Online Master's Degrees > Best Online Master's Programs in Computer Science

ONLINE MASTER'S DEGREE INCOMPUTER SCIENCE

Table of Contents

TOP ONLINE SCHOOLS: MASTER'S IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Our Methodology and Sources

Methodology

To be included in the rankings, all colleges had to meet the following criteria:

Offer the particular graduate program online
Enroll full-time or part-time graduate students
Have at least 1 percent of their graduate students enrolled in distance education classes
Have awarded at least one graduate degree in any related subject between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016

Once we had our list of schools for each subject and degree level, we ranked them on four criteria:

Affordability, based on the in-state average tuition for full-time graduate students, National Center for Education Statistics, 2016
Flexibility, based on the percentage of graduate students enrolled in any distance education courses, National Center for Education Statistics, 2016
Program Prominence, The ratio of the number of students receiving master’s/doctoral degrees in that program to the total number of graduate students awarded a degree, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015-16
Related Degrees, based on the number of programs the school offers that are in this particular subject and similar subjects, National Center for Education Statistics, 2016

Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2016-17, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Article Sources

Admissions Criteria, MS in Computer Science, Drexel University, http://online.drexel.edu/online-degrees/engineering-degrees/ms-cs/index.aspx#admissionscriteria

Prerequisite Courses, Computer Science, University of Houston, http://www.cs.uh.edu/graduate/programs/prerequisites/index.php

Deficiency Courses, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Kansas, http://www.eecs.ku.edu/prospective_students/graduate/deficiency_courses#cs_courses

Prerequisites, Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, https://www.cs.cornell.edu/masters/apply/prerequisites

Computer Science MS Degree, Stanford University, http://scpd.stanford.edu/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=1240861

Master of Science in Computer Science, Boston University, http://www.bu.edu/met/programs/graduate/computer-science/

MS CS Specializations, Georgia Tech University, http://www.cc.gatech.edu/academics/degree-programs/masters/computer-science/specializations

Graduate Program Information, Computer Science, Purdue University, https://www.cs.purdue.edu/graduate/

Choosing a Specialization, Stanford University, http://cs.stanford.edu/degrees/mscs/specializations/

Computer Science MS Degree, Stanford University, http://scpd.stanford.edu/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=1240861

12-Course MS Specialization Program, The University of Chicago, https://csmasters.uchicago.edu/page/12-course-ms-specialization-program

Thesis or Non-Thesis Option, Lamar University, http://cs.lamar.edu/Grad/thesis.htm

Information Systems Managers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, accessed November 5, 2015, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm

Software Developers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, accessed November 5, 2015, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Computer-and-Information-Technology/Software-developers.htm

Computer Network Architects, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, accessed November 5, 2015, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm

Computer Science Specializations, American Higher Education Information Center, http://www.bibl.u-szeged.hu/afik/compw.html

Sort By ::

Rank	School	Tuition	% Grad Students in Online Courses	% Grad Degrees Conferred	Related Degrees
1.	Dakota State University	Tuition$5,483	% Grad Students in Online Courses87.28%	% Grad Degrees Conferred81.19%	Related Degrees3
9.	Kaplan University-Des Moines Campus	Tuition$9,216	% Grad Students in Online Courses100%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.55%	Related Degrees3
16.	New Jersey Institute of Technology	Tuition$19,008	% Grad Students in Online Courses39.89%	% Grad Degrees Conferred32.56%	Related Degrees6
26.	Sam Houston State University	Tuition$5,139	% Grad Students in Online Courses63.57%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.03%	Related Degrees1
28.	Western International University	Tuition$8,352	% Grad Students in Online Courses100%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.88%	Related Degrees1
31.	University of Wisconsin-Stout	Tuition$6,878	% Grad Students in Online Courses77.48%	% Grad Degrees Conferred7.05%	Related Degrees1
37.	Frostburg State University	Tuition$7,092	% Grad Students in Online Courses60.35%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.29%	Related Degrees1
38.	University of North Texas	Tuition$5,450	% Grad Students in Online Courses40.45%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.24%	Related Degrees1
39.	Tarleton State University	Tuition$3,672	% Grad Students in Online Courses29.32%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.58%	Related Degrees1
45.	Murray State University	Tuition$10,968	% Grad Students in Online Courses62.15%	% Grad Degrees Conferred7.71%	Related Degrees2
46.	Lewis University	Tuition$14,310	% Grad Students in Online Courses48.27%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.39%	Related Degrees3
48.	University of Central Florida	Tuition$6,916	% Grad Students in Online Courses39.4%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.37%	Related Degrees1
49.	Colorado State University-Fort Collins	Tuition$9,628	% Grad Students in Online Courses37.51%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.12%	Related Degrees2
51.	Virginia College-Birmingham	Tuition$13,440	% Grad Students in Online Courses100%	% Grad Degrees Conferred30.77%	Related Degrees1
52.	Davenport University	Tuition$12,942	% Grad Students in Online Courses81.66%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.97%	Related Degrees2
54.	SUNY Polytechnic Institute	Tuition$10,870	% Grad Students in Online Courses75.18%	% Grad Degrees Conferred29.49%	Related Degrees1
57.	Old Dominion University	Tuition$8,736	% Grad Students in Online Courses51.87%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.12%	Related Degrees1
58.	Stratford University	Tuition$13,365	% Grad Students in Online Courses34.66%	% Grad Degrees Conferred41.06%	Related Degrees2
59.	Saint Leo University	Tuition$9,630	% Grad Students in Online Courses82.82%	% Grad Degrees Conferred0.83%	Related Degrees1
60.	Concordia University-Wisconsin	Tuition$10,170	% Grad Students in Online Courses42.92%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.17%	Related Degrees2
63.	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus	Tuition$6,714	% Grad Students in Online Courses25.35%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.84%	Related Degrees1
64.	Strayer University-Arkansas	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses95.6%	% Grad Degrees Conferred13.33%	Related Degrees2
77.	Regis University	Tuition$11,250	% Grad Students in Online Courses64.87%	% Grad Degrees Conferred14.85%	Related Degrees1
81.	Strayer University-North Carolina	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses90.69%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4%	Related Degrees2
96.	CUNY Graduate School and University Center	Tuition$9,060	% Grad Students in Online Courses10.44%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.19%	Related Degrees1
97.	Florida State University	Tuition$9,684	% Grad Students in Online Courses22.77%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.96%	Related Degrees1
99.	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus	Tuition$13,452	% Grad Students in Online Courses38.82%	% Grad Degrees Conferred15.94%	Related Degrees1
103.	University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth	Tuition$14,994	% Grad Students in Online Courses68.51%	% Grad Degrees Conferred13.51%	Related Degrees1
111.	Mercy College	Tuition$15,156	% Grad Students in Online Courses53.7%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2%	Related Degrees1
112.	University of Maryland-College Park	Tuition$11,718	% Grad Students in Online Courses10.06%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.24%	Related Degrees1
113.	Our Lady of the Lake University	Tuition$15,390	% Grad Students in Online Courses55.47%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.4%	Related Degrees1
116.	Kean University	Tuition$13,156	% Grad Students in Online Courses7.09%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.12%	Related Degrees1
128.	The College of Saint Rose	Tuition$14,382	% Grad Students in Online Courses12.74%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.59%	Related Degrees1
135.	University of Phoenix-Florida	Tuition$17,234	% Grad Students in Online Courses28.87%	% Grad Degrees Conferred0.38%	Related Degrees1
136.	Mercer University	Tuition$15,557	% Grad Students in Online Courses16.99%	% Grad Degrees Conferred0.57%	Related Degrees1
138.	Drexel University	Tuition$32,184	% Grad Students in Online Courses45.52%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.71%	Related Degrees1
139.	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg	Tuition$19,812	% Grad Students in Online Courses26%	% Grad Degrees Conferred7.11%	Related Degrees1
141.	Notre Dame de Namur University	Tuition$15,696	% Grad Students in Online Courses9.03%	% Grad Degrees Conferred0.47%	Related Degrees1
143.	New York University	Tuition$39,936	% Grad Students in Online Courses8.39%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.83%	Related Degrees2
145.	Boston University	Tuition$49,176	% Grad Students in Online Courses18.79%	% Grad Degrees Conferred7.35%	Related Degrees2
146.	Savannah College of Art and Design	Tuition$36,045	% Grad Students in Online Courses32.68%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.11%	Related Degrees1
151.	University of Southern California	Tuition$41,592	% Grad Students in Online Courses25.35%	% Grad Degrees Conferred10.01%	Related Degrees1
155.	University of Denver	Tuition$45,288	% Grad Students in Online Courses26.47%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.65%	Related Degrees1
156.	Southern Methodist University	Tuition$40,896	% Grad Students in Online Courses14.2%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.04%	Related Degrees1
158.	Georgetown University	Tuition$46,272	% Grad Students in Online Courses15.67%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.62%	Related Degrees1
159.	Stanford University	Tuition$47,331	% Grad Students in Online Courses7.56%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.42%	Related Degrees1
2.	Naval Postgraduate School	Tuition$0	% Grad Students in Online Courses45.04%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.68%	Related Degrees4
6.	University of Illinois at Springfield	Tuition$8,624	% Grad Students in Online Courses66.67%	% Grad Degrees Conferred63.08%	Related Degrees2
8.	Kaplan University-Cedar Rapids Campus	Tuition$9,216	% Grad Students in Online Courses100%	% Grad Degrees Conferred10%	Related Degrees3
11.	Kaplan University-Hagerstown Campus	Tuition$9,216	% Grad Students in Online Courses98.77%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.17%	Related Degrees3
13.	University of Management and Technology	Tuition$7,020	% Grad Students in Online Courses97.35%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.65%	Related Degrees2
18.	University of the Cumberlands	Tuition$5,670	% Grad Students in Online Courses98.85%	% Grad Degrees Conferred0.97%	Related Degrees1
19.	University of West Georgia	Tuition$3,996	% Grad Students in Online Courses80.63%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.88%	Related Degrees1
22.	National University	Tuition$11,232	% Grad Students in Online Courses82.06%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6%	Related Degrees3
25.	Capitol Technology University	Tuition$10,530	% Grad Students in Online Courses99.41%	% Grad Degrees Conferred13.59%	Related Degrees2
29.	DePaul University	Tuition$18,960	% Grad Students in Online Courses24.87%	% Grad Degrees Conferred17.21%	Related Degrees6
32.	Columbus State University	Tuition$5,706	% Grad Students in Online Courses59.58%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.91%	Related Degrees1
33.	The University of West Florida	Tuition$7,088	% Grad Students in Online Courses81.93%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.77%	Related Degrees1
53.	Jacksonville State University	Tuition$8,904	% Grad Students in Online Courses62.75%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.74%	Related Degrees1
55.	University of Arkansas at Little Rock	Tuition$7,680	% Grad Students in Online Courses36.19%	% Grad Degrees Conferred9.14%	Related Degrees1
61.	Purdue University-Main Campus	Tuition$9,208	% Grad Students in Online Courses20.94%	% Grad Degrees Conferred5.16%	Related Degrees2
62.	Towson University	Tuition$6,822	% Grad Students in Online Courses19.97%	% Grad Degrees Conferred12.94%	Related Degrees1
65.	University of Michigan-Dearborn	Tuition$11,300	% Grad Students in Online Courses46.68%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.35%	Related Degrees2
66.	University of Michigan-Flint	Tuition$9,959	% Grad Students in Online Courses37.56%	% Grad Degrees Conferred37.17%	Related Degrees1
68.	Strayer University-Delaware	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses96.36%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8%	Related Degrees2
70.	University of Maine	Tuition$7,524	% Grad Students in Online Courses29.06%	% Grad Degrees Conferred0.55%	Related Degrees1
71.	Strayer University-Global Region	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses96.64%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.15%	Related Degrees2
72.	Strayer University-Virginia	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses83.02%	% Grad Degrees Conferred12.79%	Related Degrees2
74.	Strayer University-Texas	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses94.75%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.14%	Related Degrees2
75.	Strayer University-Maryland	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses80.81%	% Grad Degrees Conferred13.6%	Related Degrees2
78.	Strayer University-Tennessee	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses93.67%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.96%	Related Degrees2
80.	Strayer University-South Carolina	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses92.47%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.64%	Related Degrees2
82.	Kent State University at Kent	Tuition$11,090	% Grad Students in Online Courses48.39%	% Grad Degrees Conferred22.06%	Related Degrees1
85.	Strayer University-District of Columbia	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses80.86%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.72%	Related Degrees2
86.	Friends University	Tuition$10,068	% Grad Students in Online Courses51.03%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.06%	Related Degrees1
87.	University of Alabama in Huntsville	Tuition$9,834	% Grad Students in Online Courses39.83%	% Grad Degrees Conferred9.5%	Related Degrees1
89.	City University of Seattle	Tuition$13,914	% Grad Students in Online Courses43.17%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.4%	Related Degrees2
94.	Full Sail University	Tuition$16,401	% Grad Students in Online Courses94.15%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.56%	Related Degrees2
95.	University of Maryland-Baltimore County	Tuition$10,854	% Grad Students in Online Courses17.45%	% Grad Degrees Conferred29.43%	Related Degrees1
98.	James Madison University	Tuition$9,648	% Grad Students in Online Courses22.36%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.99%	Related Degrees1
102.	George Mason University	Tuition$10,628	% Grad Students in Online Courses19.6%	% Grad Degrees Conferred7.56%	Related Degrees1
104.	University of Arizona	Tuition$11,372	% Grad Students in Online Courses24.77%	% Grad Degrees Conferred7.23%	Related Degrees1
105.	Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration	Tuition$17,760	% Grad Students in Online Courses57.39%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.39%	Related Degrees2
107.	University of Phoenix-Arizona	Tuition$16,581	% Grad Students in Online Courses97.22%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.49%	Related Degrees1
109.	Southern New Hampshire University	Tuition$18,810	% Grad Students in Online Courses94.85%	% Grad Degrees Conferred9.84%	Related Degrees1
114.	Johns Hopkins University	Tuition$50,410	% Grad Students in Online Courses47.5%	% Grad Degrees Conferred5.37%	Related Degrees3
115.	University of Bridgeport	Tuition$14,940	% Grad Students in Online Courses26.98%	% Grad Degrees Conferred18.12%	Related Degrees1
117.	Franklin Pierce University	Tuition$16,000	% Grad Students in Online Courses51.03%	% Grad Degrees Conferred0.83%	Related Degrees1
121.	Brandeis University	Tuition$48,507	% Grad Students in Online Courses25.55%	% Grad Degrees Conferred9.52%	Related Degrees3
126.	Stevens Institute of Technology	Tuition$33,328	% Grad Students in Online Courses52.88%	% Grad Degrees Conferred24.25%	Related Degrees1
127.	Academy of Art University	Tuition$23,568	% Grad Students in Online Courses53.43%	% Grad Degrees Conferred9.93%	Related Degrees1
132.	Lawrence Technological University	Tuition$19,116	% Grad Students in Online Courses27.34%	% Grad Degrees Conferred15.27%	Related Degrees1
133.	Azusa Pacific University	Tuition$16,224	% Grad Students in Online Courses25.27%	% Grad Degrees Conferred0.27%	Related Degrees1
134.	University of Phoenix-Michigan	Tuition$15,828	% Grad Students in Online Courses19.74%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.82%	Related Degrees1
137.	Florida Institute of Technology	Tuition$22,338	% Grad Students in Online Courses29.23%	% Grad Degrees Conferred15.31%	Related Degrees1
140.	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities	Tuition$16,240	% Grad Students in Online Courses13.52%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.45%	Related Degrees1
148.	Rochester Institute of Technology	Tuition$41,804	% Grad Students in Online Courses23.82%	% Grad Degrees Conferred21.03%	Related Degrees1
152.	Marquette University	Tuition$19,350	% Grad Students in Online Courses3.76%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.93%	Related Degrees1
154.	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus	Tuition$19,964	% Grad Students in Online Courses6.67%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.51%	Related Degrees1
157.	Harvard University	Tuition$43,296	% Grad Students in Online Courses13.58%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.07%	Related Degrees1
160.	Northwestern University	Tuition$50,424	% Grad Students in Online Courses10.64%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.53%	Related Degrees1
3.	University of Maryland-University College	Tuition$8,244	% Grad Students in Online Courses92.18%	% Grad Degrees Conferred29.14%	Related Degrees3
4.	Virginia International University	Tuition$9,144	% Grad Students in Online Courses30.98%	% Grad Degrees Conferred78.4%	Related Degrees3
5.	Kaplan University-Lincoln Campus	Tuition$9,216	% Grad Students in Online Courses100%	% Grad Degrees Conferred14.29%	Related Degrees3
7.	Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs	Tuition$12,139	% Grad Students in Online Courses94.68%	% Grad Degrees Conferred18.19%	Related Degrees4
10.	Kaplan University-Davenport Campus	Tuition$9,432	% Grad Students in Online Courses100%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.34%	Related Degrees3
12.	Bellevue University	Tuition$9,810	% Grad Students in Online Courses93.24%	% Grad Degrees Conferred23.69%	Related Degrees3
14.	Georgia Southwestern State University	Tuition$3,330	% Grad Students in Online Courses98.23%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.25%	Related Degrees1
15.	East Carolina University	Tuition$4,656	% Grad Students in Online Courses65.74%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.17%	Related Degrees2
17.	University of South Florida-Main Campus	Tuition$8,350	% Grad Students in Online Courses34.36%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.8%	Related Degrees3
20.	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus	Tuition$5,033	% Grad Students in Online Courses31.56%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.59%	Related Degrees2
21.	Texas A & M University-Central Texas	Tuition$3,928	% Grad Students in Online Courses61.35%	% Grad Degrees Conferred9.04%	Related Degrees1
23.	Kennesaw State University	Tuition$4,734	% Grad Students in Online Courses55.15%	% Grad Degrees Conferred13.57%	Related Degrees1
24.	ECPI University	Tuition$12,960	% Grad Students in Online Courses67.51%	% Grad Degrees Conferred100%	Related Degrees1
27.	Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo	Tuition$3,780	% Grad Students in Online Courses38.1%	% Grad Degrees Conferred14.55%	Related Degrees1
30.	Grand Canyon University	Tuition$9,783	% Grad Students in Online Courses94.18%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.87%	Related Degrees2
34.	University of Houston-Victoria	Tuition$5,798	% Grad Students in Online Courses24.47%	% Grad Degrees Conferred7.14%	Related Degrees2
35.	North Carolina A & T State University	Tuition$4,545	% Grad Students in Online Courses30.42%	% Grad Degrees Conferred15.44%	Related Degrees1
36.	Georgia Southern University	Tuition$6,636	% Grad Students in Online Courses59.9%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1%	Related Degrees1
40.	North Carolina Central University	Tuition$4,647	% Grad Students in Online Courses32.97%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.8%	Related Degrees1
41.	Austin Peay State University	Tuition$8,300	% Grad Students in Online Courses78.22%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.91%	Related Degrees1
42.	University of Memphis	Tuition$8,820	% Grad Students in Online Courses37.3%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.26%	Related Degrees2
43.	Missouri University of Science and Technology	Tuition$9,566	% Grad Students in Online Courses38.47%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.72%	Related Degrees2
44.	University of Idaho	Tuition$6,460	% Grad Students in Online Courses38.2%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.91%	Related Degrees1
47.	Sullivan University	Tuition$13,080	% Grad Students in Online Courses48.42%	% Grad Degrees Conferred34.77%	Related Degrees2
50.	Central Washington University	Tuition$8,586	% Grad Students in Online Courses52.35%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.18%	Related Degrees1
56.	North Carolina State University at Raleigh	Tuition$8,088	% Grad Students in Online Courses31.2%	% Grad Degrees Conferred14.01%	Related Degrees1
67.	University of Advancing Technology	Tuition$16,500	% Grad Students in Online Courses9.09%	% Grad Degrees Conferred83.33%	Related Degrees3
69.	Strayer University-Alabama	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses98.21%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.88%	Related Degrees2
73.	Strayer University-Florida	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses93.44%	% Grad Degrees Conferred5.91%	Related Degrees2
76.	Strayer University-Pennsylvania	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses93.16%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.92%	Related Degrees2
79.	Iowa State University	Tuition$8,474	% Grad Students in Online Courses25.87%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.07%	Related Degrees1
83.	Strayer University-Georgia	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses87.69%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.4%	Related Degrees2
84.	University of Massachusetts-Lowell	Tuition$14,304	% Grad Students in Online Courses46.79%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.2%	Related Degrees2
88.	Hodges University	Tuition$11,880	% Grad Students in Online Courses79.07%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.67%	Related Degrees1
90.	Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network	Tuition$23,728	% Grad Students in Online Courses83.46%	% Grad Degrees Conferred8.15%	Related Degrees3
91.	Strayer University-West Virginia	Tuition$14,325	% Grad Students in Online Courses100%	% Grad Degrees Conferred10%	Related Degrees1
92.	The College of Saint Scholastica	Tuition$11,160	% Grad Students in Online Courses50.1%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.31%	Related Degrees1
93.	University of Georgia	Tuition$8,492	% Grad Students in Online Courses10.51%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.54%	Related Degrees1
100.	Independence University	Tuition$15,616	% Grad Students in Online Courses100%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.63%	Related Degrees1
101.	University of Dallas	Tuition$30,200	% Grad Students in Online Courses100%	% Grad Degrees Conferred12.27%	Related Degrees2
106.	Norwich University	Tuition$17,073	% Grad Students in Online Courses98.97%	% Grad Degrees Conferred5.81%	Related Degrees1
108.	Franklin University	Tuition$15,528	% Grad Students in Online Courses71.98%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.51%	Related Degrees1
110.	Creighton University	Tuition$14,760	% Grad Students in Online Courses52.46%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.97%	Related Degrees1
118.	Digital Media Arts College	Tuition$20,352	% Grad Students in Online Courses33.33%	% Grad Degrees Conferred42.86%	Related Degrees1
119.	University of Phoenix-Georgia	Tuition$14,684	% Grad Students in Online Courses29.25%	% Grad Degrees Conferred0.89%	Related Degrees1
120.	Clarkson University	Tuition$29,286	% Grad Students in Online Courses42.29%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4.13%	Related Degrees2
122.	Golden Gate University-San Francisco	Tuition$17,550	% Grad Students in Online Courses51.15%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.2%	Related Degrees1
123.	Nova Southeastern University	Tuition$18,373	% Grad Students in Online Courses51.06%	% Grad Degrees Conferred5.05%	Related Degrees1
124.	Illinois Institute of Technology	Tuition$27,678	% Grad Students in Online Courses20.14%	% Grad Degrees Conferred24.34%	Related Degrees2
125.	La Salle University	Tuition$23,020	% Grad Students in Online Courses29.84%	% Grad Degrees Conferred2.31%	Related Degrees2
129.	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	Tuition$15,267	% Grad Students in Online Courses17.9%	% Grad Degrees Conferred5.19%	Related Degrees1
130.	Roger Williams University	Tuition$14,564	% Grad Students in Online Courses1.37%	% Grad Degrees Conferred3.41%	Related Degrees1
131.	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Tuition$15,288	% Grad Students in Online Courses15.9%	% Grad Degrees Conferred0.56%	Related Degrees1
142.	Pace University-New York	Tuition$28,680	% Grad Students in Online Courses28.24%	% Grad Degrees Conferred12.28%	Related Degrees1
144.	George Washington University	Tuition$28,800	% Grad Students in Online Courses30.57%	% Grad Degrees Conferred6.01%	Related Degrees1
147.	Syracuse University	Tuition$34,632	% Grad Students in Online Courses24.59%	% Grad Degrees Conferred13.77%	Related Degrees1
149.	Columbia University in the City of New York	Tuition$43,552	% Grad Students in Online Courses6.35%	% Grad Degrees Conferred4%	Related Degrees2
150.	Carnegie Mellon University	Tuition$41,807	% Grad Students in Online Courses12.99%	% Grad Degrees Conferred28.67%	Related Degrees1
153.	Hofstra University	Tuition$22,320	% Grad Students in Online Courses11.96%	% Grad Degrees Conferred1.12%	Related Degrees1

MASTER'S IN COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM DETAILS

Although there are multiple degrees related to computer science, such as information technology or computer information systems, degree programs in computer science focus on programming and developing new technologies. An online master's degree in computer science can usually be customized to allow graduate students to concentrate on the area of the discipline that they are most passionate about. Here are just a few of the computer science specializations that may be available, depending on the program:

Artificial intelligence: Concentrate on creating robotics that have humanistic senses and abilities
Computer graphics: Learn to create two- and three-dimensional graphics and animations
Database systems: Study the design and creation of databases and other information management systems
Game development: Develop the skills to create games on several different platforms
Human-computer interaction: Learn to design effective user interfaces to improve the user experience
Information security: Focus on designing secure systems and keeping networks secure
Networking and Operating Systems: Specialize in creating operating systems and networks
Software engineering: Learn to develop and modify software applications
Software theory: Focus on programing languages and systems

Some schools that offer an online master's degree program in computer science require students to have earned their bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, such as engineering, information systems or the physical sciences. Some schools are more concerned about applicants having completed a series of prerequisite courses that may include the following:

Introduction to programming
Theory of computing
Computer system architecture
Algorithms and analysis
Operating system fundamentals
Calculus and discrete mathematics
Data structures

Some online programs for a master's degree in computer science may require students to make a few campus visits per semester to complete lab work or other in-person experiences, but many programs are designed to be delivered completely in the virtual classroom. Programs often include the requirement to compose a master's thesis before graduation, although non-thesis options that substitute a final project or portfolio review for deep research are common as well. Before applying to a graduate school, make sure you fully understand the specific requirements for their master’s degree program in computer science.

TOP CAREERS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Opportunities for graduates with an online master's degree in computer science are on the rise in nearly every industry. Here are some details about some of the highest-paying careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

1. Information systems manager

Information systems managers work with commercial businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to coordinate and direct their IT policies and activities. They typically oversee multiple departments under the IT umbrella, such as information security, user support and network administration, and their responsibilities typically include supervising personnel and putting policies and technologies in place to accomplish the goals of the organization. High-profile job titles for information systems managers include chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO) and information technology director.

Average Salary

$156,390

Projected Job Openings

38,800

Job Growth Potential

11.3%

2. Software developer

Software developers design and produce computer systems and software applications. They work to analyze the needs or desires of potential users within the enterprise as well as in public markets, and they use the results of their analysis to develop software intended to address those needs. Developers are typically split into two camps: those who work on games, business process tools and other software applications and those who build the foundational operating systems that computing devices need in order to function.

Average Salary

$115,110

Projected Job Openings

12,200

Job Growth Potential

5.3%

3. Computer network architect

Computer network architects plan and build the data networks that make device-to-device communication possible. Some network architects work within organizations, developing local area network (LAN) and intranet configurations, while others work for government agencies or telecommunications companies to create enormous networks on a regional, national or worldwide scale. A surprising degree of creativity is involved in the job, as well. For example, network architects often must take an organization's unique set of goals and use general purpose hardware and software to create a precise, individualized solution.

ADDITIONAL COMPUTER SCIENCE JOBS AND SALARIES

JOB TITLE	AVERAGE SALARY	PROJECTED JOB OPENINGS	JOB GROWTH POTENTIAL
Information Security Analysts	$104,210	12,800	31.6%
Computer Systems Analysts	$96,160	53,400	8.8%
Database Administrators and Architects	$96,110	9,700	9%
Computer Programmers	$92,610	15,100	-7.2%
Network and Computer Systems Administrators	$88,410	29,300	4.7%
Special Effects Artists and Animators	$84,780	8,300	4.2%
Graphic Designers	$56,510	30,300	3%

Information Security Analysts

AVERAGE SALARY$104,210

PROJECTED JOB OPENINGS12,800

JOB GROWTH POTENTIAL31.6%

Computer Systems Analysts

AVERAGE SALARY$96,160

PROJECTED JOB OPENINGS53,400

JOB GROWTH POTENTIAL8.8%

Database Administrators and Architects

AVERAGE SALARY$96,110

PROJECTED JOB OPENINGS9,700

JOB GROWTH POTENTIAL9%

Computer Programmers

AVERAGE SALARY$92,610

PROJECTED JOB OPENINGS15,100

JOB GROWTH POTENTIAL-7.2%

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

AVERAGE SALARY$88,410

PROJECTED JOB OPENINGS29,300

JOB GROWTH POTENTIAL4.7%

Special Effects Artists and Animators

AVERAGE SALARY$84,780

PROJECTED JOB OPENINGS8,300

JOB GROWTH POTENTIAL4.2%

Graphic Designers

AVERAGE SALARY$56,510

PROJECTED JOB OPENINGS30,300

JOB GROWTH POTENTIAL3%

COMPUTER SCIENCE SALARIES BY STATE

Average Salary for Computer Science

Average Annual Job Openings

Hourly Mean Wage