Georgia Tech Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS)
A fully online, part-time master's in computer science from a highly ranked university, at a fraction of the usual price. It admits some applicants without a computer science degree, which makes it one of the few affordable formal routes for degree holders from other fields who want the credential.
Course
Career Growth
Georgia Institute of Technology
30 credit hours, part time, up to six years
Intermediate
$227 per credit hour plus fees (Fall 2026)
What it is
OMSCS is Georgia Tech's online Master of Science in Computer Science. All coursework is delivered online and asynchronously, so students fit it around jobs and families. The official site says you can take one course a semester and up to six years to finish, and that the programme graduated 10,000 alumni in its first ten years (read 2026-09).
What it costs
Georgia Tech's Bursar publishes the rates each term. For Fall 2026 the official rate sheet lists tuition of $227 per semester credit hour, plus a per-semester online learning fee of $212 for fewer than 4 credit hours or $531 for 4 or more. The degree needs 30 credit hours (10 courses), so tuition alone comes to roughly $6,800 at the Fall 2026 rate, before fees. Rates change by term, so check the Bursar's page before you plan.
Can you get in without a CS degree?
The admission criteria prefer an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field (typically mathematics, computer engineering or electrical engineering) and a GPA of 3.0 or higher, but state that applicants who do not meet these criteria are evaluated case by case. Work experience cannot replace an earned bachelor's degree. In practice, applicants from other fields strengthen their case by completing and documenting foundational courses first, such as CS50 or a programming and data structures course.
Is it worth it for a career changer?
It can be, if:
- you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field,
- you want a formal credential, for example because employers or visa rules in your target country value degrees,
- and you can sustain roughly 10 to 20 hours of study a week for years.
It is not the fastest route to a first job. Many switchers get hired on projects and skills alone. The master's adds depth and a credential; it does not replace a portfolio or real work.
Things to know before applying
Courses vary a lot in difficulty and workload. Many students start with one course a term while working. Employer tuition support is common in some countries, so ask your current employer. Specialisations include computing systems, machine learning and others listed on the official site.
Common questions
Does the diploma say online? Check the official FAQ; policies on transcripts and diplomas are published there.
Is financial aid available? The official site points to Georgia Tech's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
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