Earning a part time masters in computer science could help you take the next step toward growing your career in this rewarding field. With a masters in CS, you may develop or advance your knowledge about how computers work.
The knowledge obtained from a part-time CS master’s may strengthen your foundation in regards to algorithmic formulation, hardware and software development, and a range of other related topics.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Computer science is a steadily growing field with many job opportunities. A masters may allow you to advance your current career or to move to a higher paying career in this field.
Part Time Masters in Computer Science Programs
Part time masters programs in computer science usually cover a range of topics related to computing and computational systems. A part time MS in Computer Science program may be useful for a variety of different career paths in the field of computer and information technology.
Typical occupations in which you could use a master’s degree in computer science include computer and information research scientist, computer network architect, computer programmer, and computer systems analyst.
Common subjects studied as part of a master’s degree program in computer science include artificial intelligence, operating systems, computer systems and networks, design and analysis of algorithms, database systems, programming languages, and human computer interaction.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
You will also likely study higher-level mathematics. Algebra, discrete mathematics, and graph theory provide a necessary foundation for the study of computer science. It may help to already be proficient in different types of advanced mathematics before you attempt to begin a graduate level program in computer science.
Computer science is a very broad field of study, so a graduate program in computer science will likely cover many different topics. Also, after earning your masters, you may be interested in the part time doctorate programs that a growing number of universities now offer.
Computer Science Careers & Salaries
Many computer science graduates work in computer and information technology. Various types of computer and information technology jobs exist in many different industries, making computer science a very versatile degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you may pursue the following careers with a CS degree.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $151,150 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $126,830 |
| Computer Network Architects | $116,780 |
| Software Developers | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analysts | $103,590 |
| Database Administrators | $98,860 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $93,730 |
| Computer Programmers | $89,190 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $84,810 |
| Web Developers | $77,200 |
There are many different careers in which knowledge of computer science is helpful. A CS masters degree may qualify you for a position as a computer and information research scientist. With a masters degree, you may also obtain a higher starting salary for jobs that typically only require a bachelors.
There’s an increasing emphasis on cloud computing, data storage, and cybersecurity in today’s business world. So, the need for workers who are knowledgeable in computer science is predicted to increase over the next decade.
Computer Science Master’s Curriculum & Courses
Here are examples of courses that might be part of a graduate program in computer science.
- Principles of Programming Languages: This course covers the different features of programming languages, such as syntax design and support for abstraction.
- Concurrent Programming: This course teaches how to program two processes to start and finish at overlapping times while sharing a single core of CPU.
- Data Mining and Knowledge Management: You’ll study how to analyze large quantities of information for purposes such as fraud detection or spam email filtering.
- Operating Systems: This course teaches the basics of how operating systems work.
- TCP and IP Networking: This course teaches about standard Internet communication protocols.
- Mobile Systems and Applications: This course teaches about the operating systems and applications used on mobile devices.
- Cloud Computing: This course teaches the basics about how cloud computing works.
- Enterprise and Cloud Computing: This course explains enterprise clouds and how they operate.
- Interactive Computer Graphics: This course covers topics related to interactive computer graphics, such as geometric transformations and image processing.
- Artificial Intelligence: This course teaches about programming machines to learn and solve problems as humans do.
Obtaining a computer science degree involves becoming knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics pertaining to computers and how they work.
If you are interested in continuing your education after earning your masters, you may also want to consider a part time PhD computer science program from an accredited university.
Admissions Requirements
Common admissions requirements for a graduate degree program in computer science include the following:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A final cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
- GRE or GMAT scores, if required
Some CS graduate programs may prefer you to have an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field. Exact admissions requirements may vary from one university to the next. You may also want to compare the requirements for online masters computer science no GRE programs before deciding which ones to apply to.
Accreditation
Colleges and universities can receive regional accreditation if they are evaluated by an external organization and found to meet certain standards of quality.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
A degree from a regionally accredited institution will often have more credibility to potential employers. If you transfer schools after beginning a degree program, your credits are more likely to transfer if your original school was regionally accredited. For more information, you can check out the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you need any sort of financial assistance to help pay for your tuition, there are many different types of aid available to qualifying students.
Federal aid, state aid, or employer programs could be financial aid options. Some private and public businesses, organizations, and universities also offer their own scholarships based on need or merit.
When researching financial aid, you can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your FAFSA application can be used to determine eligibility for federal and state aid. Other organizations may also request your FAFSA information to determine eligibility for need-based scholarships.
How Many Credit Hours Is a Masters in Computer Science?
The exact requirements may vary at different universities, but earning a master’s degree in computer science typically requires completing 30 credit hours of coursework.
You may also be required to complete a master’s thesis since a master’s in computer science is usually a research-oriented degree. If you have previously studied computer science, you may be able to transfer credits to apply toward your master’s degree.
Can I Get a Masters in Computer Science Without Experience?
When pursuing a graduate degree in computer science, it is helpful if you have already completed an undergraduate degree in computer science or in a related field. This is not strictly necessary, though.
There are a number of part time master programs in computer science available for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a different field. A few foundational courses in computer science are typically required as part of these masters programs.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Computer Science?
A master’s degree in computer science provides the necessary background knowledge to work in a wide variety of technology-oriented careers.
With a master’s degree in computer science, you may pursue a career as a software developer, an information security analyst, or a computer programmer, among others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in computer and information technology are projected to grow 11% through the next decade.
A masters degree along with experience may also make you more qualified for a leadership or management role. Computer and information research scientists are also typically required to have at least a masters.
Should I Get a Part-Time Masters Degree in Computer Science?
If you are passionate about technology and problem-solving, then pursuing a master’s degree in computer science may be a strategic path for you to consider.
A masters may also allow you to grow your career or switch career paths entirely. But it’s important to know the difference between CS vs. CIS. A masters in CS is especially beneficial if you wish to become a computer and information research scientist or if you wish to take on a leadership or management role.
A CIS program may be the better option if you want to study how information systems are used to accomplish tasks in large companies.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
If your schedule is hectic with current work or family responsibilities, you may consider enrolling in a part time master’s degree program.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Part Time Masters Degree in Computer Science?
Full-time students typically need 1 or 2 years to complete a master’s degree in computer science. If you only attend school part-time, it may take you longer, potentially 3 or 4 years, to complete your degree.
Before you enroll in a part time computer science graduate program, you may want to consider how much time you will have each semester to devote to your coursework. You may then plan your schedule accordingly.
Is a Masters in Computer Science Worth It?
Yes, a masters in computer science is worth it for many professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology jobs are set to grow at 11% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Common computer science careers in this field include computer and information research scientist, computer network architect, software developer, information security analyst, and database administrator.
A master’s degree in computer science can help you improve your problem-solving skills and advance your knowledge of how computers operate. With the growing significance of technology in daily life, a master’s degree in computer science may be highly useful on the job market.
Universities Offering Online Part-Time Masters in Computer Science Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer part time degree programs.
Boston University’s Masters in Computer Information Systems program encourages students to become involved in the fast-paced, growing technology and innovation industry.
This online degree allows learners to attend classes part time. The program combines hands-on learning with progressive thinking to develop leaders in the information science and networking industry.
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Master of Science in Computer Science degree offered at Stanford University is comprised of 45 credits in the foundations of computer science, detailed research, and a specialty in a variety of technological fields. Students who attend part time usually complete the program in 3 to 5 years, and most courses can be completed online.
Stanford University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Meeting the increasing needs of the advancements in technology, the Stevens Institute of Technology offers a Masters in Computer Science degree that can be customized to fit every student’s individual needs.
SIT provides an online, part time pathway to graduation while blending applied learning with foundational curricula to provide a unique advantage in the IT world.
Stevens Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Rich in research, programming, and technology fundamentals, Tufts University’s MS in Computer Science helps learners advance in the ever-changing industry of information technology.
Students in this online program will complete six or more courses in computer science, including programming languages. Full time and part time students will have access to various tools to help them succeed in the IT field.
Tufts University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Southern California’s MS in Computer Science provides students with essential knowledge of key components specific to the computer industry and an in-depth understanding of concentrated areas of student interests.
Gaining an online computer science degree at USC prepares students to advance in their personal or professional goals.
USC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Getting Your Part-Time Masters in Computer Science Online
A masters degree in computer science may lead to many career opportunities. Knowledge of computer science has value in almost every industry.
There are many different types of computer science graduate programs available that suit different schedules and preferences. Taking courses part time may allow you to fit your education into your busy schedule. Many of the best online computer science degrees are available via web-based study, providing additional flexibility and convenience.
If you’re interested in advancing your career in the rapidly growing field of computer science, then you may start today by exploring accredited universities.
