M.S. in Computer Science FAQs
Looking to advance your software development or technology career? This FAQ page provides comprehensive answers about Concordia University, St. Paul’s online Master of Science in Computer Science program. Learn about our curriculum, technical requirements, specialization options, and how our program prepares you for leadership roles in software engineering, systems architecture, and technology innovation. Whether you’re interested in admission requirements, program flexibility, or career outcomes, you’ll find the information needed to make an informed decision about your graduate computer science education.
Admissions Requirements
Your first step is to complete the online application. After that, you will prepare your college transcripts. See the How to Apply page for more information.
No work experience is required to apply to the online M.S. in Computer Science program. Learn more about admissions requirements.
You can transfer up to 15 eligible credits from a regionally accredited institution to this degree program. Our Enrollment Specialists will guide you through the process. Learn more about admissions requirements.
Once you know you’d like to pursue an online education with Concordia University, St. Paul, you should request more information and complete your online application as soon as possible. That way, you can gain access to our network of support and get on track to beginning your program during one of the six start dates we offer each year. Learn more about admissions requirements.
To apply to the program, you need a 3.0 GPA, and a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. You’ll complete an online application and submit official transcripts documenting your undergraduate degree. CSP Global maintains a streamlined admissions process with no GRE or GMAT requirement. Learn more on the admissions page.
No, CSP’s online master’s in computer science program is designed for students with varying academic backgrounds. While a bachelor’s degree in computer science provides strong preparation, the program welcomes applicants from any field. An enrollment counselor can help you understand whether your background aligns with program expectations.
Career Outlook
This degree program prepares you for diverse, high-demand technology careers. Common roles include software developer, information security analyst, computer systems analyst, research scientist, data scientist, machine learning engineer, cloud architect, and network administrator among many others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand with information security analyst employment growing much faster than average, adding 17,300 openings annually from 2023 to 2033. Beyond traditional software development, this degree qualifies you for leadership positions such as technical lead or engineering manager. You can work in virtually any industry—technology companies, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, government, or consulting. Explore more careers.
This degree program prepares you for diverse, high-demand technology careers. Common roles include software developer, information security analyst, computer systems analyst, research scientist, data scientist, machine learning engineer, cloud architect, and network administrator among many others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand with information security analyst employment growing much faster than average, adding 17,300 openings annually from 2023 to 2033. Beyond traditional software development, this degree qualifies you for leadership positions such as technical lead or engineering manager. You can work in virtually any industry—technology companies, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, government, or consulting. Explore the careers page for more ideas of how this career can elevate your future.
Curriculum
CSP’s online master’s in computer science provides broad coverage of advanced computer science topics rather than formal concentrations or specializations. However, the program offers flexibility through elective courses and the option to complete an applied research project or internship focused on your area of interest. This allows you to develop deeper expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, or software engineering. Your capstone experience enables you to specialize in a domain aligned with your career goals. Faculty advisors help you shape your learning path to match your professional aspirations while ensuring comprehensive computer science knowledge. Explore the program curriculum.
General
The M.S. in Computer Science program is offered fully online, which allows you to study at the times and in the locations that are best for you without a requirement of coming to campus. You can access the coursework online anytime and complete your assignments when it works for you — as long as you meet the course deadlines. Explore the program curriculum.
Yes, employers highly value master’s degrees in computer science from accredited institutions like CSP Global. The degree demonstrates advanced technical knowledge, commitment to professional development, and ability to tackle complex computational problems. Technology companies, consulting firms, financial institutions, and other employers actively recruit candidates with graduate computer science credentials.
Military
Yes, CSP Global is approved for GI Bill benefits and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, enabling eligible veterans and active-duty service members to use their education benefits toward the online master’s in computer science.
Time and Duration
The online program is designed for working professionals and is offered part-time. This allows you to achieve a realistic balance between work, school, and personal responsibilities and gives you the opportunity to fully absorb the information in your coursework. Explore the program curriculum.
The online computer science master’s program typically takes 18 months to complete when pursued part-time. The program consists of 30 credit hours delivered through 10 courses. CSP Global designs the program for working professionals, allowing you to progress at a pace that accommodates your career and personal commitments while maintaining academic rigor. Your actual completion time may vary based on factors including transfer credits (up to 15 credits accepted), course load per term, and whether you take any breaks. Students transferring significant graduate credits may complete the degree more quickly. Explore the program curriculum.
Yes, the online degree format is specifically designed for working professionals who want to advance their technology careers while maintaining full-time employment. The program’s asynchronous online format allows you to complete coursework during evenings, weekends, or whenever your schedule permits. Most students continue working full-time throughout their studies, often applying new knowledge and skills directly to their current IT roles. Expect to dedicate approximately 15-20 hours per week to coursework including watching video lectures, completing readings, working on programming projects, and participating in online discussions.
Tuition and Fees
This online degree program at CSP Global costs $525 per credit hour. With 30 credit hours required for graduation, your total tuition investment is $15,750 but transfer credits can reduce the total tuition by 50%. This competitive rate positions CSP Global as a great option for earning a master’s degree in computer science. Beyond tuition, budget for textbooks and course materials. Review the program tuition.
While this specific program does not offer scholarships, online students are eligible for the Concordia St. Paul Scholarship, which can provide up to $2,000 in scholarships. Review the program tuition.
While this specific program does not offer scholarships, online students are eligible for the Concordia St. Paul Scholarship, which can provide up to $2,000 in scholarships. Review the program tuition.
Request More Information
By filling out the form, you’ll:
- Gain access to a dedicated enrollment counselor who is ready to answer all of your questions.
- Take one more step towards achieving your career goals.
Fill out the form to receive more information!