13%
- Students Enrolled49,318
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
- Norman, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,920
- Out-of-state$20,724
- In-State$8,034
- Out-of-state$23,096
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled28,042
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Fitchburg State University
- Fitchburg, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$970
- Out-of-state$7,050
- In-State$3,420
- Out-of-state$3,420
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled6,674
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Illinois Institute of Technology
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$48,555
- Out-of-state$48,555
- In-State$29,052
- Out-of-state$29,052
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled6,486
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
How to Find the Right Online Computer Science Master’s Programs
You will spend significant time, energy and money to study an online master’s in computer science.
Because institutions may vary in their cost, curriculums, and accreditation, you should consider all these variables when finding the master’s in computer science programs that suit you best. The section below highlights some important factors to compare between schools.
Cost
Computer science master’s online programs have a median cost of $8,464, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
You can reduce the cost of a master’s degree by applying for financial aid. Financial aid can come in the form of grants, scholarships, or loans. You can start the financial aid process by applying to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Program Format
An online computer science master’s degree takes approximately two years to complete, or 12-18 months for accelerated programs. You will take 30-45 course credits, depending on the program. These courses may teach you programming, algorithms, and data mining.
Location
Institutions may receive tax dollars from in-state residents. Since residents have contributed to funding the institution, they often receive a reduced in-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition can thus be significantly higher than in-state tuition.
Accreditation
Accrediting bodies and agencies provide accreditation to schools. Institutions that receive accreditation have proven that they meet a certain standard of learning.
All programs within an accredited institution receive accreditation by association. Individual programs can also receive accreditation. Future schools and employers may check if your school holds accreditation.
Why Should You Get an Online Computer Science Master’s Degree?
When you consider all the positives, getting a master’s in computer science seems like a no-brainer.
Computer science is a rapidly growing field that pays extremely well. Professionals with master’s degrees in the subject are in high demand because companies need workers with tech skills.
A master’s in computer science also qualifies you for numerous computer science jobs, including in software development and database administration. These positions have high projected job growth and median salaries compared to other fields.
“As computers become more powerful and widespread, there is never a better time to be involved in this rapidly growing field. These days, computer science has indeed come into its own as an indispensable profession.”
— Abdul Rahim, MCA in Computer Science
Benefits of a Master’s in Computer Science
- Rapid job growth caused by increased demand for computer software
- Access to many high-paying jobs
- Nearly recession-proof due to reliance on computer science experts
- Wide variety of specializations based on your preference and experience
- Opportunities for creativity and innovation
Reasons for Getting Your Master’s Online
- Balance work and school
- Flexible class schedule
- Learn from anywhere
- More free time
- Better for neurodivergent learning needs
What Jobs Can I Get With an Online Computer Science Master’s Degree?
Almost every industry requires computer science experts to build products, maintain websites, and optimize solutions. You can follow your topics of interest in a master’s in computer science program. You can pursue computer science roles including computer programmer, software engineer, or database administrator.
Experts expect available roles in the computer science industry to grow rapidly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects some careers, including data scientists, to grow 36% between 2023-2033.
This growth rate outpaces the average career growth rate. Several computer science careers, including software developers, had a median salary exceeding $100,000 per year, according to the BLS.
| Career | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $145,080 | 26% |
| Computer Network Architects | $129,840 | 13% |
| Computer Programmers | $99,700 | -10% |
| Data Scientists | $108,020 | 36% |
| Information Security Analysts | $120,360 | 33% |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers | $130,160 | 17% |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | $92,750 | 8% |
Salaries With a Master’s in Computer Science
Source: Payscale
What Else Do I Need to Know About Online Computer Science Master’s Degrees?
The best online master’s in computer science program is subjective. You may have different considerations — program concentrations, student-to-faculty ratio, cost — than other students on the same journey.
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