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Explore the highest-quality accredited master’s degree programs in computer science with exceptional academic rigor and career outcomes. Each program is verified for specialized accreditation, institutional excellence, and advanced curriculum designed for working professionals seeking to advance their expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, and data science. These R1 research universities deliver world-class education with faculty conducting groundbreaking research.
Key Takeaways
- Programs Reviewed
- 25
- Average Tuition
- $15,000
- Data Sources
- IPEDS, Scorecard
Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degrees
Georgia Tech's OMSCS offers the same rigorous curriculum as its top-ranked on-campus program through a fully asynchronous format designed for working professionals worldwide.
Notable Features
- The program is ranked among the top 10 computer science graduate programs nationally and serves over 12,000 students from more than 100 countries.
- Students can specialize in artificial intelligence, computing systems, information security, machine learning, or several other concentration areas.
- All coursework is delivered asynchronously through a partnership with Udacity, allowing students to complete assignments on their own schedule each week.
- The program requires completion of two foundational courses with a B or better within the first year to remain in good standing.
- Graduates receive the same Master of Science in Computer Science degree as on-campus students with no indication of online delivery on the diploma.
Stanford's part-time MS in Computer Science allows working professionals to earn a degree from one of the world's premier CS programs through online and hybrid coursework options.
Notable Features
- Students can complete specializations in Artificial Intelligence, Information Management and Analytics, and Systems entirely through online coursework.
- The program is offered through Stanford's Center for Global and Online Education with the same curriculum and faculty as the on-campus degree.
- Part-time students typically complete the 45-unit requirement in three to five years while maintaining their professional careers.
- Students have access to Stanford's extensive computer science course catalog with numerous options available online each quarter.
- Graduates receive a Stanford University Master of Science in Computer Science with no distinction indicating online or part-time study.
Illinois' online MCS delivers the same top-ranked computer science education as the on-campus program through Coursera, making world-class CS education accessible to professionals globally.
Notable Features
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign consistently ranks among the top five computer science programs in the United States.
- Students can complete the entire degree through Coursera's platform while receiving a full Illinois graduate degree.
- The program offers multiple specialization tracks including data visualization, data science, and software engineering.
- Coursework is taught by the same acclaimed faculty who teach on campus at one of the nation's premier CS departments.
- The affordable tuition model follows Georgia Tech's pioneering approach to high-quality, accessible graduate CS education.
Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals delivers advanced computer science education from world-renowned faculty, combining theoretical depth with practical applications for working professionals.
Notable Features
- Johns Hopkins is recognized globally as one of the premier research universities with particular strength in applied computing.
- The program offers specialization options in artificial intelligence, computer networks, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
- Students learn from faculty who are active practitioners and researchers bringing cutting-edge knowledge to online coursework.
- The flexible format accommodates working professionals with courses starting multiple times per year.
- Graduates gain access to Johns Hopkins' extensive alumni network and career services supporting technology sector advancement.
USC Viterbi's online MSCS provides intensive preparation in computing concepts through the same rigorous curriculum and faculty as the highly ranked on-campus program.
Notable Features
- Online students undergo the same academic requirements, curriculum, and standards as on-campus students with identical diplomas issued.
- The program allows specialization in areas including artificial intelligence, data science, game development, software engineering, and high-performance computing.
- DEN@Viterbi delivers all coursework through an advanced online platform breaking down geographical and scheduling barriers for working professionals.
- Students can choose between full-time completion in eighteen to twenty-four months or part-time study over thirty to thirty-six months.
- The program is offered through USC's Viterbi School of Engineering, consistently ranked among the top engineering schools nationally.
ASU's online MCS provides comprehensive training in software development, computer systems, and algorithms through a flexible format designed for working technology professionals.
Notable Features
- Arizona State University is consistently ranked among the top universities for innovation in the United States.
- The program offers specialization options in software engineering, artificial intelligence, big data systems, and cybersecurity.
- Students benefit from ASU's robust online learning infrastructure including 24/7 technical support and comprehensive library resources.
- The Master of Computer Science requires no GRE scores for admission and accepts students with diverse undergraduate backgrounds.
- Graduates are prepared for advanced technical roles in software development, systems architecture, data science, and technology management.
Penn State World Campus delivers a flexible online MS in Computer Science combining theoretical foundations with practical applications through the university's established distance education platform.
Notable Features
- Penn State's World Campus has over 25 years of experience delivering high-quality online graduate education to working professionals.
- The program curriculum covers software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, and computer systems architecture.
- Students benefit from Penn State's extensive alumni network including over 700,000 graduates worldwide.
- The online format includes interactive coursework, collaborative projects, and direct faculty engagement through multiple communication channels.
- Graduates receive the same Penn State degree as on-campus students with full access to university career services.
UC Berkeley's online MIDS program through the School of Information combines data science with computer science fundamentals, delivering cutting-edge education from the nation's top-ranked public university with live instruction.
Notable Features
- UC Berkeley consistently ranks as the top public university nationally with exceptional computer science and data science programs.
- The program combines theoretical computer science foundations with practical data science applications and machine learning.
- Students participate in live online classes with Berkeley faculty fostering real-time interaction and collaborative learning.
- The curriculum emphasizes both technical skills and strategic thinking for data-driven decision making in organizations.
- Graduates earn a degree from one of the world's most prestigious universities with no distinction for online completion.
Columbia Video Network ensures online CS students receive an identical experience to on-campus students with the same admissions standards, coursework, professors, and graduation requirements.
Notable Features
- The computer science curriculum places equal emphasis on theoretical computer science and mathematics and experimental computer technology.
- Students can choose from eight concentration tracks including artificial intelligence, computational complexity, databases, and software systems.
- Online students must maintain a minimum 2.7 overall GPA with no more than one D grade permitted across all coursework.
- All degree requirements must be completed within five years of beginning the first course credited toward the degree.
- Columbia's location in New York City provides excellent career opportunities across multiple technology and finance industries.
UT Austin's online MSCS delivers top-10 ranked curriculum through the same faculty teaching on campus, providing cutting-edge coursework in algorithms, systems, and applied computing.
Notable Features
- The program is consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally for computer science by U.S. News and World Report.
- Students learn from tenured UT Computer Science faculty who are award-winning leaders in the CS research community.
- The curriculum incorporates cutting-edge foundational coursework directly applicable to current technology industry demands.
- Students can complete the entire 30-credit degree for $10,000 total tuition with no distinction on the diploma indicating online delivery.
- Elective courses focus on high-demand topics including advanced operating systems, machine learning, optimization, and programming languages.
Methodology
CVO ranks programs by affordability, outcomes, support, flexibility, and institutional value. Each program receives a CVO Methodology Score (0-100) and a CVO Value Score based on break-even time. View full methodology →
