Computer Science

Online at Colorado School of Mines

Online Professional Master’s Degree in Computer Science

Colorado School of Mines’ fully online Professional Master’s in Computer Science empowers working professionals to advance their careers with cutting-edge expertise in machine learning, cybersecurity, software technologies, and more—all delivered by a top-tier institution known for its industry-focused education.

Designed for flexibility, this program allows students to tailor their learning experience through specialized tracks and elective courses, offering a seamless blend of career advancement and personal commitments.

Join a global community of professionals transforming their futures with a Mines education, gaining advanced skills and knowledge from anywhere in the world, without stepping away from their careers.

Inside look: Dr. Wendy Fisher on CS Online

Specialized Tracks

Mines’ Online Professional Master’s Degree in Computer Science offer specialized tracks—Applied Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and Analytics and Project Management—each tailored to equip professionals with advanced, in-demand skills. These tracks provide a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to meet the evolving needs of the tech industry, empowering students to specialize in cutting-edge areas while advancing their careers.

Prerequisite Knowledge:

Applicants should have a foundational understanding of computer science principles, including programming, algorithms, and data structures. Depending on the chosen track, additional background may be required in areas such as probability and statistics (for Applied Machine Learning), networking and security (for Cybersecurity), software development (for Advanced Software Technologies), or business and project management concepts (for Analytics and Project Management). Through individual advising, we will help students assess their preparation and identify any necessary preparatory learning before enrolling.

Degree Requirements:

The MP-NT program requires 30 credit hours in total. Tailor your professional master’s degree by completing three of the four available tracks, plus one Computer Science elective from any of the tracks.

Track 1: Applied Machine Learning

The track in Applied Machine Learning is targeted to train recent graduates or mid-career professionals with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other STEM-related field with acquired basic knowledge in programming, data structures, statistics, and linear algebra.

The track in Applied Machine Learning requires 9 credit hours to complete, with the option to take more for added depth or to stack toward the full master’s degree:

Required courses:
-DSCI 503: Advanced Data Science
-DSCI 570: Machine Learning

Pick one from the following:
-CSCI 507: Computer Vision
-CSCI 578: Bioinformatics
-DSCI 530: Statistical Methods
-DSCI 575: Advanced Machine Learning

Track 2: Cybersecurity

The track in Cybersecurity is targeted to train recent graduates or mid-career professionals with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field with a foundational knowledge in programming, data structures, algorithms, systems programming, statistics, and discrete math.

The track in Cybersecurity requires 9 credit hours to complete, with the option to take more for added depth or to stack toward the full master’s degree:

Required courses:
-CSCI 574: Theory of Cryptography
-CSCI 585: Information Security and Privacy

Pick one from the following:
-CSCI 560: Fundamentals of Computer Networks
-CSCI 587: Cyber Physical Systems Security

Track 3:  Analytics and Project Management

The track in Analytics and Project Management is targeted to train recent graduates or mid-career professionals with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other STEM-related field with acquired basic knowledge in programming, data structures, statistics, and linear algebra.

The track in Analytics and Project Management requires 9 credit hours to complete, with the option to take more for added depth or to stack toward the full master’s degree:

Required course:
-EBGN 525: Business Analytics

Pick two from the following:
-EBGN 553: Project Management
-EBGN 563: Management of Technology and Innovation
-EBGN 565: Marketing for Technology-based companies
-EBGN 571: Marketing Analytics
-EBGN 577: Leading and Managing High Performance Teams

Track 4:  Advanced Software Technologies

This new track will focus on advanced concepts in programming, data structures, and software engineering, equipping students with the expertise to design and implement robust, scalable, and efficient systems. To complete the track, students will need to complete 9 credit hours of coursework, beginning with a cornerstone course in advanced software techniques and project development. Students will then select two courses from a diverse range of options. Across these courses, assignments will be carefully crafted to highlight software design principles, incorporating best practices, design patterns, and user-centered approaches. This will ensure graduates are fully prepared to address complex, real-world challenges in the field of advanced software technologies.

The track in Advanced Software Technologies requires 9 credit hours to complete, with the option to take more for added depth or to stack toward the full master’s degree:

Required courses:

-CSCI 520: Software Engineering Systems Development I
-CSCI 521: Software Engineering Systems Development II

Pick one from the following:

-CSCI 507: Computer Vision
-CSCI 578: Bioinformatics

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Admissions Deadlines

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Financing Options

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Requirements

Bachelor’s degree: STEM degree required
GRE: Not Required
Letters of Recommendation: Required for Professional Masters if GPA is below 3.0 (US degree GPA or equivalent). Not required for certificates.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Required
Statement of Purpose: Required
Transcript(s): Required. Must be submitted for all schools attended (unofficial transcripts accepted for admissions review and must show successful completion of any required prerequisite course(s).
For international applicants or applicants whose native language is not English, please review the English Proficiency requirement

For additional information about these admissions requirements, please refer to the Admissions Requirements page

The MP-NT program requires 30 credit hours in total. Tailor your professional master’s degree by completing three of the four available tracks, plus one Computer Science elective from any of the tracks.

Tuition

The cost per credit hour for online students is $1,146. More details can be found by clicking here.

Employer contributions are routinely applied to cover a portion of this cost.
Serious about a Mines program? Let Financial Aid help you consider payment options, identify employer contributions and more. We’re here to help.