Did you know that the job outlook for computer scientists is expected to grow 15% between 2019 and 2029? And that’s only in the US! Add in high salaries and job security, and it’s easy to see why Computer Science is one of the most popular academic disciplines in the world.
But what about online M.S. in Computer Science? In the era of online courses, remote work, and video streaming platforms, are they a worthwhile option? Let’s find out!
Find an online M.S. in Computer Science
Online M.S. in Computer Science – specialisations
First things first: Computer Science is a broad discipline, allowing students to choose from a wide range of branches or specialisations. If you don’t wanna settle for being a general computer scientist, check out some of the subdisciplines you can study online:
- Online Masters in Artificial Intelligence
- Online Masters in Cyber Security
- Online Masters in Data Science
- Online Masters in Software Engineering
- Online Masters in Business Information Systems
Online M.S. in Computer Science – tuition fees
Universities offer online Master’s courses in Computer Science that fit anyone’s budget. Based on your finances, you can apply for:
- Online Masters in Computer Science costing between 0–1,000 EUR/year
- Online Masters in Computer Science costing between 1,000–5,000 EUR/year
- Online Masters in Computer Science costing between 5,000–10,000 EUR/year
- Online Masters in Computer Science costing between 10,000–20,000 EUR/year
- Online Masters in Computer Science costing over 20,000 EUR/year
Most affordable online M.S. degrees in Computer Science
As you’ve already seen, there are many Computer Science branches or subdisciplines. On our portal, the following are some of the most affordable online Computer Science programmes:
- Information Systems at Linnaeus University: 0 EUR per year for EU/EEA students
- Software Engineering at Blekinge Institute of Technology: 0 EUR per year for EU/EEA students
- Decision Analysis and Data Science at Stockholm University: 0 EUR per year for EU/EEA students
- Full-Stack Software Development at JAMK University of Applied Sciences: 0 EUR per year for EU/EEA students
- Information Security Operations at Champlain College: 675 EUR per year for all students
- Energy Informatics at University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria: 726 EUR per year for EU/EEA students, 1,452 EUR per year for non-EU/EEA students
- Digital Health at University of Cumbria: 1,886 EUR per year for EU/EEA students, 3,930 EUR per year for non-EU/EEA students
- Computer Engineering at International Telematic University UNINETTUNO: 2,200 EUR per year for all students
Find other affordable online Masters in Computer Science.
Online M.S. in Computer Science – admission requirements
With such a wide range of Computer Science degrees, it isn’t easy to list general entry requirements. The truth is, each academic programme requires certain qualifications, certificates, or even work experience. Still, to give you an overall idea, these are some — but not all — of the admission requirements for online Masters in Computer Science:
- previous undergraduate (Bachelor’s) diploma
- transcript of academic records
- relevant professional qualification (if any)
- proof of English language skills: PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or Duolingo test scores
- work experience (only at some universities)
- statement of purpose or personal essay
- letter(s) of recommendation
Certain online Computer Science degrees require that you have a Bachelor’s in a related field, like Mathematics, Computer Engineering, Informatics, Data Science, etc. If you don’t, you can still apply, but you will need to take preparatory or foundation courses depending on the level of your knowledge.
Online M.S. in Computer Science – duration
Online Master’s programmes in Computer Science take 1 or 2 years to complete. The duration of your education will extend if you choose to study part-time, though.
Traditional on-campus Masters in Computer Science also take around 1 or 2 years to complete, but there are exceptions. Some study programmes in specialisations like Cyber Security, Data Science, or Artificial Intelligence might involve 3, 4, and sometimes 5 years of postgraduate studies.
Advantages of studying an online M.S. in Computer Science
Employees will recognise your online diploma
There was a time when managers and HR specialists would look with suspicion at online degrees and certificates. But those times are gone. As long as you obtain your diploma from an accredited university or college, you can add it as a valuable asset on your CV without any worries.
Take charge of your schedule
Well, there’s no avoiding it: studying online means studying when you want — at least in theory. Don’t get us wrong, you still have a lot of flexibility, and you can work on assignments whenever you’re at your best. But there will be deadlines, and you’ll need to show high levels of self-discipline.
It is often cheaper
Most of the time, an online Master’s in Computer Science will be more affordable than a traditional study programme. Why? Because you don’t need to spend any money on travelling to another country, finding accommodation, paying for visa and insurance, and so on.
Learn about ways to make your online degree even more affordable.
Disadvantages of studying an online M.S. in Computer Science
Too much sitting and screen time
Many studies have already made it clear that sitting and screen time are harmful, especially over long periods. People prone to addictions can be more vulnerable to this type of learning. Looking at a screen for a long time is also tiresome and can affect our mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
If you already have a desk job and, afterwards, you’ll spend time on your online M.S. in Computer Science, you should make sure to limit your time online and take plenty of breaks. And let’s not even mention all the hours spent using your smartphone!
It’s easier to miss deadlines
With great power (or flexibility, in this case) comes great responsibility. Sure, it sounds awesome to be your own boss, study when you want, and not have to worry about attending classes or commuting.
But online studies do have deadlines, and if you’re not on top of your schedule, you will miss them. Without careful planning, this can quickly turn into a bad habit, and you’ll lose most of the benefits of studying from the comfort of your home.
Nothing compares to the on-campus experience
If you’ve already studied for a Bachelor’s degree, you know what the on-campus experience is all about. It has its fun parts and not-so-fun parts, but all in all, it’s an experience that makes attending university unique.
An online degree means leaving all that behind. Video calls and social media groups can make up for it, at least in part, but they won’t match the real-life face-to-face experiences.
Find an online M.S. in Computer Science
Online M.S. degrees in Computer Science – who are they for?
Most people who enrol in online Master’s degrees in Computer Science already have a Bachelor’s diploma and a full or part-time job; perhaps even other responsibilities, like a family, volunteering or working on a side business.
Online Master’s programmes in Computer Science are ideal for them, thanks to the high levels of flexibility. Some students are early birds, others are night owls. If you study from home, it doesn’t matter. You can always choose the best times to watch a class or work on a project.
You can also choose an online degree to save some money. Combine studying from home with low tuition fees and a well-thought money-saving plan, and you can raise a small fortune over a period of 2 or 3 years; fortune that you can invest in something that’s meaningful to you.