Master’s in Computer Science Degree Requirements

Ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report, our online Master’s in Computer Science program is tailored specifically for working professionals. With a focus on flexibility and practical learning, our program allows you to apply your knowledge as you learn, reinforcing concepts and accelerating your progress. Explore our master’s of computer science prerequisites and degree requirements below. 

Applications to the part-time, online Master of Science in Computer Science are accepted on a rolling basis and do not have a deadline. Once accepted, your acceptance is valid for one year. Please check the  academic calendar for term start dates. 

Graduate students who are not pursuing a master’s in Computer Science degree should consult with their advisor to determine which courses must be successfully completed before 600- or 700-level Computer Science courses may be taken.

Master’s of Computer Science Prerequisites

• You must meet the general admission requirements that pertain to all master’s degree candidates.
• Your prior education must include the following prerequisites:
  • one year of calculus (2 semesters or 3 quarters) such as:
    625.108– Calculus I
    625.109 – Calculus II
  • one semester/term of advanced math, such as:
    605-203– Discrete Mathematics (Strongly Preferred)
    OR
    625.251 – Introduction to Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
    OR
    625.252 – Linear Algebra and Its Applications
  • one semester/term of Java
    605-201– Introduction to Programming Using Java (C++ will be accepted but the student must be knowledgeable in Java)
  • One semester/term of data structures
    605-202– Data Structures
  • One semester/term of computer organization (e.g., assembly language and machine organization
    605-204– Computer Organization
• If your prior education does not include the prerequisites listed above, you may still be admitted under provisional status, followed by full admission once you have completed the missing prerequisites. Missing prerequisites may be completed with Johns Hopkins Engineering (all prerequisites are available) or at another regionally accredited institution. A grade of B– or better must have been earned in each of the prerequisite courses.
• You may submit a detailed résumé if you would like your academic and professional background to be considered.
• If you are an international student, you may have additional admission requirements.

Computer Science Master’s Degree Requirements

• Ten courses must be completed within five years.
• Students are required to choose a focus area to follow. Learn more about focus areas here. 
• The curriculum consists of three foundation courses and five courses from the Computer Science program, which includes selected courses from the Cybersecurity (695.xxx) and Information Systems Engineering (635.xxx) programs. At least three courses must be from the same focus area, at least three must be at the 700-level, and at least one 700-level course must be in the chosen focus area.
• Up to two electives may be selected. Courses not listed in the Courses section are considered electives for Computer Science.
• Transfer courses will be considered electives. Transfer courses must meet all general Engineering for Professionals requirements for transfer, must be directly applicable to Computer Science, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Only one C-range grade (C+, C, or C−) can count toward the master’s degree.
• All course selections outside of the Computer Science program requirements are subject to advisor approval.

Communications and Networking Concentration:

• Ten courses must be completed within five years.
• The curriculum consists of three foundation courses from the program and seven concentration courses, of which a maximum of three may come from the Electrical and Computer Engineering (525.xxx) program.
• Students are strongly encouraged to take courses from both Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
• Students lacking an electrical engineering background or equivalent must take 525.202 Signals and Systems as an undergraduate prerequisite before taking Electrical and Computer Engineering communications and networking courses.
• Only one C-range grade (C+, C, or C−) can count toward the master’s degree.
• All course selections are subject to advisor approval.
• Concentrations are noted on the student’s transcript.
• Graduate students who are not pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science should consult with their advisor to determine which courses must be successfully completed before 600- or 700-level Computer Science courses may be taken.

Bioinformatics Joint Program:

This program is offered jointly by the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Whiting School of Engineering. However, the administration is handled by the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, and applications for admission to the Master of Science in Bioinformatics joint program must be submitted directly to Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. 

Applicants must provide a résumé or curriculum vitae and a 500-word statement of purpose. The admissions committee reserves the right to request additional information from applicants, such as GRE scores or letters of recommendation if needed to assess their candidacy for admission.