If you've been building side projects, debugging in your spare time, or dreaming of a career in tech—without ever earning a Bachelor's in Computer Science—then you're not alone. Many people are now asking: "Can I enroll in a Master’s in Computer Science program without a CS background?" And more importantly: "What are the best computer science MS programs for people like me?"
In today’s digital economy, the answer is changing fast. Innovative schools are emerging to serve nontraditional learners, and Qwasar Silicon Valley is leading the charge.
The standard requirements for a CS master’s program often include:
These hurdles make sense in theory—but they ignore the reality of modern software development or that the filters are solely for people who “do well in school” and that many great programmers don’t fit traditional learning models. Many brilliant programmers and engineers didn’t come up through the university pipeline. They learned by doing.
So why should grad school still operate like it’s 1965?
Qwasar’s Master’s of Science in Computer Science was built for today’s learners and today’s tech jobs. It’s not just an alternative—it’s an upgrade.
No Bachelor’s degree? No problem. Qwasar’s admissions process focuses on what you can do, not what degree you hold. There’s no GRE required, no GPA screening, no CS degree required, and no letters of recommendation.
Instead, applicants are evaluated on logic, technical foundation, and motivation.
Forget passive lectures and theory-based exams. Qwasar’s program is:
Based on real-world practices like daily standups, peer code reviews, and group collaboration.
Students gain experience with technologies like Go, Rust, React, TypeScript, Python, TensorFlow, and MongoDB—the tools employers actually use.
With tuition at $5,000, Qwasar’s MS program is dramatically less expensive than most computer science MS programs, which often run $30,000–$60,000 or more.
Most students gain employment in their desired field before finishing their degree. Students and alumni are currently employed as Software Engineers, Junior Machine Learning Engineers, Python Developers, Software Developers, and more at a range of companies from startups to LinkedIn.
Traditional programs still hold value for many students, but equally employment rates are being challenged as companies change what and how they’re hiring.
Modern programs have an advantage in admission, curriculum, structure, costs, and more:
| Feature | Traditional MS in CS | Qwasar MSCS |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Required | Yes | No |
| GRE Required | Yes | No |
| Learning Method | Lecture-based | Project-based |
| Coding Time | ~10% | 90% |
| Cost | $30K–$60K+ | <$10K |
| Job Prep | Minimal | Resume & interview support |
If that’s you, then our computer science MS program is designed with you in mind.
Explore Qwasar’s Master’s of Science in Computer Science and see how our innovative model stacks up. Sign up for a free trial or join an info session to experience the future of graduate education.