Even though computer science graduates are in higher demand than ever before, many individuals with only a bachelor’s degree in computer science are actually finding it difficult to find good jobs after graduation. This is because there are so many individuals with a computer science degree — 112,720 students earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science in the 2022-2023 academic year — so even though there are many roles available for CS grads, the competition is stiffer than ever.
Because of this competition, anyone who wants to work in computer science or software development should consider an online MS in Computer Science as a way to earn higher-level roles and safeguard their job security against future disruption.
In order to earn a master’s degree though, you’ll need to do a couple of things to ensure that you’re prepared. Sometimes, it may seem intimidating to apply for a master’s degree. In reality, the process is actually easier (and faster) than you may think! In this article, we will answer your questions about the prerequisites to earning a master’s in computer science and discuss how applying to a program can be a major step toward career advancement.
Academic Prerequisites
In order to start their online MS in Computer Science, candidates will need to complete certain academic requirements and gain experience in the fundamentals of computer science.Bachelor’s Degree
The core academic prerequisite is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The bachelor’s degree may need to be in computer science specifically, but most schools will accept a degree in a related field, such as mathematics or engineering. If your degree is not STEM, you may have a harder time in a master’s in computer science program. But, if you meet the necessary prerequisite requirements, a bachelor’s in any field may be accepted.Standardized Testing
Many master’s programs require candidates to submit Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. These are standardized tests used to gauge the readiness of incoming students for graduate-level education. While the GRE/GMAT used to be a fairly universal requirement, many universities are moving away from requiring these tests. If you are an international student, you will need to find a program that accepts students from abroad. You may also need to take an English language proficiency test.Programming Experience and Skills
While MS in Computer Science programs don’t necessarily require a CS undergraduate degree, students will definitely need to demonstrate proficiency in coding languages. The most commonly required options include:
- Python
- Java
- C, C+, and/or C++
Foundational Coursework
Even with a bachelor’s degree, programming experience, and standardized testing, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can succeed in a rigorous computer science curriculum. As such, many MS in Computer Science programs require foundational coursework for students without backgrounds in computer science, advanced mathematics, or programming.Specific requirements will vary between institutions and programs, but it is important for candidates to demonstrate capabilities in core areas. Typically, applicants must be able to show they have taken and passed courses in:
- Calculus
- Data structures and algorithms
- Discrete mathematics
- Computer or systems architecture
Key MS in Computer Science Degree Components
In order to earn an online master’s degree in computer science, students will need to complete some important curriculum requirements, including core courses, electives, and a thesis or project. Across many programs, fulfilling the 30-60 credit hours can take 2-5 years on average, or faster in certain programs. Many online programs are highly flexible however, allowing you to customize your curriculum while taking as large or small of a course load as you prefer. And, if you need more support, your university and faculty are available as resources to you. Completing these requirements offers you a major benefit toward career advancement — by the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared to advance your software development or computer science career knowing that you have all the tools you need to succeed.Core Courses
There are some core courses that will be included in the vast majority of MS in Computer Science curricula. These courses will make up the bulk of your coursework, and they typically fall into three major computing categories: systems, theory, and applications. Specific courses may include:
- Data/computer architecture
- Database systems/management
- Parallel computing
- Data structures
- Algorithms
- Operating systems
- Artificial intelligence
- Software engineering
- Data science
Electives
Electives are the second largest part of your degree requirements, and they serve as your opportunity to specialize your master’s degree in the areas that are most interesting to you or important to your career. Electives vary greatly, including anything from mobile game and application programming to computer network security. There are many different ways to fulfill your elective requirements. Students might pursue highly focused electives that align with their careers or they might take a range of electives to gain a broad understanding of advanced computer science techniques.Some programs also incorporate required or optional focus areas, also known as specializations or concentrations. These enhance your resume with an official credential in a specific area such as:
- AI and machine learning
- Application development
- Advanced computing
- Cybersecurity
- Data science
Thesis vs. Capstone Project
At the end of an MS in Computer Science program, students will likely be required to complete some sort of large scale project that demonstrates everything they have learned in the program. This takes many forms, and many universities offer students multiple options so that they can choose what works best for them. Students might complete a thesis, capstone project, internship, independent study, or other type of project.Thesis
A thesis is a specialized research paper that students complete under the supervision of a professor. Students will choose a topic relevant to their studies and explore it in depth, often bringing new research to the field. Writing a thesis is more than writing a typical essay, so students will need to:
- Choose a relevant topic
- Create a proposal
- Conduct research and collect data
- Write a paper of around 60-100 pages
Capstone Project
Capstone projects are a chance for students to put their knowledge and skills into practice, applying them to a project in their speciality area. Requirements for capstone projects can vary, and oftentimes they are very flexible in terms of what the project actually accomplishes. Some examples may include:
- Designing a functional application
- Proposing a computing framework
- Building secure network solutions
- Proposing recommendations to organizations
Why Choose Pace University for Your MS in Computer Science?
Pace aligns with industry standards while also offering flexibility for working professionals. This extends from when you’re first considering applying, all the way to graduation. It starts with a holistic approach to application and admissions requirements. Applicants do need to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, but it can be in any field. Students without prior computer science experience can take a prerequisite bridge course to introduce them to Java and computer science overall. Pace also does not require GRE or GMAT scores.During the program, Pace students will experience a comprehensive learning experience that blends academic rigor with real-world application. Students can complete the 30-credit program in as little as a year and half, with only 5 core courses. How you spend the rest of your studies is up to you:
- Two in-demand focus areas (Artificial Intelligence or Application Development)
- 30+ elective options
- Your choice of a thesis or capstone project
About the Online Master of Science in Computer Science at Pace University
The Pace University online Master of Science in Computer Science provides hands-on training that professionals need to excel in leadership or managerial positions in computer science and systems, or to transition into the field. Select a focus area in artificial intelligence or application development, or choose to create your own with our wide variety of electives. The master’s degree program is taught by experienced practitioners and active members of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE).
Learn more today by requesting a brochure, or get started on your application.
Pace University also offers an on-campus option for the MS in Computer Science.
Request
Information
To learn more about the online Master of Science in Computer Science program, fill out the fields in this form to download a free brochure. If you have any questions at any time, please contact an enrollment specialist at (914) 758-1080.