Completing a master's degree in computer science can open the door to a management position in the technology and computer industries. Rather than take time away from work to devote to your studies, consider one of these high-quality online programs. They offer the same curriculum as their on-campus counterparts and the flexibility to pursue a degree from anywhere there is an internet connection.
Methodology for Ranking the Best Master's in Computer Science Online Programs
This list was created to help identify the top 20 best online master's in computer science degrees from accredited and nationally or regionally ranked colleges and universities. We looked at 116 institutions listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and the most recent publications of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs. We narrowed our list by applying the following criteria: availability of concentrations or specializations; national, regional, or program rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report; and low in-state graduate tuition and fees. We listed our finalist schools in order of affordability.
#20 – Boston University
Online Master's in Computer Information Systems
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $48,082
Boston University is a top-ranked institution that offers online master's in computer science degree programs with seven available concentrations. Students have the flexibility of tailoring their degree to suit career goals and personal interests in areas like data analytics, database management and business intelligence, IT project management, and security. All courses are delivered online and taught by distinguished Boston University faculty with relevant experience. Courses include business data communication and networks, database design and implementation for business, information systems analysis and design, and IT strategy and management. Boston University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 39th best national university. Also, the online graduate computer information technology programs rank #3 in the nation.
#19 – Syracuse University
Online Master's in Computer Science
Syracuse, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,500
The computer science master's online degree program from Syracuse University is designed to prepare students to become engaged in the development of real-world innovations and technological solutions relevant to the computer industry. This 30-credit program is available entirely online and can be completed in just 15 months. Students are required to take 12 credits of core courses and 18 credits of electives. Some of the courses offered include advanced computer architecture, design and analysis of algorithms, fundamentals of data and knowledge mining, object oriented programming, and principles of operating systems. Syracuse is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 60th best national university and 44th best value school. Also, the online graduate computer programs rank #11 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#18 – Stevens Institute of Technology
Online Master's in Computer Science
Hoboken, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $33,350
Stevens Institute of Technology offers an accredited online master's in computer science degree program that requires at least thirty credits in a variety of focus areas such as databases and software development. Students complete a series of core courses along with various electives that allow the degree to be tailored towards career goals and personal interests. Some of the required courses include data mining and knowledge management, human computer interaction, introduction to operating systems, and principles of programming languages. Stevens is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 71st best national university. Also, the school's online graduate computer programs rank #10 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#17 – Drexel University
Online Master's in Computer Science
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $31,519
The accredited computer science master's online degree program from Drexel University offers rigorous study designed to prepare students for the challenges faced in the computer science profession. The program is organized into four ten-week quarters per year, which allows students the ability to take more courses within a shorter time period. Courses include advanced data structure and algorithms, computational geometry, data structures and algorithms, database theory, and theory of computation. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. The non-thesis option requires two additional computer science courses be taken in place of the six thesis credits. Drexel is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 96th best national university and 65th best value school. Also, the online graduate computer programs rank #8 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#16 – University of Minnesota
Online Master of Science in Computer Science
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,289
University of Minnesota's online master's in computer science program is fully online and has three completion tracks, including a coursework-only degree, project-based degree, and thesis-based degree. A sampling of the courses students take include animation and planning in games, analysis of numerical algorithms, computational aspects of matrix theory, introduction to compilers, modern cryptography, and wireless and sensor networks. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 71st best national university and 26th top public institution. Also, in previous years the online graduate computer programs have earned recognition.
#15 – University of Bridgeport
Online MS in Computer Science
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,450
University of Bridgeport offers a computer science master's online degree program that is regionally accredited and recognized by U.S. News and World Report. This 34-credit program can be completed entirely online with classes taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Courses include analysis of algorithms, data and computer communication, object-oriented programming using C++, and operating systems. A master's project must be completed prior to graduation. Topics for the project are arranged with the department chair. University of Bridgeport is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the North. Also, the online graduate computer programs are ranked #25 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#14 – Virginia Polytechnic University
Online Master's in Computer Engineering
Blacksburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,116
Virginia Tech offers a type of online master's in computer science that emphasizes computer engineering. Students earn a master's in computer engineering degree designed to provide a broad-based skill set in computer science and engineering. Four specialization areas are offered, including computer systems, networking, software and machine intelligence, and VLSI and design automation area. Those interested in computer science generally specialize in computer engineering. Virginia Tech is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 74th best national university and 27th top public school. Also, the online graduate computer programs rank #2 in the nation out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#13 – Colorado Technical University
Online Master's in Computer Science
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,731
Colorado Technical University's computer science master's online degree program allows students to tailor their degree towards a concentration in computer systems security, database systems, or software engineering. Students complete a total of 48 credit hours, including 24 hours of core classes, 20 hours of concentration credits, and a 4-credit capstone project. The program may be completed entirely online and includes courses like computer networking, computer systems security foundations, design and analysis of algorithms, modern operating systems, and systems engineering methods. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the West. Also, the online graduate computer programs rank #18 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#12 – University of Louisville
Online Master's in Computer Science
Louisville, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,866
One of the best online master's in computer science degree programs on our list is from University of Louisville. This 100% online program offers courses taught by award-winning faculty and two optional graduate certificates in data mining and network and information security. Classes are offered year-round and include combinatorial optimization and modern heuristics, computer networks, introduction to databases, simulation and modeling discrete systems, and software engineering. A project or thesis option is available and each requires four to five additional courses. University of Louisville is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 171st best national university and the 90th top public school. Also, the online computer programs rank #23 in the nation.
#11 – Colorado State University
Online Master of Computer Science
Fort Collins, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,357
Colorado State University's computer science master's online degree program can be completed in just two years. This 35-credit program is completely online and requires various courses taught by CSU faculty. Some of the courses include computer architecture, computer networks and the internet, database management systems, foundations of fine-grain parallelism, introduction to distributed systems, and software product and process evaluation. Colorado State is ranked as a best national university by U.S. News and World Report. Also, in the most recent edition of Best Colleges, the school's online graduate computer programs rank #30 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Regis University
Online Master's in Data Science
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800
If you are in search of the best online master's computer science degree or related programs, Regis University offers an MS in data science designed to equip students for a variety of careers, including computer engineering, data engineering, data analytics, and data visualization. The program is accredited, and courses are offered entirely online to provide convenience for working and busy students. Courses may include data analytics, data engineering, introduction to data science, statistical methods and experimental design, and visualization. Toward the end of the program, students must complete a 6-credit data science practicum. Regis is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional university in the West. Also, the online graduate computer programs, including the master's in data science, are ranked #34 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#9 – Missouri University of Science and Technology
Online Master's in Computer Science
Rolla, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,537
One of the best online master's computer science degree programs on our list for affordability and access to specialization options is offered by Missouri University of Science and Technology. Two areas of emphasis, including critical infrastructure protection and software engineering, allow students to tailor their degree towards areas of interest or career goals. All courses are delivered online and taught by university professors with relevant hands-on and research experience. Some of the required courses include intellectual property for computer scientists, introduction to computer communication networks, mathematical logic, and software testing and quality assurance. Missouri University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 164th best national university and 87th top public school. Also, the online graduate computer programs rank #8 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed in the most recent edition of Best Colleges.
#8 – Auburn University
Online Master's in Computer Science and Software Engineering
Auburn, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,418
One of the top computer science master's online degree programs from our list is offered by Auburn University. This non-thesis degree is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of computer systems and application in operating systems and networks. There is no residency requirement and all courses are delivered online. Courses include advanced topics in operating systems, design and analysis of computer network, fundamentals of computer graphics, high speed networks, software environments, and software re-engineering. Auburn is ranked 99th among the best national universities and 43rd for top public schools by U.S. News and World Report. Also, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the online graduate computer programs at Auburn #16 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed.
#7 – North Carolina State University
Online Master's in Computer Science
Raleigh, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,224
North Carolina State University is a top-ranked public institution that offers an online master's in computer science with courses taught by award-winning faculty and professors with relevant industry experience. The 31-credit hour degree program requires a GRE for admission but does not require a thesis, final exam, or on-campus residency for completion. All courses are taught online and include computational applied logic, design and analysis of algorithms, graph theory, introduction to computer performance modeling, operating systems principles, and software engineering. NC State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school's online graduate computer programs rank #7 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#6 – Bellevue University
Online Master's in Computer Science
Bellevue, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,900
Bellevue University offers one of the best online master's in computer science degree programs on our list due to affordability and access to three specialization areas. These concentrations allow students to tailor their degree toward career goals and personal interests. Concentrations include databases, security, and software development. All courses are delivered online and include cloud computing, computing platforms and network technologies, management and design of database systems, software development, and storage systems. Students take an additional 9 credit hours in their chosen area of concentration. U.S. News and World Report ranks Bellevue as a best regional university in the Midwest.
#5 – Dakota State University
Online Master's in Applied Computer Science
Madison, South Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,116
From available specializations to affordability, one of the best online master's computer science degree programs on our list is offered by Dakota State University. The program is highly customizable so that students may select courses that expand current interests and are tailored towards career goals. Full-time and part-time completion options are available, and the program may be completed in two to five years. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach computer science on campus. These courses include database systems, design and analysis of computer algorithms, operating systems and parallel programming, structure and design of programming language, and theory of computation. Dakota State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top public school and the 108th best regional university in the Midwest.
#4 – University of West Florida
Online Master's in Computer Science
Pensacola, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,062
One of the best online master's computer science degree programs on our list for affordable tuition and concentration options is the MS in computer science from University of West Florida. Students have access to flexible online courses and two areas of emphasis, including database systems and software engineering. There is also a general track in computer science for those who want to hone their skills in computation, operating systems, and programming languages. Admission to the program requires a GRE test score as listed by the program's website and three recommendation letters. University of West Florida is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national university.
#3 – Georgia Southern University
Online Master's in Computer Science
Statesboro, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,728
Georgia Southern University prides itself in offering one of the best online master's computer science degree programs to offer the only data mining and data warehousing concentrations in the state. This 30-hour distance learning program offers courses taught by Georgia Southern professors with relevant experience and a series of online classes designed to prepare students for work in specialized areas of computer science. Courses include data mining, data warehousing, and distributed web systems design. A thesis or final project is required for completion of the degree. Georgia Southern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best national university. Also, the school's online graduate computer programs rank #21 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed for the most recent edition of Best Colleges.
#2 – Kennesaw State University
Online Master's in Information Technology
Kennesaw, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,740
Kennesaw State University offers an accredited and highly affordable type of online master's in computer science. The master's in information technology may be completed entirely online and includes various elective courses that allow students to focus their studies in various IT-related areas. These include databases and networking, health information technology, and IT security. Online courses include databases design and applications, IT strategy and policy, software design and development, and web technologies and app development. Kennesaw is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national university. Also, the school's online graduate programs rank #28 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#1 – University of West Georgia
Online MS in Applied Computer Science
Carrollton, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,958
University of West Georgia offers the most affordable online master's in computer science program on our list. All courses are taught by university faculty members with backgrounds that include academic and industry experience. Online courses include database systems, program construction, software development, systems and network administration, and web technologies. Instruction is delivered entirely online using a variety of asynchronous and synchronous distance learning technologies. Students are expected to meet with their peers and participate in periodic online group meetings. The University of West Georgia is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best national university. Also, the school's online graduate computer programs rank #18 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
Related Resource: Top 10 Best Online Master's in Information Systems (MIS) Degree Programs
Filed Under: Best Online Computer Science Master's