What Do the Best Computer Science Master's Degrees Look Like?

Grad school is an investment, so it’s understandable that you don’t want to enroll in any old program. You want to find the best computer science master’s degree possible for your goals — one that doesn’t just work in your schedule but actually fits into your life.

To do that, research is a critical step.

Which Master’s Degree is Best for Computer Science?

When doing your research, be sure to compare the program's learning outcomes with the skills you’ll need in your computer science (CS) career.

According to Sindhu Chellappa, an IT and analytics instructor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), there are some core areas and skills computer science students need to master. They include:

• Computer systems and algorithms
• Databases and data structures
• Problem-solving
• Software development and programming languages
• Version control

It’s also important to look for a degree that examines modern methods and applications. “A master's in computer science is worth pursuing for deeper expertise in cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning and data science," Chellappa said. A doctoral candidate and member of several societies within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Chellappa has also participated in research projects and conferences in the field.

You can also look for programs with experiential learning opportunities in and out of the classroom. They might include research projects, internships, clubs and hackathons, for example, according to Chelleppa.

In addition to growing your skill set, experiential learning may include a chance to meet others in your program and within the computer science industry.

“One skill I wish I had focused on earlier is networking,” Chellappa said. “Building relationships with peers, mentors and professionals can open countless opportunities.”

Some courses or assignments may actually be set up into team environments focused on collaboration — something Dr. Gary Savard, a senior associate dean of STEM programs at SNHU, said reflects the real world. In addition to nearly 30 years of online teaching experience, Savard has a three-decade career in software engineering and architecture.

What is the Best Specialization for a Master’s in Computer Science?

Some master’s in computer science programs have concentration options that allow you to specialize in a field as jam-packed with knowledge as computer science, according to Savard.

At SNHU, you can choose between software engineering and artificial intelligence concentrations. “The AI and software engineering concentration can help students to strengthen a passion or interest that they have while learning technical skills that can translate to the workforce,” Savard said.

To choose a specialization, consider your interests relating to computer science.

“If the students have a particular passion, a concentration can really help to focus their attention on critical topics on development," Savard said.

Can I Do a Master’s in Computer Science Online?

You sure can. Online master’s in computer science programs are great options for students balancing other responsibilities or prefer asynchronous learning.

Because online degrees often involve great self-discipline and self-motivation, you can pick up additional skills that translate well into the workforce.

Take time management, for instance. This is a skill Chelleppa said she wished she had focused on earlier in her career, as having practiced in it can be helpful when it comes to balancing projects at work.

Another benefit is that you can choose to earn your computer science master’s part-time, particularly if you’re also working full-time. In SNHU's online program, a part-time program is one class per term, whereas full-time students take two courses.

But Are Online CS Degrees Respected?

If you choose to earn your computer science degree online, you may not commute to a college campus — but that doesn't mean you won’t have similar professional and academic opportunities available to you.

SNHU’s online master’s in computer science students are encouraged to participate in a variety of portfolio-building activities. According to Alyssa Laskowski, a career engagement partner at SNHU, online computer science students can:

• Apply for internships
• Compete in hackathon competitions
• Complete short-term projects or job simulation experiences
• Take experiential learning courses
• Volunteer with organizations

What’s important is that you know how to tell your academic story. Just as if you were a career changer making a case for the transferable skills you learned in your previous role, you can highlight your accomplishments as a graduate computer science student — particularly if you’re an entry-level job candidate.

“There are, in fact, a wide variety of options and strategies CS students can utilize to gain experience and demonstrate to future employers you have the experience and skills to be successful in the position you are applying to,” Laskowski said.

Plus, having an advanced degree can signal to employers that you’re serious about understanding the computer science field — or a particular aspect of it.

“Employers may see a graduate degree candidate and determine this person has advanced knowledge, specialized skills and a commitment to advancing in their field,” said Laskowski. “While having a graduate degree in CS might not always be required for roles or opportunities, it still can significantly enhance a candidate's resume, profile or application.”

Which is the Best Online Master’s in Computer Science?

In the end, it’s a personal choice. If you’re a career changer without a background in the field, you’ll need to find a program that offers foundational courses to introduce you to some important concepts. If you’re interested in a specific area of the field, you’ll want to look for a concentration or coursework that lets you explore that area of interest.

But no matter what you’re looking for, the best online computer science master’s will allow you to build industry-based experience as you learn.

“(At SNHU), we will have the theory and all of the underpinnings of a computational computer science program, but we've also worked with our industry partners (and) our advisory board to ensure that our students have a perspective of how to work in industry,” Savard said.

Who you’ll learn from is another good piece of information to get as you research programs. Some of the best will have professionals with direct experience to bring into their instruction. At SNHU, for instance, many of your computer science courses are taught by adjuncts who are also working in the field. Savard said these instructors can be good connections to make.

So, if you’re on a mission to find a master’s in computer science, know that the “best” program can be subjective — but there are certain elements to look for as you consider where to get your degree.

Rebecca LeBoeuf Blanchette '18 '22G is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where she fulfills her love of learning daily through conversations with professionals across a range of fields. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing at SNHU’s campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, and followed her love of storytelling into the online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing at SNHU. Connect with her on LinkedIn.