Guide to Online Master’s in Computer Science (No GRE)
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Curious, analytical professionals who love solving complex problems could find their perfect fit in computer science. To grow into leadership or advanced technological roles in this field, you typically need a master’s in computer science. Some schools make this degree more accessible by offering an online master’s in computer science with no GRE requirement.
This approach lets you start sooner, learn faster, and finish quicker than you’d typically be able to in a traditional program.
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Explore information on how an online master’s in computer science with no GRE can benefit you, available specializations, and career pathways in this helpful guide.
Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Computer Science
Earning a master’s degree in computer science can increase your knowledge and skills in several key areas.
Mathematics and Algorithms: Along with computer science theory and practice, many computer science graduate students dive deep into abstract algebra, discrete mathematics, and graph theory.- Programming Languages: Knowing how to code is critical for many computer-related professions. Graduate students can study coding languages such as C++, Java, PHP, Ruby, and Python.
- Salary Increases: As of Aug. 2023, Payscale reported that people with master of computer science degrees earned an average salary of $112,000.
- Flexible Online Studies: Studying online allows you to tend to personal and professional responsibilities while earning your degree.
- Specialization: A master’s degree in computer science allows you to specialize in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, machine learning, and software engineering.
In this guide, you can explore these benefits and more information about the many available degree options.
Applying for an Online CS Master’s With No GRE
Admission to graduate school is not guaranteed. As a prospective student, you compete against other qualified applicants for a limited number of slots.
Without GRE scores, your application needs to show a strong GPA with extensive coursework in advanced math, computer science, and/or electrical engineering. You may also benefit from having hands-on experience in an internship, job, or research study.
Admission to an online master’s degree in computer science may require the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science or another major with extensive computer science coursework
- A minimum GPA as determined by your school
- Qualifying scores on the Miller Analogies Test or other entrance exam
- Knowledge of calculus, advanced math, Java, a coding language, or data structures
- Resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation of faculty
- Application fee
Master’s in Computer Science No GRE Programs
Some online master’s in computer science programs offer specialization options. You may want to keep your career options open by sticking to a general CS degree, but by focusing your course of study, you can gain expertise in lucrative niche areas.
If you are considering a specialization, carefully consider which option best aligns with your interests, skills, and career goals. Computer science degrees may include specializations such as:
In a rapidly changing job market, specialization can offer long-term career stability as industries continue to value and seek experts in specific areas.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI), a cutting-edge subspecialty in computer science, focuses on creating intelligent machines capable of learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. With a master’s degree specializing in AI, graduates can pursue roles like research scientist, machine learning engineer, or data scientist. According to Payscale, people with a master’s in artificial intelligence earn an average of $114,000 annually, as of Aug. 2023.
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Typical classes cover machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and neural networks. AI’s impact is profound, including efforts in self-driving cars and healthcare advancement. This degree suits tech enthusiasts who crave innovation.
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics combines biology, computer science, and data analysis to study biological data. This specialization plays a pivotal role in drug discovery, personalized medicine, and understanding diseases. Graduates can pursue roles like bioinformatics scientist, computational biologist, or data analyst. According to Aug. 2023 Payscale, people with master’s in bioinformatics degrees earn an average of $101,000 annually.
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Ideal for aspiring professionals who are passionate about both biology and tech, this degree opens doors to revolutionizing healthcare and research. Pursuing a bioinformatics degree can provide great value, as advancements in genomics and big data demand skilled professionals.
Computational Perception and Robotics
This concentration involves developing machines with sensory capabilities and autonomy. Classes cover computer vision, machine learning, control systems, and robotic algorithms. With this degree, you can pursue roles like robotics engineer, computer vision specialist, or autonomous systems developer. According to Payscale data from Aug. 2023, people with master’s in robotics degrees earn an annual average of $102,000.
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This field drives innovations in automation, healthcare, and space exploration, making it appealing for tech enthusiasts who dream of a future shaped by intelligent machines.
Computer Science
Computer science is the study of algorithms, computation, and data processing. In the digital era, a computer science degree offers vast opportunities. Classes often cover programming, data structures, algorithms, and database management. Graduates earn an average salary of $112,000, according to Payscale data from Aug. 2023. They often work as software engineers, systems analysts, and cybersecurity analysts.
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Computer science drives technological advancements in all industries. Consequently, it may be the ideal degree for problem solvers with a passion for innovation.
Computing Systems
Computing systems involve designing and managing complex computer infrastructures. Classes cover operating systems, network security, cloud computing, and virtualization. Graduates can pursue roles like systems administrator, network engineer, or cloud architect. Degree-holders earn an average salary of $95,000 per year, according to Aug. 23 Payscale data.
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As technology becomes more commonplace, computing systems professionals remain in high demand to ensure seamless and secure operations. This degree suits tech enthusiasts who love working behind the scenes to keep businesses and organizations running smoothly.
Cybersecurity
With the rising frequency of cyberattacks, cybersecurity professionals are essential to safeguarding sensitive data and digital assets. Cybersecurity degrees focus on protecting digital systems from threats through network security, cryptography, and digital forensics. With this degree, you can pursue a career as a cybersecurity analyst, ethical hacker, or information security manager.
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A cybersecurity specialization is ideal for tech enthusiasts concerned about digital safety. Cyberthreats continue to grow in sophistication, indicating an ongoing demand for these professionals.
Data Science and Cloud Computing
Data science and cloud computing merge data analysis and cloud-based technologies. This powerful combination enables businesses to extract valuable insights and efficiently manage resources. In this degree, you may study data mining, cloud infrastructure, big data analytics, and machine learning.
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A great degree for tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge careers, data science and cloud computing equips professionals to make data-driven decisions and use cloud-based solutions that can drive business success.
Human-Computer Interaction
Human-computer interaction (HCI) enhances user experiences across various applications, including software and websites. This specialization enables you to pursue roles like UX designer, interaction designer, or usability analyst, with an average salary of $111,000 per year, according to Aug. 2023 Payscale data.
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Classes may include user-centered design, usability testing, cognitive psychology, and interface development. This degree is ideal for creative problem-solvers who value user satisfaction.
Interactive Intelligence
Interactive intelligence drives advancements in virtual assistants, robotics, and smart devices. Classes cover natural language processing, human-robot interaction, and machine learning. Pursuing this degree is vital as interactive intelligence revolutionizes human-technology interactions.
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Tech enthusiasts who are passionate about creating intuitive and responsive technology can earn this degree and then pursue roles like conversational AI engineer, virtual assistant developer, or human-robot interaction specialist.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is the development and use of algorithms that enable computers to analyze large data sets and forecast outcomes. It fuels AI applications in various domains, including healthcare and finance. In this space, classes may cover supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, data preprocessing, and model evaluation.
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Analytical minds seeking to revolutionize industries with data-driven insights could find an ideal fit in machine learning. Graduates should work on real-world projects and contribute to open-source ML frameworks to continue to thrive in the field.
Paying for a Master’s Degree With No GRE
Employer reimbursements, graduate scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships can help graduate students pay for their degrees. As an example, computer science graduate students could apply for one or more of these scholarships:
- National Society of Black Engineers Scholarship: NSBE provides about 124 scholarships for qualifying students. Applicants must be NSBE members.
- DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship: The Department of Energy offers this $45,000 annual stipend to graduate students in computer science who aim to complete a Ph.D. from a rigorous program.
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program: This fellowship supports graduate students in a qualifying discipline, which includes computer science.
Despite its cost, the master’s in computer science pays off quickly. According to some research, this degree results in median earnings above $144,000 by mid-career.
Computer Science Jobs for Master’s Degree Students
Graduates with a computer science master’s degree are well positioned for one of many diverse careers in technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information science professionals earned a median annual salary of $97,430 as of May 2021. Consider the career options below:
- Software Developer: Working for software publishers, manufacturing firms, finance agencies, and other companies, software developers build computer applications. Skill with AI or big data may help these professionals advance quickly in their careers. As of 2021, the BLS reports a median software developer salary of $109,020.
- Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers create and improve artificial intelligence systems in data science teams. These professionals hold expertise in computer systems, programming, statistics, and data science. As of Aug. 2023, Payscale reports an average salary of $115,480 for the profession.
- Database Architect: Database architects design and build systems that store information. They may work for computer systems design companies, finance firms, or management consulting agencies. As of 2021, the BLS reports a median salary of $123,430 for these workers.
- Information Security Analyst: Information security analysts protect organizational data in many industries. With experience and an advanced degree, they may take on a corporate-wide cybersecurity leadership role. As of 2021, the BLS reports a median salary for this profession of $102,600.
- Computer Research Scientist: These advanced computer professionals discover innovative uses for computer technology. They may specialize in areas like cybersecurity or data mining. As of 2021, BLS data indicates a median salary of $131,490 for the profession.
- Senior Software Engineer: Senior software engineers oversee teams of technical professionals who design, develop, and install new computer programs and applications. Payscale data from Aug. 2023 indicates an average salary of $125,090 for this profession.
- Computer Vision Engineer: Using sophisticated equipment, computer vision engineers create programs that can interpret information from a hardware perspective. As of Aug. 2023, Payscale reports an average salary for this profession of $115,710.
Organizations for Computer Scientists and Students
Computer scientists and students can advance their careers by joining professional associations. These organizations often provide networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and career development resources.
- Association for Computing Machinery: ACM is a global organization dedicated to advancing computing as a science and a profession. The association offers numerous membership options, and members can take advantage of educational and career development opportunities.
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society: IEEE CS focuses on advancing the theory and application of computer and information processing technology. It offers student memberships and organizes conferences, webinars, and technical events.
- Women in Technology: Serving members in the Washington, D.C, Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan regions, WIT holds quarterly educational and networking programs, along with job fairs, a mentoring program, and a job board. Federal employees and students receive a membership discount.
- Computing Research Association: More than 250 organizations make up this association dedicated to computing research. Dues depend on whether the member is a lab, academic department, or professional society.
- International Machine Learning Society: This organization hosts an annual conference where attendees hear presentations, attend workshops, and enroll in tutorials. The conference cost depends in part on whether you are an academic, industry professional, or student.
Page Last Reviewed August 21, 2023.
