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Online Computer Science Masters Programs: What Career Changers Need to Know

May 15, 2025 9:00:00 AM / by Jennifer Robertson

Yes—and more professionals than ever are doing exactly that. If you’re searching for online computer science masters programs but don’t have a bachelor’s in computer science, you’re not alone. Career changers, self-taught developers, and motivated learners from non-STEM fields are fueling demand for more inclusive, flexible, and affordable graduate education options in tech.

The good news: a new wave of programs is rising to meet that demand. And Qwasar is one of the leaders in this space.

Why Traditional Online Computer Science Master’s Programs May Not Work for You

Most traditional universities offering MSCS degrees—even online—still follow the same outdated framework:

  • You must have a bachelor’s in CS or engineering
  • You need to take the GRE
  • You must submit transcripts, GPA, and letters of recommendation
  • You’ll sit through hours of lectures and exams

Even online, these programs are typically theory-heavy and prohibitively expensive, with tuition ranging from $30,000 to $70,000+. And yet, they may not teach the tools and workflows used by real software teams today.

What Sets Qwasar Apart in the World of Online Computer Science Master’s Programs

Qwasar’s online Master’s of Science in Computer Science flips this model on its head. Our program is designed for learners who want to build software, solve real problems, and get hired in the industry—not just sit in class.

A Practical Program for Nontraditional Learners

No CS Degree? No Problem

We don’t require a computer science degree—or any specific degree, for that matter. Our admissions process is skills-based and doesn’t include:

  • GRE or SAT/ACT scores
  • GPA minimums
  • Letters of recommendation

We believe your talent and potential matter more than your paperwork.

90% Coding, 10% Lectures

Instead of passive learning, you’ll:

  • Code every day
  • Build real-world projects
  • Participate in peer reviews and team collaborations
  • Learn through engineering standups and sprints

You’ll spend most of your time doing what engineers actually do.

Learn the Right Stack

Our curriculum focuses on industry-relevant tools and frameworks, including:

  • Rust, Go, Python, Django, React, TypeScript
  • TensorFlow, RESTful APIs, MongoDB, GitHub workflows
  • Deployment tools and cloud environments

Tuition That Makes Sense

Qwasar’s online MSCS program costs <$10,000 total—a fraction of the price of most graduate programs. And we offer scholarships to reduce that cost even further.

Career Outcomes That Speak Volumes

Our graduates work at top companies, including:

  • Tesla
  • LinkedIn
  • Microsoft
  • Zoom
  • Home Depot

Qwasar students report:

  • A 95% employment rate
  • An average U.S. salary of $93,000

Built-In Career Prep

You’ll also get:

  • Resume reviews and portfolio support
  • Mock technical and behavioral interviews
  • Coaching for applying and interviewing in tech

How Does Qwasar Compare to Other Online Computer Science Masters Programs?

Feature Traditional Online MSCS Qwasar Online MSCS
CS Degree Required Yes No
GRE Required Often No
Learning Model Lecture-heavy Project-based, coding-intensive
Tools Used Often outdated Modern tech stack
Tuition $30K–$70K+ <$10K
Career Prep Minimal Extensive

Who Is the Program For?

This is a great fit for:

  • Career changers without a CS degree
  • Professionals ready to level up in tech
  • Bootcamp graduates seeking a formal credential
  • Lifelong learners building a software engineering career

If you’ve taught yourself to code, completed a few side projects, or dipped your toe into tech but want a structured, job-aligned program—Qwasar’s MSCS could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Why Online Learning at Qwasar Actually Works

This is not a “watch a video and click submit” kind of program. Our platform replicates a real software engineering environment:

  • Asynchronous and synchronous learning
  • Peer collaboration and feedback
  • Project planning, version control, and agile methods

It’s immersive, it’s collaborative, and it’s what employers want.

Take the Next Step in Your Tech Career: Power Through an Online Computer Science Masters Program

Looking for online computer science masters programs that are modern, affordable, and accessible without a CS degree?

Explore Qwasar’s Master’s of Science in Computer Science to learn how our program prepares you for high-paying jobs in software engineering, AI, and more. Your future in tech doesn’t have to start with a CS degree. It can start here.

Tags: Flexible Learning, tech career, online computer science, career changers, CS programs

Jennifer Robertson

Written by Jennifer Robertson

Jennifer is one of the co-founders of Qwasar and is on a mission to make a difference via engaging education.

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