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

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.

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.