Master's Degree in Computer Science Programs

What Is a Masters Degree in Computer Science?

This high level educational path allows students to pursue a career in cybersecurity, data analytics, AI, or other areas of computer science. Students develop additional skills while also working to modernize their degree and skills.

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Why Earn a Computer Science Masters Degree?

Students earning a masters in computer science study the theory and practice of the computational process. They may also explore the structure and expression in computer memory, and explore the processing and communication of information stored.

Computer science draws from the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. The studies may be applied to mechanisms ranging from cellular phones to weather forecasting systems. As this field continues to grow there will be more demand for grads to work. Computer sci master’s students focus on the study of algorithms. These are specific problem solving processes.

Is It Hard to Earn a Computer Science Masters Degree?

It takes a lot of work to earn a master’s degree in computer science. It involves high levels of math and design skill, a creative mind, and time management. Students with dedication can master this program.

Demand for Masters in Computer Science Graduates

GradSchools.com makes it easy to find the right program . Perform a simple location search to see where you can earn your computer science degree. Use the city, state, or country tabs to find where you can study.

For working professionals in IT or related fields interested in keeping current with skills and technical knowledge, a distance learning option may be the best fit. There is also the option to go part time or be full time students. This will be up to you. It should be based on what your availability is.

You can choose from the hybrid format or look into masters in computer science online programs.   You can even find master’s in computer science that don’t require a GRE.

Individuals considering attending a computer science masters graduate program should ideally possess the following qualities:

• Strong background in math, science and engineering
• Analytical thinker
• Adept at problem solving
• Highly curious

Popular Schools with Masters in Computer Science Degrees

Computer Science Masters Degree Program​ Application Process

To apply to computer science graduate school, you will need to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Top computer science graduate programs often have a minimum GPA and standardized test score requirement.

There may be a GPA requirement for the upper level courses taken for the undergraduate degree. Many computer sci graduate programs require transcripts from your undergraduate degree. Also, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and relevant test scores. The TOEFL, if applicable test is common. Be aware of the application deadline for the school.

You might enhance your resume by participating in volunteer research, or real world work in your field. Publications in scholarly journals may help. These are all things that may be needed when going for a graduate degree. Financial aid may be available as well.

Computer Science Masters Program Curriculum

Comp sci graduate programs vary among schools. It’s important to ensure your personal research interests align with those at the schools to which you are applying. The coursework  and prerequisites for graduate students will vary. This is based on the program and classes. There will be core classes and electives that will need to be taken. A typical master of science in computer science graduate program might include the following courses:

• Computer networking
• Databases
• Human computer interaction
• Mathematical foundations of computing
• Programming methodology
• Programming abstractions
• Artificial intelligence
• Network analysis
• Cloud computing
• Design and analysis of algorithms
• Data Science
• Computer engineering

Students can choose from the master of science or a Ph.D. in computer science. The average master’s program lasts from one to two years. It will vary on if it is an online masters or standard. The number of credit hours per academic year needed will vary from MS program to MS program. The average Ph.D. program takes four to six years to complete. Depending upon the program, completion of the master’s might involve a thesis or independent project.

Completion of a comp sci doctorate involves a passing grade on exams. It also will need a dissertation or an independent project. Some programs may have a thesis option as well. The degree requirements will vary based on the school. The type of program will also matter.

What Can You Do With a Masters in Computer Science?

Qualified computer scientists with an MS degree might be able to pursue a variety of careers. Those holding a Ph.D. may find work as professors or researchers in a university setting. Other doctoral and graduate level professionals might work with business, governmental or scientific organizations. In areas ranging from traffic control to security to automobiles.

There a number of different fields and positions that are out there in information technology. Look at the area to see where it is you would best be able to apply the skills you want to learn. Jobs in big data are also options in places such as New York and Pittsburgh. The following are examples of popular computer science careers:

• Computer scientist
• Computer programmer
• Software engineering
• Computer systems designer
• Network administrator
• Cyber security
• Data Mining

Potential Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023 the median annual wage of computer and information research scientists was $145,080. The lowest 10%  of earners made less than $81,450, and the top 10 percent earned over $233,110. The concentration you choose may make a difference.

Individuals with a master’s in computer science might also pursue careers in computer and information systems management and computer programming. Careers in software development or operating systems are also options. The 2023 median pay for computer and information systems managers was $169,510 (BLS). The same year, computer programmers earned a median of $99,700 (BLS).

Computer Scientist Job Outlook

As per Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the career opportunities for computer and information research scientists are predicted to grow by a remarkable 26% between 2023 and 2033. This signifies that there will be a surge of around 3,400 new career opportunities during that time. The computer science field has many job options available for aspiring professionals.

Furthermore, the BLS predicts a 17% growth in job opportunities for computer and information systems managers from 2023 to 2033, leading to the addition of 54,700 jobs! However, career options in computer programming are expected to decline by 10% between 2023 and 2033, which is slower than the pace of other related careers (BLS).

GradSchools.com Offers 422 Masters in Computer Science Programs