Online Master's in Computer Science With No GRE
Published October 6, 2023
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Did you know that you can get a master's in computer science without taking the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)? Gone are the days when graduates had to submit standardized test scores.
Many accredited colleges have eliminated GRE requirements — or made them optional — in a move to make higher education more accessible.
Don't want to take the GRE? Don't sweat it. If you want to find an online master's in computer science with no GRE requirements, check out our list to find degrees and careers opportunities.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Find out more about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other master's-level computer science-related programs and concentrations that do not require GRE scores.
Online Computer Science Master's Programs
A general master's in computer science degree allows you to dive into advanced coursework that trains you a variety of tech careers, and/or teaching and research opportunities. You'll complete 30-45 credits over about two years of full-time studies.
While a bachelor's degree in computer science gives you the training for an entry-level information technology career, a master's degree provides an opportunity for greater earning power and the chance to specialize in nuanced areas of computer science.
For instance, you can study concentrations such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software engineering in an online master's in computer science program.
Here you can explore the specializations available to master's students studying computer science and the career opportunities that await.
Artificial Intelligence
Earning a master's in artificial intelligence equips you to become a machine learning engineer, artificial intelligence engineer, or research scientist. Artificial intelligence engineers make an average annual salary of $114,970, according to September 2023 Payscale data.
As a master's student, you'll study computation learning, algorithm design and analysis, and software engineering.
Related Programs to Master's in AI Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
If you have a knack for automating otherwise tedious processes, consider a concentration in artificial intelligence. To land an AI career, you need to apply the theoretical models learned in graduate school to real datasets.
Cybersecurity
As digital threats become more pervasive, companies in all sectors need cybersecurity professionals to safeguard their data and systems. A master's in cybersecurity trains you in computer forensics, network security, algorithms and applications in cryptography, and advanced network security. Graduates can become chief information security officers, who make an average annual salary of $174,380, according to September 2023 Payscale data.
Featured Master's in Cybersecurity Programs
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The demand for high-skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow as cyberattacks increase. Professionals working in cybersecurity can boost their earning power by getting an online master's in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity.
Data Analytics
The advanced study of data analytics teaches you how to examine data sets and extract meaning that informs decision making in various sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and business.
In your graduate studies, you'll learn predictive modeling, big data analytics, and data management and visualization. Earning a master's in data analytics equips you to become a data analyst, data scientist, or data architect. Data analysts make an average annual salary of $65,960, according to Payscale, while data scientists average $99,399 per year.
Featured Master's in Data Analytics Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
If you want to get structured lessons on statistics, then a data analytics concentration can help you to break into the field of data analytics. A master's degree gives you the edge when on the job hunt.
Health Informatics
You can become an information system analyst or clinical analyst after earning a master's in computer science with a concentration in health informatics.
The coursework covers statistics in health services management, healthcare security policy, organizational behavior and health leadership, and project management in health information technology. Payscale reports that you can make an average annual salary of $68,330 as an information system analyst.
Featured Master's in Health Informatics Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Jobs for health informatics professionals should grow faster than other occupations. A master's degree in health informatics can help you land an administrative role in healthcare.
Business Intelligence
A business intelligence concentration imparts the skills for you to interpret data to make business decisions with courses in business analytics, data mining, and risk analysis. Graduates commonly pursue post-graduate careers as management analysts, statisticians, or financial managers. Management analysts make an average annual salary of $72,650, according to Payscale. They work in data management, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Featured Master's in Business Intelligence Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Do you have an analytical mind and a knack for data collection? A concentration in business intelligence may suit your career goals.
Game Development
Take a concentration in game development and you will learn to use software programming to develop games and applications. You'll train in computer graphics, mathematical principles for game engine design, advanced game programming, human computer interaction, algorithms for robotics, and graphics software systems architecture. Graduates can become a game developer who makes an annual salary of $86,340, according to Payscale.
Related Programs to Master's in Game Development Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Learning game development can help any programmer to hone programming, coding, and team-building skills. As technology advances, demand for game developers will only grow. Last year, the global game industry was valued at $217.06 billion.
Human-Computer Interaction
If you have a fascination with how people interact with computers, you may want to pursue a concentration in human-computer interaction. In your studies, you gain the skills to optimize user interfaces, through courses in user-centered research, software structures for user interfaces, and interaction design.
Graduates secure careers as user interface developers, user experience (UX) researchers, and product designers.Payscale reports that user interface developers make an average annual salary of $68,600.
Related Programs to Master's in Human-Computer Interaction Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Natural problem solvers and innovators can make a difference in human-computer interaction to improve services and products. Going into a field of human-computer interaction can open up careers working in tech startups, nonprofits, or retailers.
Database Management
A master's in database management — with courses in computer systems architecture, systems infrastructure, and systems analysis —prepares you for a myriad of careers. You can become a database administrator, data engineer, or network and computer system administrator. Database administrators make an average annual salary of $77,870, according to Payscale.
Featured Master's in Database Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Companies need database administrators to manage databases and to execute backup and recovery strategies. Employment for database administrators and architects should grow faster than average, at a rate of 9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
How Do You Get Into a Master's Program With No GRE?
Master's programs with no GRE requirements can still attract qualified applicants. Instead of the GRE, you will need an undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, or mathematics —either from an in-person or online college for computer science.
To be considered for an online master's in computer science with no GRE requirements, you often need prior education requirements, such as completed undergraduate courses in calculus, Python, and Java. Also, you'll likely need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Many programs consider applicants that do not meet GPA requirements and have complete prerequisites, but on a provisional basis. And, if you do not meet the academic standards, you may be encouraged to submit GRE scores. You also may need to submit:
- Official transcripts
- A personal statement
- Resume
- Up to three letters of recommendations from professional references
Why Go to a Graduate Program With No GRE Required?
The movement by colleges to eliminate GRE requirements aims to provide greater accessibility to graduate school.
Furthermore, research shows that the GRE fails to accurately predict student outcomes. Especially in STEM fields, the GRE can prove to be inequitable and decrease diversity.
Online master's in computer science with no GRE benefit you by:
- Saving you money on prep courses and exam fees
- Saving you two hours of time
- Allowing you to focus more time and energy on other application materials
You do not need the GRE to achieve success and land careers as a data scientist, computer systems analyst, or cybersecurity developer.
Data Scientist
Data scientists enjoy career versatility, finding positions in finance, government agencies, healthcare, media, and transportation. There you will participate in the entire analytics life-cycle, providing data analysis and research on data science teams that use data-driven solutions to boost the user experience. After gaining experience, data scientists can become analytics managers or senior analysts.
Median Annual Salary: $103,500
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Information systems managers oversee information technology teams at local messengers and delivery services, media streaming companies, retailers, and finance. On the job, information systems managers gather infrastructure requirements and install computer networks and set up software updates.
Median Annual Salary: $164,070
Cybersecurity Engineer
Nearly every sector has a need for cybersecurity engineers who create, monitor, and deploy software that underpins cyber defense. They work in finance, retail, and government agencies to prevent cyberattacks. After working as a cybersecurity engineer, you can be promoted to become a security architect.
Average Annual Salary: $101,030
Additional computer science careers for graduate students can include:
Resources for Computer Science Graduate Students
FAQ About GRE Test Optional Master's in Computer Science
Do I need the GRE for an online master's in computer science?
Not always. Colleges across the country — even prestigious universities such as Yale — waived the GRE mandates during the pandemic, and now outright dropped standardized test requirements. You can find many quality online master's in computer science programs with no GRE requirements.
Should I submit GRE scores to test-optional master's programs?
If you have GRE scores, you may want to submit them under certain circumstances. For instance, high GRE scores can help when you have academic shortcomings or gaps in your education. Applicants who do not meet GPA requirements or do not have the prerequisites, may want to use their GRE scores to better their chances of getting admitted.
Are master's in computer science with no GREs legitimate?
Yes. From Berkeley to Yale, many colleges have removed GRE restrictions for master's degrees and Ph.D. programs. Master's in computer science with no GREs offer a quality education. The admission process has simply been made more equitable in keeping with higher education trends.
Is an online master's in CS worth it?
Earning an online master's in computer science offers a gateway to more senior tech careers that pay better. Graduate-level computer science programs also offer specialized studies in cybersecurity, game development, and health informatics —specialties not usually available for undergraduate programs.
Page last reviewed September 29, 2023.
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