Computer Science, MCS
Are you interested in expanding your knowledge in the computer science field and upskilling for your next career step? In this program, you'll gain an advanced understanding of computation, while strengthening your skills through technical projects.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
In the online Master of Computer Science program, you receive hands-on training in theory, systems and applications, enabling you to build a project portfolio and advance your career in industry.
The MCS program provides you, as a working professional and industry practitioner, with advanced training in computing, emphasizing hands-on learning and career development. Unlike the research-focused Master of Science program, the MCS broadens technical expertise through applied coursework and project-based learning.
You gain depth across key areas of modern computing, including:
- algorithms, theory and simulation modeling
- artificial intelligence and machine learning
- big data and data mining
- cloud and distributed systems
- computer security, cybersecurity and cryptography
- cyber-physical systems and Internet of Things
- visualization, imaging and graphics
You complete course projects that demonstrate advanced technical skills and position you for leadership and innovation in industry.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours - course-based master's
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) Electives (21 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for the list of courses approved for each core area in applications, foundations and systems. Students choose 21 credit hours of elective coursework approved by their academic advisor. Coursework selected as part of the area core may not be used as elective coursework on the same plan of study. At least 24 of these hours must be CSE 500-level credits at ASU. Up to six credit hours of 400-level courses may be applied to the plan of study. All 30 credit hours must be from formal coursework. CSE 590 cannot be included in the MCS program plan of study.
applications (3)
foundations (3)
systems (3)
This is a course-based program.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Before applying to the program, students must have completed two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II, with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher. Completion of a discrete math course is also recommended before admission. Students assigned any additional coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher within two semesters of admission. Additional admission requirements courses include: CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language with a TOEFL iBT® score of 4.5, or 90 (taken at a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026; 7 on the IELTS or 115 on the Duolingo English test, regardless of current residency.
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 330 Operating Systems
CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/23 | Priority* |
| Session B | Online | 09/16 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 12/14 | Priority* |
| Session B | Online | 02/15 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/19 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are able to analyze key theories, algorithms and software modules used in the field of computer science.
Career examples include:
- computer network architect
- computer system analyst
- computer systems engineer
- data scientist or engineer
- machine learning, AI or computer vision engineer
- software developer
- software engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
PICHO 245
On Campus: SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
ASU Online: mcsonline@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
