Can You Get A Masters In Computer Science Without A Bachelor

Last Updated on December 15, 2022 by Omoyeni Adeniyi

Computer science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation, as well as practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems. It is considered a branch of mathematics, although it is closely related to engineering, electronics, linguistics, neuroscience and cognitive sciences. Computer scientists can be specialists in many different fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, software engineering, programming languages and operating systems. In this article we will give answers to Can You Get A Masters In Computer Science Without A Bachelor, masters in computer science prerequisites, How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree in Computer Science, Computer Science Master’s Curriculum & Courses and Computer Science Careers & Salaries.

At the master’s level, students can learn about topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other types of advanced programming languages. MCS programs often focus on one specific area of interest or specialization, such as data analytics or security. Students who graduate with a master’s degree in computer science may have greater career opportunities than those who only have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, students who earn a master’s degree in computer science may be able to pursue doctoral programs at universities around the world. Read on to know more on Can You Get A Masters In Computer Science Without A Bachelor, masters in computer science prerequisites, How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree in Computer Science, Computer Science Master’s Curriculum & Courses and Computer Science Careers & Salaries.

The Masters Program in Computer Science is designed to provide students with the necessary skills needed to become a successful professional in their field. The program provides students with an opportunity to explore various topics related to computer science such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics.

Students enrolled in this program also learn how to apply their knowledge through various hands-on projects that are designed by our experienced faculty members. In addition, students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as laboratories and libraries that provide them with additional resources for research purposes.

Can You Get A Masters In Computer Science Without A Bachelor

We begin with Can You Get A Masters In Computer Science Without A Bachelor, then, masters in computer science prerequisites, How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree in Computer Science, Computer Science Master’s Curriculum & Courses and Computer Science Careers & Salaries.

Yes, you can! And it’s not as difficult as you might think.

A master’s degree in computer science is one of the most common degrees for people who are interested in pursuing a career in technology. But many people don’t know that it is possible to get your master’s without first having a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

In fact, some schools will even offer a dual-degree program where you can earn both your bachelor’s and master’s at the same time! This means that if you’re looking to change careers or just get ahead on your education, this may be the route for you.

masters in computer science without cS undergrad online

Don’t let your lack of exposure to computer science hold you back from obtaining a master’s degree. Although some schools do require an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field (or documented work experience), many programs will consider applicants who may not have any formal exposure to computer science.

Should you go back to school for a second undergraduate degree in computer science?

If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than computer science and are thinking of transitioning into the field, you may also be considering going back to school to get a second undergraduate degree in computer science. Although this is certainly possible, it actually makes more sense to pursue a master’s degree rather than work on obtaining a second bachelors.

According to the Department of Computer Science and Northern Illinois University, “Even if you have no background in computer science, earning a master’s degree (as opposed to a second undergraduate degree) will prepare you for jobs that are often more interesting, command higher salaries, and usually offer a better career advancement path. Time and cost are comparable to a second undergraduate degree.”

CS Bridge Programs

To prepare non-CS students for the computational rigor of a graduate-level computer science program, many schools offer bridge programs and/or preparatory courses that emphasize and reinforce the foundational knowledge and competencies necessary to succeed.

For example, our partner Syracuse University offers six additional credits of preparatory coursework for students admitted into the program who do not have prior academic and/or work experience in such areas as programming, discrete math, operating systems, and computer architecture.

You can pursue a masters in computer science with unrelated bachelor’s degrees, but you’re still going to need some prerequisite knowledge in subjects such as math, computer science, and programming.

Luckily, most computer science masters for non majors are designed to help aspiring graduates bridge these gaps.

• CS programs: Some schools equip non CS majors for success by offering post-baccalaureate CS programs.
• Foundational courses: Embedding foundational or prerequisite courses for non CS majors into the masters degree program is another way some schools are supporting applicants with unrelated majors.
• Bridge programs: Other schools offer stand-alone “bridge programs” designed to help non CS majors get their footing.

If you’re excited about the computer science field but need to bridge some learning gaps, these program options are designed to help you move forward.

masters in computer science prerequisites

Next, we review masters in computer science prerequisites, How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree in Computer Science, Computer Science Master’s Curriculum & Courses and Computer Science Careers & Salaries.

Recent advances in technology have created unprecedented opportunities for innovation, experimentation, and employment in the field of computer science, making it a more exciting time than ever for those looking to work in the field.

“Computer science is the future,” says Ian Gorton, PhD and director of the computer science programs at Northeastern University—Seattle. “There are an enormous amount of challenging and exciting problems that people can work on, [which makes] the field invariably interesting.”

This fulfilling career path offers more than just a series of constant challenges and opportunities, however. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that roles in this sector will grow by 13 percent through 2030, a rate that is much faster than that of the average for all careers. This accelerated growth will also bring with it an estimated 531,200 new jobs in the field for those with the proper computer science training.

The growth in this exciting field has also prompted many professionals to consider a career change. They are seeking to land these coveted roles and successfully carve a path for themselves by pursuing master’s degrees in computer science.

When looking at what this master’s degree has to offer, there is little question as to why.

Is a master’s in computer science worth it?

Pursuing a master’s in computer science is a strategic career move for aspiring professionals at any stage in their career. Top programs like Northeastern’s are designed to provide the practical training, hands-on experiences, and real-world exposure needed to excel in a variety of computer science roles.

Did You Know: Students in Northeastern’s Master of Science in Computer Science program learn from a faculty made up of industry-leading professionals. As such, they are better prepared to stay abreast of evolving trends, master advances in technology as they occur, and tackle the challenges facing the industry upon graduation.

“About half the courses in Seattle are taught by people who, in the day, work at Amazon, Google, or Microsoft,” Gorton says. “These folks are incredibly knowledgeable…[and] they bring students not only the insight they need for the course but also the business context that they know about from their day to-day-jobs, which can really add value to the courses.” 

Alongside the opportunity for holistic training, there are many career benefits that make a master’s in computer science worth the investment. Some of the most impactful include:

• Increased Earning Potential: On average, professionals with a graduate degree earn 28 percent more in their lifetime than those with only a bachelor’s degree. In the computer science field, specifically, this percentage can be even greater. For instance, a generalist computer scientist with a bachelor’s degree makes roughly $91,000 per year compared to $105,000 per year earned by those with a master’s degree—a difference of $14,000 annually.
• A Competitive Edge: 33 percent of organizations across industries are raising their degree requirements when it comes to hiring, opting for candidates with a master’s degree over those with just a bachelor’s. This is especially true in technology-based careers like computer science, where roles require advanced and current training.
• Access to Unique Career Opportunities: Northeastern’s master’s in CS program offers students the chance to spend time working in and making connections with top companies across industries. By working full-time within a real-world organization, these students learn about the responsibilities of their desired role from the inside, all while observing how a computer science team functions within a larger organization. As an added benefit, many receive offers for full time employment post-graduation from the organization in which they do their experiential learning.

Despite the benefits of earning a master’s degree in this field, many aspiring computer scientists fear that their current background and experience won’t allow them to gain entry into one of these programs, and don’t pursue a master’s program for that reason. Below we explore the common prerequisites for a computer science master’s programs, as well as examine the alternate path to landing a role in computer science that those who might not meet these specific standards can follow.

prerequisites

Most master’s in computer science programs are designed to prepare students for an advanced role within the computer science field. To accomplish this, the curriculum is structured to build off a student’s existing experience and help fill in any gaps they need in order to excel in this work.

There are a series of prerequisites across most programs required to ensure all students are starting from the same level of understanding. Some of the most common include:

• Programming and coding
• Writing code in a high-level programming language such as Python or Java
• Developing and managing data structures
• Calculus and discrete mathematics

Interested students should also consider taking courses such as Software Engineering, Introduction to Programming, Compilers, Database Management, Object-Oriented Programming, or Algorithms prior to applying for a master’s degree.

Alongside these more practical skills, there are other more interpersonal qualities aspiring master’s students should hone before embarking on a master’s program.

“You need to be analytical and know how to think problems through,” Gorton offers as one example of these skills. “Solving software problems is unlike anything else because sometimes the right answer isn’t very clear, especially in difficult or complex systems. You need to be able to experiment and to appreciate that chance to really explore a problem.”

Perhaps the most common quality among the master’s in computer science students, however, is a desire to learn constantly. “We really try to teach our students to teach themselves,” Gorton says. “They need to know enough that, in the future, they can step into some crazy work environment, and dive in and be productive.”

Computer Science for Career Changers

Though many computer science programs require their students to have a certain background or experience in the field prior to entry, Northeastern recognizes that sometimes the candidates with the most to offer the future of the CS field may not follow a traditional path or meet specific degree requirements.

This is why Northeastern has developed an alternate option for those interested in pursuing a career in computer science without prior background in the industry: Northeastern’s Align MS in Computer Science  program.

Students in the Align program spend their first year covering the core competencies and honing the skills that are considered prerequisites for the general master’s in computer science program. Then, at the end of that year, the students actually level up to meet the master’s standard, pursuing the same intensive training as those in the general master’s program from that point forward.

What backgrounds can Align students come from?

Students enter the Align program from a variety of backgrounds that often have nothing to do with computer science. While some may have studied in another STEM sector in their undergraduate careers—such as engineering, physics, biology, or mathematics—others may come from data analytics, business, or social science backgrounds. 

Gorton emphasizes that, while these are among the most common areas of study that students derive from, the Align program is open to individuals of any background. In fact, some students may even enter the program from fully established careers in another field, and use this master’s program as an opportunity to transition into a computer science role. 

As such, each cohort of Align students is unique, bringing with them a series of perspectives and experiences that can help shape their paths forward in exciting and unexpected ways.

What topics are covered within the Align program?

The curriculum of the Align program covers all the fundamentals of computer science, as well as the advanced techniques, practices, and competencies explored at the master’s level.

“We assume when you come into Align that you have very little computer science knowledge beyond the basics,” Gorton says, noting that the first semester is designed to provide the necessary groundwork on which all future computer science skills will be built.

The first semester begins with a basic programming course, in which “we teach students how to write relatively straightforward programs in Python, how to solve problems with well-known algorithms, and how to use data structures to organize the data in those problems,” Gorton says. Alongside this course, students will also take discrete mathematics, in which they will develop a “toolkit of mathematical skills that they’ll need in their careers, including everything from simple algebra, to logic and set theory.” 

In the second semester, students build off this foundation with an advanced programming course focusing on Java. At this stage, they also “learn how to design more complex systems using more modern, contemporary design techniques.”

After this intensive first year, students are able to advance past the basics to standard master’s-level training, covering topics from data structures and algorithms to computer systems and discrete structures.

It is at this stage that students in both the master’s and Align programs can also specialize in a niche area of computer science. At Northeastern, these formal concentrations include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer-Human Interface
• Data Science
• Game Design
• Graphics
• Information Security
• Networks
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering
• Systems
• Theory

How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree in Computer Science

Now, we find out How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree in Computer Science, Computer Science Master’s Curriculum & Courses and Computer Science Careers & Salaries.

A master’s degree in computer science typically takes anywhere from two to three years.

Earning a degree in computer science takes significant time and effort, but students have many options when it comes to structuring their degree programs. Many choose to complete their degree by studying part-time. “You really want to commit to it,” Barry says. “It’s a lot of weekly and daily practice because you’re learning a new skill.”  

Unlike some degree programs, there is no difference between the full- and part-time programs at Northeastern, Barry says. Many students, particularly those who do not currently work in tech, choose to study part-time and transition to a full-time schedule before they take on their first co-op. This versatility allows students to balance their jobs, families, and other responsibilities while earning their degrees and advancing their careers. 

In their commitment to flexibility, Northeastern offers its Align and direct-entry master’s programs at multiple campuses across the U.S., each with its own unique mix of student groups, co-op and internship opportunities, and networking possibilities. This allows more students to pursue their degrees without having to uproot their existing lives with a move. 

“There’s a lot of momentum around networking with employers, doing personal projects, and connecting with each other,” Barry says of the campus communities. “There are opportunities to be a leader and connect with your peers.” 

From an academic standpoint, students can generally expect the same experience no matter where they study. Each campus features top-tier faculty who are experts in their fields with years of industry experience that informs their teaching. Students who are particularly interested in research, however, may want to consider studying at Northeastern’s flagship campus in Boston. As the longest-operating campus in Northeastern’s network, Boston offers extensive research opportunities for students to explore. 

Computer Science Master’s Curriculum & Courses

If you find your way into a computer science masters program, the list below may help you anticipate what advanced computer science studies can look like.

• Overview of Computational Theory: You’ll get an overview of fundamental computer designs and principles as a framework for more concentrated studies and future research possibilities.
• Systems and Network Architectures: You’ll get training in integrated IOT systems and data and communications networks as a foundation for engineering design innovations, cybersecurity applications, and IT management leadership.
• Database Design and Management: You’ll learn about database technologies, features of relational database designs, information security, and machine-learning applications of data management systems.
• Computer Programming: This course gives you advanced knowledge of the most important programming languages and applications as well as an understanding of mathematical and algorithmic analysis for software tools.
• Software Engineering: You’ll learn about software requirements and specifications and about processes for creating new software tools and applications.
• Cybersecurity Methods and Engineering: You’ll get in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity tools and challenges with a focus on related computer and software engineering methods.
• Research Methods: You’ll explore advanced research methods and principles to apply in various applications, depending on course concentration, including engineering research, information science research, and artificial intelligence.
• Mobile Communications: This course covers information system applications in the context of real-time operating systems, wireless networking systems, and emerging 5G challenges and opportunities.
• Artificial Intelligence: You’ll learn advanced software designs and functions for mass data retrieval and automated, data-driven applications.
• Advanced IT Analysis: This course covers core analytical methods for a range of networked communication and information storage systems that support comprehensive IT system design and management.

Courses will vary by school and program, but you may likely find that even programs that support non CS majors will require extensive technical, analytical, and mathematical skills and aptitudes.

Computer Science Careers & Salaries

An online masters in computer science gives you more than entry-level qualifications for a number of well-paid careers. It may be helpful to think about which career path you want to take so you can choose a program with concentrations that fit your career goals.

Concentrations include computer hardware and engineering, coding, computer languages, and software development. Others include cybersecurity, advanced theoretical research in computer science and machine learning, cloud technology, data storage, and robotics.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job candidates with master’s degrees in computer science should have exceptional qualifications for a range of well-paid positions in computer technology, IT management and research, and software development roles.

Since computers are used across industry sectors, you may find computer-related jobs in diverse work settings. These waves of innovation and the ubiquitous nature of digital connectivity across mobile platforms, media, communications, and transportation systems means you may find abounding opportunities.

The above list of computer science jobs shows just how much demand there is for qualified employees across a range of roles. This masters degree may qualify you to be among today’s most qualified candidates for any number of exciting jobs emerging in the wake of digital innovations and disruptions.

In conclusion, the answer remains that getting a Master’s degree in computer science requires having a college degree in some other field. That may change in the future, and there are many schools that are working to open up the admissions process even further. Either way, it’s clear that the field of computer science is constantly evolving and improving, and much of this change is being fueled by the people who have had their horizons broadened by a Master’s degree in computer science.