Earn Your Master’s of Computer Science Online

Admissions to the Online Computer Science Master’s Degree

To qualify for the online master’s in computer science, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in computing or a computing-related field in engineering or natural science, or hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject, but have significant experience in computer science and programming.

Programming experience in at least one of the following computing languages is highly recommended: Java, JavaScript, Python, C++, Objective C, Swift, C#, Kotlin, Clojure, Ruby, Haskell or Scala.

Academic Year 2024

GRE test scores are not required to apply to the M.S. in computer science program.
Learn more and view a detailed list of application requirements on the Admissions page. International applicants are encouraged to visit the International Applicants page for detailed information regarding admissions requirements.

Receive Personalized Admissions Support:
Email us at onlinecs@vanderbilt.edu

What Makes Vanderbilt One of the Most Innovative Universities?

Faculty-Driven Discoveries

School of Engineering faculty are experts in highly relevant and growing fields — many of them actively working on solving complex problems using tools they helped invent — and they share their knowledge directly with students. For example, our faculty are leading the charge in the development of cyber-physical systems and even coined the term for these systems that provide the foundations for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet (II).

An Incubator for Research

You will also have the chance to explore technological problems and research in which Vanderbilt’s faculty is actively engaged. Current initiatives include the Institute for Software Integrated Systems, where researchers are writing the rules of modern security systems, and the Artificial Intelligence team is working to improve access for people with disabilities. As a student, you’ll gain exposure to the latest research and developments that are making an impact in the computer science field.

The Wond'ry

The Wond’ry is a site dedicated to fostering cross-disciplinary innovation at Vanderbilt. Located on campus directly next to the Engineering and Science Building, the space houses studios, workshops and labs where students and faculty from all schools, levels and disciplines can connect to create new technologies and processes that make a difference in people’s lives — on and off campus. The work that happens at the Wond’ry will inform what you learn in your online classes and even research projects that you pursue.

Computer Science Career Paths After Earning Your Master's Degree

The Vanderbilt M.S. in computer science online program’s interdisciplinary curriculum can prepare you for a number of careers in computer science after graduation.

From the Blog: Which Computer Science Career Is Right for Me? 

Part of the value of earning your computer science master's degree online is to discover and increase the career options available to you.

Computer science–related careers and salaries can include the following:^{3, 4}

• $84,280 Computer programmer
• $109,020 Computer network architect
• $142,530 Computer and information systems manager
• $98,350 Information security analyst

More jobs you can pursue after earning your computer science master’s degree include software developer, network security architect, database administrator and computer systems analyst.

If you pursue interdisciplinary studies in the program, you can also employ your skills for solving complex computer science problems outside of traditional technical fields in industries such as consulting, medicine, law and finance.

Read the Blog PostGet More Info

The M.S. in computer science program emphasizes the application of computer science and software engineering concepts while also covering a breadth of technical subject areas. Through interdisciplinary exploration, collaborative work and independent projects, you will gain the tools for solving complex computer science problems.

The program’s emphasis on hands-on learning will equip you with in-demand skills that you can immediately apply to various technology careers.

Receive Personalized Admissions Support:
Email us at onlinecs@vanderbilt.edu

Learn from Expert Faculty in Our Online Master’s in Computer Science

Studying computer science online is just as impactful as in-person. Designed and taught by Vanderbilt’s renowned faculty, the program curriculum reflects their direct experiences creating, solving and securing systems. Because our faculty stay on top of the latest computer science developments, you will too. 

Faculty will also offer guidance if you choose to conduct your own research. As a student, you will be able to explore areas of interest, and Vanderbilt faculty will discuss your ideas and collaborate with you on projects. Like on-campus students, you’ll be able to work directly with an adviser as you conduct research.

¹Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt named No. 1 in Fortune's 2022 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Programs. Accessed July 2022.

²U.S. News & World Report, National University Rankings in 2024. Accessed September 2023.

³U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology Occupations Accessed April 2020.

⁴U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Systems Managers. Accessed April 2020.