Computer science has been a leading learning subject since the rise of social media, if not earlier. So what is computer science?

At its core, computer science is a mathematical discipline. It’s concerned with abstract structures and the study of computation itself, rather than being strictly tied to computers as physical machines. Theoretically, computer science encompasses areas like logic, discrete mathematics, graph theory, algorithms, (automated) proofs, formal languages, and theoretical aspects of artificial intelligence related fields.

On a more practical level, computer science also studies computer architectures, embedded systems, parallel models and programming, networks, databases, computer graphics, image and signal processing, computational biology, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, compilers, operating systems, and digital circuits and design. Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive, and there are undoubtedly other areas of study that are important for today’s labour market.

So, if you are tied up with your personal responsibilities or a full-time job but you still want to study computer science to gain an edge in your career development, what should you do?

The good news is that there are four leading American universities offering online master’s degrees in computer science. Without further ado, let’s jump right into them.

1. MS in Computer Science @ Stanford University

This online MS in Computer Science degree at Stanford allows you to complete coursework covering the fundamental aspects of computer science and deepen your expertise in at least one specialised area of study.

You can pursue the degree either on a full-time or part-time basis. Also, you can either take courses online or in-person on Stanford’s campus. Therefore, the MS in Computer Science degree offered by Stanford allows a very flexible learning mode and schedule.

To earn the degree, you must complete 45 units.

• As a part-time student, you can expect to finish the degree in 3 to 5 years.

• As a full-time student, you can expect to finish the degree in 1 to 2 years.

At the current tuition rate, the entire master’s degree costs $70,000, inclusive of all fees.

If this sounds right to you, don’t miss your opportunity and consider applying as soon as possible.

2. Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) @ UPenn

If Stanford isn’t for you, what about considering earning an Ivy League degree on your own schedule? The online Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) degree combines the academic excellence and prestige of a UPenn degree with the flexibility of an entirely online programme.

Designed specifically for students without a background in computer science, the online MCIT degree programme follows the same curriculum as Penn’s highly regarded on-campus MCIT programme. The flexible format means you can earn your degree at your own pace. And when you graduate, you’ll be ready to transition into an exciting career in computer science, technology, and beyond.

MCIT students need to finish six core courses and four elective courses to earn the degree. Each course is charged at $3,500. Therefore, as of the 2025/26 rate, the tuition fees for the entire online MCIT degree are charged at $35,000.

The good news is that, starting with the Autumn 2022 cohort, incoming online MCIT students are eligible to apply for the Dean’s Master’s Scholarship. The Dean’s Master’s Scholarship is available to US citizens and US permanent residents, under the condition that recipients of the Scholarship maintain a 2.7 cumulative GPA.

3. Master of Information and Data Science @ UCBerkeley

The multidisciplinary online data science master’s curriculum draws upon computer science, social sciences, statistics, management, and law. Students use the latest tools and analytical methods to work with data at scale, derive insights from complex and unstructured data, and solve real-world problems.

All online Master of Information and Data Science students can register for a three-semester, five-semester or eight-semester plan, depending on how long you would like, and are available, to study the online master’s degree at UC Berkeley.

Estimated total tuition and fees for the degree for a new student starting Autumn 2024 are currently $81,824, not including health insurance; most students complete the degree in approximately two years. If you want some financial relief, you should consider applying for internal funding. Enrolled online Master of Information and Data Science students can apply for the Jack Larson Data for Good Fellowship. Recipients are awarded annually in the autumn semester. A total of $8,500 is awarded to 3 recipients each year. And the good news is you do not need to be US citizens or permanent residents to be eligible to apply for the Fellowship.

4. MEng in Computer Engineering @ Dartmouth

Joining UPenn, Dartmouth is another Ivy League school offering online master’s degrees in computer science. Here, Dartmouth offers the online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering degree programme. This online MEng in Computer Engineering degree provides a flexible format for working professionals or recent college graduates with degrees in engineering, computer science, or a related STEM field. If you’re looking for a high-impact graduate degree with the flexibility of an online programme, the MEng in Computer Engineering degree is for you.

All you need to do is finish and pass nine courses (all fully delivered online) within 15 to 27 months to earn you this MEng in Computer Engineering degree from Dartmouth.

The total cost of the online MEng in Computer Engineering programme is $44,100, which can be paid per course as students are enrolled.

If you want to master your computer science skills and their applications when solving real-world problems, these four online master’s degrees in computer science are designed for you.

Apply as soon as possible, earn your place and accelerate your career.