Pivot Your Career to Computer Science
Get Started in the PREP Program at Engineering for Professionals
Computer scientists are in high demand across industries and will be for the foreseeable future, with a 10.8% growth rate over the next 10 years. The Computer Science Master’s PREP Program at Johns Hopkins is a cost-effective, streamlined way to help you begin your journey toward a rewarding career in computer science and start earning a competitive salary.
Led by Johns Hopkins faculty experts, the PREP Program provides a strong prerequisite curriculum to ensure students with a non-STEM background gain the foundational and technical skills needed to successfully complete a master’s degree in computer science. Courses are designed to complement your lifestyle and can be completed fully online. Typically, students complete the PREP Program in one year if two courses are taken per term.
To be eligible for the PREP Program, you must be accepted into the Engineering for Professionals master’s in computer science degree program as a provisional status student for Computer Science.
Computer Science Master’s PREP students can enjoy the following exclusive benefits:
- No technical experience or background is required
- Prerequisites can be completed fully online
- Lower tuition at $8,250 ($1,375/course for 6 prerequisite courses)
- Builds technical confidence and introduces key foundational concepts to set you up for success
- Taught by faculty and professional lecturers at Johns Hopkins University
- Successful completion guarantees full admission
Computer Science PREP Prerequisite Courses
The Computer Science Master’s PREP program required courses to build your technical skills include the following:
625.108– Calculus I
625.109 – Calculus II
605-203– Discrete Mathematics (Strongly Preferred)
OR
625.251 – Introduction to Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
OR
625.252 – Linear Algebra and Its Applications
605-201– Introduction to Programming Using Java
605-202– Data Structures
605-204– Computer Organization
Master’s in Computer Science Requirement FAQs
What’s best for you will depend on your situation, current education, and interests. We find that our master’s programs are better for students looking to expand their knowledge, switch careers, or become true experts in their field. Course credits from the graduate certificate can also count toward a master’s should you decide to pursue a master’s degree.
Many of our computer science classes are built around interactive, synchronous virtual-live sessions that encourage student discussion, interaction, and hands-on exploration of the material. Our students are driven to succeed and our coursework matches their level of ambition and excitement. Learn more by exploring our course options. The online classes have a maximum capacity of 19 students.
Yes. We recommend supplementing the application with a CV/Resume. It is preferred that an applicants’ prior education includes an undergraduate or graduate degree in a quantitative discipline (eg: engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or equivalent) from a regionally accredited college or university. You can also take any required prerequisite courses with us at a discounted rate.
Yes, however, if you are transferring a course it must be a graduate-level course, the course cannot have been used to complete another degree, and your 5-year clock of completing your degree begins on the day you enroll in your first graduate class (including any transfer graduate courses). Another option would be a waiver, this can be an option for any previous graduate knowledge that you have.
You may be able to waive a foundational course which would allow you the opportunity to take more advanced courses in your 10-course program sequence.
Yes, you can apply as a non-degree-seeking student.
Have more questions? See if we answer your question here. If not, please contact us, and we will quickly respond to your concerns.
Course Planning and Search
Wondering what course to take when or which courses are required? Use these helpful course planning and course search tools to help map out your path to degree completion.
Academic Calendar
Find out when registration opens, classes start, transcript deadlines and more. Applications are accepted year-round, so you can apply any time.
Certificate in Computer Science
If you are not quite ready to commit to a master's degree, consider pursuing a graduate certificate. You can earn a certificate in 4 courses and put the credits towards a master's later. Or, if you already have a master's degree in computer science or a closely related field, a post-master's certificate can broaden your expertise.
Looking to Study Full-Time?
From systems and networks to machine learning to computational biology, the latest research findings and techniques inform every facet of the comprehensive and flexible full-time Computer Science graduate program.