Exploratory studies are an excellent way to learn more about topics that interest you before committing to a major. During your experience, you’ll complete general education credits to keep you on track for graduation as you explore your passions. You’ll also gain valuable life and career skills that will help you confidently decide which degree program is your perfect fit. In addition to the math, physical sciences, engineering and technology track, you may also choose:
As an exploratory studies student, you’ll select a track and take up to 45 credits worth of related courses that explore the topics and skills needed to transition into your future program. You’ll have an academic advisor who can assist you throughout the process and help you hone in on your top choice of majors.
Is the math and science track right for me?
Whether you’re passionate about computers, data, chemistry or discovering new advancements in STEM, the math, physical sciences, engineering and technology track is here for you. In this track, you’ll explore both physical and abstract topics, such as:
Computer sciences.
Data analysis and web design.
Intellectual curiosity and logical reasoning.
Physical sciences.
Software development and engineering.
Theoretical knowledge.
As you continue through your exploratory studies track, you’ll be afforded opportunities to discover a variety of career paths in the math and science industry. Your academic advisor will also discuss your interests with you when helping you declare a major.
Program Field of Study
Exploratory Math, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Program Focus
Exploratory Math, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Program Name Abbreviation
Exploratory Math, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Are you interested in technology, data and all things STEM, but aren’t yet sure of which degree to choose? If so, the math, physical sciences, engineering and technology exploratory track is a great option for you. Take courses that allow you to fulfill general education credits while deepening your knowledge and exploring your passions.
Throughout your exploratory studies, you’ll cover a broad range of subject matter, such as software programming and information technology, as well as many topics in math and science. Additionally, you’ll take personalized exploratory courses intended to help you refine your major and career interests. Courses may include:
Math, physical sciences, engineering and technology track courses
Title
Study with the same expert faculty who teach on campus
Description
Our award-winning faculty are accomplished across industries and locations around the world. They include researchers, authors, artists and more. No matter where you study, you’ll take courses from the same faculty who teach on campus. Learn side-by-side with faculty dedicated to your success as you participate in research opportunities and attend virtual office hours.
Study at one of the top-ranked universities in the nation
Accolade Description
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
Accolade item
Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description
best online bachelor’s programs.
Accolades Title
Top 10%
Accolades Description
best global universities.
Accolades Title
80%
Accolades Description
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement description
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
To be admitted to ASU, you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed at least 14 of the following courses.
Four years of math.
Four years of English (non-ESL/ELL courses).
Three years of lab sciences (One year each from biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences or physics).
Two years of social sciences (including one year of American history).
Two years of the same second language.
One year of fine arts or career and technical education.
Note: You cannot have course deficiencies in both math and lab sciences competencies.
Title
Additional admission requirements
Description
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
Top 25% in your high school graduating class.
3.00 GPA in competency courses (4.00 = A).
ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents (24 nonresidents) or SAT Reasoning score of 1120 for Arizona residents (1180 nonresidents).*
*Additional information about ACT / SAT:
ASU doesn’t require the writing portion of these tests.
ACT or SAT scores are not required for admission but may be submitted for ASU course placement.
Title
High school equivalency
Description
Besides a high school diploma, applicants may also meet undergraduate admission requirements through one of the following:
GED*
50 or above for tests completed before 2002.
500 or above for tests completed between 2002 and 2013.
170 or above for tests completed after 2013.
HiSet*
Total score of 75.
TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion)*
A minimum total score of 2700.
A minimum score of 500 on each of the five content areas.
A score of two or above on the essay.
California High School Proficiency Examination
Please contact your enrollment coach at 866-277-6589 if you’ve completed the California High School Proficiency Examination or other high school equivalency diplomas.
*Some higher requirement programs require ACT/SAT scores or additional coursework to satisfy aptitude and/or course competency requirements.
Title
Homeschool
Description
Homeschool applicants must meet all general admission requirements for ASU. You may also need to provide additional documentation after you submit your application. If needed, you'll be notified after we receive your transcript.
Computer science graduates are in demand in fields ranging from health care and business to nonprofits and transportation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer and information research scientists is expected to grow 26% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average for all occupations. Additionally, the median annual wage was $145,080 in 2023. Check out our article to learn more about what computer scientists do.
With the knowledge you’ll gain, you can design and analyze software for various applications including networks, graphics, artificial intelligence and database systems. You’ll have training in programming languages, such as Java, C and C++. Upon graduation, you can find roles improving software reliability, network security, information retrieval systems and more.
The skills you’ll gain in this online CS degree
Unlike other engineers, computer scientists focus on designing computers, computational processes and information transfer. In this program, you’ll build on your aptitude for mathematics and reasoning while applying concepts to computer science. Coursework builds your expertise in artificial intelligence, algorithm analysis, formal languages, natural language processing and cybersecurity. Additional transferable skills include:
Analyzing complex computing problems.
Applying computer science theory and software development fundamentals.
Designing and evaluating computing-based solutions to meet requirements.
Solving technical problems from a broad perspective of computer science, including business, societal and regulatory issues.
Understanding how computer hardware and software interact.
As a computer science major, you’ll also refine professional skills to lead teams, such as ethical decision-making, collaboration, innovation and communication. Combining these skills with technical acumen can set you apart from other candidates.
What sets ASU’s online computer science program apart
This program has Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation, which will signal to employers that your degree meets the global standard for technical education. Upon graduation, you’ll have opportunities to work globally because ABET accreditation is recognized and respected worldwide through international agreements. Further, earning a degree through an ABET-accredited program is a step toward earning many professional certifications, registration and licensure.
Additionally, if you want to pursue further education, you can complete this bachelor’s degree as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:
Prepare to design next-generation computer systems, biomedical information systems, gaming systems and search engines when you earn a Bachelor of Science in computer science online from Arizona State University. Upon graduating from this ABET-accredited program, you can pursue roles designing artificial intelligence systems, inventing efficient computing systems, developing network security applications and more. In today’s technical environment, organizations across the globe seek experts in this field.
This program features a math-based curriculum, beginning with calculus I. Courses also focus on balancing technical knowledge with understanding the conceptual framework of computer science. You’ll explore topics such as data structures, principles of programming languages, information assurance, database management and more. Additionally, the program culminates in a capstone project completed over two semesters.
Total Classes
41
Total Credit Hours
120
Program Fee Code
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering - Undergraduate Programs
Learn from renowned engineers, scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs
Description
Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:
National Academy of Construction members.
National Academy of Engineering members.
National Academy of Inventors members.
National Academy of Sciences member.
Title
Pave a path to a career in technology with a bachelor's in computer science online.
Whether you’re passionate about creating video games and systems, designing artificial intelligence systems or developing network security applications, the expertise you’ll gain in this program is applicable. You’ll build knowledge that could lead to being actively recruited for computer science roles at top companies, such as Google, Amazon, Intel and more. Career paths you may pursue include, but aren’t limited to:
Related Career Image
Accolade title
Top 25% of all accredited engineering programs in the nation
Accolade Description
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is dedicated to providing a dynamic learning environment and supporting all students on the paths to their degrees. We’ve received numerous peer-reviewed programmatic honors from U.S. News & World Report.
Accolade item
Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description
best online master’s in electrical engineering programs.
Accolades Title
#3
Accolades Description
best online master’s in engineering management programs.
Accolades Title
Top 5
Accolades Description
for bachelor’s degrees awarded to underrepresented minorities (American Society for Engineering Education, 2022).
Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description
best online master’s in engineering programs for veterans.
Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description
best online master's in industrial engineering programs.
Accolades Title
Top 15
Accolades Description
best online master’s in engineering programs.
Accolades Title
Top 20
Accolades Description
best undergraduate electrical, electronic and communications engineering programs.
Accolades Title
Top 35
Accolades Description
best undergraduate engineering programs.
Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement item
Title
General admission requirements
Description
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Some programs may have additional requirements for admission.
Title
First year additional requirements
Description
A minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score, minimum 24 ACT combined score, 3.00 minimum ABOR GPA or class ranking in top 25% of high school class.
The admission standards for majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are higher than the minimum university standards. International students may have an additional English language proficiency criterion. Foreign nationals must meet the same admission requirements shown above, with the possible additional requirement of a minimum TOEFL score. If the university requires a TOEFL score from the applicant, then admission to engineering requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 79 on iBT (internet-based) or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
Title
Considering honors?
Description
Are you interested in challenging yourself academically by adding honors to your studies? Join Barrett, The Honors College to elevate your undergraduate experience and enhance your degree.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
The world has seen an explosive growth in data generation recently. This surge has created a significant need for skilled data scientists and engineers who can navigate and extract insights from large, fast-moving and diverse datasets. As a data scientist, you'll find that your analytical skills play a crucial role in transforming raw data into valuable insights and making accurate predictions. This program is designed with a focus on project-based learning, ensuring that you gain the expertise to design, implement and deploy systems capable of handling the constantly expanding volume of data.
You'll learn how to design different types of scalable big data systems, such as parallel, distributed and real-time systems. Upon graduation, you'll have the expertise needed to deploy the appropriate data management, processing or analysis system for a particular task or domain application need.
You’ll also develop a deeper understanding of data through hands-on learning in big data analysis, data processing, data mining, machine deep learning, mining algorithms, visualization techniques and more. Your big data training and skills in algorithms, modeling and engineering will give you a significant competitive advantage in the field.
The skills you’ll develop in this master’s program
This program provides you with a diverse skill set to acquire, store and process large-scale data sets. You’ll also gain analytical expertise to mine information from the data. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with a variety of skills needed to succeed, such as:
Applying data mining technology to real-world applications.
Creating tools that support entity, network analytics, text and media analytics.
Designing optimal solutions for a given set of application-driven constraints.
Making informed decisions about data storage, indexing, querying, retrieval and visualization.
Reasoning about query optimization and execution alternatives.
Using and developing real-time, online and scalable processing systems.
Who’s a good candidate for a big data systems master’s?
Ideal candidates for this program have a background in computer science and are working in computer programming or software engineering. With the urgent need for engineers and data scientists with excellent data management, system development/integration and data analysis skills, this program is suited for those looking to advance their computer science career.
Does harnessing the power of computing and machine learning to make sense of big data interest you? If so, Arizona State University’s online Master of Computer Science with a concentration in big data systems may be a great fit. In this program, you'll design scalable systems for capturing, processing and interpreting large and complex data sets. You'll also gain analytical expertise to generate insights from data and inform decision-making for organizations.
In this program, you’ll take one foundations course, one systems course and one applications course. You’ll also fulfill your big data systems concentration requirement of 15 credit hours by taking the following big data systems courses:
Data Mining.
Data Processing at Scale.
Data Visualization.
Engineering Blockchain Applications.
Statistical Machine Learning.
Total Classes
10
Total Credit Hours
30
Total Hours Tooltip
Required number of credits to complete this degree.
Program Fee Code
Engineering, Ira A. Fulton, School of, Graduate ONLINE
Study with award winning faculty members in the field of computer science
Description
Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:
National Academy of Engineering members.
National Academy of Sciences member.
National Academy of Inventors members.
National Academy of Construction members.
Image
Title
Build competencies in computer science with a concentration in big data.
What can you do with a master's degree concentration in big data systems?
Related Career Description
Big data plays an instrumental role in fields including health care, media, entertainment, manufacturing, education, banking and transportation. Upon graduation, you can also find a career that suits your interests from administering databases to developing software. Potential careers include, but aren’t limited to:
Related Career Image
Related Careers Examples
Career Item Title
Cloud support associate
Career Item Title
Data architect
Career Item Title
Data engineer
Career Item Title
Data scientist
Career Item Title
Database administrator
Career Item Title
Software development engineer
Accolade title
Top 25% of all accredited engineering programs in the nation
Accolade Description
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is dedicated to providing a dynamic learning environment and supporting all students on the paths to their degrees. We’ve received numerous peer-reviewed programmatic honors from U.S. News & World Report.
Accolade item
Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description
best online master’s in electrical engineering programs.
Accolades Title
#3
Accolades Description
best online master’s in engineering management programs.
Accolades Title
Top 5
Accolades Description
for bachelor’s degrees awarded to underrepresented minorities (American Society for Engineering Education 2019).
Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description
best online master’s in engineering programs for veterans.
Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description
best online master's in industrial engineering programs.
Accolades Title
Top 15
Accolades Description
best online master’s in engineering programs.
Accolades Title
Top 20
Accolades Description
best undergraduate electrical, electronic and communications engineering programs.
Accolades Title
Top 35
Accolades Description
best undergraduate engineering programs.
Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement description
This program has a highly competitive admission process.
Admission requirement item
Title
Application deadlines
Description
Applicants with international credentials have an application deadline of six weeks prior to the selected session start date. All other applicants have an application deadline of four weeks prior to the selected session start date.
This degree is offered in A and B sessions for fall and spring, and in C session for summer. You can view upcoming start dates in the academic calendar.
How to complete an application
Submit online application and pay application fee.
Send official transcripts to ASU’s graduate admission services.
If needed, send proof of English proficiency.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen but are living in the U.S., send a copy of your U.S. visa to [email protected].
If you’re based outside of the U.S., select "JN” under Visa.
Admission requirements for computer science undergraduate majors
Description
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in computer science from an accredited university. Please review the necessary CS pre-requisite courses in the section below to confirm eligibility.
GPA requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 credit hours (last two years) of a four-year undergraduate degree. If your degree was completed in the U.S., it must be from a regionally accredited university.
Applicants who have previously completed graduate-level coursework must have a minimum post-baccalaureate/graduate GPA of 3.00.
English proficiency
If all college degrees are from a country outside of the U.S., you may need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Note that the MCS degree requires higher English proficiency scores.
TOEFL: 575 paper-based / 90 internet-based.
IELTS (academic version): 7.
PTE: 65.
Duolingo: 115.
Don’t yet meet this requirement? If you complete the pathway with a 3.00 or higher, you’ll have demonstrated English proficiency. Click on the nondegree tab below to learn more.
Title
Admission requirements for non-computer science undergraduate majors
Description
GPA requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 credit hours (last two years) of a four-year undergraduate degree. If your degree was completed in the U.S., it must be from a regionally accredited university.
Applicants who have previously completed graduate-level coursework must have a minimum post-baccalaureate/graduate GPA of 3.00.
Math course requirements:
You must have two semesters of advanced math in Calculus I and Calculus II, as well as a background course in discrete math.*
Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a STEM field have likely completed the math requirement.
*Discrete math is not always a separate class at all universities. Taking a course that covers data structures and algorithms may also fulfill this requirement. If you’ve never done algorithms, you may not have the proper background for the program.
Pre-requisite course requirements:
To be eligible for this program, you must have programming knowledge in a variety of languages, including C/C++, Java, Python and HTML, as well as courses in calculus and discrete math.
CS course information:
CSE 230: Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
Register-level computer organization, instruction set architecture, assembly language, processor organization and design, memory organization, IO programming and exception/interrupt handling.
CSE 310: Data Structures and Algorithms
Advanced data structures and algorithms, including stacks, queues, trees (B, B+, AVL), graphs and searching for graphs, hashing and external sorting.
CSE 330: Operating Systems
Operating system structure and services, processor scheduling, concurrent processes, synchronization techniques, memory management, virtual memory, input/output, storage management and file systems.
Principles of Programming Languages OR Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
CSE 340: Principles of Programming Languages
Formal syntactic and semantic descriptions, compilation and implementation issues, and theoretical foundations for several programming paradigms.
CSE 355: Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Introduces formal language theory and automata, Turing machines, decidability/undecidability, recursive function theory and complexity theory.
CS competency exams
If you don’t have these topics on your transcript but have a strong understanding of them, you can take the prerequisite knowledge exams. If you complete the exams with the grade outlined in the respective syllabi, you’ll satisfy that prerequisite knowledge requirement.
English proficiency
If all college degrees are from a country outside of the U.S., you may need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Note that the MCS degree requires higher English proficiency scores.
TOEFL: 575 paper-based / 90 internet-based.
IELTS (academic version): 7.
PTE: 65.
Duolingo: 115.
Don’t yet meet this requirement? If you complete the pathway with a 3.00 or higher, you’ll have demonstrated English proficiency. Click on the nondegree tab below to learn more.
Title
Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities
Description
As a nondegree graduate student, you can begin taking graduate-level computer science courses without being admitted to the master’s program.*
Professional certifications
If you’re not sure you want to pursue the full degree or only want to focus on a specific topic, you can pursue a professional certification for ASU credit.
To receive a professional certification, you must successfully complete at least three courses from that topic area with a grade of “B” or better. Available certifications include:
This pathway provides an opportunity to take a variety of courses as a nondegree student to explore topics or meet this program’s GPA and English proficiency admission requirements. Completing nine graduate credits with a “B” or better (3.00 GPA) will demonstrate English proficiency.
Through this pathway, you choose and complete any three 500-level courses that are part of the Master of Computer Science program. The courses you complete in the pathway with a “B” or higher will apply toward the master’s degree in computer science, if admitted within three years of completing courses as a nondegree student. Courses completed as a nondegree student up to 12 credits with a "B" or better will apply toward your MCS degree.
Begin your application for one of the four professional certifications or the general pathway.
The ASU graduate admission office will review the application and notify you by email if any additional steps are required upon admission. All official emails will go to your ASU student Gmail account.
Please note:
If you don’t enroll in the semester in which you are admitted, you must submit a new application and pay the application fee.
Completing the pathway or professional certification does not waive the requirement for all applicants to the Master of Computer Science program to demonstrate mathematics and computer science topic prerequisite knowledge. See the admission requirements sections above for more information.
*If you don't have the prerequisite knowledge outlined in the master’s admission criteria for mathematics and computer science, you should be aware that you may not have the necessary background for graduate CSE courses and are enrolling at your own risk. You are responsible for acquiring that knowledge before and during the course.
Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities
Description
As a nondegree graduate student, you can begin taking graduate-level computer science courses without being admitted to the master’s program. This provides the opportunity to establish a high graduate GPA, try out courses to decide if you’re interested in the full degree program, meet the English proficiency requirement or earn a professional certification credential.
Students who complete three courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 after the first attempt of courses will be able use this GPA when applying for the Master of Computer Science program.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Cybersecurity is not only an important industry, but it’s also a lucrative one. This program prepares you for career advancement and increased pay, which is projected to continue growing for years to come. According to an estimate by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the global cybersecurity market is projected to grow 86%, from around $145 billion in 2018 to $270 billion by 2026.
What you’ll learn in this cybersecurity master’s concentration
In this program, you’ll learn how to protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality and non-repudiation through protection, detection and reaction practices. You’ll also learn how to analyze and apply key theories, algorithms and software modules used in the field of computer science. Upon graduation, you’ll feel comfortable evaluating and advancing existing theories, algorithms and software modules in the field of computer science.
What’s a concentration and how is this different from a master’s in cybersecurity?
This cybersecurity master’s concentration is designed for graduate students looking to pursue a thorough education in the area of cybersecurity through the lens of computer systems and algorithms. While a master’s in cybersecurity focuses all studies on cybersecurity topics, this concentration provides a holistic education of computer science with nine credit hours of cybersecurity-specific courses.
Upon graduation from this master’s concentration, you’ll be equipped with knowledge, skills and advanced development capability in science and engineering for cybersecurity, including:
Arizona State University’s online Master of Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity program helps you develop the skills needed to understand information assurance and security problems, as well as come up with potential solutions. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to work in a variety of in-demand positions, including cybersecurity engineer, cybersecurity risk analyst, software development engineer, security engineer and security analyst.
In this program, you’ll take one course each in foundations, systems and applications. You’ll also fulfill your cybersecurity concentration requirement of nine credit hours by taking three of the following cybersecurity courses:
Advanced Computer Network Security.
Applied Cryptography.
Information Assurance and Security.
Software Security.
Total Classes
10
Total Hours
30
Total Classes Tooltip
Courses are offered 100% online.
Total Credit Hours
30
Total Hours Tooltip
Required number of credits to complete this degree.
Computer science and cybersecurity master’s courses
CIP code
11.07
Title
Study with award winning faculty members in the field of computer science
Description
Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:
National Academy of Engineering members.
National Academy of Sciences member.
National Academy of Inventors members.
National Academy of Construction members.
Image
Title
Advance your knowledge of computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity.
The jobs you could get with a master’s in cybersecurity
Related Career Description
This program’s unique coursework provides you with a competitive advantage in the workforce. Upon graduation, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a wide variety of careers including, but not limited to:
Related Career Image
Related Careers Examples
Career Item Title
Cybersecurity engineer
Career Item Title
Cybersecurity risk analyst
Career Item Title
Security analyst
Career Item Title
Security engineer
Career Item Title
Software development engineer
Accolade title
Top 25% of all accredited engineering programs in the nation
Accolade Description
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is dedicated to providing a dynamic learning environment and supporting all students on the paths to their degrees. We’ve received numerous peer-reviewed programmatic honors from U.S. News & World Report.
Accolade item
Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description
best online master’s in electrical engineering programs.
Accolades Title
#3
Accolades Description
best online master’s in engineering management programs.
Accolades Title
Top 5
Accolades Description
for bachelor’s degrees awarded to underrepresented minorities (American Society for Engineering Education 2019).
Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description
best online master’s in engineering programs for veterans.
Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description
best online master's in industrial engineering programs.
Accolades Title
Top 15
Accolades Description
best online master’s in engineering programs.
Accolades Title
Top 20
Accolades Description
best undergraduate electrical, electronic and communications engineering programs.
Accolades Title
Top 35
Accolades Description
best undergraduate engineering programs.
Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement description
This program has a highly competitive admission process.
Admission requirement item
Title
Application deadlines
Description
Applicants with international credentials have an application deadline of six weeks prior to the selected session start date. All other applicants have an application deadline of four weeks prior to the selected session start date.
This degree is offered in A and B sessions for fall and spring, and in C session for summer. You can view upcoming start dates in the academic calendar.
How to complete an application
Submit online application and pay application fee.
Send official transcripts to ASU’s graduate admission services.
If needed, send proof of English proficiency.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen but are living in the U.S., send a copy of your U.S. visa to [email protected].
If you’re based outside of the U.S., select "JN" under Visa.
Admission requirements for computer science undergraduate majors
Description
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in computer science from an accredited university. Please review the necessary CS pre-requisite courses in the section below to confirm eligibility.
GPA requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 credit hours (last two years) of a four-year undergraduate degree. If your degree was completed in the U.S., it must be from a regionally accredited university.
Applicants who have previously completed graduate-level coursework must have a minimum post-baccalaureate/graduate GPA of 3.00.
English proficiency
If all college degrees are from a country outside of the U.S., you may need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Note that the MCS degree requires higher English proficiency scores.
TOEFL: 575 paper-based / 90 internet-based.
IELTS (academic version): 7.
PTE: 65.
Duolingo: 115.
Don’t yet meet this requirement? If you complete the pathway with a 3.00 or higher, you’ll have demonstrated English proficiency. Click on the nondegree tab below to learn more.
Title
Admission requirements for non-computer science undergraduate majors
Description
GPA requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 credit hours (last two years) of a four-year undergraduate degree. If your degree was completed in the U.S., it must be from a regionally accredited university.
Applicants who have previously completed graduate-level coursework must have a minimum post-baccalaureate/graduate GPA of 3.00.
Math course requirements:
You must have two semesters of advanced math in Calculus I and Calculus II, as well as a background course in discrete math.*
Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a STEM field have likely completed the math requirement.
*Discrete math is not always a separate class at all universities. Taking a course that covers data structures and algorithms may also fulfill this requirement. If you’ve never done algorithms, you may not have the proper background for the program.
Pre-requisite course requirements:
To be eligible for this program, you must have programming knowledge in a variety of languages, including C/C++, Java, Python and HTML, as well as courses in calculus and discrete math.
CS course information:
CSE 230: Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
Register-level computer organization, instruction set architecture, assembly language, processor organization and design, memory organization, IO programming and exception/interrupt handling.
CSE 310: Data Structures and Algorithms
Advanced data structures and algorithms, including stacks, queues, trees (B, B+, AVL), graphs and searching for graphs, hashing and external sorting.
CSE 330: Operating Systems
Operating system structure and services, processor scheduling, concurrent processes, synchronization techniques, memory management, virtual memory, input/output, storage management and file systems.
Principles of Programming Languages OR Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
CSE 340: Principles of Programming Languages
Formal syntactic and semantic descriptions, compilation and implementation issues, and theoretical foundations for several programming paradigms.
CSE 355: Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Introduces formal language theory and automata, Turing machines, decidability/undecidability, recursive function theory and complexity theory.
CS competency exams
If you don’t have these topics on your transcript but have a strong understanding of them, you can take the prerequisite knowledge exams. If you complete the exams with the grade outlined in the respective syllabi, you’ll satisfy that prerequisite knowledge requirement.
English proficiency
If all college degrees are from a country outside of the U.S., you may need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Note that the MCS degree requires higher English proficiency scores.
TOEFL: 575 paper-based / 90 internet-based.
IELTS (academic version): 7.
PTE: 65.
Duolingo: 115.
Don’t yet meet this requirement? If you complete the pathway with a 3.00 or higher, you’ll have demonstrated English proficiency. Click on the nondegree tab below to learn more.
Title
Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities
Description
As a nondegree graduate student, you can begin taking graduate-level computer science courses without being admitted to the master’s program.*
Professional certifications
If you’re not sure you want to pursue the full degree or only want to focus on a specific topic, you can earn a professional certification for ASU credit.
To receive a professional certification, you must successfully complete at least three courses from that topic area with a grade of “B” or better. Available certifications include:
This pathway provides an opportunity to take a variety of courses as a nondegree student to explore topics or meet this program’s GPA and English proficiency admission requirements. Completing nine graduate credits with a “B” or better (3.00 GPA) will demonstrate English proficiency.
Through this pathway, you choose and complete any three 500-level courses that are part of the Master of Computer Science program. The courses you complete in the pathway with a “B” or higher will apply toward the master’s degree in computer science, if admitted within three years of completing courses as a nondegree student. Courses completed as a nondegree student up to 12 credits with a "B" or better will apply toward your MCS degree.
Begin your application for one of the four professional certifications or the general pathway.
The ASU graduate admission office will review the application and notify you by email if any additional steps are required upon admission. All official emails will go to your ASU student Gmail account.
Please note:
If you don’t enroll in the semester in which you are admitted, you must submit a new application and pay the application fee.
Completing the pathway or professional certification does not waive the requirement for all applicants to the Master of Computer Science program to demonstrate mathematics and computer science topic prerequisite knowledge. See the admission requirements sections above for more information.
*If you don't have the prerequisite knowledge outlined in the master’s admission criteria for mathematics and computer science, you should be aware that you may not have the necessary background for graduate CSE courses and are enrolling at your own risk. You are responsible for acquiring that knowledge before and during the course.
Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities
Description
As a nondegree-seeking graduate student, you can take master’s-level computer science courses without being admitted to the program. This provides you the opportunity to establish a high graduate GPA, try out courses, meet the English proficiency requirement or earn a professional certification credential.
Those who complete three courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 after the first attempt can use this GPA and the credit hours earned when applying for the Master of Computer Science program. You must also meet all prerequisite requirements to be admitted.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Organizations across industries from health care and business to engineering and education rely on those with computer science knowledge and skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer and information research scientists is expected to grow by 23% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than average for all occupations.
Earning a Master of Computer Science is a step toward advancing your career in a lucrative field. Computer and information research scientists made a median annual salary of $136,620 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The skills you’ll develop in this master’s program
This Master of Computer Science program is designed to build your knowledge about a range of topics from designing software for networks, graphics and database systems to integrating computer science with biology, geography, public health and more. Upon graduation, you’ll have a variety of skills, including:
Designing and analyzing computers.
Implementing computational processes.
Improving software reliability, network security and information retrieval systems.
Inventing next-generation computer systems, computer networking, biomedical information systems, gaming systems and more.
Transferring and transforming information.
Tailor your studies to fit your career goals
In this program, you’ll create a customized plan that aligns with your career goals. A majority of your courses will be electives, giving you the opportunity to explore your interests in a variety of topics, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and software engineering.
Interested in delving deeper into specific areas of computer science and gaining career-relevant skills? Check out the two available concentrations:
This concentration focuses on creating scalable systems to manage, interpret and analyze large amounts of data. You’ll also learn how to draw conclusions from data that enables organizations to make informed decisions.
Offered through Arizona State University’s School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, the online Master of Computer Science (MCS) is designed for those interested in expanding their knowledge of computer science and computation. In this program, you’ll gain an advanced understanding of topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and big data, while strengthening your skills through technical projects.
You’ll choose one course in each of three primary areas of study: theoretical foundations, systems and applications. You’ll also take several elective courses on topics ranging from statistical machine learning and mobile computing to data mining and information assurance.
Total Classes
10
Total Hours
30
Total Classes Tooltip
Courses are offered 100% online.
Total Credit Hours
30
Total Hours Tooltip
Required number of credits to complete this degree.
Program Fee Code
Engineering, Ira A. Fulton, School of, Graduate ONLINE
Study with award winning faculty members in the field of computer science
Description
Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:
National Academy of Engineering members.
National Academy of Sciences member.
National Academy of Inventors members.
National Academy of Construction members.
Image
Title
Earn a Master of Computer Science online from anywhere.
The roles a master’s in computer science prepares you for
Related Career Description
This program can give you a leg up and advance your career in a variety of technical disciplines. Upon graduating, you’ll be equipped to pursue career paths ranging from software engineering, cloud computing and machine learning information security to application development, software QA and web development. Roles you may pursue include, but aren’t limited to:
Related Career Image
Related Careers Examples
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Computer network analyst
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Computer programmer
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Computer scientist
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Computer systems analyst
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Database administrator
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Information technology manager
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SEO specialist
Career Item Title
Software developer
Accolade title
Top 25% of all accredited engineering programs in the nation
Accolade Description
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is dedicated to providing a dynamic learning environment and supporting all students on the paths to their degrees. We’ve received numerous peer-reviewed programmatic honors from U.S. News & World Report.
Accolade item
Accolades Title
#1
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best online master’s in electrical engineering programs.
Accolades Title
#3
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best online master’s in engineering management programs.
Accolades Title
Top 5
Accolades Description
for bachelor’s degrees awarded to underrepresented minorities (American Society for Engineering Education 2019).
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Top 10
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Top 10
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best online master's in industrial engineering programs.
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Top 15
Accolades Description
best online master’s in engineering programs.
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Top 20
Accolades Description
best undergraduate electrical, electronic and communications engineering programs.
Accolades Title
Top 35
Accolades Description
best undergraduate engineering programs.
Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement description
This program has a highly competitive admission process.
Admission requirement item
Title
Application deadlines
Description
Applicants with international credentials have an application deadline of six weeks prior to the selected session start date. All other applicants have an application deadline of four weeks prior to the selected session start date.
This degree is offered in A and B sessions for fall and spring, and in C session for summer. You can view upcoming start dates in the academic calendar.
How to complete an application
Submit online application and pay application fee.
Send official transcripts to ASU’s graduate admission services.
If needed, send proof of English proficiency.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen but are living in the U.S., send a copy of your U.S. visa to [email protected].
If you’re based outside of the U.S., select "JN" under Visa.
Admission requirements for computer science undergraduate majors
Description
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in computer science from an accredited university. Please review the necessary CS pre-requisite courses in the section below to confirm eligibility.
GPA requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 credit hours (last two years) of a four-year undergraduate degree. If your degree was completed in the U.S., it must be from a regionally accredited university.
Applicants who have previously completed graduate-level coursework must have a minimum post-baccalaureate/graduate GPA of 3.00.
English proficiency
If all college degrees are from a country outside of the U.S., you may need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Note that the MCS degree requires higher English proficiency scores.
TOEFL: 575 paper-based / 90 internet-based.
IELTS (academic version): 7.
PTE: 65.
Duolingo: 115.
Don’t yet meet this requirement? If you complete the pathway with a 3.00 or higher, you’ll have demonstrated English proficiency. Click on the nondegree tab below to learn more.
Title
Admission requirements for non-computer science undergraduate majors
Description
GPA requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 credit hours (last two years) of a four-year undergraduate degree. If your degree was completed in the U.S., it must be from a regionally accredited university.
Applicants who have previously completed graduate-level coursework must have a minimum post-baccalaureate/graduate GPA of 3.00.
Math course requirements:
You must have two semesters of advanced math in Calculus I and Calculus II, as well as a background course in discrete math.*
Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a STEM field have likely completed the math requirement.
*Discrete math is not always a separate class at all universities. Taking a course that covers data structures and algorithms may also fulfill this requirement. If you’ve never done algorithms, you may not have the proper background for the program.
Pre-requisite course requirements:
To be eligible for this program, you must have programming knowledge in a variety of languages, including C/C++, Java, Python and HTML, as well as courses in calculus and discrete math.
CS course information:
CSE 230: Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
Register-level computer organization, instruction set architecture, assembly language, processor organization and design, memory organization, IO programming and exception/interrupt handling.
CSE 310: Data Structures and Algorithms
Advanced data structures and algorithms, including stacks, queues, trees (B, B+, AVL), graphs and searching for graphs, hashing and external sorting.
CSE 330: Operating Systems
Operating system structure and services, processor scheduling, concurrent processes, synchronization techniques, memory management, virtual memory, input/output, storage management and file systems.
Principles of Programming Languages OR Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
CSE 340: Principles of Programming Languages
Formal syntactic and semantic descriptions, compilation and implementation issues, and theoretical foundations for several programming paradigms.
CSE 355: Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Introduces formal language theory and automata, Turing machines, decidability/undecidability, recursive function theory and complexity theory.
CS competency exams
If you don’t have these topics on your transcript but have a strong understanding of them, you can take the prerequisite knowledge exams. If you complete the exams with the grade outlined in the respective syllabi, you’ll satisfy that prerequisite knowledge requirement.
English proficiency
If all college degrees are from a country outside of the U.S., you may need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Note that the MCS degree requires higher English proficiency scores.
TOEFL: 575 paper-based / 90 internet-based.
IELTS (academic version): 7.
PTE: 65.
Duolingo: 115.
Don’t yet meet this requirement? If you complete the pathway with a 3.00 or higher, you’ll have demonstrated English proficiency. Click on the nondegree tab below to learn more.
Title
Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities
Description
As a nondegree graduate student, you can begin taking graduate-level computer science courses without being admitted to the master’s program.*
Professional certification
If you’re not sure you want to pursue the full degree or only want to focus on a specific topic, you can earn a professional certification for ASU credit.
To receive a professional certification, you must successfully complete at least three courses from that topic area with a grade of “B” or better. Available certifications include:
This pathway provides an opportunity to take a variety of courses as a nondegree-seeking student to explore topics or meet this program’s GPA and English proficiency admission requirements. Completing nine graduate credits with a “B” or better (3.00 GPA) will demonstrate English proficiency.
Through this pathway, you can choose and complete any three 500-level courses that are part of the Master of Computer Science program as a nondegree-seeking student. The courses you complete with a “B” or higher, up to 12 credits, will apply to the Master of Computer Science if you’re admitted to the program within three years of completing the courses.
Begin your application for one of the four professional certifications or the general pathway.
The ASU graduate admission office will review the application and notify you by email if any additional steps are required upon admission. All official emails will go to your ASU student Gmail account.
Please note:
If you don’t enroll in the semester in which you are admitted, you must submit a new application and pay the application fee.
Completing the pathway or professional certification does not waive the requirement for all applicants to the Master of Computer Science program to demonstrate mathematics and computer science topic prerequisite knowledge. See the admission requirements sections above for more information.
*If you do not have the prerequisite knowledge outlined in the master’s admission criteria for mathematics and computer science, you should be aware that you may not have the necessary background for graduate CSE courses and are enrolling at your own risk. You are responsible for acquiring that knowledge before and during the course.
Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities
Description
As a nondegree-seeking graduate student, you can take master’s-level computer science courses without being admitted to the program. This provides you the opportunity to establish a high graduate GPA, try out courses, meet the English proficiency requirement or earn a professional certification credential.
Those who complete three courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 after the first attempt can use this GPA and the credit hours earned when applying for the Master of Computer Science program. You must also meet all prerequisite requirements to be admitted.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
