Best Online Master’s in Computer Science for 2024
Across industries, topics like A.I., cloud computing, and large-scale data analysis are top of mind for business leaders. The demand for these skills means there are now more options than ever for degree programs geared toward developing tech skill sets. To help prospective students navigate this competitive landscape, Fortune has ranked the best online master’s degree programs in computer science.
Earn Your MS in Computer Science @ UT Austin. 100% Online. Same Diploma.
Pursue Your Goals In A Flexible & Affordable Format With An Online MS From UT Austin.
The Online Master of Science in Computer Science program from University of Texas at Austin is designed to give you a foundational knowledge of computer science that will help you accelerate your career in an in-demand field. Affordable and 100% online, this flexible program can be completed in as few as 1.5 or up to three years.
Learn MoreSyracuse University's Online M.S. in Computer Science
Earn a Master of Science in Computer Science Online in as few as 15 Months
Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an online M.S. in Computer Science focusing on subjects crucial to understanding emerging systems.
Learn More1. Marshall University
Huntington, WVMarshall University's master degree in computer science does not require standarized testing to apply, but it is accepted. International students must turn in a proof of English proficiency. No letters of recommendation are needed. Four months post-graduation, alumni earn $99,870 in median annual salary. The program costs $8,010 in annual tuition, and the deadline to apply for fall 2024 admission is August 1.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 40% |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.55 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 93% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 38 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 92% |
2. University of Idaho
Moscow, IDThe University of Idaho is test optional when it comes to admission into its master's in computer science, but they may be considered as part of an application. International students must submit proof of English proficiency, but waviers may apply. Three letters of recommendation are needed. Per year, tuition costs $4,984, and the deadline to apply is July 30 for fall admission.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 33% |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.70 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 15 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 100% |
3. Rice University
Houston, TXRice University's online master of computer science strongly recommends those with less than a 2.9 undergraduate GPA to submit a GRE; otherwise, it is optional. Two letters of recommendation are needed to apply by the July 1 deadline for fall 2024. TOEFL scores are required for international students. The program costs $1,667 per credit hour, averaging to a total tuition price of around $50,000.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 52% |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.49 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 64% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 198 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 74% |
Earn Your MS in Computer Science @ UT Austin. 100% Online. Same Diploma.
Pursue Your Goals In A Flexible & Affordable Format With An Online MS From UT Austin.
The Online Master of Science in Computer Science program from University of Texas at Austin is designed to give you a foundational knowledge of computer science that will help you accelerate your career in an in-demand field. Affordable and 100% online, this flexible program can be completed in as few as 1.5 or up to three years.
Learn More4. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MAWorcester Polytechnic Institute does not require GRE scores to apply to its master of computer science, but they may be submitted. Non-native English speakers must submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores. Four months after graduating, students earn median salaries of $94,500. The program costs $1,610 per credit, with a rolling deadline (students are encouraged to target July 1 for fall admission).
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 74% |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.43 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 100% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 27 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 63% |
5. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, COTo apply for the online master's in computer science at Colorado State University, GRE test scores are recommended for domestic applicants. International applicants must submit GRE as well as TOEFL scores. Three letters of recommendation are needed to apply. The deadline for fall 2024 enrollment is May 1, and the program costs $12,870 in annual tuition. Students earn $92,000 in median base salary four months after graduating.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 65% |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.60 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 42% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 17 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 33% |
6. Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FLAt Nova Southeastern University, no Standardized tests are required except for English proficiency when English is not applicants' native language. Letters of recommendation are optional to apply. Total tuition costs $29,070 ($969 per credit hour), and the program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 57% |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.07 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 50% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 21 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 80% |
7. Syracuse University
Syracuse, NYSyracuse University does not require standarized testing to apply for its online master's in computer science, but three letters of recommendation are needed. International applicants must submit a TOEFL score. Courses are offered live and average under 25 students each. The program tuition costs $56,160 ($1872 per credit), and the deadline to apply for fall 2024 admission is August 8.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 68% |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.31 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 57% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 45 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
8. Baylor University
Waco, TXBaylor University's online masters in computer science does not require standardized test scores and does not consider GRE scores for admission. Three letters of recommendation are required to apply, and international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting either Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS scores. Individuals can apply on a rolling basis by no later than September 3 for a fall 2024 start. The program's total tuition is about $30,000 ($1,000 per credit hour).
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 97% |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.42 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 34 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Syracuse University's Online M.S. in Computer Science
Earn a Master of Science in Computer Science Online in as few as 15 Months
Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an online M.S. in Computer Science focusing on subjects crucial to understanding emerging systems.
Learn More9. DePaul University
Chicago, ILStandarized testing is not required to apply for DePaul University's master of science in computer science program. International students must submit an English proficiency score. No letters of recommendation are needed to apply. The program costs about $22,000 in annual tuition, and the deadline to apply for fall 2024 admission is August 1.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 82% |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 2.98 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 25% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 71 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 39% |
Syracuse University's Online M.S. in Computer Science
Earn a Master of Science in Computer Science Online in as few as 15 Months
Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an online M.S. in Computer Science focusing on subjects crucial to understanding emerging systems.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes—at least in terms of salary and career options. Professionals with master’s degrees in computer science, on average, earn the highest starting salaries of any graduate degree—typically with a base of around $100,000, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. What’s more, a master’s degree in computer science can also be worthwhile because graduates may be qualified for a broader range of job opportunities, including in management.
Neither a bachelor’s degree in computer science nor a background in technology is required to pursue a master’s degree, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. An analytical mindset is a crucial identifier for success—and requires a student to look at a problem, analyze it, and find a solution (knowing that there are typically multiple solutions for every problem). Still, like any field, the key to success is motivation and drive fueled by passion—and a desire to tackle some challenging tech problems in roles ranging from the private sector to the government.
Fortune ranked the best online master’s degree programs in computer science to help in your decision process, with the final ranking determined by three components: selectivity, success, and demand. Marshall University landed the No. 1 on Fortune’s list, with an acceptance rate of 52%. Rounding out the top five spots are University of Idaho, Rice University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Colorado State University.
On average, it takes about two years of full-time study to complete a master’s degree in computer science. But programs may have different pathways and degree requirements, so it does depend where you choose to earn your degree. There are also options for part-time study, but those programs typically have a separate set of requirements and are often completed anywhere from three to five years. Finally, students increasingly want to gain some hands-on experience in a master’s degree program, which could add additional time to the course of study.
Thanks to the broad applicability of this field of study, the number of master’s degrees conferred in computer and information science nearly tripled in a decade, according to figures from the National Center for Education Statistics. In computer science programs, students learn how to improve their IT skills and increase their understanding of software development—tools that can serve anyone in an increasingly digital world. Even so, the degree reinforces what most company’s look for in their hiring process: Problem solvers.
Although students with undergraduate degrees in computer science still have a higher starting salary than most people with that degree level, professionals with graduate degrees in computer science earn around $100,000 annually, according to PayScale. Annual salaries for graduates of master’s degree programs can range from $100,000 to $200,000, and that’s just in base pay.
A degree in computer science can definitely open doors. Some common roles include: Computer and information research scientists, computer network architects, computer programmers, web developers, and information security analysts. Professionals with degrees in computer science are needed in so many different industries simply because almost every field has a technical component that requires that specific skill set—which means computer science-educated professionals have the ability to dive into whatever interests them.
A career in computer science is dependable and stable. Job opportunities in computer science typically are high-paying and offer a flexible career path that reaches a variety of industries. What’s more, the already-high demand for people with computer science skills is likely to continue growing—which creates more job opportunities for people with a background in this field.
No, computer science isn’t just coding, though that is a necessary skill for people hoping to build a career within the industry. Because companies are looking to become more data-driven in business strategy, graduates of computer science programs are expected to provide the skills to make that possible. Rather than looking at computer science as strictly coding, think of it as problem solving—and then decide how you plan to use that skill.