Best online master’s in computer science 2021: Top picks

The information technology field offers incredible opportunities for skilled professionals, and a computer science master’s degree puts graduates in a position to capitalize. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the addition of more than 660,000 new computer occupations between 2020 and 2030. An advanced computer science degree can lead to some of the most in-demand positions among them. 

Master’s graduates are equipped to work in cybersecurity, big data, cloud computing, and software and application development — some of the fastest-growing and most integral IT fields. Here, we rank the best computer science master’s programs in the country. We also examine the computer science discipline and degree levels more closely. 

The best online master’s in computer science degrees

Our rankings leverage the most relevant and up-to-date publicly available information. To find out more about how we determine which programs deserve the highest spots, check out ZDNet’s ranking methodology. 

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and each program’s website.

Insights from a computer science graduate

Krimy Jain is the co-founder and CTO of the rental housing marketplace Cirtru. She has a master’s degree in computer science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. 

Previously, she worked at an enterprise company and was also an early engineer at a startup called SumoLogic, now listed on NASDAQ. She was a short-term contractor at Eightfold.ai, which is now a unicorn. She has also interned at Microsoft and has met Bill Gates.

ZDNet: What type of person is successful and thrives in a computer science career? What type of person may not be the best fit?

Krimy Jain: In a computer science career, a person with strong debugging skills will thrive. In addition, you need to be good at logical reasoning and breaking down a complex problem into smaller easy problems. You need to be dynamic and keep updating your skillset. You also need to be a prompt prototyper to validate solutions to problems. 

But if you get complacent and do not keep up with the latest tools and technologies, you are bound to get dated and be unsuccessful. If you are not the one who can solve problems, computer science is not for you.

ZDNet: What was the most challenging, rigorous course you took in your computer science master’s program? What advice would you give to students who are about to start this course?

KJ: High-performance computing architecture was the most rigorous course that I took up in my MS CS program. My advice would be to work hard every day, not just nearer to the deadline. You will have peace of mind and also will be able to optimize your projects and submissions if you have ample time on hand. 

Do not take up more than one or two rigorous courses per semester. Balance them out throughout the length of your computer science program.

ZDNet: How did you make the most of your computer science degree program so that it prepared you for post-grad jobs? 

KJ: I tried to take courses that interested me the most. If I was interested in the courses I pursued, I would naturally fare well in the grades.

 I would advise young pursuers to focus on building a strong foundation on which they can extend their computer science skills. If you have a solid foundation, you will be able to tackle any problem that comes your way. 

Fetching great post-grad jobs gets easier if you can crack their interviews, which involves you demonstrating your problem-solving skills without getting nervous while doing so. This only happens when you are a natural problem-solver.

What to expect in an online computer science master’s degree program

An online computer science master’s program provides technical and theoretical training in several areas, including programming, computer systems, software development, networking and security. Learn more by checking out our guide on what to expect in a computer science degree program.

Computer science master’s degree courses

While every computer science master’s degree features a unique curriculum, some subjects tend to appear in most programs. Prospective students can find a list and details of some of the most common topics in our overview of computer science courses.

Computer science degree levels

Computer science offers several degree levels, with each level featuring different postgraduate opportunities and approaches to the material. 

For example, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees usually lead to entry-level computer science jobs, master’s degrees can lead to leadership positions, and doctorates lead to research and academic careers. 

The following section provides details on the different degree levels and highlights some of the possible career pathways opened by them.

Associate in computer science

Length: Two years

Cost: $11,389 per year

Post-grad careers: Computer support specialist, web developers, and computer programmers

A computer science associate degree provides students with the field’s fundamentals. Students learn the basics of computer systems, programming, and web development through traditional lessons. They also pick up practical skills for solving computing problems through hands-on assignments.

While the training prepares learners for some entry-level careers, it also helps degree-seekers develop a strong foundation for further computer-related training. Graduates gain an informed perspective on the industry and can choose a more specialized field of interest. 

Bachelor’s in computer science

Length: Four years

Cost: $28,123 per year

Post-grad careers: Computer network architects, computer systems analyst, and information security analyst

The most common of the computer science degrees, a bachelor’s degree provides a comprehensive exploration of the field, covering fundamentals and advanced materials. Through a combination of instruction, project-based learning, and practicums and internships, students gather skills in software and application development and security.

According to the BLS, a bachelor’s degree qualifies graduates for most entry-level computer occupations, including computer analysts, architects, and administrators. Due to the high demand for professionals in this field, many computer science scholarships are available.

Master’s in computer science

Length: 1-2 years

Cost: $19,792 per year

Post-grad careers: Computer and information research scientist, computer and information systems manager, and computer hardware engineer

A computer science master’s builds on the fundamentals from earlier programs, teaching more complex programming languages and techniques, scientific computing, and software engineering. Students may also have the ability to specialize in different subdisciplines, such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and data mining and management.

The training methods at this level involve much more research- and practice-based learning. Online computer science master’s programs prepare graduates for careers in research and management, along with large-scale engineering and architecture roles.

Doctorate in computer science

Length: 3-5 years

Cost: $92,200-$127,100

Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teacher, computer scientist, and computer systems engineer

A computer science Ph.D. is the terminal degree for the field and focuses on applied research in a particular subdiscipline. Students typically choose a specialization — such as data science, digital media, or game design — and complete research and publications on the subject.

In addition to highly advanced and specialized knowledge, Ph.D. students develop expert research, communication, and leadership skills. They can go on to teach students, lead complex projects, or research and develop computing innovations.

In conclusion

The computer science field provides beneficial educational and professional flexibility for all student types. Prospective students enjoy varying teaching methods, specializations, and career opportunities from each degree level. 

Among those, a computer science master’s degree delivers some of the most sought-after training and rewarding postgraduate pathways.