If you didn’t major in computer science but want to pursue a career in tech, you might be asking: “Can I get a master in computer science for non CS majors?” The answer is yes—and more importantly, the options available to you are evolving.
The traditional graduate school model doesn’t work for everyone. Many professionals are now looking for flexible, affordable, and modern programs that don’t require a CS degree but still lead to top jobs in software engineering, data science, and AI. That’s where programs like Qwasar’s come in.
Why Traditional Master’s Programs Aren’t Built for Non-CS Majors
Most legacy CS master’s programs require:
- A Bachelor's in Computer Science or a closely related field
- GRE scores
- A minimum GPA
- Letters of recommendation
These requirements block out capable, motivated learners—especially career changers or those who gained skills outside of academia.
Many of these programs are also expensive and lecture-heavy, relying on outdated learning methods rather than hands-on experience.
These days, demand for programs is so high that most universities just don’t care about “non-traditional” applicants and those who don’t have a CS degree.
Sadly, many universities are also driven by traditional approaches to degrees, qualifications, learning, and aren’t run by people who are open-minded, thus, the requirements simply never change.
Some Universities Offer Conversion Courses as Pre-requisites for their Master in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors
Conversion courses are the main “alternative route” that universities use for admitting non-CS majors into Master of Computer Science programs.
However, conversion courses take time, cost as much money as normal credits at the institution, and are a heavy price to pay for potential admission to a program.
Additionally, programs are still based on lectures and exams—not on actual skills and competencies you need on the job as a software engineer. This means good engineers already in jobs without a CS degree could be excluded from the very subject area in which they are clearly already successful!
It just seems ridiculous to have a system that’s built to make more money for the university offering the Master of Computer Science for non-CS majors—upwards of $20K!
What Makes Qwasar a Strong Option for a Master of Computer Science for Non-CS Majors
Qwasar’s Master’s of Science in Computer Science is designed for today’s learners—including those without an “official” computer science background.
We Don’t Require a CS Degree
Applicants don’t need a bachelor’s in CS, engineering, or any specific field. Our admissions process evaluates skills and logic, not transcripts. You still need to know how to code—you can’t be an absolute noob and not know what a terminal is, what a function or loop statement is—but evaluation is entirely skills-based.
No GRE, GPA, or Letters of Recommendation Required
We use a skills-based admissions model. That means no standardized test scores, no minimum GPA, and no gatekeeping based on past degrees.
The Program Is Built Around Coding
Unlike traditional programs that focus on lectures and exams, Qwasar’s program is:
- 90% coding and building real projects
- 10% discussion-based learning
- Centered around peer collaboration, code reviews, and engineering sprints
You Learn the Technologies Companies Are Hiring For
The curriculum includes:
- Rust, Go, React, TypeScript, Python, Django
- TensorFlow, MongoDB, Postgres, REST APIs
- Project lifecycle workflows, GitHub collaboration, and cloud tools
Affordable Tuition
Qwasar’s program costs $5,000, a fraction of what traditional CS master’s degrees cost.
Career Preparation Is Baked In
We support students with:
- Resume development
- Mock interviews
- Technical and behavioral interview practice
Comparing Options for Non-CS Majors
| Program Type | Entry Requirements | Learning Model | Cost | Career Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional MS in CS | CS Degree, GRE, GPA, LOR | Lectures, exams | $30K–$70K+ | Limited |
| Qwasar MSCS | No CS degree, no GRE | 90% coding, project-based | <$10K | Strong job prep |
Who Should Consider a Master in Computer Science for Non CS Majors?
You might be a great fit if:
- You studied something other than computer science
- You’ve learned programming through bootcamps, online courses, or self-study
- You’re changing careers and want a formal credential
- You want hands-on experience, not just theory
Take the Next Step
A master in computer science for non CS majors is more accessible than ever—especially with programs like Qwasar. If you’re ready to level up, check out our Master’s of Science in Computer Science.
