Earn an Online M.S. in Computer Science

#19 Best Online Graduate Information Technology Program1

Why Earn an M.S. in Computer Science From Syracuse University?

As today’s technology continues to evolve, skilled computer science professionals are needed across industries to solve complex computational challenges. Syracuse University offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science that prepares students to address these challenges by developing groundbreaking solutions in the forefront of the field.

The projected growth rate for computer and information technology positions is 12 percent from 2018–2028, which would add over 540,000 new jobs.2 Our online program prepares graduates to bridge the skills gap and pursue rewarding careers—no matter where they live.

Syracuse Students: Experience and Backgrounds

52%
Students with 0–4 years of programming experience
21%
Students with 5–9 years of programming experience
27%
Students with 10-plus years of programming experience
20–60
Age range of students

The self-reported information above reflects enrolled students as of October 2019. To learn more about the student body, view our class profile data.

Faculty at the Forefront

Syracuse faculty are actively engaged in research that creates solutions to global problems. Not only are they dedicated to using their expertise and unique skill sets to develop real-world innovations for emerging systems, but they also develop the M.S. in Computer Science online curriculum and teach the courses through our engaging, interactive platform.

Faculty Expertise: Dr. Qinru Qiu

Dr. Qiu is currently researching various areas in green computing, including runtime power, thermal management of computer systems, and energy harvesting real-time embedded systems. Her goal is to provide machine intelligence to today’s computing platforms to achieve autonomous resource management with energy and thermal awareness.

Discover Syracuse University

Learn more about our commitment to addressing technical challenges through student success.

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A Challenging Curriculum and Rewarding Online Experience

The online master’s degree in computer science program uses an immersive online platform with live, weekly classes to ensure students gain a thorough understanding and top-tier skill set needed to power tomorrow’s most crucial technologies.

The curriculum is rigorous, but the classroom experience and pacing are flexible. Students are able to continue working full time while remaining important members of the Syracuse community.


Complete in as few as 15 months

Live, online classes with face-to-face interaction

Four cohort start dates annually

In-person immersion opportunities

Curriculum

Core courses include:

  • Structured Programming and Formal Methods
  • Advanced Computer Architecture
  • Design and Analysis of Algorithms
  • Principles of Operating Systems

Elective options include:

  • Machine Learning
  • Software Modeling
  • Object Oriented Design

The computer science curriculum is designed to prepare students to question, analyze, and create solutions for today’s computer science challenges.

The program focuses on the following learning objectives to ensure students graduate prepared to drive developments in the field:

  • Ability to incorporate emerging technologies into new system designs
  • Development of expertise in areas such as security and assurance, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, and advanced programming
  • Mastery of analytical, critical thinking, and mathematical skills necessary to take on advanced challenges

"I realized that every time I got excited at work, it was because of something made possible by the software behind it. I knew I wanted to work on software teams and pursue a graduate degree in that field."

Student Spotlight: Tess Thoresen

Class of 2019

Pursue a Fulfilling Career in Computer Science

Learn more about how you can meet industry needs with an online master’s in computer science from Syracuse.

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Admissions Prerequisites and Deadlines

Syracuse is seeking students who are passionate about computer systems and determined to shape tomorrow’s technology. The most successful applicants typically have a strong background in computing disciplines, computer organization, and operating system design. Common backgrounds of our students include:

  • a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution, with an average GPA of 3.0 or better; and
  • demonstrated core competencies in discrete mathematics, calculus, data structures, programming (C and C++), and computer organization.

Admissions Deadlines

Syracuse offers four start dates annually in January, April, July, and October.

Upcoming Deadlines
Classes Start Application Deadline
July 2021 May 13, 2021
October 2021 August 12, 2021

"I wanted to learn more about building and supporting highly available software to enrich the minds of students in the technical workforce. I chose Syracuse University to get me there."

Student Spotlight: Myron Darryl Amparo

Expected graduation: December 2020

Enter an Evolving Field

Gain the technical expertise you need to solve complex computational challenges.

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Join an Alumni Network with Valuable Outcomes

Computer science students join an active community of Syracuse students, faculty, and alumni who share their drive to create a more connected, secure world. In addition to flexible, online coursework, students also have offline and in-person options to enhance their time in the program.

On-Campus Immersions

Meet your peers and professors in person on the beautiful Syracuse campus in Central New York.

Dedicated Student Services

A knowledgeable team assists you in planning and achieving your professional goals.

Career Services

Work with an expert on resume and cover letter review, salary negotiation strategies and mock interview opportunities.

LinkedIn Premium Career

Access additional career resources and network with industry professionals in your field.

Standout Salaries

Graduates with degrees in computer science often earn higher-than-average salaries in a variety of fulfilling careers. Here are just a few examples:

  • Computer and Information Research Scientist: $118,370 average salary3
  • Computer Hardware Engineers: $114,600 average salary4
  • Computer and Information Systems Manager: $142,530 average salary5
  • Software Developer: $105,590 average salary6

Take the first step toward advanced career success.

Complete the form below to receive more information about the online M.S. in Computer Science.

1 U.S. News & World Report, 2020 Best Online Graduate Information Technology Programs (Retrieved July 2020) Return to footnote reference
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology Occupations (Retrieved July 2020) Return to footnote reference
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Research Scientists (Retrieved July 2020) Return to footnote reference
4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer Hardware Engineers (Retrieved July 2020) Return to footnote reference
5 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Systems Managers (Retrieved July 2020) Return to footnote reference
6 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Software Developers (Retrieved July 2020) Return to footnote reference