1 Year Masters Programs in Computer Science
Last Updated on December 14, 2022 by
From 1 year ms in computer science in usa & masters in computer science, the article below brings you all the latest information you need to know on them.
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Masters Program in Computer Science
Pursuing your masterโs degree is a big decision. You may be glad to know there are some universities offering graduate programs students can complete in a year. While itโs difficult to complete a one year graduate program in computer science, there are definitely pros and cons to it.
For one, it can fast-track your career if you arenโt looking into pursuing a research career. If youโre wondering about how a one year program will work, weโve put together breakdowns to show you the difference between a one year and a two year masters program. During a masterโs program, you will need to complete between 30 to 40 credits before graduating. Full time students in a two year program, generally have this breakdown:
You might be thinking, what will you learn in a 1-year masters program? Well, in the most masters program, you are required to complete a minimum of 30 to 33 credits. In a one-year graduate program, you would still have to complete this, but youโll have a shorter amount of time. Usually, this kind of program is a terminal degree which means you arenโt looking into getting a Ph.D. after completing your masters. Compared to the 2-year masterโs program in computer science, the courses will not focus heavily on research. So, if youโre looking into a research career, this isnโt the best way to fast-track your research potential

If youโre wondering about how a one year program will work, weโve put together breakdowns to show you the difference between a one year and a two year masters program. During a masterโs program, you will need to complete between 30 to 40 credits before graduating. Full time students in a two year program, generally have this breakdown:
- 9 credits in Fall 2017
- 9 credits in Spring 2018
- 6 credits in Summer 2018
- 9 credits in Fall 2018
During a one year masters program for a full time student, the credits will have to be increased per semester. If the master program will require 30 credits, youโll have to take nine credits in the first semester. On the other hand, if it requires 33 credits, youโll have to take 12 credits in the first semester. Hereโs a general breakdown:
- 9/12 credits in Fall 2017
- 12 credits in Spring 2018
- 9 credits in Summer 2018
As you can see from the breakdown, itโs not impossible to complete a masters degree in computer science in just a year. However, itโs important to note that youโll have to maintain a certain grade average to stay in the program every semester. Most universities require at least a B. Moving on, learn about the pros and cons of this program.
Pros and Cons of One Year Masters Program in Computer Science
Whether you aim to improve your academic background or simply have a stronger career progression, getting your graduate degree in computer science will be your top choice. Depending on the specialization or concentration youโre working towards, you could complete your masterโs degree in one year. While this may sound enticing, it does come with some drawbacks. Hereโs a list of pros and cons you may find if youโre looking into a one year masters program in computer science.

Pros
Fast Completion
Looking into getting a one year masters program in computer science means youโre going to complete your degree faster. This is great since it will take half the time it usually takes to get a masters degree. After youโve completed you one year program, you can apply for jobs with your newly acquired skills for the field. You wonโt only complete a degree faster, youโre also up for employment faster.
Cheaper (in the long run)
Getting a masterโs degree is expensive! You can be looking to spend about $20,000-$100,000 in this year. This may not include the costs of other things depending on the college or university youโre looking to attend. While it may cost a lot, getting a one year master program in computer science means your return of investment will be quicker as well.
Resume
The fact that you got a masterโs degree will be an impressive feat in the professional world. Many employers know that the job market is competitive, and they make it that way for a reason. These employers want to the best for their businesses. If you can offer them the expertise theyโre looking for, then youโll be sure to find that your resume could be on top of the files of applicants. By getting a masterโs degree, youโre already showing your employers your dedication and commitment to your professional field. Furthermore, employers know that having a masterโs degree means youโve already learned skills needed for the job.
Cons
Networking
Completing a one year masters degree will be hectic. Like youโre going to think youโd need 30 hours in a day instead of 24. However, once youโve completed your degree, you will feel a sense of relief. It may hit you back though that throughout your hectic masters program, you failed to realize that you didnโt spend enough time networking. Networking is one of the things to take advantage of in graduate school. Since youโll be side by side colleagues and faculty who share the same interest, this provides a shared connection. However, taking a one year graduate program entails that youโll also have less time to get to know anyone that may help you in the future.
Too Fast
While you are getting a degree faster, it might be too fast. Youโll be learning in a hurry, and it may not be enough time to absorb the knowledge to use into your profession. Look at it this way, youโre trying to complete 30โ33 credits in one year instead of the usual two years with semesters spread out. Youโre giving up most of your free time. Plus, you may not be able to take other electives that are offered every other year, as some universities may have this.
Learning Burnout
Yes, youโre expecting to learn. And, youโll learn, but it can get tiring. Since youโre giving up most of your time for the next year (or until you complete your masters), you might get burnt out Having too much knowledge isnโt bad at all. But, learning too many things in a short period of time can lead to burnout. If it doesnโt, youโll realize that trying to learn and study for at least 6 courses per semester is tiring. Furthermore, you could not be processing your newly learned knowledge since you have to learn to many things at once.

List of colleges and universities offering one-year graduate programs in computer science
After some research, here is a list of 10 universities you can check out that offer one-year graduate programs in computer science. Weโve also compiled their required credits and tentative tuitions fees, so you can better plan for your future. The links to their respective websites are also provided for you to look through their programs and see which one best suits you. This list is not in any particular order.
Cornell University
Required credits: 30
Courses: On-Campus
Tuition: $29,506
Website: https://tech.cornell.edu/programs/masters-programs/master-in-computer-science
Campbellsville University
Required credits: 30
Courses: Online
Tuition: $22,342
Website: https://online.campbellsville.edu/online-degrees/ms-computer-science/
Stanford University
Required credits: 36-45
Courses: On-Campus
Tuition: $50,424
Website: http://exploredegrees.stanford.edu/schoolofengineering/computerscience/#masterstext
University of California-Berkeley
Required credits: 33
Courses: On-Campus
Tuition: $39,174
Website: https://eecs.berkeley.edu/academics/graduate/industry-programs/meng
Carnegie Mellon University
Required credits: 33
Courses: On-Campus
Tuition: $46,000
Website: https://www.csd.cs.cmu.edu/academics/masters/overview#mscsoverview
The University of Texas at Austin
Required credits: 30
Courses: On-Campus/Online
Tuition: $30, 791
Website: https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/~/media/Files/MSB/MSTC/PDFs/MSTC_Curriculum_SmQual%202017.pdf
Rice University
Required credits: 30
Courses: On-Campus
Tuition: $44,900
Website: https://csweb.rice.edu/professional-masters
Clarkson University Graduate School
Required credits: 30
Courses: On-Campus/Online
Tuition: $39, 024
Website: https://www.clarkson.edu/graduate/computer-science
George Washington University
Required credits: 30
Courses: On-Campus/Online
Tuition: $50, 435
Website: https://www.cs.seas.gwu.edu/master-science-computer-science
Harvard University
Required credits: 32
Courses: On-Campus
Tuition: $43,280
Website: https://www.seas.harvard.edu/academics/graduate/graduate-degree-requirements
