MS in Computer Science

High-Performance Training for the Next Level of Leadership

A group of people sitting at a table with computers

For more than two decades, CCI’s MS in Computer Science has prepared software engineers for the work that defines the industry — shipping code, building systems, leading teams. The program is now evolving to meet the next decade of software engineering, with new concentrations in development for 2027.

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Who This Is For

  • Working Engineers: Software engineers, developers, and technical leads in Charlotte’s banking, fintech, healthcare, energy, and consulting sectors who want a graduate credential without leaving the field they are already in.
  • CS Graduates Going Deeper: Computer science undergraduates who want a year or two of advanced coursework, research opportunities, or specialization in AI, security, systems, or data before entering the workforce.
  • Engineers Preparing for the Next Decade: Practitioners who recognize that the daily work of software engineering is changing — and want a degree program that is preparing for it, not pretending it isn’t happening.

What Our Graduates Are Doing

MS Computer Science is CCI’s most-established graduate program. The labor market footprint is correspondingly the broadest of any program in the College — and the in-field placement rate is the highest.

489 Recent Graduates Tracked84% Working In Field$135K Occupation-Average Wage Potential

Where our graduates work

Wells Fargo, Truist, Bank of America, Lowe’s, TIAA, Honeywell, Duke Energy, and area technology consulting firms.

Top job titles

Two-thirds of recent CCI Computer Science graduates work as Software Developers — the single most marketable outcome in the entire CCI graduate portfolio. Other common roles include Web Developers, Computer Systems Analysts, Information Security Analysts, Software Quality Assurance Analysts, and Database Administrators.

Source: Lightcast Alumni Pathways, Q1 2026. Based on 489 matched UNC Charlotte MS Computer Science graduates from 2022–2024. Estimated current wage: $84,500. Wages reflect occupation-average earnings, not guaranteed starting salaries.

What You’ll Learn to Do

The MS Computer Science curriculum covers the foundations every engineer should have at graduate level, with depth in the areas that define modern software practice:

  • Algorithms, software architecture, distributed systems, and databases
  • Machine learning and applied AI
  • Computer security and cryptography
  • Cloud computing and large-scale systems
  • Optional research with CCI faculty across systems, networking, AI, security, and visualization labs
  • Capstone or thesis option for students who want a deeper applied project

Classes Built Around Your Career

Evening scheduling — every CCI master’s course meets after 4:00 PM at the main campus or at the Dubois Center in uptown Charlotte

Full-time and part-time pacing supported

STEM-designated degree (relevant for international students seeking OPT extensions)

Thesis, project, or coursework-only completion paths

Fall and Spring admission