Master's of Science in Computer Science
A Modern Master's of Science in Computer Science Degree Program
A contemporary Master’s program that trains to Silicon Valley standards. We make sure our graduates are equipped with all of the skills and competencies necessary for success in the 21st century.
Customize your degree and choose your specialization.
Program Options
Full-time and part-time programs available in a remote-first setting.
- Join a specific cohort
- Virtual meetings, events, and synchronous learning sessions
- Projects and coding assignments completed when works best for you
- Learn in a community
- 100% hands-on learning
- Accountability & motivation
Master's Program Curriculum
The MSCS curriculum is comprised of two parts: a core, then a specialization. You can choose your specialization, and will complete your thesis and capstone project under each specialization. Visit our Curriculum page for more details and a list of courses!
Core
The core curriculum starts with a 3-day intense hackathon, followed by data structures, algorithms, and data types. This provides a basic foundation on which students will build as they then move into their electives.
Specialization
There are currently 3 specialization areas available:
Career Prep
As part of the program, students are required to complete career preparation assignments, activities and role plays. This includes completing behavioral interviews, technical interviews, resume reviews, and more.
The Student Experience
The student experience at Qwasar is unlike any other college or university. Students are engaged and involved in their own learning journey and have constant access to the tools and programs to help them achieve success.
No other MSCS degree program in North America uses modern learning approaches or learning science and techniques that truly develop on-the-job skills needed in today’s world.
Program Format
Full Time:
- Monday – Friday
- 40-50 hours per week
- 13 month duration
Part Time:
- Tuesday evenings and Saturdays
- 15-20 hours per week
- 24 month duration
Program Meetings
All students are required to daily meetings and participate in weekly events such as:
- Daily Standup
- Coding Collaboration Workshops
- Engineering Labs
- Live Coding Sessions
- Technical Presentations
- Virtual Library Time
- Occasional On-Site Meetings
Style of Instruction
100% Learning by doing
Software engineers on the job are expected to solve problems, write code, collaborate, do code reviews, design architecture, debug, and ultimately deliver software that works. This is how our program is built, which is VERY different from a traditional program focused on lectures, grades, and passing.
LMS
Qwasar uses an AI-driven Learning Management System, built in-house by our engineers and learning experts.
It’s a sophisticated platform with coding environments, autocorrectors called Gandalf, and more that empowers learners to take control of their learning.
Our Instructors
Instead of traditional lecturers, professors, and instructors, Qwasar uses Program Managers.
Program Managers are like engineering managers or coaches, and are not focused on knowledge delivery but on supporting your learning journey successfully.
Support
Members of the Qwasar community are available to support students through a variety of ways. Students will be connected with their program managers as well as advisors to mentor them throughout the program
How We Compare to Other Master's Programs
Modern Programming Languages
Traditional universities focus on C++, Python, and Java. But industry is using Rust, Go, React, Typescript, C, and hundreds of other languages. At Qwasar, you learn languages that are actually used today, and have the opportunity to focus on additional applicable languages
No Lectures, Textbooks, or Chalkboards!
We’re in the 21st-century – textbooks and lectures are an old model of learning and don’t at all reflect what engineers do on the job. Our approach reflects modern learning science and what the modern working world is like.
No Video Lectures & Required Online Forum Posts
Many online MSCS programs are really just video lectures, exams, and required participation in online forums. The focus isn’t on coding or on community. Qwasar is all about coding, collaboration, community, and active learning – learning that isn’t boring!
A LOT of Programming!
Our program is built for people who love coding and programming. In other programs, you wouldn’t actually have to use parallel program; in ours, you learn parallel programming by doing it, not just reading textbooks!
Ownership and Control of Your Learning
We don’t live in a world where people learn X in Y amount of time, like a Fordism factory. People aren’t machines! We should be able to learn at a pace that works for us but that still has community. You have much more control of your learning in our program, with greater flexibility and choice.
Masters Program Brochure
Download a copy of our masters in computer science brochure for detailed information about our program, logistics, etc.
Admissions
Qwasar uses a non-traditional admissions system: – no GRE – no letters of recommendation – no Bachelor’s of Computer Science required!
The real question is: can you code?
For more information on our admissions, please visit our Admissions and Tuition page.Interested? Apply Now!
Student Support
Program Managers
Since Qwasar uses project-based learning and skills-based learning, the role of ‘instructors’ is to facilitate students’ learning through exploration, curiosity, inquiry, and challenges. Program Managers function in a similar manner to an engineering manager in the workplace, and are the primary point of support for students.
Career Advising
Students have access to career advising, portfolio preparation, resume reviews, LinkedIn profile reviews, keyword suggestions, behavioral interview practice, and access to a unique hiring opportunities via partnerships.
Technical Interview Preparation Program
Learners join our Technical Interview Preparation Program as they begin working on some of their final projects in the full stack track. Learners do 40+ technical interviews to prepare for job applications.
Tuition and Financial Aid? Apply Now!
Total Cost
The total cost of the Masters of Science in Computer Science program is $10,000. There are no additional fees.
Financial Aid
Scholarships are available students. FAFSA financial aid is not available for our programs. We offer 9 scholarships, which can be viewed on our Scholarships page.
Financing Options
Qwasar tuition is due before your start date. We have scholarships available for students that qualify. We encourage all students to apply. Please contact us about financing options through Meritize.
Attend a Virtual Webinar
Join us for a session on what learning is like at Qwasar. Sign up to learn more about our Masters of Science in Computer Science program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our FAQ page for more information on most common questions.
Virtual Webinars
Join us for a session on what learning is like at Qwasar. Sign up to learn more about our program options and how each cohort works.
Student Experience vs. Others
How do Qwasar programs compare to other tech training options out there? Find out how we stack up.
View Platform
Software drives our programs and learners access one of the world’s most innovative learning platforms for tech talent training.