Master's in Computer Science: Your Guide to the Degree

Earning a master's in computer science is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the field—or pivot to it. That's because the graduate degree can be useful in both instances: Students already working in the profession can use it to advance, while those interested in beginning a career in computer science—even without a CS undergrad—can gain important knowledge and add a valued credential to their resume.

Discover more about earning a master's in computer science, including the requirements to graduate and what you can do after completing your degree.  

Master's in computer science

A master's in computer science first builds on the fundamentals of the field and then expects you to choose an area to specialize in and complete a set amount of coursework related to that concentration.

That way, you'll deepen your knowledge of computer science while developing specialized knowledge of a key area to broaden your career prospects.

Popular computer science concentrations include:

• Systems and software: Use your programming knowledge to develop computer systems and software.

• Software theory: Dive more deeply into the theoretical nature of computer science by looking at many of its related areas, such as security and programming languages.

• Cybersecurity: Protect computers, mobile devices, and information from malicious actors.

• Data science: Collect, clean, and sort data for key insights.

• Machine Learning & Artificial intelligence (AI): Develop and work with computer systems capable of performing complex tasks.

• Robotics: Combine technology and engineering to create intelligent machines.

Master's in CS: cost and time commitment

Studying computer science at the master's level typically means earning your Master of Science (MS) degree, which takes around two years when you're able to attend full-time. As of 2024, the average cost of a master's degree in the US was $59,684, according to the Education Data Initiative [1].

Thanks to the computer-focused and computer-based subject matter, many universities now offer online master's in computer science programs. These can be a more flexible—and often affordable—option than attending in person because often you'll be expected to complete coursework on your own time.

Master's in computer science requirements

Generally, finishing your master's in computer science means successfully passing a number of courses, completing either a capstone project or a thesis, and doing so within a set amount of time.

Since each university can be different, as you make a list of institutions you'd like to attend, make a note of what the require to graduate to determine how each program fits in with your goals and needs. Besides the general coursework guidelines below, learn more about the requirements to earn a master's in computer science.

Master's in CS coursework

You'll learn advanced concepts in computer science topics, such as software design, computer language theory, programming, and computer architecture. While your exact coursework will vary by the program you choose, you can expect to study key concepts, including:

• Software development

• Computer systems

• Data structures

• Algorithms and computation

• Machine learning

• Data visualization

• Natural language processing

• Numerical analysis

• Cloud computing

• Internet of things (IoT)

• Software, information, and network security

• Software testing

Applying to a computer science master's program

Many computer science master's programs require that you have your bachelor's degree in hand by the time you start. They may also stipulate GPA requirements, such as having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Some programs expect applicants to have fulfilled certain math and science prerequisites during their undergraduate program, such as calculus and programming. Again, each university is different so it's important to check whether the programs you're interested in attending has any prerequisites that you'll need to fulfill.

On Coursera, you'll find university partners that offer performance-based admission. For these programs, you won't need to pull together a formal application. Instead, you can take and pass a set number of courses (usually around three) to gain full admission to a graduate program. Software engineer Rachel Washington chose to earn her MS in Computer Science through the University of Colorado Boulder because she could get started right away. Read more about her story.

Do you need a bachelor's in CS to earn a master's in CS?

No. In fact, many universities accept applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. That being said, they may look to verify that you have some computer science knowledge because a graduate degree is an advanced course of study.

While you don't have to earn your master's degree in the same subject as your bachelor's, a computer science master's program may expect you to have certain subject knowledge, such as at least one programming language and some advanced math experience.

Learn what to do if you're interested in earning your master's in computer science without a CS ungrad.  

What can I do with a master's in computer science?

Computer science has many in-demand areas, including cybersecurity, machine learning, and data science. Computer and information science research scientists and data scientists are both poised to grow much faster than average over the coming years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [2, 3]. Learn more about what people who graduate with a computer science degree go on to do.

What's more, with a master's in computer science, you may be able to pursue more high-paying jobs in the field. The degree is relatively flexible in that you can apply it to a number of areas, including:

• Network engineer

• AI developerSecurity architect

• Computer and information research scientist

• Computer systems analyst

• Cybersecurity analyst

• Database administrator

• Information security analyst

• Software engineer

• DevOps engineer

Learn more: 6 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Jobs to Consider

Do I need a master's in computer science to work as a computer scientist?

If you’re pursuing an entry-level position as a computer scientist, you may not need a master's degree. Usually, a bachelor's in computer science or a related field is expected. However, if you're interested in more advanced or managerial positions, those jobs may require a master's degree. 

According to Zippia, 66 percent of computer scientists have a bachelor's degree, and 19 percent have a master's [4].

Earn your master's in computer science through Coursera.

On Coursera, you'll find an array of master's in computer science programs from respected universities around the world. Plus, many offer performance-based admission so you won't have to pull together a formal application and wait for a decision. Instead, show what you know by taking and passing three pathway courses to gain admission.

Plus, taking those open courses is a chance to make sure earning a master's in computer science is the right choice for you.