Master of Computer Science Online (MCS)
Advance Your Computer Science Career
WPI's Master of Computer Science (MCS) online is a program designed to help you strengthen your skills in programming, systems, and networks, and apply what you’ve learned right away in your profession. Rather than featuring research seminars or a thesis, the MCS is a terminal degree focused on helping you advance your career, grow your professional development, and contribute to the computing field.
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!
Best Colleges for Computer Science Majors
National Universities Where Grads Are Paid Well
Best Graduate Schools in the U.S.
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.
Is the Master of Computer Science the Right Degree for You?
If you’re looking for a degree that builds on an undergraduate Computer Science (or related) degree and has options for in-depth study of Computer Science, thesis-level research or PhD preparation, WPI’s Master of Science in Computer Science is a better fit. Find out which degree is right for you.
Similar Majors
What Can I Do with a Master of Computer Science?
Information Security Analyst
-
31% job growth from 2019 to 2029
-
$99,730 median annual salary
In-demand skills:
-
Network systems
-
Scripting
-
Firewall administration
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020
Software Developer
-
22% job growth from 2019 to 2029
-
$107,510 national average salary
In-demand skills:
-
Data structures and algorithms
-
Programming languages
-
Encryption and cryptography
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020
Network & Computer Systems Administrator
-
4% job growth from 2019 to 2029
-
$83,510 median annual salary
In-demand skills:
-
Network visualization
-
Automation and scripting
-
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020
Computer Network Architect
-
5% job growth from 2019 to 2029
-
$112,960 median annual salary
In-demand skills
-
System administration
-
Network modeling
-
Network security
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020
Computer Information & Research Scientist
-
15% job growth from 2019 to 2029
-
$122,840 median annual salary
In-demand skills:
-
Advanced mathematics
-
Programming languages
-
Computational theory application
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020
Computer Systems Analyst
-
7% job growth from 2019 to 2029
-
$90,920 median annual salary
In-demand skills:
-
Analytical skills
-
Problem-solving skills
-
Communication skills
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020
Meet Our Faculty
Computer programming makes it possible to solve problems that otherwise could never be attempted. You can create worlds that could never be possible and help make this world a better place. Most of my professional and personal accomplishments were possible directly because of my understanding and practice of computer programming. For me, programming led me to appreciate fundamental concepts in computer science and directed me to major in CS. I've always been passionate about the possibilities of computer programming; this forms the basis for all of my teaching.
Graduate Studies Series
Learn from our enrollment team members and other guests by attending quick and convenient 30-minute webinars we designed to highlight popular topics when starting grad school. Take a deep dive into specific areas of interest such as how to funding, how to ace your application, student services, and more!