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The 10 Best Online Computer Science Master’s Programs of 2021

A master’s degree is an important step if you’re hoping to qualify for more than just an entry-level job in computer science. With this high-level degree, you can become a specialist in one area of computer science, or even become a university professor.

If you’re trying to launch a career in tech, having a master’s degree is a good way to stand out from the competition when you’re applying for jobs. The good news is that in 2021, it’s pretty common to get a master’s degree online while studying from home. Keep reading to learn more about the 10 best online Master’s Degrees in Computer Science.

At a Glance: The Top 10 Computer Science Master’s Degrees of 2021

Getting a formal education is an important step if you want to succeed in the tech industry. If you want to get the best results, you should attend one of the best online programs. Below is a list of the best online Master’s Degrees in CS you can get. The tuition information displayed in the table was collected from the schools’ websites.

School and Degree Tuition Notes
Boston University
Master of Science in
Computer Information Systems
$490 per credit; 40 credits required Format: 100 percent online and asynchronous
Concordia University Wisconsin
Master of Science in Computer Science
$760 Per credit; 30 credits required Covers cyber security, virtual reality,
and AI
Drexel University
Master of Science in Computer Science
$1,342 per credit; 45 credits required 3.0 minimum GPA required
Georgia Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Computer Science
$167 per credit; 30 credits required Background essay required for admission
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Computer Science
$1,050 per credit; 30 credits required No minimum GPA required for this school
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Master of Computer Science
$446 – $1,295 per credit; 31 credits required Military personnel serving abroad and working
professionals are the main targets of this program
Stanford University
Master of Science in Computer Science
$1,352 per credit; 45 credits required Stanford University is ranked the third best
university in the world
Stevens Institute of Technology
Computer Science Master’s Program
$1,686 per credit; 36 credits required Full-time and part-time schedules available
University of Illinois at Springfield
Master of Science in Computer Science
$362 per credit; 31 credits required Minimum GPA of 2.7 is required
University of Southern California
Master of Science in Computer Science
$2,148 per credit; 37 credits required University has a 92 percent graduation rate

Why You Should Pursue a Computer Science Master’s Degree Online

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One of the main benefits of getting a computer science degree online is that you can gain new skills without leaving your home. Computer science is a particularly good choice for online study because there are many job openings in this field. Below are a few of the reasons you should sign up for an online computer science master’s degree program.

  • You can study from anywhere in the world.
  • You will get access to lots of online educational resources.
  • Tuition costs for online courses are usually less than on-campus programs.
  • The degree you’ll acquire is equally as respected as a traditional degree.

What Are the Requirements for an Online Computer Science Master’s Degree?

The entrance requirements for an online computer science master’s program depends on the university. You will need to have a specific type of computer, and some basic software in order to attend classes online. In addition, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree. It is preferable that this degree is in an area related to computer science.

Top 10 Online Computer Science Master’s
Degrees: 2021 List

In this list, we’ll go over the best online universities in the US for studying computer science. We’ll offer some details about each school and the material you can expect to cover in each master’s program.

Boston University | Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

This degree is offered jointly with Metropolitan College. The curriculum offers several possible areas of specialization, including database security, server-side web development, IT strategies, and mobile application development. This program is one of many ways to learn to code in Boston.

You must fulfill 40 credits to complete this program, which will take approximately 18 to 24 months.

Concordia University Wisconsin | Master of Science in Computer Science

This computer science degree from Concordia University Wisconsin offers specializations in software engineering and information systems. Some of the courses you will take as part of this degree include artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics, and cyber security. You will also study data science and hardware and software system design.

This program takes 18 months to complete.

Drexel University | Master of Science in Computer Science

In this master’s degree, students will learn computer science theory as well as practical skills that they’ll need on the job. This program is intended for students who want to become software engineers. The curriculum covers data science, programming, and how to develop and operate computer systems.

Drexel University is a prestigious private institution, and its programs are well respected and also very demanding.

Georgia Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Computer Science Online

This master’s program is very affordable for the quality of education that it provides. The school has partnered with the massive open online course (MOOC) provider Udacity, as well as AT&T, to make its programs easily accessible to all. The coursework covers computer systems, robotics, and AI.

New Jersey Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Computer Science

The New Jersey Institute of Technology is a great place to get your online master’s degree because it is one of the largest research universities on the east coast. In this private university program, you will have access to top-tier resources as you study how to design and apply computer systems.

The coursework uses up-to-date methods that will be very valuable in your future tech career. You can choose from specializations such as data mining, bioinformatics, and database development.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Master of Computer Science

In this master’s program, you will learn about algorithms, numerical analysis, database management, and computability theory. This public school makes its courses accessible for working students and military personnel serving aboard.

Stanford University | Master of Science in Computer Science

The US News and World Report ranked Stanford University as the third-best university in the world in 2021. So, it’s understandable that this master’s degree will be a huge benefit to you in the future as you search for a job in tech.

This master’s program will take three to five years to complete, and covers topics such as database development, biocomputing, and AI.

Stevens Institute of Technology | Computer Science Master's Program

This private school program is taught with an asynchronous approach, meaning all of your lectures and coursework will be ready for you online. You won’t need to interact with other students or professors as you work to complete your degree.

In these classes, you’ll study data mining, web development, programming languages, and how to create graphics. You can choose whether you want to study on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on how busy you are.

The University of Illinois at Springfield | Master of Science in Computer Science

This University of Illinois at Springfield program takes four semesters to complete if you attend classes full time.

If you choose this degree, you will learn about big data analytics, data mining, deep learning, and machine learning. The program is focused on teaching you how to identify and solve real problems in the tech industry.

The University of Southern California | Master of Science in Computer Science

This degree from USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering is taught in a live lecture format. Some of the core courses in this program are bioinformatics, design, and computer systems programming.

In addition, you will take advanced computer science courses, choosing from topics like algorithm analysis, applied cryptography, cyber-physical systems, and geometric modeling.

Choosing the Right Online Computer Science Master’s Degree Program

Once you have obtained your bachelor’s degree, the next step to prepare for your professional career is to get your master’s. Now that you know a bit about the best online computer science master’s degrees available, you’ll need to narrow down your courses.

There are several elements you should take into consideration in order to choose the perfect program.

Budget

Even though learning online is cheaper than traditional education, some of the degrees listed above can be quite expensive. Before choosing a school to attend for your master’s, consider the maximum price you can afford, and what payment options are offered by the school.

Reviews of the School

The reputation of the school you’re applying to is another important factor. Looking into this will give you insight into whether a degree from the institution will really be an asset to you once you’re looking for a job. Many companies will value a degree from certain universities over others.

You can use the search tool on the National Center for Education Statistics website to get more information about any school you want to attend.

Before making your final decision, you should also read reviews left online by former students. You can also look up the average salary of former students who got a master’s degree from that particular college.

Scheduling

The class schedules offered by universities can vary greatly. Sometimes, you’ll be required to attend classes in a certain order. It’s important to make sure you are free at the right times, especially if these classes include live online lectures.

Remember that many universities offer master’s degrees online and full-time. You just have to choose the schedule that fits best with your other important activities.

What Can You Do With an Online Computer Science Master’s Degree?

What Can You Do With an Online Computer Science Master’s Degree?

If you’ve already read up on many possible computer science master’s programs, you may be wondering what jobs you can choose from after you’ve graduated.

Once you have your master’s degree, your resume will be viewed by employers in a new light. You’ll be able to apply for more advanced jobs that offer higher salaries than what you’d normally get with only a bachelor’s degree.

Take a look at the jobs and corresponding salaries listed below so you can get an idea of what lies in store for you once you’ve finished your courses.

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Average Salary: $151,150

If you want to organize and supervise technology projects for a company, you should become a computer and information systems manager. This career is usually reserved for those with a master’s degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of computer and information systems managers will increase by 10 percent by 2029.

Computer Network Architect

Average Salary: $116,780

A computer network architect is responsible for planning, designing, and directing IT structures. This is a high-level job that you’ll be much more likely to land if you have a master’s degree.

Software Development Engineer

Average Salary: $111,720

Most Master’s Degrees in Computer Science will offer a specialization in software development. This career is in very high demand in 2021. In addition, it comes with great job benefits, a high salary, and job security in the coming years.

How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an Online Computer Science Master's Degree?

One of the advantages of getting this degree is that you can start off in a higher-level job thanks to your professional training. With the skillset you’ll get studying for your computer science master’s degree, you can expect to earn an average salary of nearly $94,000, according to PayScale.

Is an Online Computer Science Master's Degree Worth It in 2021?

It is definitely worth it to get an online computer science master’s degree in 2021. Now is the time to start a career in tech, as the industry is expected to continue its rapid growth. Thanks to advanced digital platforms, you now have the option to complete your master’s degree from home.

If you’re looking for a job with a good salary and stability, then getting an online computer science master’s degree is a good option. Choose from one of the 10 best online computer science programs above, or explore the best online colleges in general, to get closer to your dream job.

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