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Master’s Degree in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Austin

Top-10 Ranked Computer Science School

About the program

  • Top-ranked Program: The University’s Department of Computer Science has now made it possible to combine that top-tier reputation with the flexibility of online study through the Master of Science in Computer Science Online.
    • #9 Best Computer Systems Program. U.S. News & World Report, Best Grad School Rankings, 2023
    • #9 Best Theoretical Computer Science Program. U.S. News & World Report, Best Grad School Rankings, 2023
    • #7 Best Programming Language Program. U.S. News & World Report, Best Grad School Rankings, 2023
  • Career Impact: Computer science degree graduates will enjoy access to world-class professors, a professional network of talented peers from across the globe, and a degree that will enable them to pursue some of the most in-demand careers.
  • Flexible and Relevant: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth for careers like software development will grow much faster than other fields, making computer science degree programs a 21st-century necessity. The online master of science track offers classes in a flexible format, giving you the ability to pursue your educational goals in the manner most consistent with your career goals.

About The University of Texas at Austin

Educating students, providing care for patients, conducting groundbreaking research, and serving the needs of Texans and the nation for more than 130 years, The University of Texas System is one of the largest public university systems in the United States, with nine academic universities and six health science centers. Student enrollment exceeded 215,000 in the 2013 academic year. The U. T. System confers more than one-third of the state’s undergraduate degrees and educates nearly three-fourths of the state’s health care professionals annually. The U. T. System has an annual operating budget of $13.9 billion (FY 2013) including $2.5 billion in sponsored programs funded by federal, state, local and private sources. With 89,000 employees, the U. T. System is one of the largest employers in the state.

As the flagship campus of the U. T. System, The University of Texas at Austin is offering a number of showcase courses from some of our most accomplished faculty.

The master’s degree you receive at the end of your studies is among the best online master’s degree programs and will be indistinguishable from its on-campus counterpart (will not say online) at only a fraction of the on-campus program costs.

Our computer science degree graduates will enjoy access to world-class professors, a professional network of talented peers from across the globe, and a degree that will enable them to pursue some of the most in-demand careers.

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Curriculum

The curriculum incorporates foundational coursework that provides a broad understanding of the field. Elective coursework offers training on subject matter that is in high demand within real-world industry. Students can tailor their studies to their own interests in artificial intelligence and machine learning, software systems, algorithms, and programming languages.

This is a 30-hour program with 9 hours of required courses and 21 hours of electives. Elective courses allow students opportunities to explore specializations in areas such as advanced systems design, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Specializations support necessary work in software engineering and other in-demand areas of computer science. Students will practice using programming languages such as Python and C++ to solve computation problems and gain critical skill sets through required core courses and electives.

Required Courses: One class is required from each of the following course categories:

  • Applications: Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning: Theory and Practice, Deep Learning, Natural language Processing

  • Systems: Advanced Operating Systems, Android Programming, Structured Implementation of Modern Programming Languages, Virtualization, Parallel Systems

  • Theory: Advanced Linear Algebra for Computing, Algorithms: Techniques and Theory, Optimization, Online Learning and Optimization, Automated Logical Reasoning, Quantum Information Science

  • Elective Courses:
    • Planning, Search, and Reasoning Under Uncertainty
    • Case Studies in Machine Learning

    Note: Any course from the Required class list can be counted towards Elective hours after required course requirements are met.
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Admissions

Application requirements

Please submit the “Request Info” form above to receive additional information on the MSCS program as a whole including detailed resources for your application materials and the admissions process. All materials are due no later than the final application deadline.


Admissions take into consideration the following application materials:

  • Bachelor’s degree (see prerequisites)

  • CV/Resume

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Transcripts from all universities attended

  • TOEFL or IELTS - Required for International Students**

  • GRE scores - Currently Optional*

  • Letter(s) of recommendation (optional)


Important Application Note: Applicants are recommended to start the application process early in order to have all required materials received by the final deadline. Late applications will not be considered.


*GRE Score: Submitting GRE scores is optional for admittance consideration for all applicants.

Please keep in mind:

  • We encourage all applicants to submit your official GRE scores in an effort to bolster your application.

  • If you do not have a relevant or related degree (as clarified above), or have not been in school for over 10 years, a GRE score will assist the Admissions Committee in their review.


**TOEFL or IELTS: The minimum scores considered acceptable for admission by the Graduate School are:

  • TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT)

  • IELTS: An overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination


Complete the "Learn More" form above to receive additional information and to assess the full application checklist and details on each application component.


Application Deadlines for August 2024

Priority Application Deadline

April 1, 2024

Final Application Deadline

May 1, 2024

*All application materials are due no later than the final deadline.


Frequently asked questions

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