Pursuing a computer science master’s degree: Is it worth it?
A bachelor’s degree used to be enough formal education to propel your computer science career forward. But, the popularity of online master’s degree programs coupled with changing industry standards is prompting more professionals to ask themselves: is a master’s in computer science worth it?
This article will help you unpack that question and discover the information you need to decide whether pursuing a master’s degree in computer science is right for you.
Why go beyond a bachelor’s degree in computer science
An undergraduate computer science degree and work experience can set you up for an entry-level career in the field. However, many employers include grad school in their minimum hiring requirements, especially for leadership career paths.
Depending on your career goals, graduate school might be just the thing to accelerate your professional career. Many computer science professionals find fulfilling work in software development, information technology, cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, and many other specializations. Earning a master's in computer science may lead to higher average salaries and offers the potential for steady job growth, which can contribute to a stable and potentially comfortable career in the field.
From jobs to academia: Online master's of computer science program benefits
Graduate-level computer science degrees may unlock new career and academic paths where an undergraduate degree alone is not enough.
Expanded job opportunities: A master’s degree in computer science offers rigorous training to develop your skills in cutting-edge topics, from advanced algorithms and new programming languages to cloud computing and distributed systems. These computer science programs are also designed to help prepare you for leadership roles across many computer science fields.
Pathway to academia: A master’s degree can also position you as a competitive candidate for a doctoral program. Students with a graduate degree from a computer science program can become leaders in computer engineering and top information research scientists. Graduate programs may help students to move up in pay scale and take on leadership roles in multiple industries, from academia to healthcare, and beyond.
Online programs make graduate degrees a much more accessible option for working professionals to pursue these benefits.
Theory and practice: Skills from a computer science master’s degree program
A master’s of computer science program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field through foundational coursework and various electives on subjects that are important for the industry, including:
Distributed systems
Computer systems
Students are also likely to develop a deeper understanding of deep learning and neural networks, virtualization, artificial intelligence, and other concepts that lie at the heart of innovation.
While courses typically focus on building a theoretical understanding of computer science, many online programs are organized around applying this theory to real-world problems. Working professionals can then immediately apply lessons learned during their degree programs to their jobs.
The value and impact of a master’s degree in computer science
Obtaining a master’s degree in computer science may help you secure growth in both career and salary. Online master's degrees are increasingly offered as part-time programs, with opportunities to complete prerequisites ahead of time and obtain financial aid.
The flexibility of online master’s programs provides a perfect solution for professionals currently working as programmers, web developers, and software developers, among other roles, to build new skills immediately applicable to their work.
A master's degree can be an attractive option for those who want to gain a competitive edge in the job market or deepen their understanding in this field.
Last updated: January 2024