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Online Master's in Computer Science
Updated June 7, 2026BLS dataCollege ScorecardOn this page
Online master’s programs in computer science are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want advanced training. Programs may emphasize specialized practice areas, leadership, or advanced methods depending on the school.
This page explains how master’s programs are structured, what coursework typically includes, and what to compare across schools.
30-36Typical Credits
1.5-2 YearsStandard Duration
$90,827Median Earnings (1yr)College Scorecard
Figures shown are medians from the cited public data sources (such as the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and reflect previously reported outcomes. They are estimates, not a guarantee of future earnings, debt, cost, or results. Individual outcomes vary by program, institution, location, enrollment status, and personal circumstances.
Quick answers
What is an online master’s in computer science?
It is a graduate-level program that builds advanced computer science knowledge through online coursework.
What degree titles are common?
Common options include MS or MA, depending on the institution and focus.
What types of master’s-level computer science programs are common?
Common options include general master’s programs, specialized tracks, and programs with elective concentrations.
What is typically included in the curriculum?
Most programs include a shared core before electives or concentrations, plus a capstone or thesis option.
What do admissions requirements usually include?
Most programs require a completed bachelor’s degree. Common elements include transcripts, a resume, and written statements.
What online formats and pacing options are common?
Programs may use standard term schedules, accelerated shorter terms, or part-time options with lighter course loads.
At a Glance
Degree type: Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA)
Typical duration: 1.5-2 years full-time
Credits: 30-36 semester hours
Online availability: 61.3% of programs offered online (College Scorecard)
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most
recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS).
To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked
against schools at the same credential level:
BOCSCORE
Graduation rate 30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
Average net price (lower is better) 20%
Retention rate 15%
Fully online availability 10%
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
BOC
Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.
Identify the program type (general, specialized, or concentration-based).
Review core curriculum and capstone requirements.
Check concentrations and electives that fit your interests.
Confirm admissions expectations and prerequisites.
Compare online format and pacing options.
Verify institutional accreditation before applying.
Admissions requirements
Requirements vary by school, but most programs require a completed bachelor’s degree. Common elements include transcripts, a resume, and written statements. Some programs may request prerequisites or professional experience.
Verify that any computer science program you consider holds recognized institutional accreditation. Some master’s programs also require prerequisite coursework in areas like data structures, algorithms, or discrete math for applicants whose bachelor’s degree was in a different field.
Master’s vs other computer science degree levels
Level
Typical Credits
1yr Median Earnings
5yr Median Earnings
Median Debt
Bachelor’s
120
$63,389
$89,348
$23,164
Master’s
30-36
$90,827
$114,787
$37,580
Doctoral
Varies
$120,702
$137,254
$97,912
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest academic year.
Data verified: June 7, 2026.
Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
