Can You Get a Master's in Computer Science without a CS Undergrad?

A master's degree in computer science can be a lucrative credential to accelerate your career in the field, leading to specialized knowledge, advanced opportunities, and higher salaries, among other benefits that tend to come with this kind of degree.

As with any type of master's degree, most universities expect you to have your bachelor's degree before you gain full admission to their program, but your bachelor’s doesn’t always have to be in computer science. If you majored in a different subject than computer science, you can still apply to computer science master’s programs, but you may first need to take a few extra steps. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how to find programs that cater to non-CS backgrounds and how to apply to master’s programs in computer science without a CS undergraduate degree.  

Can I get a master's in computer science without a CS undergrad degree?

Generally, yes, but the specific answer to that question will depend on the graduate program you’re interested in attending. Each computer science master’s program has different requirements, and as you’re reviewing potential programs you’ll want to take note of any stipulations that might signal a strong or weak fit for your needs. 

Master’s in computer science programs tend to require one of the following five parameters from applicants: 

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science: Some programs may explicitly require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in CS given the advanced coursework. 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field: Some programs do not require a CS undergraduate degree, but do want to see that you majored in a related area, such as math or engineering. 

• Computer science background: Some programs will accept applicants who do not have a bachelor’s in computer science or a related area as long as they can prove they have a strong background in CS and know how to perform critical tasks, like programming. 

• Prerequisite coursework: Some programs may accept candidates without a CS degree or background as long as they complete prerequisite coursework to prepare them to study computer science at an advanced level. 

• Performance-based admission: A newer concept to higher education, some online degree programs available through Coursera offer performance-based admission, which does not require a CS degree. Instead, students take and pass a set number of introductory master’s coursework to gain full admission to the program.  

Why do master’s programs prefer CS undergrads?

The reason many programs tend to look for applicants with a CS degree (or background) is because computer science is already considered a harder major than most—and studying computer science at the master’s level requires fundamental knowledge that may be difficult (though certainly not impossible) to gain without more formal study or training. 

Plus, admissions to a graduate CS program can be competitive because departments only admit a certain number of graduate students every year—and that number tends to be smaller than undergraduate cohorts. Some departments may look for applicants who can readily do the work, rather than those who may need extra help. But this won’t be every program, which is why it’s important to research relevant programs and find one that will be a good fit for your background, needs, and goals.  

Earning an advanced degree in a different subject than what you studied as an undergraduate is incredibly common. Many potential graduate students use their application to explain their interest shift and build a case for being admitted. As you set about applying for CS master’s programs, you can use your personal statement to explain your interest in the field, what you hope to accomplish, and why studying at that particular program will help you achieve you goals. And make sure that your letters of recommendation explicitly explain your interest and abilities. 

Requirements for earning a master's degree in computer science  

Every graduate computer science program has its own unique requirements for completing the degree, but generally the requirements to earn a master’s in computer science involve completing core and elective coursework, a final project or thesis, and doing so within a set period of time.

Once you’re finished taking core coursework in advanced computer science fundamentals, you’ll choose an area to concentrate in—such as machine learning or video game development—to develop more specialized knowledge. 

Common CS master's concentrations include:

• Computer systems

• Software engineering

• Data science

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning

• Cybersecurity

Applying for a master’s degree in CS

The process can differ by school, but generally, you'll be expected to submit a general graduate school application and a variety of supporting documents, which typically include:

• Proof of your bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA (usually around a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) 

• GRE scores (though not all programs require them) 

• Letters of recommendation 

• Personal statement

• Resume or information about your professional experience 

Depending on your background or where you’re interested in studying (especially if you’re relocating to the US from another country for graduate school), you may also need to provide proof of: 

• English proficiency 

• Completion of certain prerequisite courses in math and computer science

5 ways to strengthen your master's in computer science application

If you don't have a bachelor's degree in computer science but still plan to apply to a master's degree program, you can explore some strategies to strengthen your application. 

1. Use your personal statement to explain your interest.

Admissions committees review applicants' personal statements to get a better understanding of who they are, what they've learned, and their reasons for pursuing graduate school. Write an essay or personal statement that expresses your motivation and interest in studying computer science at an advanced level. You can also use this space to talk about what you've learned through courses, projects, volunteer work, or other exposure to computer science.

2. Show your experience through resumes and transcripts.

At the graduate level, admissions committees usually request a resume or CV to understand your academic and professional experience. Use this document, as well as your transcripts (if applicable) to share what you've learned about computer science, even if it hasn't been through a formal degree program.

If you have time, you may want to consider enrolling in a bootcamp or completing a certification to further strengthen your resume with additional credentials.

3. Earn high scores on the GRE. 

Not every school requires the GRE to apply, but if you want to supplement your application and prove your readiness for graduate school, it can be useful to study and take the test. If you receive high schools, that can signal to a committee that you have the math abilities to be a successful student.

4. Ask your recommenders to discuss your CS experience.

Submit strong letters of recommendation that highlight your skills and accomplishments. When requesting a letter of recommendation, make sure to share why you're interested in studying CS, what you've done in the past in this area, and what you hope to accomplish. That way, the person writing your recommendation can illustrate your experience in further detail.

5. Consider taking any prerequisite courses the program requires. 

If a school you're interested in attending requires certain prerequisites from non-CS backgrounds, then you may want to be proactive and complete that coursework at a local community college or online. This may not always be possible, but it can be helpful and show your drive for the subject.

What types of jobs require a master's degree in computer science?  

The jobs below can often require a master’s degree, depending on the company you’re looking to work at and the location you’re interested in working in. 

*All annual salary data comes from Lightcast™ Analyst as of July 2024. 

While a master’s in computer science is not a requirement for many entry-level or associate-level jobs in the field, advancing in your career may require the degree. In other words, you may be able to start as a software engineer but find that growing into engineering management or a similar leadership role will require a master’s. What’s more, a master’s can be a strong way to distinguish yourself in a field where many candidates already have a bachelor’s. 

Learn more: What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?

Earn your master's in computer science through Coursera. 

If you’re interested in earning your master’s in computer science, you can explore many performance-based admission programs offered by university partners on Coursera. Both the University of Colorado Boulder and Ball State University offer the opportunity to prove your way into their degree programs by taking and passing a set number of courses, rather than submitting a formal application. That way, you can get started as soon as you’re ready—without having to wait for a traditional admissions cycle.