Computer Science

Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.)

Computer Science (M.C.S.)

Degree Overview

In the ever-evolving world of computers, the latest applications and advances bring with them new challenges. With courses that develop critical thinking, investigatory, and expository skills, the Master of Computer Science program equips you with the knowledge to develop much-needed solutions — so you can succeed in one of the fastest-growing professions in the nation.

Offered through the Department of Computer Science, this online, coursework-only degree guides you through subjects such as:

  • Object-oriented software design
  • Software testing
  • Network security
  • Algorithms and data structures
  • Machine learning application

A recent article by the IEEE Computer Society explored computer science degree options to determine if an online degree is as good as a traditional on-campus degree. The online Master of Computer Science from Colorado State University was mentioned as having a reputation for being a top-notch program.

Requirements

You will complete a minimum of 35 semester credits, with 20 credits earned at the 500-level or above and a minimum of 24 credits earned at Colorado State University. No thesis is required. Learn more about the degree requirements

Curriculum

With the guidance of an advisor, you can create the sequence and combination of courses that best meet your educational and professional goals. Learn more about the curriculum

My company is aggressively enhancing its product line with cloud and mobility features. As an architect, I need to stay abreast on technology trends, best practices and most importantly, posses advanced computer science foundations for building modern and resilient systems. All of the classes I selected for the program are directly related, such as Distributed Systems, Parallel Processing, Security, Fault Tolerance and Machine Learning.

– Sigfrido "Sig" Narvaez, Computer Science Graduate

Career Opportunities

The field of computer science has remarkable potential for long-term careers. According to CNBC and JobsRated.com, the computer systems analyst profession is the sixth best job in America for 2009 with a median income of roughly $70,000. Software engineering was ranked as the fifth best job with a median income of roughly $80,000. The software engineering profession is also expected to grow the fastest between now and 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Learn more about career opportunities

How to Apply

Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution; a 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework and a 3.2 GPA in computer science and mathematics coursework; and an understanding of computer organization/architecture, data structures and algorithms, program/software design methodology, and theoretical foundations. GRE scores are not required. Find out how to apply

Sean WohlgemuthSean Wohlgemuth, an employee at Microsoft, finished his Master of Computer Science program in Dec. 2009. Sean began by looking at both local and online universities, and then decided that with his job being time intensive, being on campus wouldn't always work, especially when one of his projects was in a critical stage.
Read more »

The Learning Experience

You will learn through online presentations and lectures, which are supplemented by assignments, readings, and online interaction and discussion with faculty and fellow students. Find out more about the learning experience

Questions? Ask us.

We'll be in touch within 2 business days.

- or contact -

Mike Macklin
(970) 491-7583
michael.macklin@colostate.edu

Receive periodic emails about this program.

For admission and academic advising questions:

James Peterson
Computer Science
(970) 491- 7137
peterson@cs.colostate.edu

Computer Science website

Degree at a Glance

Delivery

Online. On-campus attendance is not required to complete this program.

Total credits

35 credits

Tuition

$599 per credit
(financial aid available)

Time frame

Can be completed in two years. Program duration may vary based on previous coursework, intensity of study, and course availability. Summer courses are required to complete the degree in two years.

Designed for

Computer industry professionals, IT workers wanting to improve their skills for advancement, and people with appropriate backgrounds who want to change careers into the computer science field.

What you will earn

You will earn the same regionally-accredited Colorado State University degree that a student on the Fort Collins campus is awarded. Your diploma and transcript are identical to those awarded to on-campus students.