Best Online Master’s in Computer Science in 2021

NJIT's online master's in computer science program offers five specializations, including computer networking and security, image processing and pattern recognition, and bioinformatics. Virtual learners use Canvas and Moodle to complete coursework and interact with professors and peers.

Students set up virtual advising appointments, research internship opportunities, and learn about the latest events and workshops through the Career Development Services (CDS) website. CDS also compiles a list of career and salary information relating to each of the school's majors.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, one recommendation letter, and GRE or GMAT scores. All online learners pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Most institutional scholarships ask that recipients maintain full-time status and a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA.

The online computer science master's degree at UIS features a customizable curriculum, allowing students to select lower- and upper-division electives with an advisor's assistance. The program trains degree-seekers for careers in software development.

The Career Development Center website offers resources such as virtual workshops, resume critiques, and mock interviews. Learners also gain access to OptimalResume, an intuitive software suite that helps students craft a strong resume.

The program requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree and complete three math and six computer science prerequisites. Almost 70% of degree-seekers receive financial aid.

UMN's online master's in computer science program offers three tracks: thesis, capstone project, and coursework. Each option features different requirements. Potential courses include modern cryptography, analysis of numerical algorithms, and animation.

Students gain access to career counselors who offer career-hunting and networking advice. These counselors also specialize in specific groups, such as veterans, women, and students with disabilities.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA. Many learners who earn the degree in a hybrid format qualify for a UMN fellowship.

CSU's fully online master's in computer science degree program covers topics like networking and security, software engineering, and database systems. Learners choose from over a dozen courses each semester. Most full-time students earn the 35-credit degree in two years.

Almost 70% of degree-seekers receive one or more job offers before graduation. The Career Center facilitates graduate success by publishing an informational blog, reviewing students' resumes, and helping learners hone salary negotiation skills.

Eligible applicants possess fluency in either Java or C++. Other application requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and recommendation letters. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.

BU's online computer science master's degree offers an optional concentration in computer information systems. Learners who do not choose this concentration select four upper-division electives. The core curriculum covers business data communication and networks, IT strategy and management, and information systems analysis and design.

The school's Center for Career Development offers a resume course, writing workshops, and interviewing tips. Many learners who want to bolster their resume explore internship opportunities.

Although admission requirements do not include a bachelor's in computer science, applicants without a computer science background complete one or more prerequisites. Prospective students also submit a personal statement and three recommendation letters. All learners pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.

UM-Flint's online master's in computer science program features concentrations in computer science and information systems. Degree-seekers who choose the latter typically specialize in business or health information systems. Learners with professional experience often enroll in the university's accelerated Fast Track program.

Students gain access to career services and resources such as detailed resume advice, cover letter best practices, and internship listings. Nearly 90% of graduates find a job or continue their education soon after graduation.

Many applicants need to take prerequisites before starting the program. Other application requirements include three recommendation letters and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Many aspiring cybersecurity and data analytics professionals consider earning an online master's in computer science from NAU. The 30-credit program includes core courses in advanced algorithms, advanced data mining, and software engineering. Students without a computer science background take four courses on topics such as computer networks and introduction to computer science.

Learners gain access to career services such as job boards, resume guides, and a career exploration guide. Additionally, students receive discounts on professional clothes from seven major retailers when they show their school ID.

Application requirements include a bachelor's degree, two recommendation letters, a letter of intent, and undergraduate transcripts. Degree-seekers apply for institutional scholarships that award up to $7,000.

IIT offers two online computer science master's degrees. The MS appeals to learners who want to start a doctorate after graduation, while the professional master's attracts students planning to immediately enter the job market after graduation. Both degrees include coursework in programming, systems, and theory.

Computer science degree-seekers enjoy access to valuable resources on the Career Services website, such as information regarding upcoming virtual career fairs and resume assistance through VMock.

Eligible applicants hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a minimum score of 300 on the GRE. The university waives the GRE requirement for some prospective students based on academic and professional background. Many learners earning the professional master's qualify for up to $25,000 in institutional scholarships.

UM-Dearborn's online master's in computer science program emphasizes computer and information science. Students choose from thesis and non-thesis tracks. The 30-credit curriculum offers seven concentrations, including systems software, web/cloud computing, and game design.

Learners gain access to virtual resources through the Office of Career Services, such as resume tips, interviewing advice, and online workshops. Workshops cover topics like cover letters, career fairs, and alumni testimonials.

Eligible applicants complete prerequisites in topics such as calculus, statistics, and computer architecture with a B grade or better. Full-time learners who maintain a minimum 3.2 graduate GPA often receive a significant tuition reduction.

UofSC's online master's in computer science program offers advanced coursework in computer architecture, compiler construction, algorithm analysis, and advances in computing. Both the thesis and non-thesis tracks require 30 credits and a comprehensive exam. Many learners create a custom specialization in areas such as quantum computing, robotics, and big data and data mining.

The UofSC Career Center website features a career guide, internship opportunities, and resume advice. Learners also gain access to advisors who specialize in doctoral program admissions.

Prospective students need an academic background in computer science, a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and satisfactory GRE scores. Many learners interested in doctoral study qualify for the $34,000 per-year Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship Program.

Drexel's computer science master's degree offers thesis and non-thesis tracks. Students can customize the degree through multiple electives, such as introduction to artificial intelligence, developing user interfaces, and introduction to computer vision. Learners who do not write a thesis complete a two-course independent study program on algorithms or advanced programming techniques.

Learners can visit the Steinbright Career Development Center website to gain access to career counseling services, cooperative-education programs, and a career navigator portal. The website also contains career and salary information.

Eligible applicants hold a bachelor's in computer science with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Applicants without a computer science background complete prerequisites. Other admission requirements include GRE scores, one recommendation letter, and a 500-word personal essay. Active-duty service members and alumni receive an automatic tuition discount.

UWF's online master's in computer science program offers concentrations in software engineering and data analytics. All students take core courses on topics like database systems, parallel and distributed programming, and advanced algorithms.

Career Services advisors work one-on-one with students to help them craft a resume, hone interviewing skills, and explore internship and volunteering opportunities. New learners can review the Career Development Guide to explore these resources.

Eligible applicants hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit three professional references and a resume. UWF prefers applicants who submit GRE scores. Although the university charges a higher tuition rate to out-of-state students, some learners qualify for a waiver.

FAU's 30-credit, online master's in computer science includes electives in areas such as the theory and philosophy of computation, multimedia programming, and software testing. Students earn a minimum C grade in every course and hold a minimum 3.0 overall GPA to graduate.

Students visit the FAU Career Center website to learn about internship opportunities near the university's Boca Raton campus and throughout the state. The site also contains information about upcoming virtual career fairs and on-demand job-hunting advice.

Eligible applicants possess a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and submit GRE scores. FAU waives the GRE requirement for applicants who excelled in their bachelor's program. In-state learners enjoy the lowest per-credit tuition rate.

ODU offers online computer science master's degrees that cover topics like data mining, high-performance computing, and computation foundations. The 34-credit program does not require a thesis, and most learners graduate in two years.

Students gain access to virtual advising sessions and job-hunting tools. CDS also partners with top employers, such as Amazon and IBM, allowing computer science students to access job opportunities.

Eligible applicants hold a bachelor's degree and submit GRE scores. ODU waives the GRE requirement for applicants with significant computer science industry experience. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Many learners planning to teach K-12 computer science at a low-income school apply for a TEACH Grant.

BU's online master's in computer science program offers three concentrations: databases, software development, and security. All concentrations conclude with a capstone project. Learners without a solid foundation in computer science complete prerequisites before beginning major coursework.

Students gain access to career services such as mock interviews, a networking skills guide, and job opportunities that align with prior military training. The school also hosts a virtual career fair each year and publishes a guide on how online students make the most of their experience.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree. BU often requests recommendation letters, depending on an applicants' undergraduate GPA and other factors. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.