MS Computer Science (Online) at University of Colorado Boulder

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MS-CS) program hosted online through the Coursera platform offers stackable graduate-level courses, a graduate certificate, and a fully accredited master’s degree in computer science. MS-CS on Coursera students earn the same credentials as on-campus students. There are no online or Coursera designations on official CU transcripts or diplomas.

Faculty: College of Engineering and Applied Science | Department: Computer Science | Duration: 30 credit hours | Study mode: online | Location: Boulder, CO, United States

What you will study

The MSCS on Coursera is a non-thesis degree program that requires 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework. Sample listed courses: CSCA 5414 Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms; CSCA 5424 Approximation Algorithms and Linear Programming; CSCA 5454 Advanced Data Structures, RSA and Quantum Algorithms; CSCA 5063 Network Systems Foundation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The MS-CS on Coursera uses performance-based admissions , which means students earn program admission simply by performing well in a three-course pathway. Students enroll in and complete their preferred three-course pathway with a grade of B or better in each of the three courses to be admitted to the program. Pathway courses are a required part of the curriculum, which means students make direct progress toward the degree while they work toward program admission. There is no traditional application for admission to the degree. The University of Colorado Boulder never asks for transcripts, previous test scores (like GRE or TOEFL), application essays, letters of recommendation, or application fees. A prior degree is not required for admission. Because this program is fully online, students do not need to complete a background check to enroll.

USD 15,750 for the whole programme (2026-27). Tuition for the full 30-credit online master's on Coursera at $525 per credit hour, same for in-state, out-of-state and international students; no student fees; pay-as-you-go per course, 2026-27 estimate. Source

Graduate programmes set their own entry terms and deadlines on their programme pages; all deadlines are 10:00 pm Mountain Time. Fall, spring and summer terms are billed for graduate students.

Graduate applications are submitted online to the Graduate School; the nonrefundable application fee is $60 for domestic applicants and $80 for international applicants, payable online. GRE or GMAT requirements and deadlines vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://www.colorado.edu/graduateschool/admissions

Explore more study programmes

Engineering