Master of Computer Science Online (MCS)

During the program, you’ll work with a group of like-minded peers on real-world projects that are relevant to your profession. This includes a final capstone—a substantial evaluation your computer science experience.

Uniquely, you can customize the program through electives that deepen your understanding in one of four specialized areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics & Management, Cybersecurity, or Business Intelligence.

Deepen your skills in blockchain, operating systems, network programming, and more
Work in commonly used program languages including C++, Python, Java, and others

Learn from world-class faculty who are scholarly and industry leaders in their fields
Collaborate on real-world projects that will equip you with experience you can use right away in your career
Take advantage of bridge courses, which allows for no specific undergraduate degree to enroll

No application fees or GRE required!

Top 30

Best Colleges for Computer Science Majors

Money Magazine (2020)

National Universities Where Grads Are Paid Well

U.S. News & World Report (2021)

Top 100

Best Graduate Schools in the U.S.

U.S. News & World Report

Curriculum for Master of Computer Science Online

The Master of Computer Science online program begins with a foundational track required for students without appropriate programming experience. After completing core courses, you can choose from four specializations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics & Management, Cybersecurity, or Business Intelligence.

The Master of Computer Science degree program requires at least 30 credits hours of study, which will include 10 three-credit courses.

Students with no prior background may complete this 30-credit plan:

Foundation (6 credits)

CS 5007 Introduction to Programming Concepts, Data Structures, and Algorithms

CS 5008 Introduction to Systems and Network Programming

Design Core (12 credits)

CS 5084 Introduction to Algorithms: Design and Analysis
CS 509 Design of Software Systems

CS 542 Database Management Systems
Either
- CS 528 Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing or
- CS 546 Human-Computer Interaction

Elective Courses (9 credits)

Elective focus areas:
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Focus
- Big Data Management Focus
- Computing Systems Focus
- Cybersecurity Focus

Capstone Experience (3 credits)

CS 588 Computer Science Capstone Experience

Students with strong prior backgrounds may omit some foundation courses and instead complete additional elective courses.

Make the Most of Your WPI Experience

Current WPI students, even those whose undergraduate degree is not in computer science, may explore a BS/MS program option to gain both degrees in an accelerated plan.

Learn more about WPI's MS in Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity at WPI. 

Application Qualifications

The program does not require an undergraduate degree in computer science, but applicants need experience with a programming language, such a Python, Java, C, or C++ and undergraduate math coursework in calculus, statistics, or probability.

The application is closed for Spring 2023 as of October 19, 2022. Applications submitted after that time will be considered for Fall 2023. Click here to apply now.

If you do not have a bachelor's degree, please view our list of undergraduate programs.

For specific application requirements, visit our admissions for online programs page. Have additional questions? Please contact our WPI Online team to review individual situations.