Student Experience
Case Western Reserve University’s online MS in Computer Science program combines a leading-edge curriculum with maximum flexibility and a host of resources to support your education.
Student-Centered Online Learning
As an online student at Case School of Engineering, you will enjoy a student-centered experience that allows you to have the best of both worlds—virtual class time with your professors and peers and self-paced coursework that can be completed on your own schedule. Plus, exceptional student support is available to you from the first day you inquire about the program through graduation—and beyond.
![An aerial view of the CWRU campus](https://onlineprograms.case.edu/mscs/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/10/cwru-aerial-view-campus.jpeg)
Online Learning, Your Way
The online learning experience at Case Western Reserve University offers extraordinary flexibility for working professionals, all while keeping you connected with your faculty and peers through an easy-to-navigate, engaging learning management system.
![Online MBA student with headphones seated in front of laptop computer and taking an online course from the Weatherhead School of Management](https://onlineprograms.case.edu/mscs/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/10/cwru-student-experience-learning-your-way.jpeg)
The Best of Both Worlds
Asynchronous Learning
Outside of real-time, virtual classroom experiences, you will complete self-paced classwork—or asynchronous learning modules—each week in preparation for the live classes. The learning modules include video lectures, discussion boards, practice activities and collaborative assignments so you can practice and apply what you have learned—on your own time, as your schedule allows. You can access the learning modules through the Canvas learning management system and review them as often as you like.
Synchronous Learning
During live, virtual classes, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with your faculty and peers and participate in meaningful discourse in a supportive and engaging learning environment. Live chat and presentation features allow you to ask questions, share insights and obtain feedback in real time. Online office hours, peer networking and group work are also available to you in this real-time format.
Weekly Time Commitment per Course
Every week, students in the online MS in Computer Science program devote time to completing asynchronous learning modules and assignments, and attending live virtual classes. Please note that the time commitment hours below are estimates and may vary by course.
7–10 Hours
Asynchronous
Complete self-paced learning modules on your own schedule.
+
1 Hour
Synchronous
Attend live virtual classes held during weekday evenings.
+
4 Hours
Assignments
Complete homework, research, projects, etc.
=
12–15 Hours
Total Time Commitment
Hours are subject to change per course.
Support You Can Count On
As an online student, you will have access to resources, services and experiences that will support your success in the program. For example, a student success coach will help navigate and guide your experience throughout your time in the program, our career services team will help prepare you for the next phase of your career, and 24/7 tech support is available to ensure you can always stay connected and informed.
![Two computer science students smile as they work together at a desktop computer.](https://onlineprograms.case.edu/mscs/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/11/cwru-mscs-blog-shape-the-future-of-ai-with-a-computer-science-masters.jpeg)
Tech Resources
Canvas is the learning management system at Case Western Reserve University, providing students with a simple and streamlined collaborative space for course content, assignments, tests and grading—all designed to be used online, on mobile or tablet. As an online student, you will use Zoom to access your live classes. That is why student tech support is available 24/7 to answer your technology questions and solve any challenges you may experience with our digital learning tools.
![Case Western Reserve University student in class](https://onlineprograms.case.edu/mscs/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/10/cw-mscs-student-success-image.jpeg)
Student Success Coach
Everyone can benefit from a coach. As a student in the online MS in Computer Science program, you will be assigned a student success coach who will provide you with academic, personal, social and career support from matriculation through graduation. You can count on your coach to help you with proactive planning and goal setting each semester, developing an academic success plan and acting as your liaison with the university. Your coach is always available to offer support and answer questions about the program and the online student experience.
![The skyline of Cleveland, Ohio at dusk](https://onlineprograms.case.edu/mscs/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/10/cwru-student-services-career.jpeg)
Career Services
As a student at Case School of Engineering, you will have access to a wide array of resources, support and guidance to help advance your career. These services range from post-graduate planning, resume writing and interview preparation to networking skills and career fairs. You will also have access to postgraduate placement services that offer a personalized approach to help students connect with the right company or position.
![Three Case Western Reserve University graduate students speaking outside the Weatherhead School of Management](https://onlineprograms.case.edu/mscs/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/10/cwru-student-services-alumni-network.jpeg)
Alumni Network
When you graduate from the online MS in Computer Science program, you will become part of two powerful alumni networks. The Case Alumni Association has more than 20,000 members, and the Case Western Reserve University Alumni Association, the university-wide alumni association, has more than 110,000 members. These alumni networks are dedicated to helping current and future alumni succeed. For example, the Alumni Career Network is an online database of alumni and students who have volunteered to assist one another through career advice and networking.
![An aerial view of the CWRU campus](https://onlineprograms.case.edu/mscs/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/10/cwru-aerial-view-campus.jpeg)