Program Overview
The Master of Science in Computer Science at Western Washington University is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Western Washington University. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in computer science & it, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 24 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in computer science & it.
Key Program Features
Program Features
- Welcomes students from CS or non-CS backgrounds
- Small classes & tight-knit cohort
- Leading-edge computer science research
- CS Mentor Program
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What Will You Learn in the MS in Computer Science Program?
Cultivate computing and mathematics knowledge that translates into analytical problem-solving and innovative solutions. Master the design-implementation-evaluation cycle for computer-based systems, processes, components, and programs that align with your professional goals. Ground your expertise in professional, ethical, legal, security, and social frameworks that equip you for the responsibility of creating positive change in the world.
Through this rigorous program, you’ll study:
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Natural language processing
- Bioinformatics
- Human and computer interaction
- Computer vision
- Computer graphics
- Computer education
- Big data
- Security and privacy
- Accessibility
- Parallel and distributed systems
Why Earn a CS Master’s Degree at WWU?
Faculty Committed to Your Success
Career Opportunities
MS in Computer Science Career Opportunities
A master’s degree in computer science opens doors to advanced career responsibilities and increased salaries— some roles averaging over $130,000 per year ! WWU’s computer science graduates go on to thrive as programmers, administrators, developers, and researchers in both start-up and long-standing tech companies, advanced research laboratories and academia, and critical roles within local, regional, and federal governments.
Join our alumni at employers like Facebook, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Expedia, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), or pursue advanced PhD studies at prestigious universities around the world.
Application Requirements (No GRE Required)
- Bachelor’s degree: Applicants must have already completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a foreign university, before the term in which they intend to begin their WWU graduate program.
- Grade Point Average: To satisfy WWU Graduate School requirements, applicants must have a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) over all their post-secondary coursework. To satisfy Computer Science MS program requirements, applicants must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must obtain at least the minimum TOEFL (86 IBT) or IELTS (7.0) unless English is their native language.
Applying without a CS Background
This program allows prospective students without a background in CS to apply. Accepted students will take a number of undergraduate classes to get them ready to take master’s- level classes. Acceptance is dependent on the space available in these undergraduate classes.
Applicants must have completed the following courses or their equivalent at the time of application:
- Basic programming: CSCI 141 (CS1) and
- CSCI 145 (CS2).
Program Curriculum
Program Curriculum and Courses
In WWU’s computer science master’s program, you will build high-level skills in operating systems, automata and formal language theory, algorithm analysis, and computer programming languages. In electives and research endeavors, you’ll hone your focus on the topics and experiences that will support your specific career goals.
Computer Science, Non-Thesis, MS
MS in Computer Science Career Opportunities
A master’s degree in computer science opens doors to advanced career responsibilities and increased salaries— some roles averaging over $130,000 per year ! WWU’s computer science graduates go on to thrive as programmers, administrators, developers, and researchers in both start-up and long-standing tech companies, advanced research laboratories and academia, and critical roles within local, regional, and federal governments.
Join our alumni at employers like Facebook, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Expedia, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), or pursue advanced PhD studies at prestigious universities around the world.
Application Requirements (No GRE Required)
- Bachelor’s degree: Applicants must have already completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a foreign university, before the term in which they intend to begin their WWU graduate program.
- Grade Point Average: To satisfy WWU Graduate School requirements, applicants must have a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) over all their post-secondary coursework. To satisfy Computer Science MS program requirements, applicants must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must obtain at least the minimum TOEFL (86 IBT) or IELTS (7.0) unless English is their native language.
Applying without a CS Background
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements (No GRE Required)
- Bachelor’s degree: Applicants must have already completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a foreign university, before the term in which they intend to begin their WWU graduate program.
- Grade Point Average: To satisfy WWU Graduate School requirements, applicants must have a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) over all their post-secondary coursework. To satisfy Computer Science MS program requirements, applicants must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must obtain at least the minimum TOEFL (86 IBT) or IELTS (7.0) unless English is their native language.
Applying without a CS Background
This program allows prospective students without a background in CS to apply. Accepted students will take a number of undergraduate classes to get them ready to take master’s- level classes. Acceptance is dependent on the space available in these undergraduate classes.
Applicants must have completed the following courses or their equivalent at the time of application:
- Basic programming: CSCI 141 (CS1) and
- CSCI 145 (CS2).
Background in some or all of the following is also recommended:
- Computer Systems: CSCI 247
- Discrete Math and Formal Languages: CSCI 301
- Data Structures: CSCI 241
Apply for the MS in Computer Science program using WWU’s graduate admissions process .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 20,175/year (international)
Tuition and Cost
WWU’s competitive tuition structure costs approximately $25,000 for in-state students and $47,000 for out-of-state students. Make your education more affordable by applying for financial aid, grants, private scholarships, and our prestigious teaching and research assistantships.
Read more about ways to pay for your master’s degree in Computer Science .
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at Western Washington University. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: Western Washington University may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About Western Washington University
Western Washington University
Bellingham, United States
Western Washington University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen...
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-04-18
- Start Date 2018-09-01
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
- Credits 120 ECTS / 360 credits (2-year programme)