Master's in Computer Science Degrees for Non-CS Undergrads

Computer science is an emerging, lucrative career field that attracts thousands of new students every year. A master's degree can equip learners to pursue leadership roles in this sector, but many graduate programs only accept applicants with bachelor's degrees in computer science.

If you pursue a different major, however, some programs will still consider your application. A few schools require you to hold a related major, while others offer a bridge program to help you meet their prerequisite requirements. Some schools accept real-world learning experiences instead of undergraduate computer science courses.

Explore this guide to learn more about master's degrees in computer science and the top CS programs where you may qualify for admission.

What Is a Master's in Computer Science?

A master's in computer science serves two general purposes:

The curricula of these programs vary, as programs may offer specializations or tailor their coursework to the needs of particular student groups. For example, degrees targeting non-CS majors often include more foundational courses, while programs for learners with CS backgrounds typically emphasize advanced classes. Students can also choose electives and concentration options to further align their education with their career goals.

Master's in computer science programs typically last 1-2 years and comprise 30-45 credits. Learners explore theory and practical applications. The degree often culminates in a capstone project or thesis.

Top Courses for Master's in Computer Science Students

Though master's in computer science classes vary depending on a program's concentration options and electives, there are common courses that appear in many curricula. These classes include:

• Introduction to Programming: Programs that accommodate non-CS majors typically require foundational courses like an introductory programming class. Depending on the school, this course may cover one specific language, general programming concepts, or topics like Booleans, conditionals, and arrays.
• Data Structures: This course covers basic data structures like graphs, trees, and sets. Students explore interfaces and encapsulation before advancing to practice testing with algorithms.
• Database Management Systems: Once students understand data structures, they apply that knowledge to database systems and management. This class covers different database models and designs, relational schemas, and SQL. Advanced versions of this course explore database integrity, physical data organization, and transaction management.
• Advanced Algorithms: Most master's in computer science programs include at least one class on algorithms. An advanced algorithm class dives into strategies like integer programming and amortized analysis. Learners explore the math behind each strategy, which requires them to understand statistics and discrete probability.
• Cybersecurity: Many graduate computer science programs include security-focused classes like network security, computer security, and cybersecurity. Depending on the program, these courses may be electives or a specialization. Cybersecurity courses specifically cover cryptography, malware, intrusion detection, and defensive programming.
• Data Mining: Computer science master's programs may offer data analytics concentrations with data mining classes. Enrollees usually study theoretical and practical aspects of data mining. They apply Bayesian decision theory and concept hierarchy generation to hands-on projects.
• Computer Science Capstone: Depending on the program, learners typically complete a capstone project or thesis. Some schools even offer students both options. Each culminating experience involves independent computer science research with supervision from an advisor. Capstones apply research to projects like software system design and development, while thesis projects present information in a written report.

Can You Get a Master's in Computer Science Without Being a CS Undergrad?

Yes — you can get a master's without a bachelor's in computer science. Some schools specifically cater to students with minimal or no programming experience.

For example, the CS master's degrees at Boston University and Stevens Institute of Technology require no prior coding experience or prerequisite courses. Both schools' curricula start with fundamental topics to ease students into computer science. These institutions also offer more advanced tracks for experienced programmers.

Though schools like Syracuse University accept applicants from all backgrounds, the institution emphasizes that students with tech backgrounds may more easily succeed with coursework than their counterparts without CS degrees.

Other institutions expect learners to come from a STEM background, even if it is not CS-specific. Programs at these schools often require applicants to have completed programming, math, data structures, and computer organization classes. If degree-seekers don't meet these requirements, programs like the CS master's at New Jersey Institute of Technology ask students to take prerequisite courses or complete a bridge program.

Programs sometimes accept programming or computer science experience in place of a CS undergraduate degree or prerequisite courses. Self-taught professionals and bootcamp graduates may be able to use their experience to test out of foundational courses.

How to Qualify for a Master's Program

Besides educational and/or experiential requirements, applicants often submit materials like:

How to Pay for a Master's Program

The cost per credit for an on-campus or online master's in computer science can range from $300 to $2,300. For a 30-credit program, the total tuition cost can be as low as $10,000 or nearly $70,000.

The varying costs relate to multiple factors, including school prestige and type (public vs. private). Some schools also charge different in-state and out-of-state tuition, although online programs sometimes charge all learners the same per-credit rate.

Not all programs comprise only 30 credits, especially those that require prerequisites or foundational courses. Consequently, degrees with more overall coursework tend to cost more.

Degree-seekers should consider other expenses, such as technology fees, textbooks, or software licenses. They may also need to buy specific hardware.

Students can pursue payment options like student loans, grants, and fellowships. Some schools also offer special discounts or scholarships, which can help lower tuition. For example, Johns Hopkins University offers nearly a 20% discount on all courses for engineering professional students (which includes computer science learners).

Master's in Computer Science Degrees for Non-CS Majors

While bachelor's degrees take a broad approach to computer science, master's degrees typically allow students to pursue advanced topics within the field. Online master's in computer science programs often include core courses and electives. Some programs also offer concentration tracks, which let students focus their education on niche subfields of the discipline.

The list below includes a few master's in computer science concentrations that can capitalize on the diverse skills that non-CS majors hold. Some schools also offer tech-heavy specialization options like artificial intelligence, computer science theory, and software engineering.

Master's in CS Programs That Accept Non-CS Majors

All the master's in CS programs below — listed alphabetically — accept students without computer science bachelor's degrees. Some cater to learners completely new to computer science, while others require some programming or professional experience. Though this list is not comprehensive, it does include several options to help start your school search.

Additional schools that may accept students without a bachelor's degree in computer science include:

Can You Get a Job With an Online Master's in Computer Science?

Pursuing an online master's in computer science as a non-CS major can prepare you to pursue diverse career opportunities. Graduates can stay in their previous industries — like business, healthcare, or finance — but land higher-paying positions that allow them to implement their new tech skill set. Alternatively, they can switch jobs and pursue computer science careers.

Either way, high demand for tech professionals continues across industries: According to CompTIA's August 2024 Tech Jobs Report, top industries hiring technology professionals include administration, manufacturing, finance and insurance, and information.

These positions often pay higher-than-average wages. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the 2023 median salary for computer and information technology workers — $104,420 — was more than twice the average salary for all employees nationwide.

A master's in computer science can also qualify graduates for pay raises, as professionals with a master's degree usually earn more than those with only a bachelor's. On average, over $10,000 more annually, according to the BLS. Advanced roles — like managerial and research positions — also usually require at least a master's degree.

A non-tech background usually doesn't affect job opportunities for master's in CS graduates. On the contrary, their diverse skill sets and experiences can work in their favor. Aspiring tech professionals can consider completing common computer science certifications to verify their knowledge and boost employment prospects.

The list of careers below highlights several jobs that graduates can qualify for after completing a master's in computer science — with or without backgrounds in CS. Median salaries come from2023 BLS data.

FAQ About Getting a Master's in CS Without an Undergrad CS Degree

How do I get a master's in computer science without a CS background?

Some master's in computer science programs accommodate students from any academic or professional background. Schools may include foundational programming courses, bridge programs, or prerequisite courses in their curricula to help non-CS students develop their knowledge of CS topics.

How hard is it to get a master's in computer science as a non-CS undergrad?

A CS master's degree can be tough even for the best-prepared student. Earning a master's in computer science without a CS undergrad can exacerbate those challenges. To help students with non-CS backgrounds, some schools offer bridge programs for new enrollees to take preparatory courses in mathematics and computer science.

Can I do a master's in computer science online?

Yes. Many schools offer online master's in computer science programs, including degrees with concentration options. Some schools offer asynchronous classes, where students complete coursework on more flexible timelines. Others use synchronous classes that use tools like web conferencing to meet virtually at scheduled times.

Do you need an undergrad STEM degree to get into a graduate CS program?

Some graduate programs require computer science or other STEM majors for admission, while others accept applicants with any major. However, to meet the challenges of a graduate CS program, applicants should hold academic backgrounds in discrete mathematics, programming languages, linear algebra, and computer science.

Page last reviewed Aug. 21, 2023.