Your Guide to the Master's in Computer Science

Are you considering advancing your knowledge of computer science? Read on to learn more about entry requirements, the skills you'll learn, and careers you can pursue with this degree.

Nearly every day, we interact with technology in many aspects of our daily lives. Given the prevalence of apps, games, and programs in society, job growth around these products remains high. Jobs are expected to increase by 21 percent between 2020 and 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1].

Earning a master's in computer science is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the field—or pivot into it. If you're already in the computer science field, you might pursue this degree to advance in the profession or become a more competitive job candidate. If you're pivoting into computer science from another area, you could use your master's degree to get yourself up to speed and build confidence in your new industry.

In this article, we'll discuss what a master's in computer science is all about, and the types of jobs you can pursue once you've earned your degree.

What is a master's degree in computer science?

When you're interested in studying computer science at the master's level, you can typically expect to graduate with a Master of Science (MS) degree. The degree takes around two years to earn when you're able to attend full-time, though many universities offer part-time or online programs that can give you more flexibility. In that case, it may take longer to complete your degree, depending on your time commitment.

Computer science master's coursework

You'll learn advanced concepts in computer science topics, such as software design, computer language theory, programming, and computer architecture. While your exact coursework will vary by the program you choose, you can expect to study key concepts, including:

Software development
Computer systems
Data structures
Algorithms and computation
Machine learning
Data visualization
Natural language processing
Numerical analysis
Cloud computing
Internet of things (IoT)
Software, information, and network security
Software testing
Cryptography

Concentrations

You will also likely have the opportunity to specialize in an area of your choice, and your coursework will focus on this area. Possible concentrations include: