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Computer Science, MS
Master of Science in Computer Science
* Tuition:
$17,220 | 30 Credit Hours | Finish in as little as 18-24 months
Begin as soon as: January 11, 2027 or May 17, 2027
Why Choose UCM for Your Computer Science MS?
Computer science experts develop innovations that shape our future, prevent cyberattacks, predict catastrophic events and accelerate advancements across business, healthcare and technology. The University of Central Missouri offers an HLC-accredited Master of Science in Computer Science designed to help you solve complex technological challenges and lead teams of tech professionals.
Join a large peer group in one of the most affordable computer science master's programs in Missouri. UCM offers full-time and part-time flexible options, either on campus or 100% online for domestic students.
Choose from specialized tracks in General Computer Science, Software Development or Cloud Computing to customize your graduate degree to match your career goals. Finish in as little as 18–24 months.
UCM's Computer Science MS at a Glance
Degree Type: Master of Science | Credit Hours: 30 Hours
Degree Can be Taken: Warrensburg | Lee's Summit | Online
- Top Ranked: Named #5 Most Affordable Online Master's in Computer Science Program (TechGuide, 2025) and a Best College for Computer Science in America (Niche, 2027)
- Tailored Focus: Three tracks designed to support your individual career goals
- 30 Credit Hours: Can be completed in as little as 18-24 months
- Flexibility: Classes available at two locations or, for domestic students, 100% online
ContactXiaodong Yue, PhD Questions after hours? Call/Text Mo, our AI Graduate Recruiter: 660-628-5025
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Explore admissions requirements, learning outcomes, degree requirements, course options and more.
What will you learn in UCM’s Computer Science MS Program?
UCM’s Master of Science in Computer Science builds core technical expertise while allowing you to personalize your degree. Through graduate coursework, a master's project or a research thesis, all students build a strong foundational knowledge in algorithms, operating systems, database systems and compilers before tailoring their studies through one of three degree tracks:
- General Computer Science Track: Gain a broad-based education in software product development and theoretical computing, covering mobile computing, web development, big data and related emerging topics.
- Software Development Track: Focus on the creation of real-world applications from the ground up to produce large-scale software products across multiple industries.
- Cloud Computing Track: Design applications using commercial cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Microsoft Azure. Learn cloud security architecture, security design principles, billing, account management and pricing models.
Unique learning opportunities in UCM’s Computer Science MS Program
Put theory into practice with hands-on learning experiences and industry-standard resources:
- Paid and Credit-Bearing Internships: Most Computer Science MS students pursue internships during fall, spring or summer semesters, leveraging faculty industry connections.
- Industry Master’s Projects: Solve real-world technical problems by completing a master's project in collaboration with regional industry partners.
- Faculty-Guided Research Thesis: Work directly with faculty members to develop a research thesis project for course credit and advance computing research.
- Advanced Computer Labs & Resources: Access seven specialized labs housing more than 200 computers, major programming language tools, advanced databases, current software packages and three collaborative student spaces.
- Professional Networking & Organizations: Connect with peers and industry leaders through the student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) or Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), the honor society for computing and information disciplines.
Fast facts about UCM’s Computer Science MS
- 30 Credit Hours: Can be completed in as little as 18 to 24 months
- Top Affordability Rankings: Ranked the #5 Most Affordable Online MS in Computer Science Program by TechGuide (2025)
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Flexible Program Delivery: Option to choose either in-person or 100% online coursework (online available for domestic students) on a full- or part-time schedule
- Prominent Employers: Alumni employed at many Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Boeing, Garmin, IBM, J.P. Morgan, Mastercard and Sprint
Talk to an Admissions Counselor
Financial Aid and Scholarships for UCM’s Computer Science MS Students
UCM offers one of the most affordable computer science master’s programs in Missouri. Plus, as a UCM student, you’ll have a financial aid advisor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education.
Program-specific departmental scholarship opportunities include:
- Chelsoft Scholarship in Computer Science
- Cooper Scholarship
Use the UCM Scholarship Finder to search for additional award opportunities or schedule a meeting with your assigned financial aid advisor to explore loan options, assistantships and payment plans.
Your next steps:
① Request information about Computer Science at UCM.
② Schedule a visit or Connect virtually with a UCM admissions rep.
Career opportunities and outcomes for UCM’s Computer Science MS graduates
A Master of Science in Computer Science from UCM opens doors to high-demand technical leadership and advanced software engineering roles across diverse industries. Whether you want to pursue a job promotion or transition into technical management, our program equips you with industry-tested technical and leadership skills.
UCM alumni are employed at leading organizations and Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Boeing, Garmin, IBM, J.P. Morgan, Mastercard and Sprint.
Apply to UCM's Computer Science MS program
The UCM Career and Life Design Center
The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:
- exploring career options
- life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
- job and internship searching
- document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
- interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
- Professional Clothing Studio
- preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
- and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
You will study fundamental computing topics, including algorithms, operating systems, databases and compilers. You can then specialize in General Computer Science, Software Development or Cloud Computing, learning skills in web development, mobile computing, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and software architecture.
The program prepares you for senior technical and leadership roles in software engineering, cloud architecture, system administration and technical team management. UCM graduates work at leading companies like Amazon, Boeing, Garmin, IBM, J.P. Morgan, Mastercard and Sprint.
Yes. Most students participate in internships during the fall, spring or summer terms. You can also complete hands-on industry master’s projects, conduct research theses with faculty and work in seven specialized computer labs housing over 200 computers.
Yes. UCM offers departmental scholarships specifically for computer science graduate students, including the Chelsoft Scholarship in Computer Science and the Cooper Scholarship. Additional financial aid options can be explored through the UCM Scholarship Finder and your financial aid advisor.
Yes. Domestic students can complete the Master of Science in Computer Science 100% online. Both online and in-person options offer full-time or part-time scheduling flexibility to fit your schedule.
