Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Without CS Undergrad of 2025
A master’s in computer science program can be a valuable way to strengthen your skills and advance your technology career. While many jobs in the field only require a bachelor’s degree, a master’s can set you apart by preparing you for leadership roles and building expertise in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
These programs typically take 1-3 years and can also boost your earning potential. Traditionally, a master’s in computer science requires a CS undergraduate degree. But many schools now accept non-CS majors who meet certain requirements.
This guide explains what to expect from master’s in computer science programs without a CS undergrad, including admissions, coursework, and career paths.
10 Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Without CS Undergrad
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.
This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science as a Non-CS Major: What You Need to Know
It’s absolutely possible to earn a master’s in computer science without a CS bachelor’s degree, although these programs can be harder to find. Some schools offer tailored programs providing foundational courses to quickly get you up to speed.
Others might require prerequisite coursework or have you demonstrate your computer science skills through work experience or programming expertise. Taking courses in discrete math or computer science or earning industry certifications in coding or cybersecurity can also get you up to speed and even strengthen your application.
If you’re considering an online master’s in computer science, you can typically expect:
- 30-36 required credits
- A mix of core courses, electives, and research components
- Coursework blending CS theory along with practical applications of technical tools to address real-world problems
- A final capstone project or thesis, possibly requiring a campus visit
- Completion time of 1-2 years with full-time study or 2-3 years with part-time study
Common Admission Requirements in Place of CS Undergrad Degree
In the absence of a bachelor’s degree in computer science, what do graduate admission officers look for in CS grad candidates? Each school’s admission committee makes its own decisions based on various factors.
Though specific criteria vary, the following components are common among master’s in computer science without CS undergrad requirements:
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Prior Knowledge and Education
You should hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools may require prerequisite engineering, mathematics, and computer science courses. Some institutions may even request applicants to have a degree in a CS-adjacent field like math.
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Programming Experience
Some programs may prefer that you have a foundational understanding of programming concepts, such as programming languages, variables, and source code.
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Minimum GPA
Most schools require you to meet a minimum total GPA or a minimum GPA in the last 60 credits of your undergraduate program.
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Work Experience
Universities often request your resume. If you have worked in a technology-related job or in another professional role, your experience may boost your chances of admission.
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Other Application Materials
Many schools require personal statements, letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT scores.
Reality Check: Will I Be Able To Succeed In A CS Grad Program Without An Undergrad Background in CS?
Yes — it’s possible to succeed in a computer science grad program if you majored in an unrelated field, but the reality is you may be a bit behind compared to your peers who earned CS undergrad degrees. If you put in the time and effort to develop a strong understanding of CS fundamentals and are passionate about the field, it’s certainly possible to succeed.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in CS Program: 5 Key Factors
A master’s degree is a serious commitment, so you want to be sure you’re making the right choice. While schools may have impressive websites and colorful branding, the best institutions provide a competitive degree at an affordable price. Consider the following factors as you make your selection:
1. Check for Accreditation
Limit your search to colleges and universities that hold institutional accreditation. This status allows you to access financial aid options and gives your degree credibility in the marketplace.
Regional accrediting associations include the Higher Learning Commission, the New England Commission of Higher Education, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission also accredits bachelor’s degrees in computer science, but not for master’s or doctoral-level programs.
2. Graduate Success Outcomes
Strong student outcomes are a valuable indicator of high-quality graduate programs. Your prospective school should be able to tell you how many students are enrolled in their master’s in computer science program and how many have finished the degree.
You can also ask how many graduates found employment in the field within six months of graduation, the number of students who got raises or promotions, and the average graduate’s salary one year after completing the program.
3. Ensure Your Specific CS Area of Study Is Offered
Computer science majors may pursue general CS master’s degrees or more specialized options. As a non-CS major, you can follow the same path to gain a better understanding of computer science theory, tools, and techniques.
However, because programs for non-CS majors welcome learners from other backgrounds, some concentrations may align better with your previous knowledge. If you plan to pursue a career in a specific area of CS, make sure that your prospective school offers the subject as a concentration.
Common Master’s in Computer Science Concentrations
- Algorithms and design
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Bioinformatics
- Computer programming
- Computer science (generalist track)
- Cybersecurity
- Data science
- Software engineering
4. Program Length and Format
Most master’s degrees in computer science take 1-2 years to complete as a full-time student. They will take longer if you plan to study part-time. If you have an undergraduate degree in a non-CS subject, you may need to take additional courses, further extending your graduation timeline.
Computer science programs are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. While in-person learning offers many benefits, studying computer science online can mean earning your degree more quickly and affordably.
5. Cost
Many factors affect the cost of a degree, including a school’s prestige and its public or private status. In the 2023-24 academic year, the average tuition for graduate students at public and private universities was $11,827 and $20,515, respectively, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Scholarships, grants, and other types of financial aid can help alleviate your education costs. Pursuing your CS degree online may help you save money, too. According to NCES’s most recent data, the median annual tuition for online master’s in computer science degrees was nearly half the cost of its in-person counterpart.
| Program Type | Annual Tuition Cost | Total Tuition Cost Over (Over Four Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Online | $9,861 (In 2025 Dollars) | $39,444 (In 2025 Dollars) |
| Production Manager | $12,873 (In 2025 Dollars) | $51,490 (In 2025 Dollars) |
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Computer Science Degree?
A master’s in computer science can lead to careers in creating or managing technology. With a non-CS background, you can bring complementary knowledge and skills to the industry. For example, chemists and biologists understand the key concepts necessary for biocomputing.
If you want to become a computer and information research scientist, many employers expect a master’s degree, making this degree essential for the position. However, most other CS jobs don’t require a master’s degree. A graduate certificate or evidence of self-taught mastery of the field is often sufficient for many entry-level positions.
Computer science master’s degree-holders can also qualify for jobs like those listed below. Median salary data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2024.
| Computer Science Career Paths | Median Salary (2024) | Projected Job Growth (2024-34) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $140,910 | 20% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managersr | $171,200 | 15% |
| Computer Network Architects | $130,390 | 12% |
| Computer Programmers | $98,670 | -6% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $103,790 | 9% |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $123,100 | 4% |
| Information Security Analysts | $124,910 | 29% |
| Software Developers | $131,450 | 15% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs Without CS Undergrad Requirements
Is a master’s degree in computer science worth it
A master’s degree in computer science can be worthwhile if you want to position yourself for leadership roles, increase your earning potential, or build expertise in a specialty area of computer science.
While many CS jobs only require a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience, a master’s can give you an edge by providing specialized skills, preparing you for advanced positions, or helping you transition into a different area of the field. Ultimately, whether this degree is worth it for you comes down to your career aspirations.
Do I need a master’s degree to get a job in computer science?
No, you do not need a master’s degree to get a job in computer science. Most CS careers only require a bachelor’s degree, and many accept applicants with non-academic professional training, such as completing a technology bootcamp. However, research-specific careers, postsecondary teaching, and some technology executive positions demand a master’s degree or higher.
How much can I make with a master’s in computer science?
In 2024, the BLS reported that computer and information technology occupations brought in an annual median wage of $105,990. For CS professionals with a master’s degree, this figure could go much higher. For example, the National Association of Colleges and Employers reports an average starting salary of $118,280 for graduates with master’s degrees in computer science.
How difficult is a computer science degree?
Computer science is a complex and rapidly changing field that demands a deep understanding of algorithms, programming languages, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. Still, it is certainly possible to excel in this demanding field with preparation and discipline, and thousands of people earn computer science degrees every year.
Is computer science an engineering degree?
Computer science is its own field and not a subcategory of engineering. However, it can require engineering skills, such as the architectural knowledge needed when designing databases. Some CS students major in software engineering, which draws coursework from both computer science and engineering fields.