Top 10 Part-Time Master's in Computer Science Degrees 2025

Computer science is a high-demand field. You typically need a bachelor's degree to start this career path, but earning a Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) allows you to further your career. It also gives you an opportunity to switch into a computer science career if you earned your bachelor's in a different field.

For some students, it can be hard to find time to earn a master's. A part-time master's in computer science reduces the course load each term, making it easier to balance school work and other obligations. Keep reading to learn more about part-time master's degrees in computer science.

Can You Earn a Master's in Computer Science Degree Part-Time?

You can absolutely earn a part-time computer science degree at the master's level. Many schools offer master's degrees part-time.

While some master's degree students come right from a bachelor's program, many are in the middle of their careers. Part-time program options allow these students to continue working or taking care of other obligations while still studying.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Degree in Computer Science?

Most full-time students can finish a master's degree in one to two years. Part-time students may take anywhere from two to four years, but some take longer.

A typical master's in computer science requires between 30 and 40 credit hours. Full-time students usually take at least nine credits per semester, while part-time students take between three and six credits each term.

How Does a Part-Time Master's in Computer Science Degree Program Work?

Part-time master's in computer science degrees allow you to take fewer courses per semester. This means the program takes longer to complete, but it's also less intensive.

Some part-time programs offer evening, weekend, or online courses. This adds additional flexibility for working professionals.

Best Part-Time Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs

Several schools across the U.S. offer part-time master's programs. We've highlighted some of the top computer science part-time master's degrees below.

1. Boston University

Boston University (BU) is a private, nonprofit research institution in Boston. It offers a part-time MSCS through its Metropolitan College.

The on-campus degree offers concentrations in computer networks, data analytics, and security. It requires 40 total credit hours with core courses on computer networks, algorithms, operating systems, and software engineering.

• Estimated tuition cost: $31,815 to $35,319 total
• Program length: 12 to 20 months
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Georgia Institute of Technology

At the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), students can earn an online Master of Science in computer science (OMSCS) designed specifically for part-time students. Available specializations include computational perception and robotics, computer graphics, computer systems, human-computer interaction, and machine learning.

Georgia Tech, a public research institution, is located in Atlanta. The OMSCS program here requires 30 total credits, and the university recommends no more than six per semester for part-time students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,850 total
• Program length: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) offers a master's in computer science that can be completed online and part-time. JHU is a nonprofit, private research university in Baltimore.

Multiple concentrations and areas of focus are available for this degree, including artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, data science, and software engineering. Students can take up to five years to finish this degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $54,550 total
• Program length: Maximum of five years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. Loyola University Chicago

The MS in computer science at Loyola University Chicago (LUC) offers several options: part-time and full-time schedules, as well as on-campus and online formats. Students can also choose from multiple specializations like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computer systems.

LUC, located in Chicago, is a private Catholic research university. It requires 30 credit hours for this MSCS program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $36,450 total
• Program length: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Rutgers University- Camden

Rutgers University-Camden is a public research institution in Camden, NJ. It offers an MS in computer science at a full-time or part-time pace.

The program covers topics like machine learning, network security, big data algorithms, and applied probability. It requires a total of 30 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $42,250 total
• Program length: Two to three years
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Students at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) can earn an MSCS with optional concentrations in artificial intelligence and software engineering. This is a 30-credit program requiring 10 courses.

SNHU, a private, nonprofit university, is located in Manchester, NH. Terms here are 10 weeks long. Full-time students take two to three courses per term, while part-time students take one course per term.

• Estimated tuition cost: $19,770 total
• Program length: Two to three years
• Accreditation: NECHE

7. Stanford University.

Stanford University offers a master's degree in computer science that students can earn on a full-time or part-time basis. Stanford is a nonprofit, private research university in Stanford, CA.

Available specializations for the MSCS degree include artificial intelligence, computational biology, information management and analytics, and visual computing. The program is available both on campus and online, although some specializations require on-campus attendance for certain courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $70,875 total
• Program length: Three to five years
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

8. Tufts University

All of the master's degrees through Tufts University's Department of Computer Science can be completed on a part-time basis, including the in-person and online MSCS options. Both pathways include courses on operating systems, software engineering, algorithms, and computational theory.

Tufts University, located in Medford, MA, is a private, nonprofit research institution. Its MSCS programs require 33 credit hours, including a capstone project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $58,245 total
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: NECHE

9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a public research institution in Champaign, IL. It offers a flexible online Master of Computer Science (MSC) that students can complete full-time or part-time.

The program is 32 credit hours and offers an optional data science track. Coursework covers topics such as artificial intelligence, databases, human-computer interaction, and software engineering.

• Estimated tuition cost: $19,840 total (in-state); $24,864 total (out-of-state)
• Program length: One to five years
• Accreditation: HLC

10. University of Southern California

Through the University of Southern California (USC), students can earn an MSCS online or on campus, full-time or part-time. Optional concentrations in data science and game development are available.

USC, a private, nonprofit research university, is located in Los Angeles. The MSCS here requires 32 to 36 credits, depending on whether you choose the thesis option or not.

• Estimated tuition cost: $85,280 total
• Program length: Two and a half to three years
• Accreditation: WASCUC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the part-time computer science master's programs listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited.
• Program flexibility: All programs allow students to study at a part-time pace if they choose.
• Program reputation: Each institution is nonprofit and known for offering high-quality programs.

FAQs About Part-Time Master's in Computer Science Degrees

Earning a computer science master's part-time can be a great way to break into or further your computer science career. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about these programs so you can decide if this is the right option for you.

How Much Does a Part-Time Master's in Computer Science Cost?

Some master's in computer science programs are less than $10,000 total. Others are over $50,000. The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, including what school you choose, if you're an in-state or out-of-state student, how many credit hours you need, and what financial aid you qualify for.

Many schools offer financial aid to graduate students. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you qualify for.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Part-Time Master's in Computer Science Degree?

The same roles that are available to those with a full-time master's in computer science are available to those with a part-time master's; employers usually don't care what pace you earned your degree at. Some common roles include:

• computer programmer
• computer systems analyst
• data scientist
• database developer
• full-stack developer
• software engineer
• web developer

Is Computer Science a Flexible Degree?

Computer science can be a flexible degree, but this depends on the school and the program. Many schools offer highly flexible master's degrees in computer science; others are more rigid with their curriculum.

Is a Two-Year Computer Science Degree Worth It?

Whether a two-year computer science degree, like a master's degree, is worth it depends on your career goals. If you're hoping to break into the field of computer science or further your career path, a master's can be completely worth it.

Can I Make $100k With a Computer Science Degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), several roles for those with a computer science degree offer annual salaries of over $100,000 per year. These include:

• computer and information systems managers: $171,200
• computer network analysts: $130,390
• computer research scientists: $1140,910 per year
• computer systems analysts: $103,790
• software developers: $131,450

Discover Flexible Master's Degrees

Find the perfect master's in computer science for you by exploring the part-time, flexible programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and schedules.