How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's in Computer Science?

If you’re considering a master’s degree in computer science, you probably want to know how long it would take to earn. With far fewer credits to graduation than a bachelor’s degree, you have some options that’ll impact just how quickly you move through the program.

How Many Years Does a Master’s in Computer Science Take? 

The exact answer depends on your course load, schedule and program requirements, but it’s possible to earn your master’s in computer science in just over a year. This is particularly true for programs with a total of 30 required credits.

To give you an idea of the variables impacting your time to graduation, here are four scenarios specific to the new Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

You Have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science

As a full-time graduate student with a background in computer science, you could complete the program in five online terms or three semesters on campus:

• Online students can take two 10-week courses at a time, with five online graduate terms offered per year.
• Campus students can take three 16-week courses at a time, with three campus graduate terms offered per year.

You’re a Part-time Student

You may find that a part-time course load better fits your life if you’re navigating your career or other responsibilities. Part-time online students at SNHU, for instance, take one course per term.

Whether your part-time status is just for one term or the entire program, the time it takes to finish a degree increases. You may find that, at a part-time pace, you can complete your degree in about two years — and that the time commitment day-to-day is less, offering you more flexibility.

You’re New to the Field or Want a Refresher

For career changers and anyone coming to the program from a different background, you may need to take up to four foundation courses.

These foundation courses, which help you build skills needed in computer science, could add two more online terms or one more campus semester to your timeline.

You’re Currently Earning a Bachelor’s in Computer Science

If you’re enrolled in a bachelor’s in computer science program, you may be able to work with your academic advisor to see if you're eligible to jumpstart your master's degree.

At SNHU, you may be able to take up to four graduate computer science courses as an undergraduate student, allowing you to finish your master’s degree a little faster.

With so many considerations, how long it takes to finish the degree is personal.

“Advisors at SNHU will work with students closely to find the best pathway for each student,” said Dr. Bo Kim, a professor and department chair of computer science within SNHU’s School of Engineering, Technology and Aeronautics (SETA) on campus.

Is It Hard to Get a Master’s in Computer Science?

In general, computer science degree programs can feel rigorous and challenging at times, according to Kim, who has both a master’s and doctorate in the field. She also has two decades of teaching experience and a background as a systems architect.

Any challenges you might face in a computer science program will be realistic to what you might encounter in a computer science career. “By embracing the challenges, students ultimately emerge as well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in the fast-paced, ever-changing field of computer science,” Kim said.

Navigating tricky courses and assignments can help you push your intellectual limits, according to Kim, allowing you to grow your critical thinking skills and abilities to innovate. 

It’s important to note that while you may face obstacles during the learning process, there’s no reason to navigate them alone. Whether you’re a traditional campus student or taking courses online, you can reach out to your instructor and other colleagues in the classroom, according to Dr. Gary Savard, a senior associate dean of STEM programs at SNHU with a three-decade career in software engineering and architecture.

“If you persist and believe in yourself, you can do it,” Savard said. “You don't have to be a prodigy to be a computer scientist. You just have to be a hard worker and believe in yourself.”

In addition to leveraging the people and resources within your course, some schools offer free tutoring services you can access when needed.

Anyone new to the computer science field — or who could use a refresher — should not be deterred by the rigor of the programs. Foundation courses are offered at some schools, including SNHU. According to Savard, they are designed to cover the following topics:

• Introduction to programming
• Object-oriented programming
• Discrete structures
• Data structures and algorithms

These foundations can position you for success in a graduate program such as SNHU’s, which Savard said has been designed with the help of industry partners.

Whether you take these courses or dive right into the core courses, hard work and determination can help you navigate the program’s real-world challenges.

“Ideal candidates for the master's program are those with motivation and an interest in the field (and) independent learners with a problem-solving mindset, regardless of their background,” Kim said.

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 from 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.