Ball State University logo

Master of Science in Computer Science

Interested in saving thousands on your degree? Learn more about Prior Learning Credit on March 27! Register here.

Ball State University logo

Master of Science in Computer Science

Ball State University

Enrollment is now open

Start your Master's degree by enrolling today. If you're not ready, request more information.

Enroll today

Accredited degree

Offered by Ball State University

No application required

Degree admission is entirely performance-based

$489 per credit

Benefit from affordable tuition and flexible payment options

24 months

36 credits of graduate coursework

Earn your Master's in Computer Science even if you do not have a computer science background.

This master’s degree from Ball State University makes a career in the growing field of computer science more attainable for all kinds of learners. It’s a program that could be right for you whether you have an educational background in computer science or not. You’ll start by taking courses in programming, data structures, and algorithms so that you have the foundational knowledge you need to succeed in your studies. Then you’ll learn applicable skills in innovative areas such as machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, and software engineering. And, you can apply the skills you learn the very next day in your current workplace.

You can gain acceptance into the program regardless of your educational background or professional experience. Complete three pathway courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and you’ll be accepted into the degree program.

Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. However, students have options to begin learning right away, including: 

What’s in this degree program?

No computer science background needed; foundational courses in computer science and programming provided.
36-credit master’s degree with 18 core credits, 6 research credits, and 12 elective credits to tailor your learning experience.
Hands-on, applied knowledge through practical learning experiences and access to modern tech.
Focused support from a dedicated Student Success Specialist.
Career services include online resume builder, career coaching, and access to a global alumni network.
Offered by Ball State University, recognized for high-quality online education and faculty engagement.

Admissions Information

Enrollment for Summer 2025 is now open!

  • Enrollment opens: Jan 15, 2025
  • Classes begin: May 12, 2025
  • Enrollment closes: May 18, 2025

Upcoming Events

  • March 19: Jumpstart Your Computer Science Master’s at Ball State University with Performance-Based Admission! - Register here
  • March 27: Save Money on Your Degree with Prior Learning Credit Webinar - Register here!
  • April 15: Jumpstart Your Computer Science Master’s at Ball State University with Performance-Based Admission! - Register here!

Enrollment is now open

Start your Master's degree by enrolling today. If you're not ready, request more information.

Enroll today

Accredited degree

Offered by Ball State University

No application required

Degree admission is entirely performance-based

$489 per credit

Benefit from affordable tuition and flexible payment options

24 months

36 credits of graduate coursework

Accredited degree

Offered by Ball State University

No application required

Degree admission is entirely performance-based

Earn your Master's in Computer Science even if you do not have a computer science background.

This master’s degree from Ball State University makes a career in the growing field of computer science more attainable for all kinds of learners. It’s a program that could be right for you whether you have an educational background in computer science or not. You’ll start by taking courses in programming, data structures, and algorithms so that you have the foundational knowledge you need to succeed in your studies. Then you’ll learn applicable skills in innovative areas such as machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, and software engineering. And, you can apply the skills you learn the very next day in your current workplace.

You can gain acceptance into the program regardless of your educational background or professional experience. Complete three pathway courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and you’ll be accepted into the degree program.

Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. However, students have options to begin learning right away, including: 

What’s in this degree program?

No computer science background needed; foundational courses in computer science and programming provided.
36-credit master’s degree with 18 core credits, 6 research credits, and 12 elective credits to tailor your learning experience.
Hands-on, applied knowledge through practical learning experiences and access to modern tech.
Focused support from a dedicated Student Success Specialist.
Career services include online resume builder, career coaching, and access to a global alumni network.
Offered by Ball State University, recognized for high-quality online education and faculty engagement.

Admissions Information

Enrollment for Summer 2025 is now open!

  • Enrollment opens: Jan 15, 2025
  • Classes begin: May 12, 2025
  • Enrollment closes: May 18, 2025

Upcoming Events

  • March 19: Jumpstart Your Computer Science Master’s at Ball State University with Performance-Based Admission! - Register here
  • March 27: Save Money on Your Degree with Prior Learning Credit Webinar - Register here!
  • April 15: Jumpstart Your Computer Science Master’s at Ball State University with Performance-Based Admission! - Register here!

No application required―start your computer science degree today

You can gain acceptance into Ball State’s Master of Science in Computer Science through performance-based admissions. No entrance exams, application fee, 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.

Learn More

Benefit from affordable tuition and flexible payment options

  • Less than $18,000 USD tuition total Competitively priced with the needs of the working adult learner in mind.
  • Pay-as-you-go tuition Tailor your educational journey with flexible payment options by paying per credit.
  • Financial aid opportunities Interested in exploring payment and financing opportunities? Find out more information on how to make this program fit your budget.

Advance your career in Business

  • Gain leadership skills as you learn to improve existing processes and learn to develop and implement a vision for your future career.
  • Courses are grouped into specializations, structured so that you learn skills in combinations that mirror how you’ll actually use them on the job.
  • Graduates of the iMBA program become one of over 800,000 global alumni in the Illinois network.

Advance your career

25% average salary growth

At a time when a 2 percent raise is often the norm, Gies iMBA graduates report an average raise of 25 percent during and immediately after their program, showcasing an instant and significant return on investment that stands out. (2023 survey)

65% received a promotion or job offer

Many business schools track job placement post-graduation. At Gies, since most iMBA students already hold jobs, we instead find out how many received a promotion or took a new job. 65% of iMBA graduates report starting a better job upon finishing, showcasing the immediate ROI of a Gies iMBA degree. (2023 survey)

Positive recruiter outlook

Nine out of ten corporate recruiters expect the demand for business school graduates to remain high or increase in the next five years. (GMAC)

Qualify for in-demand jobs

  • Chief Executive

  • General Manager

  • Financial Manager

  • Management Analyst

Top employing corporations for professionals with business degrees are expected to grow by as much as 17% by 2031 in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Build toward a degree

When you complete these programs, you may have learning recognized for credit toward this degree, if you are admitted and enroll.¹

¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.

Check out the latest news from Gies College of Business

From MOOCs to Mastery: How Patrick Surrett Found his Perfect Fit in the Gies iMBA

Patrick discovered the Gies iMBA through MOOCs on Coursera and made the leap, finding a program that better aligned with his professional aspirations and learning preferences.

February 13, 2025

Balancing Act: How Angela Mastered the iMBA as a Working Mom

Leverage the flexibility of the online iMBA to earn your degree while balancing your other obligations.

November 27, 2024

Illinois Gies Takes Stackability to the Next Level

Gies has masterfully designed a suite of stackable educational degrees, where students can take a course and then apply...

November 10, 2024

Elliott Leading Gies Business Into a New Era of Purpose

W. Brooke Elliott becomes the first woman to hold the title of dean of the University of Illinois' Gies College of Business.

November 3, 2024

Progress Your Career With the iMBA from Gies College of Business

Discover how Claire used her master's to navigate a career pivot from big corporations into a tech start-up.

August 24, 2024

Experience Exploratory Learning That Counts and Professional Networking That Matters

Learn more about Molly Johnson's transformative journey with the Gies Business iMBA.

July 12, 2024

How a Film Industry Professional Decided to Pursue the Gies iMBA

Read Ines Weitgasser's story of how she transitioned from Hollywood's film industry to Gies iMBA.

February 8, 2024

Mastering the Code of Business: A Seasoned Software Engineer's Journey to the iMBA

Learn more about Mateu Batle, a 25-year software engineer seeking to advance his career by pursuing his iMBA.

November 6, 2023

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more.

You’ll earn a reputable Ball State degree whether you’re taking classes in a physical or online classroom. Ball State’s online degrees carry the same weight as those earned on campus. Your diploma will not indicate whether you earned your degree online or on its Indiana campus.

This program is built for career switchers and learners of all educational backgrounds and career experiences. Whether you come from a computer science or programming background or not, the performance-based admissions simplify the road toward your career goals. If you can successfully complete three courses, you can earn admission to the Ball State master’s in computer science.