The M.S. in Computer Science Online at Tufts University is a 33-credit master’s program designed for students who want to build advanced computing skills in a flexible online format. The program helps students develop the technical foundation to solve complex computing problems, build applications, and design large-scale software systems.

Offered by the Department of Computer Science, the program is delivered fully online and can be completed remotely. Students may pursue the degree full time or part time, with daytime and evening options available. The program is composed of 10 courses and has an average completion time of 12 to 24 months.

Who is this Program For?

The M.S. in Computer Science Online is designed for students who want graduate-level computer science preparation in a flexible format that can fit around work, location, or other responsibilities.

The program may be a strong fit for students seeking advanced skills in software development, computing systems, data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, research preparation, or technical problem-solving. It can support students preparing for roles in technology, research, industry, academia, or interdisciplinary fields that rely on computing.

Application Requirements

Application Fee
Resume/CV
Personal Statement
Transcripts
Three letters of recommendation
Official GRE scores (if applicable)
- GRE General Test scores not required for applicants who will have received a degree from an institution located in the U.S. or Canada by time of enrollment. GRE scores required for all other applicants.
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)
Portfolio (optional)

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What Will You Study?

Students complete a rigorous 10-course curriculum that builds problem-solving confidence in computer science and related fields. The online format allows students to complete graduate coursework remotely while engaging with Tufts faculty and the Department of Computer Science community. Coursework is designed to help students strengthen their ability to develop software, analyze technical problems, and apply computer science concepts to real-world challenges.

Coursework may address areas such as:

Software development
Large-scale software systems
Algorithms and computational thinking
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Cybersecurity

Data science
Programming languages
Software systems engineering
System, network, and data management
Interdisciplinary applications of computer science

About the Department of Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science at Tufts provides an open, collaborative environment for graduate study in computing. The department has a long history of interdisciplinary learning and research collaboration, bringing together faculty, students, alumni, staff, and guests from across computer science and related fields.

Faculty expertise includes artificial intelligence, machine learning, reinforcement learning, cybersecurity, data science, software systems engineering, programming languages, software engineering, security, system performance, networks, and data management.

Why Study Computer Science Online at Tufts?

Fully Online Graduate Study

The program is delivered completely online, allowing students to complete a Tufts graduate degree remotely. This format can support students who need flexibility because of work, location, or personal commitments.

Interdisciplinary Computer Science

Computer science at Tufts connects with fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-robot interaction, computational biology, and software systems development. Students gain technical preparation while exploring how computing is applied across disciplines and real-world contexts.

Flexible Enrollment Options

Students may pursue the program full time or part time, with daytime and evening options available. This flexibility helps students plan their graduate study around professional and personal responsibilities.

Faculty Expertise

Students learn from Tufts computer science faculty whose areas of expertise include artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, software systems, programming languages, data science, systems engineering, and security. Faculty bring academic and applied perspectives to graduate-level computer science learning.

What Can You Do With an M.S. in Computer Science?

Graduates may pursue software, systems, research, technical, or product-focused roles in areas such as software development, software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, systems engineering, technical product development, and computing-focused consulting. Career outcomes vary based on a student’s background, focus area, thesis or non-thesis pathway, technical experience, internship or co-op experience, and professional goals.

Possible paths may include:

Software developer
Software engineer
Data scientist
Machine learning engineer
Artificial intelligence engineer

Cybersecurity engineer
Systems engineer
Technical product developer
Research and development engineer
PhD student or research scientist in training

What is the Career Outlook?

Computer science skills are relevant across software, artificial intelligence, data systems, cybersecurity, research, and advanced computing.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research scientists had a median annual wage of $140,910 in May 2024. Employment in this occupation is projected to grow 20 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Typing on a laptop with strands of code overlayed

Average Salary: $145K+

Tufts University Alumni: 125,000+ worldwide

*Sources: Average salary statistic is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

What is the Capstone Project?

The Online M.S. in Computer Science includes a two-course capstone project that serves as the culminating applied learning experience for the degree. Students use the capstone to plan, design, implement, test, document, and present a programming project that draws on skills developed throughout the program.

In the first part of the capstone, students focus on requirements analysis, project planning, design, project management, and proof-of-concept prototyping. In the second part, students implement the project, applying principles and tools for debugging, testing, documentation, maintenance, release management, and final presentation. The capstone gives students the opportunity to connect graduate-level computer science concepts with hands-on technical work in a structured, project-based format

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Program Fully Online?

Yes. The M.S. in Computer Science Online is delivered 100% online and can be completed remotely. An on-campus M.S. in Computer Science program is also offered.

Is the GRE Required?

GRE General Test scores are not required for applicants who will have received a degree from an institution located in the U.S. or Canada by the time of enrollment. GRE scores are required for all other applicants.

Are Scholarships Available?

The School of Engineering offers partial tuition scholarships for a select group of Engineering master’s and certificate programs. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered, there’s no separate scholarship application or additional information required. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.

Do You Host Information Sessions and Campus Tours?

Yes. Prospective students may attend admissions events, information sessions, or campus visit opportunities to learn more about Tufts graduate programs and the application process. Visit go.tufts.edu/gradevents for the event schedule and previously recorded videos.

How Do I Apply?

Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.