Program Quick Facts
Cutting-Edge Field
Advanced training in areas like scalable systems, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
100% Online
Flexible, online classes let you study anytime, anywhere, so you can balance work and life.
Affordable Tuition
NMSU Global Campus offers competitively priced tuition and scholarship opportunities.
Develop Specialized Technical Skills in a Flexible Graduate Program
The Master of Science in Computer Science is designed for working professionals ready to grow their technical expertise while staying active in their careers. The program gives you a flexible way to build specialized skills that align with your goals, whether that’s leadership, increased salary potential, or moving into fast-growing areas like artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, or machine learning.
Through this online computer science program, you’ll build a strong foundation in core concepts while also working with modern tools and systems used across industry today. That balance helps you apply what you’ve learned immediately to real-world software and infrastructure challenges — while also preparing you for research, development, and academic careers.
With a small student-to-faculty ratio and flexible course selection, you will benefit from strong mentoring, industry alignment, and department strengths in areas that include AI, cybersecurity, software engineering, high-performance computing, machine learning, and human-computer interaction.
Apply NowComputer Science Career Pathways
The Master of Science in Computer Science prepares professionals to advance in a field where new applications and technologies are being imagined and created every day.
Graduates from the Computer Science Department at NMSU have gone on to work in satellite development, telecommunications, digital entertainment, web companies, government research labs, major computer and software companies, as well as small businesses and independent consulting.
With an online master’s in computer science, you can enjoy a career in virtually any area of technology production, management and innovation, such as:
- AI Engineer
- Cloud Engineer
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Cybersecurity Analyst / Security Engineer
- Data Engineer
- Data Science Engineer
- Database Architect
- DevOps Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Software Engineer / Senior Software Engineer
- Systems Architect
- Technical Product Manager
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information“My undergraduate degree was in electronics and communications, and I've always been interested in the computer science side. I wanted to switch because this field is growing and it offers great opportunities, financially and professionally.”
Shashank T., Class of 2026
The online Master of Science in Computer Science is a coursework-only graduate degree covering advanced topics in computer science theory, computer systems, and computer applications. It attracts students nationally and internationally, and brings together a wide range of technical experience and perspectives. The program’s flexible course selection lets you focus on areas like software engineering, cloud systems, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, building expertise where it matters most to your career path. During your studies, you’ll develop:
- Advanced Software Development Skills – Programming, software architecture, algorithms, and system design emphasize building scalable, secure, and efficient applications used in real-world organizations.
- Cloud, AI, and Data Systems Knowledge – Cloud computing, machine learning, databases, and computer systems support work with modern technologies used in AI platforms, enterprise systems, and large-scale applications.
- Cybersecurity and System Reliability Competencies – Security, networking, and infrastructure topics focus on protecting systems, managing risk, and maintaining reliable digital operations in professional environments.
- Collaboration and Technical Communication Skills – Projects and team-based assignments develop the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly, collaborate across teams, and manage commonly used software development workflows.
- A Practical Application of Theory – Applying computer science theory to real-world business and technical challenges through hands-on projects enables immediate contribution in leadership roles across diverse industries.
Prospective students interested in this program are encouraged to visit the Department of Computer Science website.
Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Program Credits: 36 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Cost Per Credit Hour: $444.40**
Active Military Cost Per Credit Hour: $250*
College: Arts and Sciences
Fill out the form to talk to an advisor.
The online Master of Science in Computer Science requires a total of 36 credits and is a coursework-only program. The curriculum includes 12 credits of basic requirement courses and 24 credits of computer science electives that you can tailor to your interests and career goals.
Students can start the program in the Fall and Spring semesters, with rolling admissions offering flexibility to begin when it fits your schedule.
| Sample Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 5110: Data Structure and Algorithms Transition | 3 |
| CSCI 5510: Automata, Languages, Computability | 3 |
| CSCI 5605: Operating Systems II | 3 |
| CSCI 5220: Cloud and Edge Computing | 3 |
| CSCI 5420: Applied Machine Learning | 3 |
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, information systems, or mathematics from an accredited institution
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate coursework
Depending on your undergraduate coursework, the Computer Science master’s program coordinator may assign these additional prerequisite courses:
- CSCI 4545: Object-Oriented Programming Transition
- CSCI 4550: Introduction to Data Structures Transition
- CSCI 4560: Discrete Math for Computer Science Transition
At NMSU Global Campus, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU and NMSU Global Campus students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: globalFA@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.
*Terms and conditions apply.
**For NMSU Global Campus programs and courses, the per credit hour cost is listed above. Special tuition agreements (Western Undergraduate Exchange, Descubre, etc.) are not applicable to NMSU Global Campus programs. Course fees still apply and are charged separately. Textbooks, uniforms, equipment, etc., are additional program costs. Additional per credit costs might be charged by the program, department or college.
***In addition to standard NMSU tuition cost per credit hour, there is an additional tuition differential of $39 per credit hour for engineering courses.