Master of Computer Science Online (MCS)

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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! 
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This program is also available on campus

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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.

 

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.                                                                                                                                                                                        

Program Requirements

The online Master of Computer Science degree requires the completion of 30 graduate credit hours. The distribution of credits is as follows:

Foundation (6 Credits)

  • MCS Students may take up to 2 courses of foundation as follows, based on their individual preparation. Our foundation component acts as a bridge for students with less preparation to learn core concepts needed in subsequent classes. Students with significant preparation in these areas-through undergraduate classes, graduate classes, or professional experience- can take electives instead.
    • CS 5007. Introduction to Applications of Computer Science with Data Structures and Algorithms
    • CS 5008. Introduction to Systems and Network Programming

Design Core (12 Credits)

  • MCS Students are required to complete 4 courses focused on Design to demonstrate mastery of a broad range of design issues in Computer Science and gain essential software developer skills.
    • CS 5084. Introduction to Algorithms: Design and Analysis
    • CS 509. Design of Software Systems
    • CS 542. Database Management Systems
    • CS 528. or CS546. +

Elective Courses (9 Credits)

  • MCS Students can take 9 additional graduate credits in electives, of which 6 of those credits at most can be from outside the CS department.

Capstone Experience (3 Credits)

  • MCS Students must complete a Capstone Project Experience as follows:
    • CS 588. Computer Science Capstone Experience

View academic term start dates for online courses.

Courses

All courses listed below are 3 credits each.

CS 5007. Introduction to Applications of Computer Science with Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 5008. Introduction to Systems and Network Programming
CS 5084. Introduction to Algorithms: Design and Analysis 
CS 509. Design of Software Systems 
CS 513. Computer Networks 
CS 528. Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
CS 534. Artificial Intelligence 
CS 539. Machine Learning
CS 542. Database Management Systems
CS 543. Computer Graphics 
CS 546. Human Computer Interaction
CS 548. Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining 
CS 549. Computer Vision 
CS 571. Case Studies in Computer Security
CS 573. Data Visualization 
CS 577. Advanced Computer and Communications Networks 
CS 585. Big Data Management
CS 586. Big Data Analytics
CS 588. Computer Science Capstone Experience

To find the next offering of online Computer Science courses, visit the Registrar’s site.

To view a course description, visit the Graduate Catalog.

Subject to change based on availability.  

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.

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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

George Heineman
George Heineman
Associate Professor, Computer Science

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.

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Are You Ready for the Next Step in Your Computer Science Career? 

Whether you’re looking for a flexible program or an opportunity for rigorous research, WPI’s computer science department has myriad programs to fit your needs. The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) degree program will advance your skills through work in the classroom and in WPI’s cutting-edge labs. You may target your academics toward what interests you—including areas such as artificial intelligence, data mining, learning sciences, game development, mobile computing, and security. 

Are you specifically interested in interpreting data for patterns and learning how to use that information to help organizations? The data science field is growing quickly and a Master's in Data Science might be your next step. 

If you are looking for a PhD in Computer Science, our program offers opportunities to push the boundaries of research. You’ll be able to explore the possibilities in specialties including robotics, image science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and computer security. 

And if you’re already a working professional but don’t have the time for an advanced degree program just yet, look into WPI’s computer science graduate certificate to boost your skills in a manageable program. 

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