Best Master’s in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors

Computers are everywhere in our lives today. It would be hard to find a business that doesn’t use computers today. Having good computer skills and knowledge of computers and computer programs can be beneficial in finding a good job and having the option of choosing from many career options.

Earning a master’s in computer science can really boost your options and enhance your resume. Do you currently hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than computer science? Not a problem! There are many master’s in computer science programs for non-CS majors available, and the good news is that they’re online programs! The key is finding the best master’s in computer science for non-cs majors.

Is a Master’s in Computer Science Degree Worth it?

This is probably one of the most asked questions by individuals considering this degree. The answer is a resounding yes! A computer science degree is more than worth the time and money. It offers many benefits.

• Potential for Good Job Growth – Computer science professionals are needed in many industries. Having a master’s in computer science can result in good job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that computer and information technology jobs should increase by 15 percent between 2021 and 2031.
• Better Wages – Wages for computer science professionals are typically higher than other professionals. The BLS reports that $97,431, the average annual wage for these professionals, is substantially higher than $45,760, which the wages were earned for all occupations. Earning a master’s in computer science can make all the difference.
• Advanced Computer Knowledge – Earning a master’s degree in computer science teaches about more than just computer science. Students can choose to study a few different areas, such as data science, machine learning, computer software, computer security, and more.
• More Competitive – Once you earn a master’s in computer science, you’ll be a more competitive employee. You’ll also be more valuable to the company because of your advanced knowledge and skills. Some positions may require only a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree can strengthen your job potential.
• Leadership Roles – A master’s in computer science can put you in a position for senior and leadership roles because of your degree and advanced knowledge. There are so many lucrative jobs that can be pursued with a master’s in computer science. For instance, computer and information research scientists earned an average annual wage of $131,490 as of May 2021.

What Will I Study with a Master’s in Computer Science?

As a student in a master’s in computer science program, you’ll learn about advanced theory and applications of computer technology. You’ll also develop problem-solving skills while also learning about software engineering, algorithm design, computer architecture, artificial intelligence, and all the latest computer programming language.

Online students may be required to complete a thesis or project in lieu of an internship. Computer science master’s degree programs also offer several areas of concentration so the student can focus on the area that most meet their interests and career goals. Here are just a few of the various concentrations.

• Computer networking & security
• Software engineering
• Robotics
• Database and data mining
• Bioinformatics
• Data science
• Game and computational media
• Image processing and pattern recognition
• Cybersecurity

What is a Master’s in Computer Science Good for?

Students considering pursuing a master’s in computer science are often amazed at all the things this degree can do for them and the many jobs that open to them. Upon earning this degree, graduates may be qualified for these positions. Also listed are the average annual wages these professionals earned as of a May 2021 wage report by the BLS.

• Computer network architect – $120,520
• Information security manager – $159,010
• Senior database architect – $101,000
• Machine learning engineer – $131,490
• Computer research scientist – $131,490
• Software developer – $109,020
• Database administrator – $101,000
• Computer and information systems manager – $159,010
• Web developer – $78,300
• Mobile app developer – $78,300

Choosing the Best Master’s in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors

Keeping all this information in mind, you’re probably thinking seriously about pursuing a master’s in computer science. There are certain things to look for when choosing a school or program.

• Accreditation
• School’s Retention Policy
• Admission Requirements
• Program’s Selection Policy
• Academic Reputation
• Accessibility
• Wage Potential After Graduation

Check out a more detailed look at our methodology here, and look at our list of the best MS in Computer Science degrees for Non-CS majors:

15 Best Master’s in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors

1. Stevens Institute of Technology

Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science in computer science program at SIT is a 30-credit program that can be completed in two years or less. Both the school, located in Hoboken, NJ, and the program are highly ranked among its competitors.

Although an applicant must have a bachelor’s degree, it does not need to be in computer science. In addition to the bachelor’s degree, applicants must submit all official transcripts and letters of recommendation from professional colleagues or faculty members. Resumes and statements of purpose are recommended but not required.

The curriculum consists of ten courses that can all be completed online. Students take courses in algorithms, data structures, operating systems, programming, and database management.

2. The University of Tennessee

Master of Science in Computer Science

Located in Knoxville, TN, the online Master of Science in Computer Science is offered through UT’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Although a bachelor’s degree in computer science is not required, applicants should have experience in computer science or extensive field experience.

Other admission requirements include official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a current resume, a letter of recommendation (optional), and GRE scores (optional). This 30-credit program consists of ten online courses, which can be completed in two years. This highly-ranked program offers students three areas of concentration: data mining, applied cybersecurity, and intelligent systems.

The curriculum, which is designed to meet the student’s area of interest, includes courses in software engineering, artificial intelligence, computer systems, cybersecurity, and web architecture, among others.

3. Tulane University

Master of Science in Computer Science

Tulane University in New Orleans, LA offers an online master’s in computer science through its School of Science and Engineering. The 30-credit online program, which can be taken part-time or full-time, can be completed in 24-36 months. Applicants should have a STEM-based bachelor’s degree and sufficient experience in computer science. Other requirements include transcripts from all schools attended, letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, two references, and a GPA of 3.0. No GRE is required.

The MS in computer science program consists of ten online courses and offers several areas of specialization: computational biology and bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, algorithms and theory, computational geometry, machine learning, data science, and artificial intelligence. The student’s curriculum is based on the area of concentration chosen by the student.

4. Pace University

Master of Science in Computer Science

Pace University in New York City, NY, offers an online 30-credit computer science graduate degree through its Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. Students can choose to focus on artificial intelligence or application development. Students learn through a blended curriculum of theory and practice. Courses in this highly-ranked program meet the standards set by the National Security Agency.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, official transcripts, a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree or experience in computer science must first complete the course Introduction to Computer Science with Java. The program can be completed in 18 months.

5. Case Western Reserve University

Master of Science in Computer Science

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Case Westerns Reserve University offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science program at its Case School of Engineering. This 30-34.5-credit hour program can be completed in five to six terms. All courses are self-paced and online, but students will complete 50 minutes of lives session per week. The program’s curriculum focuses on experiential hands-on learning.

It also offers students the choice of two tracks based on the student’s knowledge of computer science. The curriculum includes courses covering all areas of computers and computer science. Applicants should have any type of bachelor’s degree and must submit an application, resume, letter of intent, two letters of recommendation, proof of English language proficiency, and official transcripts. Students will have access to various types of school resources.

6. Stanford University Online

Master of Science in Computer Science

The Stanford School of Engineering at Stanford University offers an online computer science master’s degree that is both a terminal and professional degree. Part-time students can complete this program in three to five years, while full-time students can complete it in less than two years. Applicants to this program should have a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t need to be in computer science if the applicant has computer science experience or a related degree.

The curriculum, which includes theory and practice, offers several areas of concentration, including human-computer interaction, computer and network security, information management, computer systems, software theory, artificial intelligence, and real-world computing, among others.

7. Oregon State University

Master of Science in Computer Science

Oregon State University, a college ranked very highly for its online programs, offers a 45-credit Master of Science in Computer Science program. Students can choose from five areas of concentration: computer systems, theoretical computer science, computer vision and graphics, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. In addition to the required courses, students are required to collaborate with a faculty member to complete a computer science-based project.

Admission requirements for the program include academic history, resume, undergraduate degree with transcripts and course GPA, letters of recommendation, adequate test scores, and completed application. Applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge of computer science if their undergraduate degree is in computer science. Students can choose from various start dates.

8. Syracuse University

Master of Science in Computer Science

Located in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private research university known for its excellent faculty and complete line of online programs. The 30-credit computer science program requires students complete four core courses and ten graduate courses. The program can be completed in 15 months and is taught by world-class faculty. Students learn through weekly online courses delivered by streaming video.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in any major, official transcripts, current resume, letters of recommendation, completed application, and personal statement. There is no GRE required. The curriculum includes course topics like security and assurance, computer architecture, advanced programming, and artificial intelligence.

9. Southern Methodist University

Master of Science in Computer Science

Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, TX, offers an online 30-credit Master of Science in Computer Science program that offers concentrations in machine learning, artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, and theory of computation. Students can choose to complete a thesis in lieu of certain classes in the different concentrations.

The curriculum includes various learning platforms, including quizzes, video lectures, message boards, and case students. Students have access to the site 24/7 and can work at their own pace. Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree with official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, a completed application, and a solid background in mathematics.

10. Colorado State University

Master of Science in Computer Science

The online computer science program at SCU is a 35-credit program that can be completed in two years. The program offers various areas of interest as well as courses that coincide with those areas. These may include networking and security, systems software, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and database systems.

Applicants are not required to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science but should be fluent in a programming language and have working experience in some area of computer science or a related field.

Other admission requirements include letters of recommendation, an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA, a resume, a completed application, official transcripts, and a personal statement. Interested to note that 93 percent of the graduates of this program would take it all over again. Additionally, 95 percent of the graduates are involved in something related to this career.

11. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Master of Science in Computer Science

The University of Illinois features an online Master of Science in Computer program at its Grainger College of Engineering. This 32-credit program offers a flexible format that allows students to earn the degree while continuing to work and meet other obligations. This is a non-thesis program that requires students to complete specific core courses and graduate-level courses. This program can be completed in as little as one year or as long as five years.

Applicants who don’t have a bachelor’s degree in computer science must have a solid background in computer programming, algorithms, theory of computation data structures, and computer architecture. These students are advised to complete those courses prior to applying to the school. Admission requirements include a completed application, a resume, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a letter of intent, and a GPA of at least 3.0.

12. Georgia Institute of Technology

Master of Science in Computer Science

Georgia Institute of Technology, also known as Georgia Tech, offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science program through its award-winning College of Computing. This 30-credit-hour program consists of ten courses and offers areas of specialization like computing systems, computational perception and robotics, machine learning, interactive intelligence, and human-computer interaction.

Applicants to this program must have a bachelor’s degree. It does not need to be in computer science, but some prerequisite courses will be required if it’s not. Course topics include software analysis, networking, applied cryptography, information security, and advanced operating systems to name just a few. The applicant must also submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, latest resume, and proof of English proficiency. At about $6,500 in total cost, this is a very affordable program.

13. University of Texas at Austin

Master of Science in Computer Science

The College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas offers a 30-credit-hour program that consists of three required courses and seven electives for a total of ten courses. The curriculum includes both theory and practical courses. Students can complete this program and earn the degree in less than two years. The curriculum consists of cutting-edge courses designed to prepare students for careers in this field in a variety of areas.

Students learn about computer programming, machine learning, advanced operating systems, networking, and more. The program also teaches students about CS research methodology. To apply for this program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, current resume, letters of recommendation, personal statement, purpose of intent, and a GPA of at least 3.0.

14. South College

Master of Science in Computer Science

The online computer science graduate program at South College offers a program designed to provide students with knowledge of system design and management, computing, networking, information management, algorithm evaluation, data structure, and cybersecurity. The curriculum combines theory with practice to provide the student with hands-on learning despite it being an online program.

Students applying to this program must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or must complete several prerequisite courses to prove proficiency in various areas of computer science. They must also have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Additional requirements include a letter of purpose, letters of recommendation, an up-to-date resume, and official transcripts from all colleges attended. This program can be completed in one year.

15. Marshall University

Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science at MU is a 35-credit online program that can be completed in two years. The curriculum includes courses like database systems, networking and security, artificial intelligence, systems software, machine learning, software engineering, and parallel computing.

To apply for this program, the individual must have a bachelor’s degree (any major) and a 3.0 GPA. If the bachelor’s degree is not in computer science, it should be in a related major, such as information technology or electrical engineering. Official transcripts and a completed application are required. Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.

Next Steps

So, if your undergraduate degree isn’t in Computer Science, don’t worry. There are still options for you to earn a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, and take advantage of this lucrative career.