Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs

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By Dr. Winston Ewert and Dr. James Barham
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Updated:

Find top-ranked online master’s in computer science degree programs for students looking to qualify to work as cybersecurity specialists, software developers, and data scientists.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Computer Science Master’s Degrees

Those looking to improve their opportunities for advancement and earning power in the technology field can earn a master’s of computer science.

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Whether on campus or online, students can expect to take classes like the theory of computation and advanced algorithms, as well as topics like virtual reality, operating systems, and cluster computing.

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Most programs take about two years to complete, and some universities offer accelerated degrees.

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Required credits from 30 to 45 hours, and many programs offer either a thesis or a graduate-level capstone path.

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Graduate students can also apply for assistantships where they can garner experience and receive hands-on education. Graduates will qualify to work as cybersecurity specialists, software developers, and data scientists.

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in computer science.

Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
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Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,128
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $149,965
    Salary after 4 years: $193,610
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Computer Security
    • Data Science
    • Scientists and Engineers
    • Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
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  4. #4

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #5 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $46,318
    Expenses: $22,086
    Starting Salary: $116,865
    Salary after 4 years: $150,876
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
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  5. #5

    North Carolina State University

    Raleigh , NC
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2025 #3 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/30

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at North Carolina State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,819
    Expenses: $17,709
    Starting Salary: $126,185
    Salary after 4 years: $151,432
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSC in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
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  7. #6

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $13,389
    Expenses: $21,219
    Starting Salary: $117,702
    Salary after 4 years: $141,252
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Big Data Systems
    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Stevens Institute of Technology

    Hoboken , NJ
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Stevens Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $42,988
    Expenses: $20,900
    Starting Salary: $155,200
    Salary after 4 years: $200,369
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  10. #9

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at University of Louisville

    Cost of Degree: $14,418
    Expenses: $20,878
    Starting Salary: $103,068
    Salary after 4 years: $123,691
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  11. #10

    Florida Atlantic University

    Boca Raton , FL
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Florida 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $6,693
    Expenses: $19,966
    Starting Salary: $102,432
    Salary after 4 years: $122,927
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  13. #11

    DePaul University

    Chicago , IL
    #3 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #19 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/27

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at DePaul University

    Cost of Degree: $22,525
    Expenses: $22,338
    Starting Salary: $101,666
    Salary after 4 years: $131,254
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 52
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  15. #13

    Old Dominion University

    Norfolk , VA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/24

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Old Dominion University

    Cost of Degree: $14,848
    Expenses: $19,392
    Starting Salary: $103,281
    Salary after 4 years: $123,945
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 31-34
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Texas Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $9,518
    Expenses: $16,170
    Starting Salary: $130,638
    Salary after 4 years: $156,777
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  17. #15

    Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Rolla , MO
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1271/28

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Cost of Degree: $14,478
    Expenses: $15,282
    Starting Salary: $153,542
    Salary after 4 years: $184,264
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Science
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Mississippi State University

    Mississippi State , MS
    #2 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Mississippi State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,815
    Expenses: $19,639
    Starting Salary: $100,524
    Salary after 4 years: $120,637
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Computer Science & Engineering
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
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  20. #17

    University of Idaho

    Moscow , ID
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at University of Idaho

    Cost of Degree: $10,548
    Expenses: $15,164
    Starting Salary: $99,675
    Salary after 4 years: $119,619
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  21. #18

    James Madison University

    Harrisonburg , VA
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at James Madison University

    Cost of Degree: $13,080
    Expenses: $18,398
    Starting Salary: $134,244
    Salary after 4 years: $161,103
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science: Information Security
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2.5 years
    • Format: Online
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  22. #19

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    North Dartmouth , MA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/26

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $17,065
    Expenses: $21,112
    Starting Salary: $109,219
    Salary after 4 years: $131,071
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 12
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  23. #20

    University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Huntsville , AL
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #5 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1328/27

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Cost of Degree: $11,686
    Expenses: $18,000
    Starting Salary: $110,279
    Salary after 4 years: $132,344
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Engineering in Cybersecurity

    Concentrations

    • Computer Science Track
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  25. #21

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $9,160
    Expenses: $16,352
    Starting Salary: $88,435
    Salary after 4 years: $106,130
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #9 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $24,140
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $93,897
    Salary after 4 years: $121,224
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Systems
    • Data Science
    • Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
    • Real-World Computing
    • Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  27. #23

    University of West Florida

    Pensacola , FL
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Florida 2024 #11 Best Online Master's in English 2025 #11 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2025 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at University of West Florida

    Cost of Degree: $9,062
    Expenses: $17,056
    Starting Salary: $92,041
    Salary after 4 years: $110,456
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  28. #24

    Georgia Southern University

    Statesboro , GA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/20

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Georgia Southern University

    Cost of Degree: $6,520
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $97,767
    Salary after 4 years: $117,328
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Technology

    Concentrations

    • Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
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  29. #25

    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

    Chattanooga , TN
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1116/23

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

    Cost of Degree: $10,788
    Expenses: $16,402
    Starting Salary: $90,344
    Salary after 4 years: $108,420
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  31. #26

    Columbus State University

    Columbus , GA
    #17 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #8 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Columbus State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,680
    Expenses: $19,046
    Starting Salary: $82,285
    Salary after 4 years: $98,749
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MAT in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Applied Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • Modeling and Simulation
    • Software Development
    • Traditional
    • Required Credits: 30-34
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  33. #28

    Southeast Missouri State University

    Cape Girardeau , MO
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/20

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Southeast Missouri State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,371
    Expenses: $17,786
    Starting Salary: $87,799
    Salary after 4 years: $105,366
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Applied Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  34. #29

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $8,550
    Expenses: $14,366
    Starting Salary: $87,163
    Salary after 4 years: $104,603
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Network & Security
    • Software Development
    • Bioinfosmatics
    • Distributed Systems
    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  35. #30

    Eastern Kentucky University

    Richmond , KY
    #12 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1062/20

    Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Eastern Kentucky University

    Cost of Degree: $10,596
    Expenses: $14,535
    Starting Salary: $83,346
    Salary after 4 years: $100,021
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Computer Science Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Computer Science

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $110,949
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $133,148
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers17.42%$169,510
Computer and Information Research Scientists25.68%$145,080
Database Architects10.75%$134,700
Software Developers17.94%$132,270
Information Security Analysts32.71%$120,360

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers$169,510
Computer and Information Research Scientists$145,080
Database Architects$134,700
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.
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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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