UW-Whitewater | Online
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    Online Master of Science in Computer Science

    Specialized degree for in-depth knowledge of Computer Science.

    Students in the Master of Computer Science program acquire a thorough understanding of the essential principles of modern computing, which provides a foundation for new discoveries in the field. Building on this foundation, students develop cutting-edge technical skills, strong problem analysis abilities, and project experiences that prepare them for careers in growing industries such as artificial intelligence, DevOps, big data, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and financial services. The program employs a project-oriented curriculum and provides pathways for students with or without a computer science background.

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    Why UW-Whitewater Online?

    • Pathways for changing careers
    • Project oriented learning
    • Studies in cutting-edge computing areas
    • Flexible and convenient for your schedule

    Curriculum

    Personalized curriculum.

    Fully Online

    No requirements to come to campus.

    Cost

    Low cost yet high-quality educational opportunity.

    Online Master of Science in Computer Science

    Kurt Rose, types away on his laptop for online class

    The MS in Computer Science program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a 30-credit program. This program can be started in the spring, summer or fall terms, and at a pace that works best for you. Full-time students can finish in as little as a year and a half.

    More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog

    Claire Olsen, intently reading tablet, reviewing notes for online class

    To qualify for admission to the MS in Computer Science program students must meet application deadlines, and meet graduate admission criteria.

    If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.

    International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.

    Applicants must also complete the following undergraduate courses or their equivalents before starting the master's degree:

    • Data structures and at least one lower-level programming course (this requirement may be waived for students with substantial job-related programming experience)
    • Discrete mathematics or discrete structures
    • One semester of calculus, and
    • Computer organization and assembly

    Students may be admitted to the program with deficiencies (prerequisites not yet completed). Identified deficiency items must be removed prior to enrollment in any graduate coursework. Courses taken to remove deficiencies may be at the undergraduate or graduate level. Credits earned to remove deficiencies will not count toward the degree requirements for the MS in Computer Science.

    Additional requirements for admission to the MS in Computer Science program:

    • Upload a one-page personal statement describing why you want to pursue a master’s degree in computer science.
    • Provide contact information (name, organization, position/title, relationship, telephone and email address) for two (2) individuals that are knowledgeable about your potential to do graduate work in computer science

    These items can be uploaded during the application process.

    Note: All application materials must be received prior to the application deadline, only then will processing begin on your application.

    Student poses

    This graduate program at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at $708 USD per credit for the 2024-25 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or an international student within the major. Additional fees and non-resident tuition may apply to other courses.

    If you compare our graduate tuition to other schools who offer online classes, you will find that this per-credit price is quite reasonable.

    What creates this value?

    • Dedicated advising.
    • Veterans' services.
    • Career services.
    • Research and library support.
    • All faculty complete specific training for online teaching.
    • Faculty lectures are recorded in a state-of-the-art media studio and included with each course.
    • An external team reviews online courses.
    • High levels of student/faculty interaction are standard.
    • Helpdesk technical staff are dedicated to assisting master's students with online technology.

    Course materials
    Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.

    Financial aid
    UW-Whitewater students may apply for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. For more information, please reach out directly to the Financial Aid department.

    Online MS in Computer Science Emphasis

    Laptop on webpage for UW-Whitewater Online Canvas course

    The MS in Computer Science prepares students for leadership roles in the planning, development, testing, validation, and maintenance of software systems in a range of applied areas. Students in the program acquire a thorough understanding of the essential principles of modern computing, which provide a foundation for new discoveries in the field.

    Building on this foundation, students develop cutting-edge technical skills, strong problem analysis abilities, and project experiences that prepare them for careers in growing industries such as cloud computing, big data, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.

    More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.

    Laptop on webpage for UW-Whitewater Online Canvas course

    The Master of Science degree in Computer Science prepares students for leadership roles in the planning, development, testing, validation, and maintenance of software systems in a range of applied areas. Students in the program acquire a thorough understanding of the essential principles of modern computing, which provide a foundation for new discoveries in the field. 

    Building on this foundation, students develop cutting-edge technical skills, strong problem analysis abilities, and project experiences that prepare them for careers in growing industries such as cloud computing, big data, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.

    More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.