Online Master's in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors

<p>Accredited universities offer an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Science_Online_Masters_Degree.html">online master's in computer science</a> for non-CS majors. Admission requirements are different depending on the institution, but many universities have similar requirements. </p> <p>College graduates with a non-CS background need a bachelor's degree in a related field to apply for a master's in computer science program. Work experience or prior relevant course credits may also qualify students without a CS background. Other admission requirements may include: </p> <ul><li>3.0 GPA </li><li>letters of recommendation </li><li>resume </li><li>GRE scores </li></ul><h2 id="section---5FeaturedOnlineMasterSInComputerScienceForNonCSMajors">5 Featured Online Master's in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors</h2> <p>The featured online master's in computer science for non-CS majors below have appropriate accreditation and the flexibility that working professionals require to gain computer science skills. </p> <h3 id="section---1.GeorgiaInstituteOfTechnology">1. Georgia Institute of Technology</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Georgia_Institute_of_Technology.html">Georgia Institute of Technology</a> offers a Master of Science in computer science (MSCS) degree program in an online learning format for students with a bachelor's degree in any field. The program provides five specialization options, including: </p> <ul><li>machine learning </li><li>computing systems </li><li>interactive intelligence </li><li>human-computer interaction </li><li>computational perception and robotics </li></ul><p>Core courses cover topics such as: </p> <ul><li>operating systems </li><li>cloud computing </li><li>computer networks </li></ul><p>Students can earn their MSCS degree by completing at least 30 credit hours of coursework. </p> <h3 id="section---2.TheUniversityOfTexasAtAustin">2. The University of Texas at Austin</h3> <p>Graduate students with a bachelor's degree in computer science or who have taken relevant college courses or have related work experience can consider the graduate computer science program at the University of Texas at Austin. </p> <p>The program consists of coursework in: </p> <ul><li>machine learning </li><li>advanced operating systems </li><li>automated logical reasoning </li></ul><p>Students also choose one of two electives: </p> <ul><li>case studies in machine learning </li><li>planning, search, and reasoning under uncertainty </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.RiceUniversity">3. Rice University</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/rice_university_acceptance_rate.html">Rice University</a> has one of the best Master of Science in computer science degree programs according to US News, College Factual, and other ranking websites. The MSCS program is available to students with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university. </p> <p>The self-paced graduate degree program in computer science at Rice University requires 30 credit hours of required coursework in: </p> <ul><li>cybersecurity </li><li>big data engineering </li><li>information technology </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.TexasAMUniversity">4. Texas A&amp;M University</h3> <p>If you completed a minor or certificate in computer science, you may be eligible for the online Master of Computer Science degree program at Texas A&amp;M University. The professional degree does not involve final examinations or a capstone project. Texas A&amp;M offers internship opportunities to gain practical experience and a fast-track opportunity to earn both an undergraduate degree and a master's degree in computer science. </p> <h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfNorthDakota">5. University of North Dakota</h3> <p>The <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/University_of_North_Dakota.html">University of North Dakota's</a> online computer science master's program takes about two years to complete and involves 30 credit hours of course requirements covering: </p> <ul><li>database systems </li><li>software engineering and design </li><li>advanced modeling and simulation </li></ul><p>Students learn course materials through: </p> <ul><li>posted lectures </li><li>videos </li><li>simulations </li><li>virtual libraries </li></ul><p>Examples of core courses include: </p> <ul><li>security for cloud computing </li><li>theoretical foundation of computer science </li><li>high-performance computing and paradigms </li></ul><h2 id="section---WhatIsAnOnlineMasterSInComputerScience">What Is an Online Master's in Computer Science?</h2> <p>An online master's in computer science is a degree that demonstrates a person has advanced knowledge and skills in the field of computer science, including: </p> <ul><li>programming languages </li><li>algorithms </li><li>engineering </li></ul><p>CS programs typically provide concentration or specialization options that provide skills in a specific professional area. Example specializations are below: </p> <ul><li>cybersecurity </li><li>data science </li><li>information systems </li></ul><h3 id="section---CanYouGetAnOnlineMasterSInComputerScienceIfYouDidnTGetABachelorSInComputerScience">Can You Get an Online Master's in Computer Science if You Didn't Get a Bachelor's in Computer Science?</h3> <p>Accredited institutions provide online MS programs in computer science for non-CS majors who are familiar with STEM subjects and the computer science field. Some programs allow students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatToExpectFromAnOnlineMasterSInComputerScience">What To Expect from an Online Master's in Computer Science</h3> <p>Students can expect to learn about cutting-edge technology, software systems, data structures, algorithms, programming, and more related to science and technology. Learners also can choose electives that support their career goals and personal interests. </p> <p>Graduates can explore jobs in the computer technology field, enhance their current careers, or pursue a doctorate with an online master's in computer science. </p> <h4 id="section---PrerequisitesForEnrollingInAnOnlineMasterSInComputerScience">Prerequisites for Enrolling in an Online Master's in Computer Science</h4> <p>You do not have to graduate as a CS undergrad to apply for an online MSCS program. Prerequisites for enrolling in an online master's in computer science degree program depend on the school. </p> <p>Typically, prerequisite courses include: </p> <ul><li>calculus </li><li>basic algorithms </li><li>programming knowledge in languages such as Python and Java </li></ul><h2 id="section---TipsForChoosingTheRightOnlineMasterSInComputerScienceForYou">Tips for Choosing the Right Online Master's in Computer Science for You</h2> <p>Use the tips below to help choose the right online master's in computer science degree program. </p> <h3 id="section---1.CompareTuitionCostsBetweenSchools">1. Compare Tuition Costs Between Schools</h3> <p>The cost of tuition for an MSCS degree depends on the school and part-time or full-time enrollment. It may also depend on in-state or out-of-state enrollment. </p> <p>It is important to compare tuition costs and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/types_of_college_financial_aid.html">financial aid</a> resources to know what program you can afford. See the table below for an example comparison of tuition costs between certain schools. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> School </th><th> Part Time or Full-Time Enrollment </th><th> Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour</th></tr> <tr><td> Georgia Institute of Technology </td><td> Full time </td><td> $195</td></tr> <tr><td> University of Texas, Austin </td><td> Full time </td><td> $333</td></tr> <tr><td> Rice University </td><td> Part time </td><td> $1,666.70</td></tr> <tr><td> University of North Dakota </td><td> Full time </td><td> $798.08</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---2.ResearchSchoolAccreditationStatus">2. Research School Accreditation Status</h3> <p>Choosing a regionally accredited university is important to receive a high-quality education that offers financial aid services. Schools should have an accreditation such as one of the following: </p> <ul><li>Higher Learning Commission </li><li>New England Commission of Higher Education </li><li>Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities </li><li>Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.DetermineTheFlexibilityOfEachDegreeProgram">3. Determine the Flexibility of Each Degree Program</h3> <p>Online computer science degree programs are available in asynchronous, synchronous, or competency-based learning formats. Choose a learning format that best suits your needs. </p> <p>Asynchronous learning involves self-paced courses with deadlines. Synchronous learning consists of scheduled instruction and deadlines and competency-based learning provides students with the most flexibility. </p> <p>Competency-based education learning is for students who can commit to completing a degree program on their terms without scheduled instruction or deadlines. Competency-based learning uses examinations to determine a student's competency. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToMakeAnOnlineMasterSInComputerScienceAffordable">How To Make an Online Master's in Computer Science Affordable</h2> <p>Students can make an online master's in computer science degree more affordable through financial aid and tuition assistance options. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Understanding_Your_FAFSA_Package.html">Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)</a> is available for all students to see if they qualify for federal and state aid. </p> <p>Students can also make an online graduate degree in computer science more affordable through: </p> <ul><li><a href="https://learn.org/pages/scholarship_home.html">scholarships</a> </li><li>an employer tuition reimbursement program </li><li>tuition discounts </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutOnlineMasterSInComputerScienceForNonCSMajors">FAQs About Online Master's in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors</h2> <p>More information about an online master's in computer science for non-CS majors is in the FAQS and answers below. </p> <h3 id="section---IsAMasterSInComputerScienceWorthIt">Is a Master's in Computer Science Worth It?</h3> <p>Yes, a master's in computer science degree is worth it for anyone with a bachelor's degree who is familiar with the computer science field. A graduate CS degree helps with personal, educational, and professional growth. </p> <p>The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment to grow fast in the coming years. Graduates can expect opportunities in advanced positions or career enhancement options. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDifficultIsAMasterSInComputerScience">How Difficult Is a Master's in Computer Science?</h3> <p>How difficult an online computer science master's degree is depends on a student's current knowledge, academic behaviors, and ability to retain information. Students maintain good study habits and seek additional help when needed. </p> <p>A master's degree program in computer science is a rigorous program that covers STEM subjects and strengthens critical thinking skills. CS programs are meant to challenge students. Self-paced online programs give students the flexibility of learning course material without deadlines and time constraints which helps ease the pressures of earning a CS master's degree. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreGoodCareerPathsForOnlineMasterSInComputerScienceGraduates">What Are Good Career Paths for Online Master's in Computer Science Graduates?</h3> <p>There are lots of career opportunities for online master's in computer science graduates. For example, graduates can qualify to become: </p> <ul><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Programmer_Career_Summary_Employment_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">computer programmers</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Software_Engineer_Career_Definition_Occupational_Outlook_and_Education_Prerequisites.html">software engineers</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Teacher_Career_Definition_Employment_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">teachers</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_does_a_computer_scientist_do_-_job_description_average_salary.html">computer scientists</a> </li></ul><p>According to BLS, careers for computer science degrees include jobs in: </p> <ul><li>computer architecture </li><li>research </li><li>artificial intelligence </li><li>software development</li></ul>