Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Without CS Undergrad of 2025

Computer science (CS) has a reputation for being difficult. Surveys, blogs, and school newspapers have reported that CS as a college major has one of the highest dropout rates.

Given this reputation, it’s hard to imagine you could get a master’s in computer science without a CS undergrad degree — but it’s possible. Many colleges and universities offer computer science master’s degree programs for non-CS majors who meet certain requirements.

Explore this guide to learn about these programs’ admission requirements, coursework, and potential rewards.

Many master’s in computer science programs sharpen technical proficiencies, develop critical thinking abilities, and encourage innovative research.

Most computer science master’s degrees require 30-36 credits through a mix of core subjects, electives, and research. Students typically take courses in computer science theory alongside classes about using technical tools to solve real-world problems.

Some programs conclude with a capstone project or a thesis. Generally, full-time learners complete these degrees in 1-2 years, while part-time students often take 2-3 years.

Yes — you can earn a master’s in computer science with a bachelor’s degree in a non-computer science field. Some institutions even offer specific programs for students without CS backgrounds.

However, without a bachelor’s degree in the subject matter, you may need to complete prerequisite CS courses or demonstrate skills in computer science through work experience or programming experience.

You may benefit from taking courses in discrete mathematics, computer science, or electrical engineering, even if they aren’t required for admission. Earning an industry-recognized certification in cybersecurity, coding, or another CS-related field may also help you stand out.

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:

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:

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 master’s or doctoral-level programs.

Strong student outcomes are a valuable indicator of high-quality graduate programs. Your prospective school should be able to tell you how many students enrolled in their master’s in computer science program and how many 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 must understand key concepts necessary for biocomputing.

Many computer science jobs don’t require a master’s degree, though. A graduate certificate, bootcamp experience, or even evidence of self-taught mastery of the field can be sufficient for some entry-level positions. However, you need a master’s degree to pursue a career in technology leadership or computer-related research science.

Computer science master’s degree-holders can also qualify for jobs like those listed below, with May 2024 median salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).