Program Overview
Admissions Overview
Gain fundamental computer science knowledge and the critical thinking skills needed to become an innovative problem solver in today’s tech industry. Delivered through Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering, the online master of science in computer science offers a curriculum designed by expert Vanderbilt faculty, exposure to world-renowned research and entrepreneurship, and connections to a motivated community.
“We’ve come up with a cohesive set of classes that will give you a body of knowledge needed to be relevant as a software engineer in today’s climate.”
-- Jules White, Program Director
The program emphasizes the application of computer science and software engineering concepts while also covering a breadth of technical subject areas. Through interdisciplinary exploration, collaborative work and hands-on exercises, our online M.S. in computer science program ensures that you can apply knowledge gained in classes to real-world practice.
Faculty and Experience
The Vanderbilt School of Engineering is a powerhouse for innovation in technology and interdisciplinary fields. Our faculty are experts in highly relevant and growing areas — many of them actively working on solving complex problems using tools they helped invent.
Faculty share their knowledge directly with online master’s in computer science students in live, weekly classes. Through our online platform built for collaboration, you’ll form relationships and work on projects with diverse and motivated classmates. As a student, you will also have access to the highest quality online learning features and personalized technical and student support services.
Career Outcomes
You’ll graduate from the master’s in computer science program with proven expertise. Our program allows you to build a portfolio of work that you can use to showcase your abilities to employers. Some jobs you can pursue after earning your computer science master’s degree include computer programmer, computer network architect, computer and information systems manager and information security analyst.
If you pursue interdisciplinary studies in the program, you can also employ your skills for solving complex computer science problems outside of traditional technical fields in industries such as consulting, medicine, law and finance.
Curriculum Overview
The master of science in computer science online program will prepare you with skills applicable to creative tech careers through a curriculum focused as much on essential computer science knowledge as interdisciplinary and emerging practices.
“Hands-on programming. Hands-on design. Hands-on exercise.”
-- Doug Schmidt, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Engineering, on the top three things that make Vanderbilt’s online program unique
The program consists of 30 credits that can be completed over the course of three to six terms. The Accelerated Track can be completed in as little as 12 months over three terms. The Standard Track can be completed in as few as 20 months over five terms.
The program curriculum focuses on the following key subject areas:
- Mobile and cloud computing
- Cybersecurity
- Distributed systems
- Intelligent systems
- Software and systems engineering
- Computer science theory
As you develop your computer science knowledge and skills, you will also have opportunities to push your ideas in new directions through interdisciplinary exploration. Our program allows you to engage with faculty, work closely with other students and conduct your own research across topics.
Related subjects you may explore include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Cyber-physical systems
- Distributed real-time and embedded middleware
- Human-systems integration
- Web applications
- Model-integrated computing
- Data science
As a student, you’ll also engage in exercises with native applications on various platforms; languages like Java, Python and JavaScript; and cloud computing and security.
Admissions Overview
To qualify for the online master’s in computer science program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in computing or a computing-related field in engineering or natural science, or hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject and have significant experience in computer science and programming.
| Classes Start | Early Priority Application Deadline | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2023 | September 16, 2022 | October 14, 2022 | November 11, 2022 |
| May 2023 | January 13, 2023 | February 10, 2023 | March 10, 2023 |
GRE test scores are required to apply to the program, however, waivers are available for qualified applicants. There is no application fee.
Advance as a Tech Professional
Take the next step toward your future tech career. Learn more about Vanderbilt’s M.S. in computer science online.