Most Affordable Online Master’s In Computer Programming Degrees

A ranking of the most affordable online master's in computer programs. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

Updated on January 13, 2023

Code your way to career with success through one of the nation's most affordable online Master's in Computer Programming degrees.

Are you fluent, or hope to become fluent, in complex software languages? Do you envision yourself designing, implementing, and managing systems? Are you equally happy to work by yourself, hammering out code, as you are to collaborate with a team of developers and designers?

Then an advanced degree in computer programming may be just for you!

What kind of master's in computer programming degree should you get?

While each of these programs ensure you a sturdy foundation in computer programming fundamentals, such as design and languages, they each vary a bit in emphasis and structure.

For example, while some schools provide broad-based degrees in computer science that allow you to specialize in programming, others focus solely on software design and implementation.

Furthermore, some of these programs operate through coursework-only models. Meaning, you'll take several rigorous courses without having to present a thesis or capstone project. These are great options for those of you who aren't interested in research. And for those who are, many of these affordable programs are also research-focused, requiring a thesis to graduate.

Accredited Online College Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

Whichever program offers the best fit, know that all of these degrees can be completed fully online.

Online education is both a flexible and affordable way to advance your education and career. For that reason, be sure to check out College Choice's Most Affordable Schools for an Online Graduate Degree.

What can you do with a master's in computer programming?

There are many opportunities for someone with an advanced degree in computer programming. Whether you want to work by yourself, designing efficient and innovative systems, or with a team to create a great product for your company, a Master's degree in Computer Programming will help you get there.

Graduates from the programs below, for example, have gone on to secure rewarding, high-paying careers in:

  • Software Development

  • Computer Systems Analysis

  • Database Administration

  • Network Systems Management

  • Web Development

  • And much more

How much money do people make with a master's in computer programming?

With an advanced degree in computer programming you are on your way to a lucrative, stable career.

Software Developers with a master's degree, for example, make on average $78,100 a year. However, that number leaps up with years of work and management experience. Principal Software Engineers make upwards of $134,870 a year.

Not only is the pay good, but so is the outlook. The need for those with an advanced degree in computer programming is always on the rise. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for software developers to grow an astounding 24 percent in the next few years.

What are the requirements for an online master's in computer programming?

A Master's in Computer Programming will take between one and two years to complete, with most programs averaging closer to two years. In the first year of your program will gain a foundation in programming principles while being introduced to the wider world of computer science.

Then in your second year you will have the opportunity to take specialized classes that pertain specifically to your interests and career goals. These classes may cover everything from compilers to game and simulation development, user interface experience, and software architecture.

Finally, some of these programs require an internship, thesis, or capstone research project in order to graduate. We've been sure to note these.

What are the most affordable online master's in computer programming degrees?

Though some of these programs are offered through huge research universities and others through smaller polytechnic colleges, theyall share one thing in common: they are the most affordable online computer programming degrees in the nation.

To determine the most affordable computer programming graduate degrees, we first looked at all programs across the nation that offer the degree online. From there we examined tuition and credit hours rates to determine those with the best value.

After such exhaustive research we found that these degrees are not only the most affordable but some of the best ranked too!

Our figures and information come from the university and colleges' websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.

Most Affordable Online Master's in Computer Programming Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

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