The online Master of Science in Computer Science is designed for two groups of students. The first are those with a limited background in computer science (college minor or equivalent) who want a credential that will allow them to break into the field. The second consists of computer and information technology professionals who want to advance their careers by acquiring specialized skills in areas like AI, machine learning, security, computer architecture, networking, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software systems. Whichever group you belong to, you'll be trained by the same world-class faculty who teach in our on-campus program, and you’ll have the flexibility that comes with learning online.
Texas A&M University's distance Master of Computer Science degree is intended for students who want to pursue graduate-level coursework remotely. We also offer an in-person Master of Engineering in computer engineering degree.
The Master of Computer Science (MCS) should be considered a professional, terminal degree. This degree does not include a thesis, project, or final examination. This is a STEM program.
This is a 30-credit-hour program, and prospective students can expect to spend 1.5 to 2.5 years to complete it, depending on the level of course load that they sign up for each semester.
Applications to the program can be submitted for a start in the fall or spring semester.
The GRE is not required as part of the application package to the program.
Please visit our frequently asked questions page for more information about our distance programs.
MCS students will have a default advisory committee consisting solely of the graduate advisor as chair.
Requirements for the MCS degree include:
For additional information and clarification, please see the graduate catalog and the department's graduate program web pages.
For additional information and clarification, please see the graduate catalog and the department's graduate program webpage.
Increase your salary. A master’s degree in computer science from a top-tier university will unlock a new world of professional opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2032, and the median annual salary for these occupations is well over twice the national average.
World-class faculty with a student focus. Our faculty represent some of the top minds in the field and are well-known throughout the international academic community and global industry. Just as importantly, our focus is on you — the student. Our mission is to develop computer scientists for leadership positions in industry, government, and academia.
Strength of the Aggie Network. Obtaining your master's degree from Texas A&M — one of the largest universities in the US and a tier-1 research institution — will give you a marketable credential recognized worldwide. The Aggie Network spans the globe, with more than 500,000 former students in over 160 countries. Once you join us, you'll find that Aggies are fiercely loyal to their alma mater and each other.
Computer scientists work in many industries, from oil and gas to government agencies like NASA. You'll find us in the internet and telecommunications industry, in aerospace, in the video game industry, at hardware and software development companies — and just about everywhere else. Some of the positions that our students occupy after graduation include:
We offer the convenience and flexibility of asynchronous online learning without sacrificing the caliber of education that you expect from a top-tier university. Using Canvas, online learners experience an intuitive, user-friendly design, and our highly engaged faculty use tools that promote instructor-to-student and student-to-student interaction — all from the comfort of your own home or study environment.
The online Master of Science in Computer Science is a 30-credit-hour program with a flexible curriculum. If you are trying to break into the industry, you can focus on foundational courses. If you are already an industry professional, you can advance your career by taking specialty courses in areas like AI and machine learning.
Candidates typically enroll in two courses per semester, which allows you to reach eligibility to graduate within five semesters. You'll also have flexibility as to how many courses to enroll in each semester, subject to university program rules.
