Skip to main content
    Back to Programs
    The Pennsylvania State University

    Computer Science (M.S.)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    University Park, USMCSOnline2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $145,986.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    30
    Credits
    $85.00
    App fee

    Computer Science (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is a 30-credit, 2-year, online MCS program based in University Park, US. Tuition is $145,986 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    30-credit program covering algorithms, large-scale software systems, distributed systems, big data, and machine learning. Includes core courses, electives, and a capstone project to build a fully functioning product.

    Focus: coursework
    US News #39 Computer Science
    Part-time option

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    Deadlines

    Pro

    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    Standardized tests

    Pro

    Which tests are required, optional, or waived (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo), minimum scores including separate verbal / quant sections, and program codes for score reporting.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT + 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $20,700.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Computer Science (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Computer Science (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is $145,986 across 30 required credits.
    Is Computer Science (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University online or in-person?
    Computer Science (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is offered online, so students can complete coursework remotely.
    How long does Computer Science (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University take to complete?
    Computer Science (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    What GPA is required for Computer Science (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale in the final two years of undergraduate work
    Is Computer Science (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Computer Science (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.