Is a Master's Degree in Computer Science Worth It?

Earning a master's in computer science is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the field—or pivot into it. That's because the graduate degree can be useful in both instances: Students already working in the profession can use it to advance, while those interested in beginning a career in computer science—even without a CS undergrad—can gain important knowledge and add a valued credential to their resume.

Explore whether a master's degree in computer science is worth it, what it takes to earn this degree, and what you can do with it after you graduate. Afterward, explore pursuing a flexible, online master's in computer science with an esteemed university partner on Coursera.

Is a master's degree in computer science worth it?

Depending on your educational and career goals, as well as your resources, a master’s degree in computer science can be a worthwhile investment. Let's review some of the key benefits.  

1. Higher salaries

Computer science salaries tend to be higher than other professions. As a group, computer and information technology professionals in the United States earn a median annual wage of $105,990, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [1]. That far exceeds the $49,500 median for all occupations.

Plus, the degree may help you qualify for more advanced roles that command even higher salaries. For instance, being a computer and information research scientist requires a master's degree and the median pay for that job is $140,910 [1]. Overall, master’s degree holders tend to earn more than bachelor’s degree holders: over $300 more per week [2]. 

2. Promising job growth

While some career paths are slowing down, the job growth for computer science professionals is much higher than average. Openings are expected to grow by over 350,000 roles per year from 2023 to 2033, meaning there will be many roles to consider across industries that have become increasingly tech-dependent [1].

3. Advanced subject knowledge

At the master’s level, you’ll be able to specialize in an area of computer science, which is a chance to deepen your knowledge of in-demand fields, such as machine learning, cybersecurity, or game design. Building on your foundational knowledge with niche training and skill development can help you pursue careers in these in-demand fields.

4. Competitive candidacy

With your master’s degree in computer science, you may find that you’re a more competitive job candidate. For example, while 72 percent of software developers hold a bachelor’s, only 20 percent hold a master’s, according to Zippia [3]. Holding a graduate degree may help you stand out.

Companies may not require additional education, but earning a graduate degree shows your commitment to advancing your knowledge and strengthening your abilities. It can also distinguish you from other candidates as someone with more specialized knowledge.

5. Senior roles

Speaking of candidacy, you may qualify for more advanced roles with a master’s degree. Computer science has many in-demand areas, including cybersecurity, machine learning, and data science. Given the specialized knowledge it takes to advance in these areas, you may find that you're better able to pursue promotions or senior roles with your master's degree.

Jobs you can explore with a master's in computer science include:

• Network engineer

• AI developer

• Security architect

• Computer and information research scientist

• Computer systems analyst

• Cybersecurity analyst

• Database administrator

• Information security analyst

• Senior software engineer

• DevOps engineer

Considerations for earning a master's in computer science

Even with the benefits of earning a graduate degree in this in-demand field, there are considerations to make.

Time

Time is an important resource to consider when deciding whether a master's degree in computer science is a good use of your time. Master's programs take around two years to complete if you can attend full-time, but doing so may require you to pause your career to focus fully on your studies. On the other hand, if you can keep working while you attend part-time, it will take you longer to finish your degree.

Cost 

The average cost of a master's degree in the US is $62,280 [4]. There are different ways to pay for graduate school, including continuing to work full-time while you attend part-time, but it is an expense that you'll have to navigate. Typically, online programs may be more affordable than in-person programs because they don’t require the same type of overhead to run, even while often offering the same curriculum. 

Career progression

A master's degree is an opportunity to progress in your career, but attending a program can delay professional advancement in the short term. You may not have the bandwidth to pursue advancement while focused on your studies. It's important to carefully evaluate whether the theoretical knowledge and specialized skills gained from a master's degree align with your specific career goals.

Master's in computer science requirements

Finishing your master's in computer science means successfully passing a number of courses, completing either a capstone project or a thesis, and doing so within a set amount of time. Since each university can be different, as you make a list of institutions you'd like to attend, make a note of what they require to graduate to determine how each program fits in with your goals and needs.

Master's in CS coursework

You'll learn advanced concepts in computer science topics, such as software design, computer language theory, programming, and computer architecture. While your exact coursework will vary by the program you choose, you can expect to study key concepts, including:

• Software development

• Computer systems

• Data structures

• Algorithms and computation

• Machine learning

• Data visualization

• Natural language processing

• Numerical analysis

• Cloud computing

• Internet of things (IoT)

• Software, information, and network security

• Software testing

Learn more about the requirements to earn a master's in computer science.

Applying to a computer science master's program

Many computer science master's programs require that you have your bachelor's degree in hand by the time you start. They may also stipulate GPA requirements, such as having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Some programs expect applicants to have fulfilled certain math and science prerequisites during their undergraduate program, such as calculus and programming. Again, each university is different so it's important to check whether the programs you're interested in attending have any prerequisites that you'll need to fulfill.

Software engineer Rachel Washington chose to earn her MS in Computer Science through the University of Colorado Boulder on Coursera because she could get started right away, thanks to performance-based admission. Read more about her story.

Other ways to advance your CS knowledge 

When you want to advance your computer science career or pivot from another career into computer science, a master’s degree isn’t the only way to strengthen your knowledge and earn a valuable credential. 

• Professional Certificates: Designed to take less than a year and offered by industry, certificates focus on expanding your knowledge of an area, such as front-end development, UX design, or data analytics, while you develop important skills. What’s more, once you successfully complete your certificate, you can add that information to your resume and LinkedIn.

• Bootcamps: Another accelerated option for skills development, boot camps often focus on an aspect of computer science, such as programming. They can be a great way to either learn or improve your programming skills in three to four months.

• Independent courses: When you want to learn or brush up on a new area of computer science, taking an individual course, rather than a degree’s worth of them, may suit your needs. You can find many advanced computer science courses on Coursera from top universities and industry leaders.  

Earn your master’s in computer science through Coursera

Register for free and browse advanced computer science courses on Coursera to see whether earning your master's degree in this field might be a good investment. As you reflect on whether a master's in computer science suits your unique goals, explore flexible degree options from top university partners on Coursera.