<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="10" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> Berkeley's Data Science Master's </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> Master Key Skills in Data Mining, Machine Learning, Research Design & More </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>The online Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program is preparing the next generation of experts and leaders in the data science field and providing students with a UC Berkeley education without having to relocate. Students graduate with connections to UC Berkeley’s extensive alumni network in the Bay Area and across the world. All international applicants will be required to submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.</p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-10" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-10" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://ischoolonline.berkeley.edu/requestinfo/mids/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/UCB-DATA_MKTGAD-13675_Program-Logo_750x500.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://ischoolonline.berkeley.edu/requestinfo/mids/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> <table class="edu-card-table"> <tbody> <tr> <td>GRE Required</td> <td>No</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Part Time</td> <td>Yes</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="56" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> Full-Stack Web Development Certificate </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> Start your coding career today </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>Get comprehensive career training in web development and software engineering. Life is unpredictable, so we're flexible: attend in-person or online, full-time or part-time, with access to class recordings after each session.</p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-56" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-56" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://www.nobledesktop.com/certificates/full-stack-development/?utm_source=fortune&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=[dynamic]post-id[/dynamic]">Visit Website</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Noble_logo-n-only.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://www.nobledesktop.com/certificates/full-stack-development/?utm_source=fortune&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=[dynamic]post-id[/dynamic]">Visit Website</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="17" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> Syracuse University's Online M.S. in Computer Science </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> Earn a Master of Science in Computer Science Online in as few as 15 Months </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an online M.S. in Computer Science focusing on subjects crucial to understanding emerging systems.</p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-17" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-17" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://onlinegrad.syracuse.edu/requestinfo/mscs/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SYR-UMT_Lockup_Eng-Comp-Sci_Full-Configuration_RGB_COLOR_900px.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://onlinegrad.syracuse.edu/requestinfo/mscs/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

ad_Comp-sci

cat_Graduate

Low Intent

ptype_Explainer

Meghan Malas

Preston Fore

<p>A <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/what-can-you-do-with-a-computer-science-degree/">degree in computer science</a> can be the gateway into one of the most well-compensated, high-demand careers today. With tech being one of the fastest growing and most competitive industries today, obtaining a master’s degree in computer science is one way you can set yourself apart and secure a six-figure salary. <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, computer and research scientist occupations are expected to grow 23% between 2022 and 2032 <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/how-much-do-computer-scientists-make/">median pay</a> of more than $136,000.</p><div class="paywall-selector"></div><div class="paywall">



<p>People who gravitate toward graduate computer science programs may be looking to update or upgrade their current technical skillset—or they may be looking to pivot their careers. Regardless, there is plenty of room for more of these professionals across all sectors. </p>



<p>According to the latest information from the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/ctb/graduate-degree-fields#:~:text=largest%20percentage%20increase%20in%20computer%20and%20information%20sciences%20and%20support%20services" target="_blank">National Center for Education Statistics</a>, computer and information science master’s degrees are growing the fastest of any field of study. So, with a fast growing and competitive industry, questions for graduates arise: What types of jobs and opportunities are available to master’s in computer science graduates? Where are these professionals most needed, and why?</p>



<p>To find out more about the demand for computer science-educated workers, <em>Fortune</em> spoke to Indrajit Ray, professor in the department of computer science at Colorado State University. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How computer science programs can help companies find more data-savvy workers</h2>



<p>“<a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/05/26/the-value-of-a-data-science-degree-as-told-by-microsofts-chief-data-scientist/">Our current society is significantly data-driven</a>,” Ray says. “What has changed within the last decade is the ability to rapidly process that data and make sense out of the complex hidden features in that data—and in the process create more and more data.”</p>



<p>It’s no secret that <a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/06/14/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-data-science-leader-at-mastercard/">companies are seeking to become more data-driven in their business strategies</a>. With computer science, better hardware and algorithms make this possible, resulting in high demand for graduate degree holders in this field. </p>



<p>Jobs that require collaboration with domain experts from other disciplines to solve complex problems are typically the most common jobs for graduates with a master’s degree in computer science, Ray notes. This includes areas like business supply chain management, scheduling and operations, healthcare, finance, information management, and more. </p>



<p>Additionally, there are roles for computer science degree-holders who are involved more directly in developing computer hardware, networks, <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-cybersecurity/">cybersecurity technology</a>, databases, operating systems, high-performance computing, programming languages, and application software design. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">As computing and technology evolve, how master’s degree programs in computer science can help</h2>



<p>“Based on my own experience in our program as well as anecdotal evidence from conversations with colleagues from other universities, receiving a master’s degree in computer science—and related disciplines such as computer engineering, information technology or computer, and information science—is a common way to pivot careers,” Ray says. This makes sense given the demand and high pay associated with these occupations. <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/computer-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm">Glassdoor estimates</a> that in 2023, the average salary of a computer scientist was about $141,000 annually—plus over $30,000 in additional pay from things like bonuses.</p>



<p>Many of the students in Colorado State’s master’s degree program in computer science are mid-career professionals who have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and 10 or more years of applicable experience. These students need to enhance their depth of knowledge, or acquire new skills in emerging areas such as <a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/07/08/graduates-with-a-masters-degree-in-cybersecurity-are-landing-starting-pay-of-214000-and-up/">cybersecurity</a>, AI, and machine learning to remain relevant in their jobs, Ray says. </p>



<p><a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/07/07/computer-science-and-engineering-programs-students-want-more-hands-on-learning-siemens-exec-says/">Grads with a master’s degree in computer science have more opportunities</a> than those with just undergraduate degrees in the field. For example, computer and information research scientists typically have a master’s degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is also common for <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/what-is-a-data-scientist/">data scientist</a> positions, <a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/03/08/glassdoors-no-3-best-job-in-the-u-s-has-seen-job-growth-surge-480/">which are also in high demand</a>. </p>



<p>People with an undergraduate degree may have<a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/07/07/a-computer-science-degree-opens-a-lot-of-different-doors/"> fewer job opportunities</a> because they need advanced knowledge in traditional computer science areas like computing theory, algorithms, programming languages, computer hardware and networks, and operating systems. </p>



<p>Job candidates are also required to know rapidly<a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/07/08/cybersecurity-professionals-are-needed-how-one-nsa-recognized-university-is-addressing-the-demand/"> emerging areas like cybersecurity</a>, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, Ray tells <em>Fortune</em>. Because of this, those with a computer science master’s degree are typically well-equipped to apply for roles beyond just a computer scientist. In fact, those with a computer science degree may find themselves well-equipped for many of the positions listed by <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Best-Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htm">Glassdoor in 2022 as the “Best Jobs in America</a>,” including full stack engineer, software engineer, and java developer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cybersecurity and data roles are in high demand for grads with a master’s degree in computer science</h2>



<p>Ray describes the overall contribution of computer scientists as two-fold: People with a master’s degree in computer science bring in technical know-how and skills to identify engineering, business, and societal problems that pose novel challenges in computing—and then they develop the theories, models, and solutions to address those challenges. </p>



<p>“Currently, two types of positions are in very high demand and expected to remain so over the next several years,” Ray says. “<a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/06/30/companies-are-desperate-for-cybersecurity-workers-more-than-700k-positions-need-to-be-filled/">These are jobs that require expertise in cybersecurity</a> and those requiring expertise in data management, data mining, and <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-data-science/">data analytics</a>.”</p>



<p>By 2025, 463 exabytes of data will be created each day globally, estimates <a href="https://www.raconteur.net/infographics/a-day-in-data/">Raconteur</a> (for reference, one exabyte is about 1 billion gigabytes). While this means great potential for powerful solutions and insight across countless areas, this exponential growth in data also means more security and privacy risk and challenges.</p>



<p>“Unfortunately, industries have been very slow to respond because to a significant majority security is an afterthought,” Ray says. “Things are changing, which is good—this sector is expected to grow much faster than average.” </p>



<p><em>See how the schools you’re considering fared in Fortune’s rankings of the </em><a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-computer-science/"><em>best master’s in computer science programs</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://fortune.com/education/health/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-psychology-degree-programs/"><em>psychology programs</em></a><em>,</em><a href="https://fortune.com/education/public-health/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-public-health-programs/"><em> public health programs</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://fortune.com/education/business-analytics/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-business-analytics/"><em>business analytics programs</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://fortune.com/education/data-science/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-data-science/"><em>data science programs</em></a><em>, and </em><a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/mba/rankings/best-parttime-mba-programs-in-2022/"><em>part-time</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/mba/rankings/best-executive-mba-programs-in-2021/"><em>executive</em></a><em>,</em><a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/mba/rankings/best-mba-programs/"><em> full-time</em></a><em>, and </em><a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/mba/rankings/best-online-mba-programs/"><em>online</em></a><em> MBA programs.</em></p>



<div class="wp-block-group pro-tip-box-widget"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained">
<h3 class="wp-block-heading pro-tip-box-heading">Read more</h3>



<li>Achieve your goal of becoming an expert in data science by choosing from our list of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/best-masters-in-data-science/">best masters in data science</a> programs.</li>
<li>Our ranking of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/best-online-masters-in-data-science/">best online data scientist masters programs</a> can help you find the program that best fits your schedule.</li>
<li>Getting a masters degree doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s our list of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/most-affordable-masters-in-data-science/">most affordable data science masters degree programs</a>.</li>
<li>Regardless of how you scored on the GRE, you can still find an <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/best-online-masters-in-data-science/no-gre-required/">online data science masters program</a>.</li>
<li>Choose from our list of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/best-online-masters-in-computer-science/">best online masters in computer science programs</a> to help you make your next career move.</li>
</div></div>
</div>

Learning the in-demand tech skills from a master’s degree may help you land a six-figure computer science job.

What can you do with a master’s in computer science degree?

F-Search

Education

Education Articles

Jasmine Suarez

Tech

What types of opportunities are available to master’s in computer science graduates?

Fortune earns a commission for purchases made from affiliate partners via some links on our site; other links are not affiliate partner links. <a href='/affiliate-disclosure/'>Click here</a> to read the full Fortune advertiser disclosure and how we earn commissions.

We have independently evaluated the products and services below. We may earn affiliate revenue from links in the content.

Fortune Editors

Fortune Education is designed to be your guide to navigating this new, rich and somewhat overwhelming world of education. Our team of experienced editors is committed to scouring the universe of online offerings in order to rank, rate, provide comparisons and recommend the right solutions for you and your career.

Fortune Education

Uncategorized

homepage

articles

Articles Hub

By Region

By State

By Cost

Business

Career Hub

Health and Wellness

EDUCATION

EDUCATION ARTICLES

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A MASTER’S IN COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE?

What can you do with a master’s in computer science degree? | Fortune Education

Rich Griset

10 free data analytics courses you can take online

https://fortune.com/education/articles/free-data-analytics-courses/?itm_source=parsely-api

2024 real estate school review: AceableAgent

https://fortune.com/education/articles/real-estate-school-review-aceableagent/?itm_source=parsely-api

Northwestern, Columbia, and UPenn have the best EMBA programs in the country. Here's why

https://fortune.com/education/articles/best-exec-mba-programs-news/?itm_source=parsely-api

Brit Morse

A law associate making $300,000 a year at Skadden Arps quit over the firm’s deal with Donald Trump

/article/rachel-cohen-making-300k-year-law-associate-skadden-arps-quit-protest-firms-deal-trump/

Get ready to pay more than $2,000 for a new iPhone: Experts say Trump’s 125% tariff on China is a ‘complete disaster for Apple’ akin to ‘Armageddon’

/2025/04/10/apple-iphone-16-price-complete-disaster-china-trump-tariffs/

It’s about to get a lot harder for job seekers as tariffs are set to make the hiring landscape even more daunting

/2025/04/07/trump-tariffs-labor-market-more-challenging-job-seekers-economists-say/

This company does peer performance reviews—And then lets everyone read each other’s evaluations

/2025/03/24/performance-review-process-company-allows-all-workers-read-garner-health-workplace-culture/

2024 health coach certification review: Catalyst Coaching Institute

/education/articles/health-coach-certification-review-catalyst-coaching-institute/

A guide to a nurse’s salary: Broken down by all 50 states and industry type

/education/careers/nurse-salary/

2024 health coach certification review: Institute for Integrative Nutrition

/education/articles/health-coach-certification-review-institute-for-integrative-nutrition/

10 high-paying public health jobs right now

/education/careers/public-health-jobs/

Jason Del Rey

Is eBay actually sexy again as the ecommerce old-timer’s stock surges to an all-time high?

/2025/07/31/ebay-earnings-live-sports-cards-trading-pokemon/

Erik German

Meet the CIA-backed venture fund behind Palantir, Anduril—and a spy tool that might be on your phone

/2025/07/29/in-q-tel-cia-venture-capital-palantir-anduril/

Dana Hull

Kiel Porter

Bloomberg

Tesla engineering VP Moravy says company in ‘big swing moment’

/2025/07/27/tesla-engineering-vp-lars-moravy-big-swing-moment-musk-robotaxi-optimus-semi/

Christiaan Hetzner

Volkswagen seeks audience with Trump, dangling more than $10 billion in U.S. investments in exchange for tariff exemptions

/2025/07/25/volkswagen-trump-tariffs-exemptions/

Whether you’ve just completed your undergraduate degree or you are a professional with years of experience, Fortune is here to guide you on the next step of your educational journey.

What can you do with a master’s in computer science degree?

About the Contributors

Top Articles

10 free data analytics courses you can take online

2024 real estate school review: AceableAgent

Northwestern, Columbia, and UPenn have the best EMBA programs in the country. Here's why

Syracuse University's Online M.S. in Computer Science