Computer Science MS Online — Chico State Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico

Computer Science MS Online

A student working on a laptop at home.
  • Program Type

    Graduate

  • Delivery Type

    Online

Our online master's in computer science is built for the future. As technology continues to evolve, computer and information technology professionals must have the foundational knowledge and advanced skills to keep up—and our program provides exactly that.

Gain critical experience now and become a leader in the industry. Our expert faculty bring the latest innovations and deep technical knowledge to the virtual classroom and foster a warm, engaging, and collaborative learning environment. With an explosive job market and seemingly endless demand for computer scientists, you'll advance your career with new skills and perspectives in software engineering, mathematics, AI, and more.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall: July 25
  • Spring: January 3

Requirements

  • Statement of purpose, resume (optional)
  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required unless the applicant's bachelor's degree was awarded by an ABET-accredited program in computer science or a related discipline. A GRE score of 300 or higher is preferred.

Program Coordinator
David Zeichick

Courses
View Curriculum

Application Info

Sourabh Kulkarni working on a laptop in the graduate program

Quality Education on a Flexible Schedule

Our courses are designed to keep you up to date in the constantly evolving computer science field. Explore advanced database management and algorithms, data network forensics, software engineering, and applied machine learning. Our asynchronous classes are the answer for those who value flexibility without compromising on a quality education.

Reach New Levels in Your Career 

Many of the best and highest-paying tech jobs in the workforce are in computer science. With the skills you learn at Chico State, you can advance in information technology, computing, software development, cybersecurity, and more.

Who hires our graduates? Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, NASA, Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, just to name a few.

Pay and Job Outlook

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows the following outlook for Software Developers:

Median Pay
$120,730 per year

Job Outlook
25% (Much faster than average)

Work Environment
Private and public sector settings.

Fast Facts

$145,676

average salary for computer scientists in California.

23%

projected employment growth through 2032.

Student working on coding on a laptop

Master the Science of Innovation

Work alongside faculty to evaluate, research, and improve emerging software technologies. Some of our students’ recent research includes investigating the effects of artificial intelligence on children and exploring the potential of quantum computing.

Student working on a computer

Cutting-Edge Tech

You will have direct access to high-end departmental servers, including a Linux account for programming tasks and a Dell PowerEdge server equipped with 80 CPUs, numerous GPUs, and over 3 TB of RAM for coursework and research in areas like cybersecurity and machine learning.

Discover Stories and More

Chico State Today
    /

    Application Information

    Curious about how to apply to our program or what you need to know? Below you will find information about deadlines, who to contact, scholarships, and graduation requirements.

    We offer both priority and final application deadlines to accommodate prospective students at all points in their graduate program search. If possible, we recommend applying by the priority deadline for your desired term for the following reasons:

    • We review applications on a rolling basis, which means early applicants may have a better chance of being offered a spot in an upcoming cohort.
    • The earlier you are accepted, the more time you will have to prepare your finances and make plans to adjust your schedule to accommodate your coursework.
    • Some scholarships and other sources of financial aid require you to identify where you will be attending school to apply; the sooner you know you are bound for Chico State, the sooner you’ll be able to complete these applications.

    All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State ApplyRead full eligibility requirements and view application details and deadlines.

    Application Deadlines

    Fall: July 25
    Spring: January 3

    Supplemental Materials

    • Statement of purpose
    • Resume (optional)
    • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required unless the applicant's bachelor's degree was awarded by an ABET-accredited program in computer science or a related discipline. A GRE score of 300 or higher is preferred.

    How to Apply

    We're here to help! Reach out to the program coordinator, David Zeichick at dzeichick@csuchico.edu with any questions.

    The Department of Computer Science offers several scholarships for graduate students, including the Chevron Corporation Computer Science Scholarship, the Dale D. Stevenson Memorial Scholarship, and the Reuben Bond Memorial Scholarship. 

    Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

    Scholarship Opportunities

    California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.

    Wildcat Scholarships

    Other Scholarships

    Acceptance into our online master’s in computer science program requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. To discuss your options, please contact our program coordinator, David Zeichick at dzeichick@csuchico.edu.