Focus Your Career
On The Future
Focus Your Career
On The Future

Bradley University Online Master’s In Computer Science & Computational Data Science Certificate

Business is increasingly digital and future-focused. Shouldn’t your education be the same?

Bradley University is proud to offer a new online Master’s in Computer Science and Computational Data Science Certificate to working professionals who want to advance their career without interrupting it. From software engineering and data science, to mobile computing and web technologies, these 100% online programs will develop your analytical, technical, and managerial skills to excel in some of the highest-paying tech careers.

Meet Today’s Digital Demands

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Get Ahead In Competitive Tech

Gain intensive training in one of the most in-demand disciplines today to qualify for high-level, high-paying positions in computer science, data science, and beyond.

 Smart Male Student, Studying in University with Diverse Classmates on his Desktop

Find The Program That Fits Your Goals

Choose between the online Master’s in Computer Science and Computational Data Science Certificate, or start with the certificate and continue on to your master’s seamlessly.

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Leverage Bradley’s Renowned Reputation

Earn a degree or certificate that carries weight on your resume and in your network. Join Bradley computer science alumni at Caterpillar, IBM, Apple, and more.

Stand Out In Top Tech Jobs

Considering an online Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science or a Computational Data Science Certificate to take your career to the next level? Your journey starts here. Complete the form to get more information about Bradley University’s Computer Science and Information Systems Department online programs.

Get valuable insights into the online experience, learn more about Bradley University’s course offerings, and see where an advanced education can take you.

Discover Your Next Step

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Bradley University is authorized to deliver online programs to US citizens and permanent residents residing in the United States. International students are encouraged to inquire about on-campus opportunities by visiting Bradley University International Admissions.

Bradley University’s Computer Science Online Programs

Master of Science in Computer Science

Designed for those who want to build on their computer science knowledge and push further into computer architecture, software engineering, computing, and other related fields. With this part-time degree path, you can choose from two focus areas and gain hands-on, real-world tech experience to graduate in as few as 18 months.

Computational Data Science Certificate

This 12-credit hour certificate is ideal for those with a bachelor’s degree who want to gain essential computational skills and tools used in data science without committing to a full master’s degree. The condensed courses in this program are the same as the online M.S. in Computer Science, which students can transfer to the master’s program to continue their education.

Excel in an Explosive Industry

News reports about computer hacks, data breaches, and failing technology highlight the desperate need for more computer science and data science professionals. Our lives rely on the systems, software, and products that experts like you create, and companies are deeply invested in finding the right people to fill crucial IT, engineering, and development roles.

23%
job growth for computer scientists1
35%
job growth for data scientists scientists2
24%
of the U.S. workforce is in STEM3

Bradley’s online computer science programs were created for the modern computer science, IT, or tech professional who wants to reach the next step in their career. Once you complete your chosen program, you’ll be a top candidate in almost any work environment in a computer-related industry, and will be well equipped to succeed as both a project and enterprise-level leader.

Find More Job Stats

Ready To Take The Lead In Tech?

Master’s vs. Certificate: Which Is Better?

As you evaluate your options, you might be debating between a master’s degree or a graduate certificate in computer science. A computational data science certificate is different than a master’s in computational data science or computer science in many ways, but especially in content, length, and cost. Which one is right for you depends on your individual skill set, job title, and career goals.

Master’s Degree

  • In-depth, comprehensive education in a part-time format
  • Can be completed in as few as 18 months
  • Ideal for those seeking promotions or higher-level roles

Graduate Certificate

  • Learn broad skills in a part-time, short-term format
  • Can be completed in as few as 10 months
  • Ideal for upskilling and changing careers

Why Bradley?

Founded in 1897 as Bradley Polytechnic Institute, Bradley University empowers students for immediate and sustained success. From our campus in Peoria, IL, we’ve developed career-oriented, technology-focused online degrees that are now available wherever you live and work. With over 1,300 graduate students and 70,000 alumni, Bradley has consistently offered the personalization and support of a small institution with the academic rigor and opportunity of a large university.

Bradley’s Computer Science and Information Systems department is a destination for engineers, analysts, and tech-minded individuals from all over the country. Through our online degree programs and certificates, Bradley prepares students to succeed through deep understanding and expertise in computer science. Earn your degree and join an expansive network of tech professionals from Capital One, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard Co., Microsoft, and other Fortune 500 companies without having to relocate.

Bradley Campus Building in the spring time
“I am confident that the solid academic grounding from Bradley University will continue to guide me in my future research endeavors. I wholeheartedly endorse this program to aspiring computer science professionals."
John D., M.S. in Computer Science ‘21

Highly Rated and Highly Revered Faculty

3 Headshots of Bradley Computer Science faculty members

There’s no better way to learn advanced computer science topics than from people who live, research, and experience them every day. Bradley’s computer science faculty are consistently rated “excellent” by alumni, and the CS master’s program has a high retention rate.4 As they continue to advance the field and master new competencies, our professors will share their personal insights and advice with you.

Meet Our Faculty

Get One-On-One With Your Degree

With smaller cohorts and a low student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll get personalized training from some of the brightest minds in tech. Professors view your success as their success and will stop at nothing to help you achieve your goals.

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Online, On Your Schedule

Bradley’s accredited online computer science master’s degree and computer science graduate certificate are much more than a series of Zoom calls and PowerPoint presentations.5 Both programs are carefully designed to support your learning and professional development. From the moment you enroll, you can attend classes and complete your coursework whenever—and wherever—works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a master’s degree and a certificate?

Generally, a graduate certificate costs less, takes less time to complete, and includes less intensive courses than a master’s degree. It also does not provide the same postnominals (e.g., Ph.D., MBA) as a master’s degree.

The online Computational Data Science Certificate is an accelerated pathway to learning essential computer science concepts, theories, and applications. It is made up of four courses (12 credits) and can be completed in as few as six months. Although it includes some of the same classes as the online Master’s in Computer Science, it only covers a portion of the coursework.

On the other hand, earning your Master’s in Computer Science online is a longer, more in-depth process with rigorous training in more computer science topics. It is made up of eight courses (33 credits) and can be completed in as few as 18 months.

How do online computer science programs compare to traditional programs?

Bradley’s online master’s in CS and computer science graduate certificate offer classes and coursework entirely online that can be completed whenever, and wherever, works best for you. Every aspect of the online graduate programs—the faculty, content, and learning outcomes—are exactly the same as our on-campus degrees.

Students will watch lectures, participate in discussions, and complete activities online to satisfy the requirements for the program. Course content is delivered asynchronously (i.e., not all at the same time), which allows you to log in, view lectures and assignments, and submit required work as your schedule allows. You’ll also be able to track your progress and communicate with professors, all in one place.

Can I keep working while I complete these programs?

Yes, you can keep working while you complete the computer science master’s degree or certificate. These programs are designed with working professionals in mind and should easily be able to accommodate your schedule.

Do the certificate credits count toward the M.S. degree?

Yes, all of the credits in the online computational data science certificate are fully transferable to the online M.S. in Computer Science program. At any point during the certificate, you can decide that you want to continue on to the master’s degree and we will assist you with that process.

ADMISSIONS DATES AND DEADLINES

Spring 2025

Nov
15
Final Application Deadline
November 15, 2024
Spring 2025
Jan
22
Start Date
January 22, 2025
Spring 2025

Summer 2025

Apr
15
Final Application Deadline
April 15, 2025
Summer 2025
May
21
Start Date
May 21, 2025
Summer 2025

Fall 2025

Jul
20
Final Application Date
July 20, 2025
Fall 2025
Aug
27
Start Date
August 27, 2025
Fall 2025
Sources
  1. Retrieved on December 20, 2023, from bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm
  2. Retrieved on December 20, 2023, from bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
  3. Retrieved on December 20, 2023, from ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf23315/report/the-stem-workforce
  4. Based on self-reported data from 2021-2022 Bradley M.S. in Computer Science graduates.
  5. Retrieved on February 19, 2024, from bradley.edu/accreditation/

Bradley University has engaged Everspring, a leading provider of education and technology services, to support select aspects of program delivery.