2026 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degrees
Explore the best computer science master's programs online based on verified student reviews.
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Ordering the list of best online computer science master's degrees by peer reviews puts firsthand student experience at the center of what "best" actually means.
Key Takeaways:
- The #1 ranked school is the University of Texas at Austin, which hosts an online Master of Science in Computer Science. The school has the highest review score from students with 4.8/5.
- The spread in median salaries is extraordinary — from $111,637 (Illinois Tech) to $331,747 (Stanford). That's a nearly 3x difference for graduates holding ostensibly the same degree.
- We also spoke with Jeffrey Richley who earned his master's through Georgia Tech, which is ranked #4 on the list, and currently teaches in that same program.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online master's in computer science degree make the cut. On top of that, each program must have at least 5 verified student reviews with an aggregate rating of 3+ on a 5-point scale, so you know real students have weighed in and vouched for the experience.
We also manually research all tuition rates and include the median earnings of nursing majors 5 years after graduation, giving you a complete, honest picture of what you're signing up for.
2026 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degrees
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | Annual Tuition | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Austin | 4.8 / 5 | 100% | $34,624 | N/A | |
| George Mason University | 4.7 / 5 | 100% | $19,000 | $151,577 | |
| Boston University | 4.4 / 5 | 100% | $66,670 | $177,092 | |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 4.4 / 5 | 100% | $2,925 | $179,712 | |
| University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign | 4.1 / 5 | 100% | $19,840 | $201,739 | |
| Stanford University | 4.0 / 5 | 100% | $65,082 | $331,747 | |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | 3.7 / 5 | 75% | $17,145 | $115,802 | |
| National University | 3.7 / 5 | 67% | $13,039 | $114,787 | |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | 3.5 / 5 | 60% | $28,480 | $111,637 | |
| North Carolina State University | 3.5 / 5 | 80% | $8,470 | N/A | |
| University of Illinois at Springfield | 3.3 / 5 | 100% | $7,720 | $117,171 | |
| University of Southern California | 3.3 / 5 | 75% | $81,376 | $207,395 |
Online degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
AI Summary of Our Student Reviews: There is consistent praise for the university’s academic breadth, with reviewers emphasizing an academically diverse environment rather than a narrow or overly specialized experience with high quality courses designed to prepare you thoroughly for success in your field, which suggests confidence in both curriculum rigor and career relevance. Reviewers describe the institution as a strong place for promoting research, indicating that if you are seeking a graduate-level setting oriented toward deeper inquiry, innovation, and intellectual development, this program appears to meet that expectation. The most distinctive takeaway is that reviewers do not simply like the program for reputation alone; they specifically value its combination of academic diversity, rigorous preparation, and research-focused graduate study.
Common Phrases Across Student Reviews:
- Academically diverse environment
- Strong research-driven culture
- High-quality degree programs
- Thorough career preparation
- Advanced knowledge development
Student Reviews
It is a great college to promote research and higher knowledge
My university is academically diverse. It has quality degree programs that will thoroughly prepare graduates to succeed in their respective fields.
- Graduate Online: 19 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $34,624
- Out-of-State Tuition: $34,624
- Program Length: 18 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
AI Summary of Our Student Reviews: There is consistent praise for academic quality, practical relevance, and value. Reviewers repeatedly highlight reasonable tuition for in-state learners, a manageable course load, and a straightforward admissions process. Several also value the university’s proximity to employers in the Washington metropolitan area, which appears to support internship and career opportunities. Reviewers praise the high quality of instruction, hands-on lab work, and faculty with active industry experience. Reviewers also note a diverse, supportive environment where professors respect skill and dedication. The main drawbacks are more targeted than broad: high out-of-state tuition, limited online course availability, the relative newness of some programs, and required preliminary courses for nontechnical entrants that do not qualify for financial aid.
Common Phrases Across Student Reviews:
- Strong industry-connected academics
- Reasonable in-state tuition value
- Supportive and diverse environment
- Hands-on cybersecurity training
- Accessible career-focused master's programs
- High out-of-state tuition
- Limited online course availability
Student Reviews
One of the best things that happened to me in my life was taking a degree at my school . I have lots of opportunity for learning, experiencing the technologies throughout the academics. It is also a great place of cultural diversity and you'll have the... Read More
It is a very good college with excellent academics. It is close to many companies with access to interships.
I am finishing up my first semester at GMU of MS in Computer Forensics. Biggest pro about taiking this program specifically at Mason is that you don't have to have a bachelors degree or any background related to in Computer Science in order to be considered.... Read More
- Graduate Online: 3,367 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $19,000
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,000
- Program Length: 18 months
- Median Earnings: $151,577
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree: Master of Science in Computer Information Systems
AI Summary of Our Student Reviews: Reviewers repeatedly value being able to continue working full time without relocating, while still accessing structured online courses, responsive professors, and live lectures that reinforce textbook material. There is appreciation for the accelerated seven-week format; although it initially feels intimidating, one reviewer says it ultimately supports learning and retention rather than weakening it. Another consistent advantage is the sense of support, with faculty described as engaged, qualified, and invested in your success. Graduate life is also praised for its international community. The main drawbacks are cost and perceived academic rigor relative to price. One reviewer describes the program as feeling somewhat like a degree mill, suggesting it may be most worthwhile if your employer subsidizes tuition.
Common Phrases Across Student Reviews:
- Flexible for working professionals
- Structured accelerated online courses
- Responsive and engaged faculty
- Supportive path to advancement
- High cost raises concerns
- International graduate community
Student Reviews
Great college and experience with qualified teachers. Very expensive
While great for working professionals, I honestly thought my program was part of a degree mill. If you need a MS to advance your career, this could be a good option for you - but only if your employer is paying for most of it.
Great college, love the place, college and faculty.
- Graduate Online: 7,968 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $66,670
- Out-of-State Tuition: $66,670
- Program Length: 18 months
- Median Earnings: $177,092
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
AI Summary of Our Student Reviews: Reviewers repeatedly highlight how the Georgia Tech name helps open professional doors, builds credibility, and creates pride in alumni status. The program is also described as affordable, well-respected, and technically current, which makes it especially appealing if you are trying to strengthen your skills without stepping away from full-time work. Reviewers value the ability to complete coursework remotely and progress part time over several years while managing professional responsibilities. Issues that are noted: less direct faculty access, fewer opportunities to build relationships with classmates, more limited career-services support, and added difficulty obtaining strong recommendation letters because faculty may not know you well.
Common Phrases Across Student Reviews:
- rigorous online CS curriculum
- strong career advancement value
- affordable for working adults
- limited faculty accessibility online
- convenient part-time remote study
- well-respected Georgia Tech brand
Student Reviews
Georgia Tech did an amazing job at teaching the fundamentals of computer science, as well as preparing me for my career in software engineering. I could have not have asked for a better foundation. It also set me up with real-world experience, which is... Read More
My experience at Georgia Tech was strictly part-time online courses I am taking to complete a Master’s degree in Computer Science to further my education and my career. The courses at Georgia Tech provided me with the experience I need to get to further... Read More
I got my Master's from the OMSCS program. This program took about 3 years to complete as I was also working full time. The program is very convenient and everything can be done remotely.
- Graduate Online: 19,899 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $2,925
- Out-of-State Tuition: $2,925
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: $179,712
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree: Master of Computer Science
AI Summary of Our Student Reviews: There is consistent praise for the program’s academic strength, particularly its reputation in computer science and engineering, and reviewers value how effectively it blends theoretical foundations with practical application. Reviewers also highlight a diverse, competitive environment within the College of Engineering, suggesting that you benefit from exposure to strong peers, multidisciplinary perspectives, and research-oriented learning. There is also a recurring emphasis on career relevance: one review specifically connects coursework to full-time job responsibilities, indicating that the curriculum translates well into professional settings. Another notable takeaway is perceived value: reviewers see the program as competitive with elite private institutions, but without the same cost burden.
Common Phrases Across Student Reviews:
- Strong theory and practice
- Competitive engineering environment
- Career-relevant computer science training
- High-value top-ranked program
- Diverse multidisciplinary research culture
Student Reviews
I think it was a great school that offered lots of opportunities to learn content relevant to the job I'm currently doing full time. I enjoyed my time there.
UIUC is a top college for computer science and engineering in general. It teaches the theory behind computer science in addition to the practice. The program is competitive with top private schools that cost vastly more money.
College of Engineering at UIUC provides a very diverse and competitive environment, enabling multi-disciplineary research and education.
- Graduate Online: 8,561 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $19,840
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,840
- Program Length: 1 years
- Median Earnings: $201,739
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Jeffrey Richley on What It Takes to Succeed in an Online Computer Science Master's Program
Do you think computer science is a subject that can be successfully studied online?
"Absolutely. It's probably one of the easier ones to do online."
How did you decide on an online program versus an on-campus program?
"Frankly, it was the only option that I had found. I had stopped school back in '94, and I had attempted quite a few times at different locations to start back up.
Everywhere I talked to said, 'You have to start from scratch.' That wasn't going to work. It wasn't financially or time feasible. Liberty's online program was really the only place that offered something that was actually feasible to do.
For my master's, I had a friend going through the Georgia Tech program, and I was helping him with a lot of his classes. That got me interested."
What personality traits do you think a student should have to succeed in an online computer science program?
"To start with the online part, they've got to be a self-starter. They've got to be organized. This is not a world where someone needs to make sure you're in class.
A lot of times, the lectures are taped, they give you a syllabus, tell you when things are due, and let you go. It's not for somebody that needs to be coddled. That kind of person would struggle greatly.
The other thing is curiosity. You could go through the classes and just do what they say. You can get a good grade. But you need to be curious about what's really going on, dig further, and understand why, as opposed to what."
What advice would you offer to a prospective online student who wants to study computer science?
"Make sure that you're doing it because you're really interested in the subject and not because you've heard that you can make tons of money with it. Computer science, and just programming in general, is super easy for the people that it comes naturally to. For the people that struggle with it, it is going to be a struggle and grind forever.
If anyone ever asks me about getting into the computer science world, I always ask them, 'Why?'"
FAQs About Computer Science Master's Programs Online
What Is an Online Master's in Computer Science?
Computer science master's programs online are for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in the field while balancing work and personal commitments. These master's degrees focus on cutting-edge subjects such as algorithms, machine learning, and software engineering, preparing graduates for advancement in the tech industry.
An online master's degree in computer science may help you specialize in a particular area of the discipline, such as network architecture, software design, or cybersecurity. These programs may be beneficial if you want to deepen your understanding of computer science theories and take on management or administrative positions in the field.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Computer Science?
As an advanced degree in a technical field, a master's in computer science requires that students have some previous experience in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) areas, whether through education or work experience. While applicants will ideally have a bachelor's in computer science, this isn't always necessary for admission.
However, prospective students must have a four-year degree from an accredited institution and possess strong quantitative and analytical skills. These competencies can be gained through undergraduate coursework in math, engineering, or a related field. In some cases, applicants may also be able to gain these skills through work experience. Moreover, individuals who don't have a background in computer science may be able to take introductory classes that don't count toward their degree but do help to familiarize them with foundational material.
Aside from previous experience in a STEM field, students will need to meet minimum GPA requirements for their chosen program and may also need to submit GRE test scores for verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning. Their application will need to include up to three letters of recommendation from mentors or previous employers.
What Will I Learn in an Online Master's in Computer Science Program?
Master's programs in computer science are designed to help students foster skills in areas such as network design, programming, software development, and machine learning. A bachelor's degree may cover some of these areas as well, but a graduate program includes advanced coursework.
In general, students will spend the first half of their program completing core coursework requirements for their degree. In the second half, they take elective classes that allow them to explore a particular concentration at a deeper level.
Though it's a technical discipline, computer science can be a dynamic and creative field that requires professionals to innovate, think critically, and keep track of rapid technological changes. Students typically learn skills that are not strictly related to computing. Master's students, in particular, can gain significant experience with critical thinking, complex problem solving, and entrepreneurial leadership.
Computer science can be a dynamic and creative field that requires professionals to innovate, think critically, and keep track of rapid technological changes.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Computer Science?
Courses in an online computer science master's program cover a mix of core subject areas while also including topics that are based on cutting-edge developments in the field. As a result, course offerings may be quite varied and may change regularly to reflect advances in computer science. Graduate programs also tend to represent departmental strengths, which means course selections — particularly when it comes to electives — may be based on faculty's interests and research areas.
With this in mind, we've listed a few classes commonly found in computer science master's programs.
- Cybersecurity: Security is woven into every job in technology, so all computer science programs require at least this introductory class. Professors might cover online risk management, ethical hacking, security authentication, and multilayered security architecture for software and web application design.
- Data Structures and Algorithms: Faculty for this course emphasize the uses of algorithms for solving complex computing problems. They might lecture on elementary data structures and hashing, asymptotic notation, and minimum spanning trees.
- Networking and Telecommunications: This course focuses on the design, application, and management of telecommunication systems linking networks, computers, and associated software. It usually includes lessons on the principles of network architecture, including data communications, advanced routing, and local area network switching.
- Software Design and Development: Students learn about the principles of software and app creation in this class. They typically practice skills related to testing software reliability, verification, and security, which can prove useful in a range of technology jobs.
Interested in learning about similar degrees to computer science? Explore online master's degrees in cybersecurity, and a master's in information technology.
What Can You Do with a Master's in Computer Science Degree?
A bachelor's degree in computer science may qualify graduates for a variety of entry-level positions, but a master's degree might be better suited to those who want to land advanced roles. The truth is that there are very few jobs that require applicants to have a master's degree in computer science at the entry level — according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and network scientist is the only computing profession that requires a master's degree.
However, a computer science master's may open up career advancement opportunities that a bachelor's alone cannot. Foremost of these is the chance to apply to mid-level positions immediately or soon after graduating. With their higher level of knowledge, master's degree holders may be able to substitute their graduate education for work experience in order to qualify for managerial roles in computer science and information technology. Possible occupations may include computer and information systems manager, computer systems analyst, database administrator and architect, and network administrator.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's in Computer Science Degree?
Most master's programs in computer science average between 30 and 40 credit hours, which can take two years of full-time coursework to complete. Part-time learners can take longer, depending on the number of classes they take each semester. Alternatively, those enrolled in an accelerated program might earn their degrees in as little as one year.
How Hard Is a Master's in Computer Science?
A computer science master's program includes advanced coursework that can seem difficult to some students. Individuals with a limited background in calculus and statistics may find computer science theory concepts especially difficult to grasp. These students may want to take 200- or 300-level math classes that don't count toward the degree but can help familiarize them with foundational material.
Is a Master’s in Computer Science Worth It?
While a computer science master's can help graduates secure a well-paying job in a range of industries, the value of graduate education in this field will vary depending on a student's personal goals and financial circumstances. This degree may be a worthwhile investment for individuals who want to learn more about computer science theory and how to apply it in real-world situations. It can also be a smart choice for those who don't necessarily have a background in computer science but who are interested in technology and considering a career change.