Online Masters in Computer Science for Non CS Majors

Tradionally, Masters in Computer Science degree could only be pursued by students who have done their Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field. But due to increased demand for skilled workforce in the Computer Science domain and the excellent career prospects, many students from different backgrounds are taking up the Masters in Computer Science program. Securing admission into the Masters in Computer Science for non CS majors generally involves the applicants taking up the pre-requisite courses and earning the necessary credit hours. The pre-requisite courses of study include calculus, Object-oriented programming concepts, Data Structures, etc. The pre-requirements for the Masters in Computer Science for non CS majors vary according to the course curriculum and duration. This program is apt for those students who are entirely new to the field, and those looking for a career change.

The following are the universities offering Masters in Computer Science for non CS majors in USA.

Universities Offering Masters In Computer Science For Non CS Majors In USA

1. Wright State University Dayton, Ohio – Master of Science in Computer Science : The Masters in Computer Science for non CS majors in this university is very flexible. Those students who are from non CS background is required to take an exam upon enrollment, OR, take a preparatory course consisting of 6 credit hours.
2. Gannon University Erie, Pennsylvania – Master of Science in Computer and Information Science : It is a private catholic university offering the Masters in Computer Science without Bachelors degree in Computer Science.
3. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Master of Science in Computer Information Sciences.
4. University of Massachusetts Lowell, Massachusetts – MS in Computer Science – Entrepreneurship option
5. Bradley University Peoria, Illinois – Master of Science in Computer Science
6. Lawrence Technological University Southfield, Michigan – Master of Science in Computer Science.
7. California State University Fresno, California – Master of Science in Computer Science : This is one of the best public universities offering Masters in Computer Science for non CS majors in USA.
8. National University San Diego, California – Master of Science in Computer Science :It is San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university offering Masters in Computer Science in USA. Foundation courses are required for those from the non CS background to get admitted to the program.
9. Missouri State University Springfield, Missouri – Master of Science in Computer Science : Students without Bachelors in CS must complete undergraduate courses prior to registration in graduate courses.
10. Montana State University Bozeman, Montana – Masters in Computer Science : It is one of the best private universities offering the Masters in Computer Science in USA. The students from non CS background need to take some provisional courses in order to get admitted to the program.
11. University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas – Masters in Computer Science : The students from non CS background are required to take some undergraduate coursework prior to admission.
12. West Virginia University Morgantown, West Virginia – Masters in Computer Science : Provisionally admitted students from non CS background should attend remedial coursework in the first year of study.
13. Monroe College Bronx, New York – Masters in Computer Science : This university provides the most affordable Masters in Computer Science in USA. Foundation courses are required for those from the non CS background to get admitted to the program.
14. Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, Missouri – MS in Applied Computer Science : The students from non CS program should have a pre-requisite knowledge in Data structure. The rest of the requirements can be satisfied by doing an undergraduate coursework prior to admission.
15. SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica, New York – MS in Computer and Information Science : Students without Bachelors in CS should attend some bridge courses as required.
16. Texas A & M University Corpus Christi, Texas – MS in Computer Science : The MS in Computer Science in this university is offered via a thesis option or a course only option.
17. Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado – MS in Computer Science : The Masters in Computer Science program is offered either oncampus or online.
18. Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana – MS in Computer Science : It is one of the best universities offering the Masters in Computer Science in USA.
19. Purdue University Northwest, Indiana – MS in Computer Science : It is one of the best universities offering the Masters in Computer Science in USA.
20. University of Nevada Reno, Nevada – MS in Computer Science : Only those extraordinary students from non CS background will be admitted to the program.
21. University of South Florida Tampa, Florida – MS in Computer Science : The Masters in Computer Science in this university is offered in thesis and non-thesis option.
22. Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, Florida – MS in Computer Science : Students from non CS background are expected to take additional courses.
23. New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, New Jersey – MS in Computer Science : It is one of the best universities offering the Masters in Computer Science in USA. The students from non CS background are required to take required bridge courses.
24. New York Institute of Technology New York City, New York – MS in Computer Science : The students from non CS background are required to take some required courses from the list of wavable and pre-requisite courses.
25. University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida – MS in Computer Science : The students from non CS background are required to have a deeper understanding on the list of undergraduate courses such as Operating System, Computer Architecture, etc.
26. University of Colorado Denver, Colorado – MS in Computer Science : The students from non CS background are required to take some foundation courses and earn a minimum of B grade in the first year of study.
27. University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois – MS in Computer Science : Outstanding students from non CS background with substantial coursework in CS will be considered for admission.
28. University of New Hampshire Durham, New Hampshire – MS in Computer Science : The students from non CS background are required to take an undergraduate coursework as specified.
29. University of Vermont Burlington, Vermont – MS in Computer Science : Provisionally admitted students from non CS background should attend remedial coursework in the first year of study.
30. Drexel University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – MS in Computer Science : The students from non CS background are required to take a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science
31. American University Washington D.C – MS in Computer Science : It is one of the best universities offering the Masters in Computer Science in USA.
32. Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas – MS in Computer Science : This university offers the nationally ranked Masters in Computer Science in USA. The students from non CS background should attend a remedial coursework after attending a mock test.
33. California State University Channel Islands, California – MS in Computer Science : Students from non CS background need to do some foundation courses in Computer Science or Mathematics as prescribed by the university.
34. California State University Dominguez Hills, California – MS in Computer Science : Students from non CS background should take a levelling course prior to admission.
35. City University of Seattle Seattle, Washington – MS in Computer Science : The students from non CS background are required to take some bridge courses.
36. College of Charleston Charleston, South Carolina – MS in Computer Science : Students from non CS background should attend the pre-requisite courses and earn a minimum grade of ‘B’.
37. DePaul University Chicago, Illinois – MS in Computer Science : This university offers the nationally ranked Masters in Computer Science in USA.
38. Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia – MS in Computer Science : Foundation courses are required for those students from non CS background.
39. International Technological University San Jose, California – MS in Computer Science.
40. Lewis University Romeoville, Illinois – MS in Computer Science : Foundation courses of atleast 13 credit hours are required for those students from non CS background.
41. Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design Lakewood, Colorado – MS in Computer Science
42. Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Missouri – MS in Computer Science
43. The State University of New York New Paltz, New York – MS in Computer Science.
44. The State University of New York Albany, New York – MS in Computer Science : This university offers the nationally ranked Masters in Computer Science in USA. Students from non CS background are required to take some undergraduate courseworks in the first year of study.
45. Troy University Troy, Alabama – MS in Computer Science : Students from non CS background are required to take necessary pre-requisite courses.
46. University of Alabama Birmingham, Alabama – MS in Computer Science : The students from non CS background are required to take the pre-requisite courses in Computer Science and Calculus.
47. University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) St. Louis, Missouri – MS in Computer Science : It is one of the best universities offering the Masters in Computer Science in USA. The highly talented students from non CS background are required to take some pre-requisite courses.
48. University of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma – MS in Computer Science : Students from non CS background are required to take some pre-requisite courses as prescribed by the university.
49. University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah – MS in Computer Science : This university offers the nationally ranked Masters in Computer Science in USA. Students from non CS background are required to take some pre-requisite courses.
50. Midwestern State University Wichita Falls, Texas – MS in Computer Science – Software Development : Students from non CS background are required to take undergraduate preparatory courses.
51. Long Island University Brooklyn, New York – MS in Computer Science (Blended) : This university offers the Masters in Computer Science in hybrid format. Students from non CS background are required to pass the competency waiver exam or completing two preparation courses

Pre-Requisites For Masters In Computer Science For Non CS Majors

• GRE score
• Attend the foundation course and earn required credits
• An average GPA of 3
• Work experience in the related field (if required)

4 Steps to Earning a Master’s in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors

1. Determine how a master’s in computer science aligns with your career aspirations.

People interested in Northeastern’s Align Master of Science in Computer Science (MS in CS) program come from a variety of backgrounds, according to Hescott. One worked in media and illustration, for example, but was interested in pursuing a master’s degree to “see under the hood” of the programs he uses and learn how to code—a skill he wanted to integrate into his work, Hescott says.

Another student studied English as an undergraduate. She was always interested in computer science, but didn’t see herself pursuing a career in technology at the time.

Fortunately, the Align program is specifically designed for students like these, offering a direct path to a master of science degree for individuals who have no prior programming experience.

Hescott has also spoken with potential students who have degrees in mathematics and are working as a statistician or in finance. They use algorithms to predict behaviors and could see how a degree in computer science would enhance their everyday work.

“More and more people are finding that computer science is pervasive in their everyday lives and they’re feeling a connection to it either personally or in their daily work,” Hescott says.

Whether you are pursuing a master’s in computer science to change careers, or you plan to use the degree to become more marketable in your current career, understanding your end-goal is an important first step in deciding which program you choose.

2. Choose the right program.

Enrolling in graduate school—whether it’s full- or part-time—is a big commitment, Hescott says. Some students decide to quit their job to pursue a master’s in computer science full-time, while others enroll as a part-time student.

“A grad program is challenging and can be done part-time, but more than 50 percent of students at Northeastern decide to quit their job and go full-time,” Hescott says. “You need to ask yourself where you are with the commitment and find a program that supports that. Here at Northeastern, it’s easy to put a toe in the water because you can try it part-time before you make a full commitment.”

Finding a program that works with your schedule and abilities is critical. Northeastern’s Align program, for example, is designed for non-majors.

“There’s a difference when you’re sitting in an intro to programming class with adults instead of the general undergrad population with students of differing abilities,” Hescott says. “Being in a classroom that’s designed for adults who generally have no experience in computer science makes for a smoother transition.”

Additionally, seek out a program that aligns with your end-goal. For many pursuing a graduate degree, that means a new job. Look for programs with a strong career services office that will help you with your search.

Northeastern’s co-op program integrates academics with a semester of full-time employment in positions related to your field of study. This opportunity provides hands-on, real-world paid experience, which is especially key for students who don’t have prior work experience in computer science.

“This is a huge differentiator for all our students,” Hescott adds.

3. Apply.

Once you’ve found a program that suits your needs and goals, it’s time to apply. Pay special attention to the essay, Hescott says, which sets you apart from other applicants.

“When you’re a returning student and haven’t been in the college environment, the personal essay is really important,” he says. “I want to see your enthusiasm and dedication to the program.”

In your essay, address why you want to be a part of the program and why you want to pursue a degree in computer science; tell a compelling story, Hescott advises. If you don’t have experience in computer science, use this as an opportunity to explain why you’re interested in earning the degree.

“It could be, ‘I’m an English major, but I’m interested in computer science because I find solving problems interesting,’” Hescott says. “Then explain why. That’s a really compelling story you can tell.”

Another key to the application process is your undergraduate transcript. Admissions wants to see that you’re a serious student, which your transcript can indicate, regardless of whether you’ve studied computer science in the past.

“If you looked at my transcript from college, you’d see someone who struggled to adapt to college,” Hescott says. “I came from a small town and went to a big school; I wasn’t prepared for that. But you’d see improvement in my transcript from freshman year to senior year, and that’s important.”

Hescott says you shouldn’t necessarily be worried about a bad grade or two. If you are, however, look for other stories to tell in your personal essay. This might include an example of something you did in your job—a particularly difficult problem you persevered through and helped solve.

“If you took a class here and there part-time after graduating, that would show that you’re an independent learner, a serious student, and someone who’s on the move,” Hescott adds. “Don’t assume that one bad grade will indicate that you aren’t serious or dedicated.”

Letters of recommendation are equally as important to shed light on you as a student and professional. As a returning student, it’s common for many to be from your employers, but aim to receive at least one from a former faculty member who can attest to your dedication and drive in the classroom.

4. Make it happen.

Once you’ve been accepted into a program, it’s time to put in the work. The first step in your graduate school journey is to mentally prepare yourself for what it takes to achieve a graduate degree in computer science, Hescott says.

“One of the biggest wakeup calls for new grad students is finding the time to do homework,” he adds. For part-time students, especially, this can be challenging: You’re keeping a full-time job and need to find time for homework and studying, plus any other personal obligations you already have.

Part-time students in the computer science program can expect around 10 hours of homework per week, while full-time students can expect around double that, Hescott says. Not all of those hours are spent on assignments, however; built into that is time for reflection.

“This may be at the gym or on the train, for example—time to think about what’s really happening in class, and how it informs you and your future career,” Hescott says. “That’s the good thing about the computer science program: It’s very hands-on, very skills-based. When you’re taking a database class, you’re actually building databases.”

While time management is an essential skill for success, it’s important not to get lost in the coursework, Hescott says. Be open to a wide range of core classes and opportunities for specialization. You might find that you’re really interested in machine learning and artificial intelligence, when those areas originally might not have been on your radar.

“There’s a lot of different areas within computer science and, as you’re exposed to them, you should be open to them as areas to specialize in,” he says.

Finally, understand that this journey is a marathon and not a sprint: Be careful not to take too much on inside or outside the classroom to avoid burnout. “Take this class-by-class, day-by-day,” Hescott advises.