Best Online Master’s in Computer Programming

Founded in 1880, USC is home to approximately 49,500 students and is the oldest private research university in the state. USC houses 20 professional schools, including the Viterbi School of Engineering.

Master of Science in Computer Science

USC's master of science in computer science program, offered through the Viterbi School of Engineering, is available on campus and online. The curriculum focuses on the programming and application of computer systems, along with related design concepts and techniques.

As one of the top online master's computer programming degrees, USC offers nine concentration areas for graduate computer science learners. Popular concentrations include:

• Artificial intelligence
• Data science
• High-performance computing and simulation
• Software engineering

Learners need to complete at least 28 units with an overall 3.0 or higher GPA to graduate. Most students complete only coursework to meet graduation requirements. On occasion, advanced students may receive permission to complete a master's thesis during an additional two semesters after coursework.

Applying to USC

Incoming students must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applications must include official transcripts that reflect at least three core computer science classes. Prospective students may also submit optional letters of recommendation.

Program at a Glance

• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• Tuition: $2,199/unit
• Program Length: 1.5-2 years
• Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous); On-campus
• Percentage Awarded Loans: 26%

Established in 1948 in Waltham, Massachusetts, Brandeis has about 5,500 students and a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The private research school reports a 34% acceptance and is home to 13 innovative technology programs.

Master of Software Engineering

Brandeis offers a fully online master of software engineering. The school accepts part-time learners who wish to build upon existing software engineering skills, learn the latest technologies and best practices in the field, and bolster their professional portfolios.

Faculty delivers classes asynchronously, including four required elective courses. Popular electives include programming with Java and Scala and advanced JavaScript programming. Part-time students can complete the program in approximately 2.5 years.

This program helps prepare learners for several in-demand careers as staff software engineers, IT scrum masters, and QA automation engineers. Brandeis software engineering graduates have worked at companies such as Fujifilm, CVS Health, Penguin Random House, and Raytheon.

Applying to Brandeis

Prospective students should have basic skills in Java, C++, and C programming languages. Students should also have taken introductory software engineering and data structures courses. There are no minimum GPA requirements for applicants.

Program at a Glance

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Tuition: $3,535/course
• Program Length: 2.5 years
• Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
• Percentage Awarded Loans: 39%

K-State is a public institution founded in 1863. Its global campus offers fully online academic programs in all 50 U.S. states and 41 countries. K-State has 12 online computer tech programs, including computer science and computer programming.

Computer Science Master's Degree

K-State's master's degree in computer science features a fully online curriculum. Students develop advanced skills with multiple programming languages and operating systems. They also learn how to build computer software.

Learners complete at least 30-33 credits of asynchronous coursework. Depending on their chosen track, master's students complete either a thesis, a final project, or a final paper for graduation.

Computer science master's students at K-State tailor their program to meet their academic needs. Students choose one class from five predetermined subject areas and one elective specialization class. Upon graduation, K-State degree-holders can pursue careers in information technology, national defense, and engineering.

Applying to K-State

Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited school. Applicants should also include a personal statement, contact information for three references, and unofficial transcripts. Competitive applicants have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Program at a Glance

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• Tuition: $800/credit
• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
• Percentage Awarded Loans: 45%

Located in Chicago, Illinois, DePaul is a private not-for-profit institution. The school boasts 14 online master's programs, including master's degrees in game programming, data science, computer science, and artificial intelligence.

Master of Science in Computer Science

DePaul's master of science in computer science requires at least 52-76 credit hours for graduation. This rigorous curriculum covers advanced concepts in computer application development, programming languages, and software development techniques. 

Computer science majors take four required classes plus four elective classes in this highly flexible program. Learners also choose a thesis or non-thesis track. DePaul provides remote students the opportunity to complete an optional for-credit graduate internship.

To remain in good standing, students must earn a C- or higher grade in all required computer science classes. DePaul requires a 2.5 or higher GPA for graduation. 

Applying to DePaul

Incoming students should possess a 2.5 or higher GPA and a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applications must also include an application fee and official transcripts. Students may also submit optional materials such as letters of recommendation or documentation of industry certifications.

Program at a Glance

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $865/credit
• Program Length: 1.5-2 years
• Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
• Percentage Awarded Loans: 54%

UM-Dearborn is a public institution founded in 1959. The school has approximately 8,700 students and a 1-to-16 faculty-to-student ratio. Graduate learners choose from 66 programs and certificates, including degrees in computer and information assurance, data science, and software engineering.

Master of Science in Software Engineering

UM-Dearborn's master of science in software engineering prepares learners for doctoral studies and professional practice. Students complete this 30-credit program entirely online, on-campus, or hybrid format. Evening classes help accommodate part-time learners with day jobs.

In addition to core classes, software engineering students choose from classes in specialized areas, including:

• Web engineering
• Game engineering
• Data engineering and analytics
• Information and knowledge engineering

Degree-seekers choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track. The faculty recommends that students planning to pursue doctoral studies or research positions complete a traditional master's thesis. 

Applying to UM-Dearborn

Competitive software engineering applicants possess a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering with a 3.0 or higher GPA. UM-Dearborn gives preference to applicants with the seven recommended prerequisite classes.

Program at a Glance

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• Tuition: $810/credit (in state); $1,437/credit (out of state)
• Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous), On-campus, or Hybrid
• Percentage Awarded Loans: 64%