100% Online Degree
Delivered on 
Ball State University has partnered with Coursera, one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, to bring you an online master of science in computer science. The curriculum is designed by Ball State University, courses are taught by our accomplished faculty, and content is delivered through the Coursera platform.
Whether you come from a computer science or non-technical background, our performance-based admissions simplify the road toward your career goals.
About the Master's in Computer Science
Ball State’s online master’s in computer science emphasizes applications and specializations with hands-on learning experience in state-of-the-art areas such as machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, and software engineering. You will also be offered opportunities to engage in research through a selection of courses that include student-led research projects.
You can also enhance your student experience in more specialized areas with electives such as AI, web development, and data visualization. The curriculum will incorporate industry content to enhance career outcomes, preparing graduates for roles in software development, network and systems engineering, and more.
Who Should Enroll
The short answer is anyone! This program is built for learners of all educational backgrounds and career experiences. Whether you’re working in an entry-level position and want to advance your career, or you want to change careers entirely, we’ll help you achieve your goals.
Performance-Based Admissions
You can gain acceptance into the master’s of computer science through our performance-based admissions. No entrance exams, application fees, or transcripts are required. You will complete three 3-credit courses, and if you earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better, then you will be fully admitted into the program.
Career Outcomes
Earning your master’s in computer science will open career opportunities in any sector: business, government, technology, and more. Growth projections in computer science employment are expected to increase by nearly 12.5 percent nationwide within the next eight years (Source: Lightcast™ – lightcast.io).
You will be ready for the following jobs after graduation.
- Software developer
- Network and systems engineer
- Back-end developer
- Front-end developer
- Information security analyst
- Database developer
- Quality assurance engineer
- And more
Why Coursera?
Ball State is intentional about the organizations we work with. Our priority is always our students. Coursera shares the same commitment to bringing flexible, affordable, job-relevant online learning to individuals and organizations worldwide. Since its inception, Coursera partners with other accredited and well-known public institutions to offer credit-bearing courses and degree programs that involve rigorous study and proven outcomes for graduates of these programs.
The 100 percent online master’s in computer science curriculum is built and owned entirely by Ball State and you will still earn a reputable Ball State degree.
The degree is designed with the adult learner and working professional in mind. You will complete your course work through the Coursera online learning platform. Courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them at a pace that fits into your daily routine without worrying about being late to class. Many students take one or two courses at a time to balance work, classes, and other responsibilities.
Curriculum Overview
View the schedule of upcoming courses (PDF).
Core Courses (12-18 credits)
You’ll learn data analysis, cybersecurity, software engineering, and networking skills. This core knowledge will be important as you take on any future specialization.
Students with a bachelor's degree in computer science can request an evaluation of prior academic history to find out if they can receive waivers for two of the core courses. Request information to learn more.
- CS 602 Discrete Structures and Algorithms (3 credits) — Offered Spring 2025
- Before enrolling in CS 602, you must successfully complete CS 617 or equivalent.
- CS 617 Introduction to Programming (3 credits) — Offered Spring 2025
- See the Pathways to Credit section below to learn how you can get a head start with open content or earn credit by completing industry content in place of CS 617.
- CS 621 Data Analytics (3 credits) — Offered Spring 2025
- CS 636 Modern Database Systems with Applications (3 credits)
- CS 647 Cybersecurity and Secure Software Design (3 credits)
- CS 690 Software Engineering (3 credits) — Offered Spring 2025
Research Courses (6 credits, choose two courses)
You’ll develop an applied research project in the courses shown here. Additional courses from this list may count as electives.
- CS 626 Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- CS 639 Seminar in Computer Science (up to 6 credits)
- CS 668 Graphs, Algorithms and Applications (3 credits)
- CS 679 Research Topics in CS (3 credits)
- CS 681 Applications of Computability (3 credits) — Offered Spring 2025
Elective Courses (12 credits, choose four courses)
With advanced elective courses for your specialization, you’ll build knowledge and skills in a chosen area. Nine additional elective credit hours will be required from these courses.
You will also have the option to earn credit by completing eligible programs from Google, IBM, and other industry partners through Coursera. See the Pathways to Credit section below to learn more.
- CS 618 Full Stack Web Development (3 credits)
- CS 619 Advanced Operating Systems and Networking (3 credits)
- CS 626 Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- CS 639 Seminar in Computer Science (up to 6 credits)
- CS 654 Machine Learning and Data Mining (3 credits)
- CS 668 Graphs, Algorithms and Applications (3 credits)
- CS 669 Selected Topics in CS (3 credits)
- CS 681 Applications of Computability (3 credits)
- DSCI 604 Data Storage and Management (3 credits) — Offered Spring 2025
- DSCI 605 Data Visualization (3 credits) — Offered Spring 2025
- DSCI 606 Intro to Cloud Computing (3 credits)
Pathways to Credit
To earn a Master of Science in Computer Science through Coursera and Ball State University, you will earn 30-36 graduate credits depending on your prior academic history.
Courses are offered in fall, spring, and summer semesters. However, you have options to begin learning right away, including:
- Registering for course in an upcoming term
- Open Content from Ball State University
- Industry Content from Coursera partners including as Google, IBM, and more
Ball State University currently offers two open courses on Coursera:
Benefits include:
- Start today: you can enroll in the open course at any time; you don’t have to wait for the semester start date.
- Low cost: you may earn a certificate and add it to your LinkedIn profile.
- Same quality: the open courses are designed by the same faculty who teach our degree course
- Get a head start: completed work in open course Introduction to Programming transfers to CS 617. Completed work in open course Data Visualization transfers to DSCI 605. When you enroll in the degree course CS 617 or DSCI 605, you don’t have to resubmit projects you’ve already completed in open content courses.
Some designated courses offered through Coursera count toward credit in the Master of Science in Computer Science. Credits earned through Industry Content courses do not apply toward performance-based admission.
You may earn up to nine credits after you successfully complete the approved Coursera certificates and specializations below. (Note: you may earn up to six credits of in place of CS 669.)
Benefits include:
- Start today: you can enroll in industry content at any time; you don’t have to wait for the semester start date.
- Learn in-demand skills: you will receive professional-level training from a notable company like Google or IBM and earn an employer-recognized certificate.
- Flexible schedule: learn at your own pace.
- Earn degree credit: students who complete eligible industry content may earn credits toward elective courses. (credits do not count toward PBA requirements)
If you are interested in applying credit from any of these Coursera courses, you should fill out and submit the prior learning credit form after you enroll in your first course. For questions, contact online@bsu.edu.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.