Chico State Online MS in Computer Science

This Online MS in Computer Science from California State University, Chico places artificial intelligence at the center of the curriculum, preparing students to design, implement, and deploy intelligent systems across a wide range of applications. Our students develop deep expertise in AI through coursework in applied machine learning, applied computer vision, and advanced AI topics such as sensor fusion. Emphasis is placed on hands-on implementation of algorithms and models, enabling students to move beyond theory and apply AI techniques to real-world problems involving automation, perception, learning, and decision-making.

Our expert faculty will help you gain the critical experience you need to be a leader in the industry. They not only bring the latest innovations and deep technical knowledge into the virtual classroom, but they also foster a warm, engaging, and collaborative learning environment. With an explosive job market and seemingly endless applications for computer science, you’ll graduate with new skills and perspectives in AI, cybersecurity, software engineering, and more to advance your career.

Chico State’s Online Master’s in Computer Science is built for the future. Will you be a part of it?

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California State University Chico Campus at night  Admissions at a Glance

• Completed Application
• Statement of purpose
• Current resume
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field

Online Learning On Your Terms

Every aspect of the online master’s degree in computer science—the faculty, content, and learning outcomes—is exactly the same as the on-campus degree, but with added flexibility. With asynchronous CS master’s program courses, you’ll have the freedom to study on your schedule so that your academic, professional, and personal commitments can support and strengthen each other. 

The fully online program is delivered in an accelerated 8-week course format, allowing students to immerse themselves in one subject at a time and complete six units each semester. 

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A Program Designed for the Future YOU

The Online MS in Computer Science is designed to prepare students for advanced roles in industry as well as continued graduate study and research. Through research-driven coursework and collaborative projects, students learn to evaluate AI systems rigorously, communicate technical results clearly, and adapt to emerging technologies. Graduates are well positioned for careers in AI engineering, data-driven software development, research, and advanced technical leadership.

Kendall Hall, Center of the Chico State CampusMaster of Computer Science Jobs

• Applied ML scientist
• Network forensics analyst
• IT director
• Network specialist
• Platform engineer
• Research and development expert
• Scalable systems engineer
• Sensor fusion engineer
• Full-stack web developer
• ...and many more!

Hands-On Computer Science Learning for Real-World Application

To progress in exciting and lucrative tech roles, Online MS students have direct access to high-end departmental servers, including a Linux account for programming tasks. They also have access to a Dell PowerEdge server equipped with 80 CPUs, numerous GPUs, and over 3 TB of RAM for coursework and research in areas like cybersecurity and machine learning. These resources provide a robust platform for both learning and research, accessible remotely via SSH and through a browser.

Online students are welcome at Chico State’s campus anytime to explore our computing facilities and labs in person.

Statistics on computer science industry demand

Employer-Desired Skill Sets

Graduates of the program develop skills consistently sought by employers across AI-driven industries:

  • AI & Machine Learning: classical AI methods, deep learning, neural networks, model evaluation, and applied ML frameworks

  • Computer Vision & Sensor Systems: image processing, object detection, multi-sensor fusion, real-time perception
     
  • Software Engineering Excellence: object-oriented design patterns, refactoring, code quality analysis, DevOps workflows 
  • Research & Communication: experimental design, technical writing, presentations, and ethical AI research practices 
  • Scalable & High-Performance Computing: parallelism, multi-core processing, big data computation, performance optimization 

  • Algorithmic & Analytical Thinking: algorithm design, complexity analysis, NP-completeness, computational limits 

  • Full-Stack & System Integration: secure web application development, AI-enabled system deployment 

 

COURSE SPOTLIGHT

CSCI 611 Applied Machine Learning

Person working with computer code on a laptop.This course offers a practical exploration into machine learning and cutting-edge topics in neural networks, including modern techniques for deep learning. Students will build deep learning models using sophisticated machine learning frameworks and scientific libraries.

 

Admissions Dates & Deadlines

July 6

Priority Application Deadline
Fall 2026 term

Aug 10

Final Application Deadline
Fall 2026 term

Aug 24

Start of 
Fall 2026 term

 

Ready to transform your career?    Get Started Today! Click to learn more about the Online MS in Computer Science from Chico State

 

Sources:

1 Retrieved on April 4, 2024, from eos.org/agu-news/stem-supports-67-of-u-s-jobs

 

 
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