How to Get a Master’s in Computer Science Without a CS Undergrad

The career landscape, like technology, is constantly evolving. If you're at a crossroads in your career, studying computer science could help you move with progress instead of against it. So, how can you get started if you don't have a tech background?

If you already have a degree in another field of study, getting a second bachelor's would mean adding years to your career timeline without moving forward to an advanced degree. But that's not your only option.

Can You Get a CS Master’s Without a CS Bachelor's?

Absolutely. You do need a bachelor's before you can earn a master's in computer science. But, your bachelor's doesn't necessarily need to be in computer science (CS).

At some schools, like Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), you can get a master's degree in computer science even if your bachelor's degree is in another subject. That means you'll have a more advanced credential in less time than a second bachelor's degree would take. 

Learn more about how long an online master's in computer science is.

"SNHU designed our computer science master's program for everyone, both for learners with a computer science degree and for those without a computer science degree from their undergraduate studies," said Dr. Bo Kim, a professor and department chair of computer science at the School of Engineering, Technology and Aeronautics (SETA) on campus at SNHU.

Kim holds a PhD in Computer Science and has over two decades of industrial and teaching experience. If you don't have that CS background, she said SNHU's master's in computer science offers courses that can get you up to speed and ready to dig deeper.

"For career changers without a CS degree, we developed four foundational courses to help them prepare for the regular graduate-level courses," said Kim. "However, these prerequisites are waived for those with a computer science background."

Read more: Is a Master’s in Computer Science Worth It?

How Can You Get a Master’s in Computer Science With No Tech Experience?

Even if you don't have experience studying technology or working in the field, there are master's programs designed to help you get your start in technology.

"For career changers or those without a CS background, this program can help them enter the industry in entry-level roles," Kim said of SNHU's master's in computer science.

Here are 4 steps to getting started: 

Choose the Right Program

If you don't have a background in computer science, make sure to choose a master's program that accepts graduates with degrees in other fields and offers foundational courses, like SNHU's.

You should also choose a degree that matches your life. If you need flexibility, for example, you might opt for an online program with an asynchronous schedule. With SNHU, you can earn an online degree at your own pace and study whenever it makes sense for you while submitting assignments each week.

Consider a Concentration

A concentration could help you specialize in a certain area of focus. For a computer science master's degree, you could choose a concentration in either software engineering or artificial intelligence.

Apply

Once you've decided where and what you want to study, it's time to apply. At SNHU, you can complete a free 5-minute online application. There’s no obligation after filling it out.

Talk to Your Advisors

If you're accepted, your admissions counselor and academic advisor can help you get enrolled in the right courses based on what you studied in your undergraduate program. If you don't have a background in computer science, you may need to start with those foundational courses.

Is a Master’s in Computer Science Hard?

Like other STEM subjects, computer science isn't typically thought of as easy.

"It is rigorous and can be challenging at times because you are studying computers and what you do with them," Kim said. "Neither of these stays the same."

But with dedication and the right resources, you can learn and find success. And according to Kim, the challenges that you face along the way will help you develop your problem-solving skills and become a more well-rounded professional.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.