Online MS Degree in Computer Science

Learn the principles behind the basics of hardware, software, and computer functions.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, I consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

At a Glance

The online Master of Science in Computer Science offered through OU’s Gallogly College of Engineering equips you with cutting-edge skills and expertise to thrive in one of today’s fastest-evolving industries.

Through a dynamic blend of advanced theory and real-world application, you will gain hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, algorithms, and more—all while earning your degree. This program empowers you to apply what you learn immediately, driving innovation and solving complex challenges as you study.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

21+ Months (full time student)

Credit Hours:

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring

cost

The Master of Science in Computer Science delivers a strong return on investment, preparing you for top-tier leadership roles and higher earning potential in a competitive, high-demand field.

Tuition and fees total $33,495, based on a rate of $1,015 per credit hour. This cost does not include books or additional course materials.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, l consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

About the Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Computer science drives innovation across the global economy, powering advancements in nearly every industry. As new technologies emerge at a rapid pace, the demand for forward-thinking professionals continues to grow—making computer science education more relevant than ever.

The OU Online Master of Science in Computer Science is a 33-credit-hour program designed to keep you ahead of the curve. You will explore the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, algorithms, and more.

This program blends advanced and applied theory, giving you the tools to solve real-world problems and lead in high-demand industries with confidence and expertise.

What Can I Do with a Master of Science in Computer Science?

Earning your online Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Oklahoma positions you for career growth across a wide range of industries. This degree equips you with advanced programming, data analysis, and problem-solving skills that employers seek in today’s tech-driven economy. Accelerate your career in these areas:

Computer and Information Research Scientist
Database Administrator/Architect
Software Developer
Web Developer

Computer Programmer
Information Security Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
Network and Computer Administrator

Industry Insights

Median Pay: $95,380 to $140,910 depending on your occupation
Job Outlook: Employment for computer science careers is expected to increase much faster than average, depending on occupation by 2033
Job Openings: openings for computer science professionals are projected to increase over the next decade

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Outcomes: What You’ll Learn

OU’s online MS in CS program empowers graduates to:

Design and implement algorithms that extract meaningful insights from text to support data-driven decision making
Acquire and manage diverse data sets, understand data formats, and perform essential operations such as deduplication, data cleaning, tagging, indexing, searching, algorithm evaluation, classification, clustering, topic modeling, and entity resolution
Master advanced machine learning techniques, including decision trees, relational learning, neural networks, Bayesian learning, reinforcement learning, multiple-instance learning, feature selection, representation learning, clustering, and kernel methods
Gain deep expertise in cybersecurity, including cryptography, access control, secure programming, software and operating system security, network security protocols, and the legal and ethical dimensions of security software
Explore artificial intelligence through methods of search, knowledge representation, heuristics, and other strategies for automating intelligent problem solving
Apply a range of algorithm design strategies—such as divide and conquer, greedy principles, and dynamic programming—to solve complex computational problems
Design and deploy a wide variety of algorithms, including deterministic and randomized, serial and parallel, centralized and decentralized, and program-based and circuit-based approaches

Course Details

The MS in CS online offers a comprehensive, forward-looking curriculum that covers essential topics such as programming principles, data management, computer architecture, algorithm analysis, machine learning, and more. This program builds a strong foundation while preparing you to lead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Algorithm Analysis

Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces various algorithm design strategies: divide and conquer, greedy principle, and dynamic programming to solve a variety of problems using algorithms of various types - deterministic and randomized, serial and parallel, centralized and decentralized, program-based, and circuit-based.

Computer Architecture (taken for graduate credit)

Credit Hours: 3
Covers basic concepts of computer system design and communication between components, along with current and historical examples of computer architecture.

Machine Learning Fundamentals

Credit Hours: 3
Topics include decision trees, relational learning, neural networks, Bayesian learning, reinforcement learning, multiple-instance learning, feature selection, learning appropriate representations, clustering, and kernel methods.

Data Networks

Credit Hours: 3
Comprehensive treatment of data networking principles, including layered protocol designs and their functions, tools for performance analysis, multi-access communication, routing, and flow control.

Software Engineering Processes

Credit Hours: 3
Effective processes for software requirements specification, planning, design, documentation, development, review, defect tracking, testing, product delivery, and product evaluation. Emphasis on resource tracking and software quality. Students work in teams to develop, deliver, and evaluate software products.

Formal Languages

Credit Hours: 3
Mathematical modeling of natural or artificial objects, events, and phenomena. Topics include systems for linear/nonlinear objects, their language-theoretical properties, and the related machine theory.

Database Management Systems

Credit Hours: 3
The design and implementation of a DBMS, including data models, query languages, entity-relationship diagrams, functional dependencies, normalization, storage structures, access methods, query processing, security, transaction management, and applications. The impact of databases on individuals, organizations, and society, and legal and professional responsibilities, including security and privacy, will be discussed. A commercial DBMS is used. Students practice written communication skills.

Artificial Intelligence

Credit Hours: 3
Study of the methods of search, knowledge representation, heuristics, and other aspects of automating the solution of problems requiring intelligence.

Distributed Operating Systems

Credit Hours: 3
Advanced topics, examples, and simulation techniques used in performance evaluation.

Computer Security

Credit Hours: 3
Topics include applied cryptography, access control, programming and software security, operating system security, network security protocols, and the legal and ethical aspects of security software.

Parallel, Distributed, and Network Programming Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
Parallel and distributed architectures, algorithms, programming paradigms, network communication protocols, and programming. Topics include asynchronous/synchronous computation, GPU architectures, load balancing, memory hierarchies, other parallel and distributed models of computation, concepts about computer networks, including the Internet Protocol stack and Internet architecture, and socket programming using TCP and UDP.

Why Choose OU Online for a Master’s Degree in Computer Science

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible, fully online format—backed by the reputation of a top-tier public institution. Gain the skills to thrive in the fast-paced world of computer science and take the next step in your professional journey with confidence.

Faculty Expertise

The Master of Science in Computer Science is powered by world-class University of Oklahoma faculty and seasoned professors of practice who bring real-world experience into every course. By connecting industry leaders with academic excellence, OU Online delivers an advanced, future-focused curriculum that prepares you for long-term career success.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your technical skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of computer science professionals to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in organizations across the world, helping you expand your computer science career.

Flexible Format

The Master of Science in Computer Science is delivered in a fully online, flexible format designed for working professionals around the world. Earn your degree in as few as 21 months while maintaining full-time employment and managing personal commitments. Study from anywhere and build specialized expertise that advances your career in computer science.

Tailored Experience

Move through the program with a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for computer science. Engage in meaningful online discussions with faculty and peers while building a strong professional network in the computing technology industry. This collaborative environment helps you thrive academically and professionally.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your Master of Science in Computer Science is a strategic investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Tuition and fees are $1,015 per credit hour, totaling $33,495 for the full program. This cost does not include books or additional materials.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Our dedicated financial services team will support you through every step of the funding process, so you can stay focused on your education and career goals.

For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.

A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester’s tuition.

* Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Take the Next Step

To apply to the online Computer Science program, you must:

Hold a baccalaureate degree in computer science, engineering, IT, or another related discipline from a regionally accredited college or university (or appropriate international equivalent)
Have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 in undergraduate studies

Students’ math and computer science backgrounds will also be assessed to determine preparation for graduate-level computer science work.

The following coursework is expected and required to have been completed and officially transcripted for graduate admission consideration:
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Linear Algebra
- Applied Engineering Statistical Methods
- Ordinary Differential Equations or Numerical Analysis
- Data Structures
- Computer Organization
- Discrete Computing Structures (or Discrete Mathematics)
- Intro to Operating Systems
- Theory of Computation/Automata
Failure to have this coursework completed with a B-average (3.00 GPA) or higher will result in the inability to be considered for admission.
- Please acknowledge that work experience and specialized certificate attainment, while noteworthy, CANNOT be accepted in place of formal coursework listed above that has been officially documented on the record of an academic institution.

To apply, students must:

Complete the online application at https://gograd.ou.edu/apply/
Submit a current resume
Provide official college transcripts from all institutions
Submit a personal statement
International students must demonstrate English proficiency

Application Timeline

The admissions committee operates under a rolling admissions process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before the start of classes. However, some programs may have an earlier application deadline. The committee strives to respond to all applicants within two weeks of receiving a completed application. A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester's tuition.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide supplemental materials, including a resume, personal statement, and undergraduate transcripts.