University of Colorado Boulder
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Fully accredited online program
Graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder
$15,750 USD total tuition
Flexible payment options with no hidden costs or fees
Finish in 24 months
Complete 30 courses (30 credit hours) full or part time
100% online learning
Lecture videos, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers
Admissions Information
Enrollment for the 2023 Fall 1 session will open on Aug 14, 2023!
Contact the CU Boulder MS-CS team at mscscoursera-info@colorado.edu if you have any questions.
Important Dates
May 24: Program Overview Webinar | Register here!
August 14: Fall 1 Enrollment opens
August 28: Fall 1 Classes start
- October 5: Fall 1 Enrollment closes
Start earning your master’s in computer science
Build advanced comp sci skills with broadly relevant courses and interdisciplinary electives from a top global university
Take a broad approach to studying computer science that directly reflects a career in the field. You’ll start with breadth courses on graduate algorithms, machine learning, network systems, and more. In addition to computer science courses, you can explore a variety of interdisciplinary electives in electrical engineering, engineering management, or data science to learn the latest computer science techniques alongside other job-relevant subjects.
Program admission is based on your performance in three preliminary courses, not your academic history. Upon your acceptance, you’ll become part of an innovative online program from a top global university. With collaborative faculty who find creative ways to link computer science to other areas of study at the university, you’ll be a member of the larger university community while learning how to leverage complex frameworks in realistic scenarios.
CU Boulder is a global university that’s ranked among the finest in the world. The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) placed CU Boulder in the top 1% on its 2021-22 list of global universities, at 68th overall and 38th nationally.
What’s in this degree program?
30 courses (30 credit hours) accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Expertly taught courses created by faculty who have research and industry expertise combining computer science and applications to a broad range of sectors
Opportunities to combine theoretical knowledge with technical experience across both broad computer science courses and specific electives
An interdisciplinary model offering opportunities to learn from cutting-edge researchers across multiple fields
Weekly office hours with course facilitators where you can ask questions about the material being covered in the program
Virtual spaces for dialogue and connection through discussion boards and group sessions with peers
Get started today
Request more information.
Fully accredited online program
Graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder
$15,750 USD total tuition
Flexible payment options with no hidden costs or fees
Finish in 24 months
Complete 30 courses (30 credit hours) full or part time
100% online learning
Lecture videos, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers
Start earning your master’s in computer science
Build advanced comp sci skills with broadly relevant courses and interdisciplinary electives from a top global university
Take a broad approach to studying computer science that directly reflects a career in the field. You’ll start with breadth courses on graduate algorithms, machine learning, network systems, and more. In addition to computer science courses, you can explore a variety of interdisciplinary electives in electrical engineering, engineering management, or data science to learn the latest computer science techniques alongside other job-relevant subjects.
Program admission is based on your performance in three preliminary courses, not your academic history. Upon your acceptance, you’ll become part of an innovative online program from a top global university. With collaborative faculty who find creative ways to link computer science to other areas of study at the university, you’ll be a member of the larger university community while learning how to leverage complex frameworks in realistic scenarios.
CU Boulder is a global university that’s ranked among the finest in the world. The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) placed CU Boulder in the top 1% on its 2021-22 list of global universities, at 68th overall and 38th nationally.
What’s in this degree program?
30 courses (30 credit hours) accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Expertly taught courses created by faculty who have research and industry expertise combining computer science and applications to a broad range of sectors
Opportunities to combine theoretical knowledge with technical experience across both broad computer science courses and specific electives
An interdisciplinary model offering opportunities to learn from cutting-edge researchers across multiple fields
Weekly office hours with course facilitators where you can ask questions about the material being covered in the program
Virtual spaces for dialogue and connection through discussion boards and group sessions with peers
Admissions Information
Enrollment for the 2023 Fall 1 session will open on Aug 14, 2023!
Contact the CU Boulder MS-CS team at mscscoursera-info@colorado.edu if you have any questions.
Important Dates
May 24: Program Overview Webinar | Register here!
August 14: Fall 1 Enrollment opens
August 28: Fall 1 Classes start
- October 5: Fall 1 Enrollment closes
Admission doesn't depend on your background―just start learning and show us you’re ready
Simply complete a three-course pathway in either algorithms or software architecture on Coursera with at least a B in each course and you’ll be accepted—even if you don't hold a bachelor’s degree. No application required.
Learn more
- $15,750 USD tuition totalWith a significantly lower cost than comparable programs, you can pursue a high-quality education at a more affordable price.
- Pay-as-you-go tuitionYou only pay for the courses in your next session. If a scheduling conflict arises, you’re free to take a session off without charges or penalties.
- Financial aid opportunitiesDiscover more ways you can make this program fit your budget by exploring assistance options like scholarships.
Grow your career in computer science
Build your expertise in:
The principles of computing and the analysis of complex computing problems
The creation, implementation, and evaluation of practical solutions that meet a given set of computing requirements
The best practices for making informed legal and ethical decisions in computing work
The real-world applications of computer science theory and software development fundamentals
Advance your career
$120,990
Average salary of a software developer in the United States
1,364,180
Job postings for software development in the U.S.
25% job growth by 2031
The field is expecting “much faster than average” year-over-year growth for 2021-2031.
Qualify for in-demand jobs
Software engineer
Systems engineer
Web developer
Network engineer
Access a flexible curriculum created to empower you
You can take all 30 courses in this program at your own pace and tailor your coursework to your career goals. Choose electives from advanced CS courses in human-computer interaction, robotics, natural language processing, and autonomous systems as well as courses from other CU Boulder degrees in electrical engineering, engineering management, and data science.
Learn More
Stay up to date on the MS-CS
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Events
August 14
Fall 1 Enrollment opens
August 28
Fall 1 Classes start
News from CU Boulder
Frequently asked questions
The MS-CS diploma that students earn on Coursera is the same diploma that students earn in the CU Boulder on-campus program. There are no "online" or "Coursera" designations on the diploma. The diploma will state that the student has earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Yes, the MS-CS on Coursera falls under the University of Colorado Boulder’s overall accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Yes, you can enroll in the non-credit experience, allowing you to preview MS-CS on Coursera courses before committing to the degree program. You may upgrade to for-credit at any time during your learning journey. You will need to complete additional graded assignments to earn CU credit; this material is only available after you pay tuition.
This degree is self-paced, with no minimum or maximum number of courses required per session. We recommend new students take one course in their first session as they adjust to the demands of this graduate-level program. In subsequent sessions, we suggest students take three courses—equivalent to a full-time graduate-level course load—or fewer. Students who take three courses per session complete the degree in about two years. Students must complete all courses (30 total credit hours) within eight years.
Yes! Students who graduate from the program and earn the degree are welcome to attend on-campus graduation ceremonies (but they are not obligated to do so).
No. The MS-CS on Coursera program and on-campus programs are not interchangeable. If you start the Coursera degree, you cannot later switch to the on-campus program.
Yes, both versions of the program are overseen by the same highly experienced faculty.
Dedicated course facilitators hold weekly office hours where students can interact and ask questions about the material being covered.
MS-CS on Coursera students do not have access to campus facilities, but they can access online resources. This includes CU Boulder libraries, career services, and alumni services.
Students taking for-credit classes receive an IdentiKey, which includes your CU Boulder login name and password. Your IdentiKey uniquely identifies you and acts as your student identification number. Students do not receive a physical Buff OneCard (student ID card).
Not at this time.
Up to six graduate-level credit hours of courses from other CU programs on Coursera may be applied as elective credits toward the MS-CS degree on Coursera. All courses must be graduate level, offered on Coursera, and meet all applicable academic standards. This includes all courses offered by the ME-EM, MS-DS, and MS-EE programs on Coursera that do not start with a "CSCA" prefix, with the exception of the following courses.
Credit from these courses cannot be applied toward MS-CS requirements:
- DTSA 5302 Cybersecurity for Data Science
- DTSA 5303 Ethical Issues in Data Science
- DTSA 5501 Algorithms for Searching, Sorting, and Indexing
- DTSA 5502 Trees and Graphs: Basics
Courses may not be counted twice toward two credentials of the same level. This means students can apply credit from a particular course toward one graduate certificate and one graduate degree, but they cannot apply credit from a particular course toward two graduate certificates or two graduate degrees. CU certificates on Coursera are automatically awarded once all requirements are met.
With “pay-as-you-go” tuition, you only need to pay for the courses you are taking in the upcoming session when you enroll. Sessions are eight weeks long, and there are six enrollment sessions per year. Tuition is $525 per credit hour and $15,750 for the full 30-credit master’s degree.
- Strong foundation in computer science via academic or professional background
- Some experience in programming and software development
- Knowledge in linear algebra, discrete math, probability, and statistics (calculus required for select electives – see individual course descriptions for details)
There are no tests required for admission. The process is entirely based on your performance. To be admitted as a degree-seeking student, you must complete a three-course pathway for CU credit with a B or better in each course.
The MS-CS on Coursera is open to students around the world. However, due to current restrictions imposed by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, we cannot provide online courses to the following countries: Cuba, Iran, Sudan, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea Region of Ukraine. See CU Online Course Delivery Restrictions for details.
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FAQs
Master of Science in Computer Science Boulder? ›
Earning your master's degree in computer science can be an excellent way to pursue more advanced roles in the field or, if you know how to program but didn't formally study computer science at the bachelor's level, gain a valuable education with which to change your career.
What is the average salary for MS CS in CU Boulder? ›| Major | Earnings |
|---|---|
| Engineering (Master's Degree) | $107,000 |
| Computer Science (Master's Degree) | $91,100 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Doctoral Degree) | $88,200 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degree) | $86,500 |
Earning your master's degree in computer science can be an excellent way to pursue more advanced roles in the field or, if you know how to program but didn't formally study computer science at the bachelor's level, gain a valuable education with which to change your career.
How long is MS CS at University of Colorado Boulder? ›CU - Boulder is in the top 10% of the country for computer and information sciences. More specifically it was ranked #81 out of 841 schools by College Factual. It is also ranked #2 in Colorado.
Do masters in CS get paid more? ›According to Payscale, a bachelor's in computer science earns you, on average, $85,000 per year. If you get your master's degree in computer science, Payscale notes a pay bump of $16,000 to an average salary of $101,000 per year.
Which is the most expensive MS in CS in USA? ›Tuition fees for MS in Computer Science in USA
The average cost of studying MS in computer science in USA is around 78,000 USD for the total program, with a minimum cost of 13,272 USD for the total program at the University of California- Berkeley to a maximum of 141,000 USD for the total program in Yale University.
Learning the discipline of Computer Science is a hard and difficult endeavor for most students. However, if you are willing to invest the time and learn serious time management skills, most students can successfully learn the discipline and pursue successful careers in Computer Science fields.
Does GPA matter for Masters in Computer Science? ›Yes, your Grade Point Average can matter when applying to graduate school. In fact, many schools include a satisfactory GPA as a basic admissions requirement. For masters programs, a 3.0 minimum is a common requirement.
Is IT better to get a masters or bachelors in computer science? ›Software developers, for example, generally only need a bachelor's degree, but preference is often given to those with a master's in the field. Computer systems analysts also generally only need a bachelor's degree, but positions in this field that are technically complex often go to those with a master's degree.
What GPA do you need to get into CS Masters? ›
Most computer science master's programs require applicants to have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; more selective programs may require higher.
How competitive are CS Masters programs? ›While most graduate students hold a bachelor's in computer science or a related field, some universities accept students from all backgrounds. Do note most computer science master's programs are competitive, and a strong GPA (at least a 3.0, although the higher, the better) is required.
What GPA do you need for Masters at CU Boulder? ›Have adequate preparation to enter graduate study in the chosen field. Have at least a 2.75 (2.00=C) undergraduate grade point average. Applicants to programs in the College of Engineering and Applied Science must have a 3.00 (3.00=B) undergraduate grade point average.
What are the top 3 majors at University of Colorado Boulder? ›The most popular majors at University of Colorado Boulder include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Social Sciences; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Psychology; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Visual ...
What is the most competitive major at CU Boulder? ›Aerospace, Mechanical, Computer Science and Chemical engineering are among the most competitive majors. There is an Open Option within the College of Engineering and there is no penalty for undecided students making that selection. Business majors have a GPA of 3.54-4.0, ACT of 27-31, and new SAT of 1270-1380.
Is CU Boulder a prestigious school? ›Overall, CU Boulder ranks No. 42 in the nation among public institutions (or No. 97 overall). U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on measures of academic peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving.
Can I make 100k with a computer science degree? ›Among all computer science master's programs in the U.S., the average starting salary is right around $100,000, according to PayScale. Data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that that's the highest average starting salary at the master's degree level.
Will a masters in CS help my career? ›Regardless of where you apply your degree, you can expect your job opportunities to expand once you achieve a masters in computer science. You may find work in cutting edge fields like robotics, programming, and data mining.
What is the difference between Masters in IT and Masters in CS? ›Generally, computer science refers to designing and building computers and computer programs. Information technology, on the other hand, refers to maintaining and troubleshooting those computers and their networks, systems, and databases to ensure they run smoothly.
Is it difficult to get a job in USA after MS in CS? ›Is it easy to find jobs after MS in computer science in USA? Ans. There are abundant job opportunities after MS in computer science in USA for international students. Getting a good job will not be too difficult as long as you possess the required skills.
What is the starting salary of MS in CS in USA? ›
| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | Range:$64k - $115k | Average:$86,616 |
| Data Engineer | Range:$73k - $131k | Average:$98,148 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Range:$87k - $150k | Average:$115,749 |
| Sr. Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer | Range:$85k - $156k | Average:$118,634 |
MS in Computer Science in USA salary ranges from 73,900 to 249,000 USD (61,000 to 2.05 lakhs INR) per year, according to Salary Explorer. The average salary in USA after an MS in Computer Science varies based on skills, years of experience, leadership abilities and related factors.
Is CS harder than engineering? ›Computer engineering is more difficult than computer science because, in addition to computer science courses, you must also take more advanced math courses, additional electrical engineering courses, and a handful of practical laboratory sessions in order to obtain your degree.
How long does a masters in CS take? ›A master's degree in computer science requires 30-45 credits and takes approximately two years of full-time study to complete. Some accelerated programs take only 12-18 months.
What's the hardest degree? ›- Chartered Accountancy.
- Astrophysics.
- Quantum Mechanics.
- Law.
- Aerospace/ Aeronautical Studies, Engineering.
- Biomedical Studies, Neurosciences, Biochemistry.
- Nursing.
- Dentistry, Medicine.
International students make up 19% of the graduate class, with 3,539 chosen from 42,000 applicants. International students must have a minimum GPA of 2.4 to be admitted to UC Berkeley. However, the average GPA of admitted students is 3.8 (93-96%) on a 4.0 scale.
Is 3.4 A good GPA for masters? ›Is a 3.4 GPA Good for Grad School? Typically, a 3.4 is a pretty good GPA for masters program admission. It's not a guarantee that you'll get into your program of choice, but it's often enough to qualify for sending in an application. Some fields of study are more competitive than others, though.
What will an F do to a 3.8 GPA? ›Will an F ruin my GPA? The short answer is (surprisingly): No. If you have one “F” and all other grades in a 40-course program are “A” grades, your GPA will drop from a 4.0 to a 3.9. So, your existing GPA will be impacted, but will not be “ruined.”
Should I get a PhD or masters in computer science? ›An MS is basically a technical degree that gives you more interesting job opportunities. A PhD is basically a research degree, which opens up a host of advanced and research-oriented opportunities. Think less about how much money you can make but about quality of life.
Why pursue a master's in computer science? ›A Master's degree is a good way to gain expert knowledge in the same. This also opens up a lot of job opportunities that secure your future and help you take home a higher package. An MSc. in Computer Science also makes you eligible for teaching positions in colleges and institutions providing higher education.
What computer science degree makes the most? ›
- Front-end developer.
- Java developer.
- Software engineer.
- Network security engineer.
- Mobile developer.
- Data scientist.
- DevOps engineer.
- Software architect.
According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a computer scientist in the US is $107,396, with a range of $88,000 to $192,000 [3].
What is the average salary after MS in CS from USC? ›Salary of CompSci Graduates with a Master's Degree
CompSci majors graduating with a master's degree from USC make a median salary of $110,796 a year. This is a better than average outcome since the median salary for all compsci graduates with a master's is $98,509.
$91,917. The estimated total pay for a Computer Science at UCLA is $91,917 per year.
What is the GPA required for MS in CS in USA? ›MS Computer Science requirements for the US - Eligibility Criteria. The basic criteria that students wishing to pursue MS in Cs in USA need to possess have been summed up below: A Bachelor's or undergraduate degree with an aggregate GPA of 3.0 GPA out of 4.0.
What is the average salary of PhD in CS at USA? ›The salary range for a Phd Computer Science job is from $95,136 to $151,365 per year in the United States. Click on the filter to check out Phd Computer Science job salaries by hourly, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, and yearly. per Year in the United States.
How much can CS majors make? ›| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $217,388 | $18,115 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,445 | $10,037 |
| Average | $92,070 | $7,672 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,492 | $3,957 |
The university is ranked at #2 in the world in QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2022. The average salary of the Stanford University graduates is around 112,000 USD per annum (91.93 lakhs INR).
How much does a CS graduate at Stanford make? ›Stanford University Salary FAQs
The salary trajectory of a Computer Science ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $123,077 per year and goes up to $201,377 per year for the highest level of seniority.
Employees who graduate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn an average of $216k, mostly ranging from $159k per year to $874k per year based on 594 profiles. The top 10% of employees earn more than $281k per year.
What is the average CS salary at Princeton? ›
Lucrative concentrations for the Class of 2022 include Computer Science and Math (with average starting salaries of $204.5K and $187.7K, respectively) while those studying Molecular Biology ($41.5K) and Comparative Literature ($29.7K) sit at the bottom.
What is the average package of Yale University CSE? ›...
Yale University Placements: Engineering.
| Placement Parameter | Percentage/Number/Amount |
|---|---|
| Mean Salary | 87,500 USD (71 lakhs INR) |
| Median Salary | 85,000 USD (69 lakhs INR) |
Indian students looking to study abroad PG courses in the USA may be interested to know that the top-paying fields for MS graduates include engineering, computer science, and business, with average salaries ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 per year.
What is the highest salary in MS? ›The highest-paying job at Microsoft Corporation is a Chartered Accountant with a salary of ₹244.6 Lakhs per year.
Can you get a masters in computer science without a bachelor in CS? ›Can You Get a Masters in Computer Science Without a Bachelor's in Computer Science? 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.