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Master of Science in Computer Science

Join us February 6 for our live webinar about the MS in Computer Science Program. Register here!

University of Colorado Boulder logo

Master of Science in Computer Science

University of Colorado Boulder

Get started today

Start your first course or request more information

Enroll now

Fully accredited online program

Graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder

$15,750 USD total tuition

Flexible payment options with no hidden costs or fees

Finish in 24 months

Complete 30 courses (30 credit hours) full or part time

100% online learning

Lecture videos, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers

Start earning your master’s in computer science

Build advanced computer science skills with broadly relevant courses and interdisciplinary electives from a top global university

Take a broad approach to studying computer science that directly reflects a career in the field. You’ll start with breadth courses on algorithms, machine learning, network systems, and more. In addition to computer science courses, you can explore a variety of interdisciplinary electives in electrical engineering, engineering management, or data science to learn the latest computer science techniques alongside other job-relevant subjects.

Program admission is based on your performance in three preliminary courses, not your academic history. Upon your acceptance, you’ll become part of an innovative online program from a top global university. With collaborative faculty who find creative ways to link computer science to other areas of study at the university, you’ll be a member of the larger university community while learning how to leverage complex frameworks in realistic scenarios.

CU Boulder is a global university that’s ranked among the finest in the world. The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) placed CU Boulder in the top 1% on its 2021-22 list of global universities, at 68th overall and 38th nationally.

What’s in this degree program?

30 courses (30 credit hours) accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Expertly taught courses created by faculty who have research and industry expertise combining computer science and applications to a broad range of sectors.
Opportunities to combine theoretical knowledge with technical experience across both broad computer science courses and specific electives
An interdisciplinary model offering opportunities to learn from cutting-edge researchers across multiple fields
30 courses (30 credit hours)
Create your learning journey in statistics or computer science, vital skills, and electives in data science.
Virtual spaces for dialogue and connection through discussion boards and group sessions with peers

Admissions Information

Contact the CU Boulder MS-CS team at cuboulder-mscs@coursera.org if you have any questions.

Important Dates

Enrollment Open: January 2 - February 21, 2025.

For-credit Course Access: January 13 - March 7, 2025.

Join us February 6 for our live webinar about the MS in Computer Science Program. Register here!

Get started today

Start your first course or request more information

Enroll now

Fully accredited online program

Graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder

$15,750 USD total tuition

Flexible payment options with no hidden costs or fees

Finish in 24 months

Complete 30 courses (30 credit hours) full or part time

100% online learning

Lecture videos, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers

Fully accredited online program

Graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder

$15,750 USD total tuition

Flexible payment options with no hidden costs or fees

Start earning your master’s in computer science

Build advanced computer science skills with broadly relevant courses and interdisciplinary electives from a top global university

Take a broad approach to studying computer science that directly reflects a career in the field. You’ll start with breadth courses on algorithms, machine learning, network systems, and more. In addition to computer science courses, you can explore a variety of interdisciplinary electives in electrical engineering, engineering management, or data science to learn the latest computer science techniques alongside other job-relevant subjects.

Program admission is based on your performance in three preliminary courses, not your academic history. Upon your acceptance, you’ll become part of an innovative online program from a top global university. With collaborative faculty who find creative ways to link computer science to other areas of study at the university, you’ll be a member of the larger university community while learning how to leverage complex frameworks in realistic scenarios.

CU Boulder is a global university that’s ranked among the finest in the world. The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) placed CU Boulder in the top 1% on its 2021-22 list of global universities, at 68th overall and 38th nationally.

What’s in this degree program?

30 courses (30 credit hours) accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Expertly taught courses created by faculty who have research and industry expertise combining computer science and applications to a broad range of sectors.
Opportunities to combine theoretical knowledge with technical experience across both broad computer science courses and specific electives
An interdisciplinary model offering opportunities to learn from cutting-edge researchers across multiple fields
30 courses (30 credit hours)
Create your learning journey in statistics or computer science, vital skills, and electives in data science.
Virtual spaces for dialogue and connection through discussion boards and group sessions with peers

Admissions Information

Contact the CU Boulder MS-CS team at cuboulder-mscs@coursera.org if you have any questions.

Important Dates

Enrollment Open: January 2 - February 21, 2025.

For-credit Course Access: January 13 - March 7, 2025.

Join us February 6 for our live webinar about the MS in Computer Science Program. Register here!

Admissions is based on your performance in courses, not your academic background. Just start learning and show us you’re ready

Simply complete a three-course pathway in either data structures and algorithms or software architecture on Coursera with at least a B in each course and you’ll be accepted—even if you don't hold a bachelor’s degree. No application is required.

Learn more - MS-CS Program Overview Webinar

Pay-as-you-go tuition with short eight-week courses

  • $15,750 USD tuition total With a significantly lower cost than comparable programs, you can pursue a high-quality education at a more affordable price.
  • Pay-as-you-go tuition You only pay for the courses in your next session. If a scheduling conflict arises, you’re free to take a session off without charges or penalties.
  • Financial aid opportunities Discover more ways you can make this program fit your budget by exploring assistance options like scholarships.

Advance your career in Business

  • Gain leadership skills as you learn to improve existing processes and learn to develop and implement a vision for your future career.
  • Courses are grouped into specializations, structured so that you learn skills in combinations that mirror how you’ll actually use them on the job.
  • Graduates of the iMBA program become one of over 800,000 global alumni in the Illinois network.

Advance your career

25% average salary growth

At a time when a 2 percent raise is often the norm, Gies iMBA graduates report an average raise of 25 percent during and immediately after their program, showcasing an instant and significant return on investment that stands out.(2023 survey)

65% received a promotion or job offer

Many business schools track job placement post-graduation. At Gies, since most iMBA students already hold jobs, we instead find out how many received a promotion or took a new job. 65% of iMBA graduates report starting a better job upon finishing, showcasing the immediate ROI of a Gies iMBA degree.(2023 survey)

Positive recruiter outlook

Nine out of ten corporate recruiters expect the demand for business school graduates to remain high or increase in the next five years. (GMAC)

Qualify for in-demand jobs

  • Chief Executive

  • General Manager

  • Financial Manager

  • Management Analyst

Top employing corporations for professionals with business degrees are expected to grow by as much as 17% by 2031 in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Access a flexible curriculum created to empower you

You can take all  30 courses in this program at  your own pace and tailor your coursework to your career goals. Choose electives from advanced CS courses in human-computer interaction, robotics, natural language processing, and autonomous systems as well as courses from other CU Boulder degrees in electrical engineering, engineering management, and data science. You do not need to be admitted to the degree to take any course for credit. You can work at your own pace to gain admission and complete your degree.

Learn More

Enrollment for Spring 1 session opens on January 2, 2025

Spring 1 enrollment closes on February 21, 2025.

Enroll in a for-credit course today

Want to enroll in the full degree course now and earn transcriptable credit? You can enroll directly with the university as a non-degree student.Enroll in for-credit now

Enroll in course

1. Enroll in course

Explore course options to find the courses that fit your needs

Pursue admission to degree

2. Pursue admission to degree

Fill out a form or application on the university's website and pay to enroll

Get accepted and enroll

3. Get accepted and enroll

Complete the course and earn transcriptable college credit which will count toward your degree learning if you are accepted into the full degree program¹

Transfer credit

4. Transfer credit

You can apply to transfer the credits earned towards your degree program after admission to the program

¹Each university determines the number of pre-approved credits that may count towards the degree requirements according to institutional policies.

Build toward a degree

These courses are part of the degree program. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.

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Frequently asked questions

The MS-CS diploma that students earn in the MS-CS on Coursera is the same diploma that students earn in the CU Boulder on-campus program. There are no "online" or "Coursera" designations on the diploma. The diploma will state that the student has earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Yes, the MS-CS on Coursera falls under the University of Colorado Boulder’s overall accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Yes, you can enroll in the non-credit experience, allowing you to complete some coursework in MS-CS on Coursera courses before committing to the degree program. You may upgrade to for-credit at any time during your learning journey. You will need to complete additional graded assignments to earn CU credit (this material is only available after you pay tuition).

Enrollment for Spring 1 session opens on January 2, 2025

Spring 1 enrollment closes on February 21, 2025.