Specializations & Finding Your Niche in Online Computer Science Master’s Degrees

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), universities awarded over 14,000 master’s degrees in computer science during the 2021-2021 school year.

A master’s in computer science elevates your undergraduate-level programming and statistics knowledge through in-depth studies of advanced engineering, scripting, security, information systems, and computational theory.

More than a bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree in computer science offers a specialized education. Earning a specialization unlocks opportunities to work as a computer network architect, software developer, information security analyst, or data scientist.

Here we discuss what you can do with specializations of computer science, your career prospects, and salary expectations.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

There is no universally perfect computer science program for everyone. Your capability, interests, and life circumstances play a role in determining the best computer science degree for you.

Think about how a specific master’s degree in computer science can support you in reaching your career goal. For instance, if you’re considering a path in cybersecurity, it’s worth looking into specializing in computer security.

To find a specialization of computer science that works for you, consider a school’s resources and student services. The college retention rates and graduation rates often demonstrate how well a school supports its students.

Making sure the school holds accreditation is crucial, because accreditation impacts transfer credits and how legitimate some employers may consider your degree.

Only accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation can confer institutional accreditation. Master’s in computer science degrees may also hold programmatic accreditation from accrediting bodies organizations like the ABET.

Computer science pertains to the science of computing. Specializations of computer science build on this foundation, training you in specific areas beyond advanced scripting and software development. Specializations of computer science can give you access to jobs otherwise not available.

Hiring managers for cyber security analysts may interview only candidates with work experience or college credits in cybersecurity. Specializations can help you dive into a specific career that interests you right after graduation, even if you lack the work experience.

No matter the specialization, you have the advantage on the job market when you earn a master’s in computer science. Beyond the careers discussed here, you can use this versatile graduate degree to go into research or postsecondary instruction.

Careers as computer network architects, software developer, information security analyst, or data scientist open up with a master’s degree. These jobs can fetch six-figure median annual wages.

Compensation for computer science jobs correlates to experience and where you work — both in terms of the industry and region. Expect to earn more as you gain seniority in your field.

A master’s degree in computer science emphasizes research and the development of advanced computer science theories and applications. The core coursework integrates artificial intelligence, programming, software engineering, computer security, computing theory, and computer systems and networks.

​​Schools have varying coursework; below are common courses that graduate students take to earn a master’s in computer science.

In the final stages of a graduate program, you’ll synthesize everything you have learned by writing a thesis or completing a capstone project. Capstone courses often explore specializations such as network security, artificial intelligence, or software engineering.

The demand for computer science jobs, particularly in artificial intelligence and machine learning, is high. Choosing to specialize in AI could provide strong job security, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting a 23% growth in computer and information research scientist positions from 2022-2032.

The better choice aligns with your career ambitions and salary expectations. A generalist computer science degree may not qualify you for more niche specialty work in artificial intelligence without a specialty or certification.

According to the BLS, occupations for information security analysts should grow by 32%, with employers creating 16,800 new positions each year from 2022-2032. Also, in-demand are computer and information research scientists, with careers expected to grow by 23%.

A specialization in computer science subfields like AI or machine learning can provide a good return on investment. That said, not earning a specialization does not prevent you from working in computer science, or later learning a specialization on the job.

Page last reviewed November 30, 2023.