UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is launching a new online Master of Computer Science degree program, designed for working professionals who are seeking advanced expertise in today’s most in-demand technologies.
The Master of Computer Science program is a 30-credit degree program that offers the flexibility of online learning and focuses on areas such as full-stack development, cybersecurity, data science, distributed cloud-based computing and artificial intelligence.
Penn State is offering the master’s in computer science online through Penn State World Campus. The Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies is the academic home of the degree program.
Applications will be accepted for admission in each Penn State semester. The first application deadline is Dec. 1 for Penn State’s spring 2026 semester, which starts in January.
“Penn State’s new online Master of Computer Science program is a great opportunity for people who want to go back to school and grow professionally without leaving their communities or careers behind,” said Karen Pollack, acting vice provost for Online Education at Penn State. “This new offering continues our commitment to expanding access to a rigorous Penn State education for working professionals. We believe that when higher education is thoughtfully designed and made more accessible, it empowers people to improve their lives, their communities, and the industries they serve.”
A systems approach to real-world learning
The curriculum in the online master’s in computer science takes a distinctive systems approach, preparing students to design end-to-end solutions across full-stack development, big data, and cloud-native systems.
Courses blend theory in topics such as algorithms and programming, cybersecurity, distributed cloud-based systems, big data systems and machine learning systems with practical projects, culminating in a capstone course in which students build a fully functioning product.
“This new master’s in computer science is built for hands-on learning, with students applying what they’re learning through real-world projects,” said Raghu Sangwan, professor of software engineering and lead faculty member of the new program. “Students will learn to build full-stack AI and machine learning applications, manage big data, and design secure, distributed cloud-based systems. This is ideal for forward-thinking professionals who want to advance their careers and lead innovation in today’s fast-changing tech world.”
An interdisciplinary master’s in computer science
The program draws on faculty expertise in technology and engineering from across Penn State.
The graduate faculty of Great Valley campus’s engineering division will lead the program and advise students.
Faculty from other Penn State academic units — including the College of Information Sciences and Technology, Eberly College of Science, Penn State Harrisburg, and Penn State Behrend — will contribute to teaching, bringing diverse expertise, research interests and industry experience to the curriculum.
A Penn State education online
Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online since 1998 and today has a comprehensive selection of more than 200 degree and certificate programs.
The Master of Computer Science joins a portfolio of technical graduate programs offered online through Penn State World Campus and Penn State Great Valley.
These programs — including artificial intelligence, data analytics, engineering management, information science, software engineering, and systems engineering — are consistently recognized among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report.
The computer science program is also among the graduate programs affiliated with the Penn State J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School.
Visit the Penn State World Campus website to learn more about Penn State’s new online Master of Computer Science.