Online MS in Computer Science (MSCS)

From discovery to application, you’ll take an active part in developing solutions that impact society—even before you graduate. Whether you’re an intermediate or advanced computer science practitioner, you can tailor your MSCS program to your level of experience and career goals. You’ll graduate with in-demand, future-proof technical skills, ready to take on any industry.

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MSCS Program Overview

Computer science is an in-demand field that impacts nearly every industry and sector, including transportation, healthcare, education and financial services. Our online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program prepares you with the fundamental technical knowledge you need to succeed and lets you explore new industry challenges and innovations. 

With two online MSCS program tracks to choose from—a pathways track for students with a strong STEM background who need foundational computer science courses and an advanced track for experienced computer science students—you can pursue a course sequence that supports your computer science skill level.

Required Credits

30-34.5 Credit Hours*

Estimated Time to Complete

5-6 Academic Terms*

Classroom Time

Each course will have approximately 50 minutes of live class sessions per week.

*Credit hours and estimated time to completion depends upon your selected program track.

Learning Outcomes

Strong technical skills

  • Fundamental technical knowledge needed to succeed in the industry, including algorithms and theory, artificial intelligence, databases and data mining, and more.

Independent, self-starter mentality

  • Intellectual flexibility to help you progress into the highest-paying computer science jobs.

Awareness of team dynamics/communication

  • Ability to be a collaborative team member and communicate through presentations and reports.
  • Understanding of workplace dynamics so you can function effectively as part of a team.

Data-driven leadership skills

  • Understanding of how to use data to make good decisions.
  • Communications skills, such as how to frame questions to gather the right data and tell a persuasive story from the data.

Deep knowledge of a particular computer science domain and a broad, interdisciplinary foundation

  • Applied, conceptual and foundational knowledge of computer science concepts.
  • Dynamic understanding of decision principles and software patterns so your knowledge can evolve with the industry.

Persistence in learning and problem solving

  • Develop a mindset that strives to create innovative technologies and solutions in the evolving computer science landscape.

Online MSCS Program Highlights

Case Western Reserve University student in class

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our online MSCS features two program tracks tailored to your level of computer science experience. Both our advanced and pathways course sequences offer a hands-on, experiential curriculum covering diverse computer science topics, including machine learning and blockchain. We help you develop strong technical knowledge that can be applied to any industry.

Flexibility

Our 100 percent online MS in Computer Science program allows you to learn from wherever you’re located through a blend of self-paced coursework and live virtual classes. Program courses are not interdependent, which means you can complete them in any order you choose.

Strong Networks

As a Case School of Engineering alum, you’ll join a powerful, globe-spanning network that includes more than 20,000 School of Engineering graduates who support the Case Western Reserve community in many different ways. You’ll also become part of the university’s alumni network, which is more than 110,000 members strong.

Master’s in Computer Science Job Outlook

A well-rounded balance of academics and flexible, hands-on learning led by expert faculty will help you learn, grow and excel in the field of computer science and ready you for exceptional career growth and leadership potential. Explore the robust career trajectories and jobs in computer science available to CWRU MSCS graduates.

Online MS in Computer Science Curriculum

With two tracks of study for mid-level and advanced STEM professionals, the MS in Computer Science program offers a customizable learning experience tailored to your level of experience. Across the pathways and advanced track, courses provide hands-on training in the leading computer science tools.

Explore the Curriculum

Meet the CWRU Computer Science Faculty and Leadership Team

Our online MSCS courses are taught by industry leaders whose background and experience range across areas that include theoretical computer science techniques, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning and more.

Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Vipin Chaudhary

Vipin Chaudhary

KEVIN J. KRANZUSCH PROFESSOR AND CHAIR
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Vincenzo Liberatore

Vincenzo Liberatore

PROFESSOR AND ASSOCIATE CHAIR OF GRADUATE AFFAIRS
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Harold Connamacher

Harold Connamacher

ROBERT J. HERBOLD PROFESSOR OF TRANSFORMATIVE TEACHING AND ASSOCIATE CHAIR OF UNDERGRADUATE AFFAIRS
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Sanjaya Gajurel

Sanjaya Gajurel

ADJUNCT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, COMPUTER AND DATA SCIENCES
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Erman Ayday

Erman Ayday

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, COMPUTER AND DATA SCIENCES
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Professional headshot of CW MBA faculty member Michael Lewicki

Michael Lewicki

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, COMPUTER AND DATA SCIENCES
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Jing Li

Jing Li

PROFESSOR, COMPUTER AND DATA SCIENCES
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Andy Podgurski

Andy Podgurski

PROFESSOR, COMPUTER AND DATA SCIENCES
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Soumya Ray

Soumya Ray

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE, CASE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member An Wang

An Wang

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, COMPUTER AND DATA SCIENCES
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Yinghui Wu

Yinghui Wu

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, COMPUTER AND DATA SCIENCES
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Xusheng Ziao

Xusheng Xiao

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, COMPUTER AND DATA SCIENCES
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Professional headshot of CW MSCS faculty member Shuai Xu

Shaui Xu

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, COMPUTER AND DATA SCIENCES
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Why Case School of Engineering?

The top-ranked¹ Case School of Engineering is recognized for its creative scholarship, expert faculty, hands-on learning and multidisciplinary approach to learning and problem-solving. 

While committing to student success beyond the classroom, Case Western Reserve University offers educational opportunities to meet students where they are. As a Case School of Engineering student, you’ll have the option to pursue one of two program tracks designed for your ability and experience level.

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1 U.S. News & World Report, Best Engineering Schools, 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Employment in computer science jobs is expected to increase by 21% over the next decade, much faster than the average of other occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). Earning a master’s degree will prepare you with advanced technical skills and give you the competitive edge to secure to jobs. 

The Case Western Reserve University computer science master’s program curriculum focuses on four key specialization areas of computer science: AI, databases and data mining, security and privacy, and software engineering. You will acquire a range of in-demand skills that will position you for career growth in any industry.

Case Western Reserve University’s online MS in Computer Science (MSCS) program offers students a rigorous, comprehensive and progressive curriculum that keeps pace with emerging advancements in the field. 

Our program offers two tracks based on your level of technical experience: a pathways track for students in need of foundational computer science coursework and an advanced track for students with an existing computer science foundation. Regardless of prior computer science coursework, all online MSCS students should have a strong STEM background and interest in the interdisciplinary applications of computer science.

Online Master’s in Computer Science (MSCS) Accreditation

Case Western Reserve University has been accredited since 1913 by the Higher Learning Commission, one of the six regional agencies that accredit U.S. colleges and universities at the institutional level. In 2015, CWRU was reaccredited by the Commission for ten years, the maximum period possible. The university’s next site visit by a Commission team will be in 2025.

A Case Western Reserve University student in campus

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Curriculum

With two program tracks to choose from, you can pursue a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary curriculum tailored to your level of computer science experience and career goals.

Explore the Program

Career Outlook

Computer scientists are in high demand. Take a closer look at typical career outcomes you could pursue after completing this program.

See Alumni Outcomes

Admissions

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Tuition and Financial Aid

Get details on program tuition, and gain a greater understanding of financial aid resources that may be available to you.

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