Can you get a Master’s in Computer Science without a CS degree?
Short answer? Yes, even without a Bachelor’s.
If you’ve got the drive, curiosity, and technical foundation—but not the formal background—then a masters in computer science for non CS majors is absolutely within reach. Whether you're coming from biology, economics, English, or another field entirely, there are new, innovative programs that welcome nontraditional learners and focus on what you can do, not what’s on your transcript.
And Qwasar Silicon Valley is at the forefront of this shift.
Why Most Traditional CS Master’s Programs Exclude Non-CS Majors
Historically, most Master’s in Computer Science programs were designed for students with:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a closely related STEM field
- A minimum foundation in computer programming theory
- A minimum foundation in “general studies”, often completed in the first 2 years of college
That model shuts out a huge group of talented, motivated learners. If you didn’t major in CS—but have gained skills through bootcamps, self-study, work experience, or projects—you’re often told to start over. Or you’re funneled into expensive post-bacc courses or bridge programs before you can even apply.
The good news? That’s changing.
A Better Path for Learners Seeking a Master’s in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors
Qwasar’s Master’s of Science in Computer Science is purpose-built for learners without a computer science background. We don’t just allow non-CS majors—we design everything around helping them succeed.
No Prerequisite Degree Required
You do not need a bachelor’s in CS, engineering, or math to apply and be admitted. In fact, most of our students do not have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, and they are all extremely successful. Funnily enough, traditional education is wrong in requiring a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and judging that humans are incapable of learning otherwise!
Skills-First Admissions
We don’t require GRE scores, GPAs, or recommendation letters. Instead, we assess your problem-solving ability and foundational programming skills—because that’s what matters in tech.
Hands-On, Real-World Learning
Our model is the opposite of traditional programs:
- 90% coding, 10% lectures
- Project-based, not test-based
- Peer reviews, daily standups, collaborative development
This structure mirrors how engineering teams work in the real world.
Learn Industry-Relevant Tech
At Qwasar, you’ll work with today’s most in-demand tools:
- Go, Rust, Python, TypeScript
- React, Django, MongoDB
- TensorFlow, APIs, and modern cloud infrastructure
You’ll graduate with the skills employers are actually hiring for.
Affordable Tuition
Our entire master’s program costs $5,000, a fraction of the cost of most university programs. Scholarships are available, and you won’t need to take on massive student debt to pursue a software career.
What Other Options Exist to Get a Masters in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors?
Some universities now offer “bridge” or “conversion” CS master’s programs—but they often require additional semesters, tuition, and prep courses before you're eligible for the core curriculum.
Other universities require you to complete a Bachelor’s in Computer Science—no questions asked, no exceptions given.
Bootcamps may be another option, but they tend to be short-term and don’t offer a recognized graduate credential.
Qwasar offers the best of both worlds:
- Graduate-level rigor and outcomes
- Project-based, hands-on learning
- Flexible and affordable structure
Who Should Consider a Program Like Qwasar’s?
If any of the following apply, Qwasar might be a strong fit:
- You’re switching careers into tech
- You studied a non-CS major in college but now want to work in software
- You’ve learned to code independently or through bootcamps
- You want to build a portfolio and get real-world engineering experience
A masters in computer science for non CS majors is more than possible—it’s a strategic, career-changing move when done through the right program.
Ready to Start Your Software Journey?
Explore Qwasar’s Master’s of Science in Computer Science to see how our modern, skills-first model can help you launch your software career.
