Computer Science
Graduate program at Colorado School of Mines
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Select a program type below to learn more. What’s the difference? Read more about program types.
Computer Science Master’s Non-Thesis
This master’s degree with thesis, non-thesis and project options allows students to further specialize in a specific area of computer science, as well as provides opportunities for original research. Learn more about our innovative computer science master of science program.
The Master’s degree in Computer Science (thesis or non-thesis option) requires 30 credits. The non-thesis option consists of two tracks: a Project Track and a Coursework Track. Requirements for the Project Track are 24 hours of coursework plus 6 hours of project credit; requirements for the Coursework Track are 30 hours of coursework. The following two core courses are required of all students. Students may choose elective courses from any CSCI graduate course offered by the department. In addition, up to 6 credits of elective courses may be taken outside of CSCI. Lastly, a maximum of six independent study course units can be used to fulfill degree requirements. Core courses for the program are below. CSCI 561 and CSCI 564 (or an alternative course, subject to approval by the committee based on the provided justification). Examples of potential alternative courses include CSCI 582 (Computing Beyond CPUs), CSCI 565 (Distributed Computing), and CSCI 563 (Parallel Computing for Scientists and Engineers)
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Scores may be used as additional supporting materials
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
- Supporting Materials: Optional. Up to 2 additional supporting materials may be submitted.
Requirement Details
Click to read more about each of the requirements outlined above, including information on how to submit your application.
Online Program Cost
Estimated tuition based on academic year 2025–2026 rates for the online master’s non-thesis program: $35,400 ($102 technology fee for fall/spring, $89 technology fee for summer). Tuition rates are subject to change annually. See detailed tuition and fee information for residential programs on the Bursar’s Office website.
Computer Science Master’s Thesis
This master’s degree with thesis, non-thesis and project options allows students to further specialize in a specific area of computer science, as well as provides opportunities for original research. Learn more about our innovative computer science master of science program.
The master’s degree in Computer Science (thesis or non-thesis option) requires 30 credits. Requirements for the Master’s Thesis are 21 hours of coursework plus 9 hours of thesis credit leading to an acceptable master’s thesis; thesis students are encouraged to find a thesis advisor and form a thesis committee by the end of the first year. The following two core courses are required of all students. Students may choose elective courses from any CSCI graduate course offered by the department. In addition, up to 6 credits of elective courses may be taken outside of CSCI. Lastly, a maximum of six independent study course units can be used to fulfill degree requirements.
After the Master’s Thesis, the student will be required to make a formal presentation and defense of her/his thesis research. A student must pass this defense to earn a master’s degree.
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Letters of Recommendation (3 letters).
- No letters are required for current Mines students or Mines alumni.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
- Supporting Materials: Optional. Up to 2 additional supporting materials may be submitted.
Computer Science Online Professional Master’s Degree
Accepting applications in Fall 2025.
Colorado School of Mines’ fully online Professional Master’s in Computer Science empowers working professionals to advance their careers with cutting-edge expertise in machine learning, cybersecurity, software technologies, and more—all delivered by a top-tier institution known for its industry-focused education.
Designed for flexibility, this program allows students to tailor their learning experience through specialized tracks and elective courses, offering a seamless blend of career advancement and personal commitments.
Join a global community of professionals transforming their futures with a Mines education, gaining advanced skills and knowledge from anywhere in the world, without stepping away from their careers.
To earn a professional master’s (MP-CS) degree, students must complete 30 credits as outlined below. The program is composed of four flexible tracks. To complete the 30 credit hours, students would be required to complete any 3 tracks, along with an additional elective course. The required elective course may be fulfilled by any CSCI course from the track options listed if it is not being used to complete one of their chosen tracks. At least 7 out of 10 required courses MUST be CSCI/DSCI.
This professional master’s in Computer Science offers specialized tracks—Applied Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and Analytics and Project Management—each tailored to equip professionals with advanced, in-demand skills. These tracks provide a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to meet the evolving needs of the tech industry, empowering students to specialize in cutting-edge areas while advancing their careers:
Track 1: Applied Machine Learning
The track in Applied Machine Learning is targeted to train recent graduates or mid-career professionals with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other STEM-related field with acquired basic knowledge in programming, data structures, statistics, and linear algebra.
The track in Applied Machine Learning requires 9 credit hours to complete, with the option to take more for added depth or to stack toward the full master’s degree:
Required courses:
-DSCI 503: Advanced Data Science
-DSCI 570: Machine Learning
Pick one from the following:
-CSCI 507: Computer Vision
-CSCI 578: Bioinformatics
-DSCI 530: Statistical Methods
-DSCI 575: Advanced Machine Learning
Track 2: Cybersecurity
The track in Cybersecurity is targeted to train recent graduates or mid-career professionals with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field with a foundational knowledge in programming, data structures, algorithms, systems programming, statistics, and discrete math.
The track in Cybersecurity requires 9 credit hours to complete, with the option to take more for added depth or to stack toward the full master’s degree:
Required courses:
-CSCI 574: Theory of Cryptography
-CSCI 585: Information Security and Privacy
Pick one from the following:
-CSCI 560: Fundamentals of Computer Networks
-CSCI 587: Cyber Physical Systems Security
Track 3: Analytics and Project Management
The track in Analytics and Project Management is targeted to train recent graduates or mid-career professionals with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other STEM-related field with acquired basic knowledge in programming, data structures, statistics, and linear algebra.
The track in Analytics and Project Management requires 9 credit hours to complete, with the option to take more for added depth or to stack toward the full master’s degree:
Required course:
-EBGN 525: Business Analytics
Pick two from the following:
-EBGN 553: Project Management
-EBGN 563: Management of Technology and Innovation
-EBGN 565: Marketing for Technology-based companies
-EBGN 571: Marketing Analytics
-EBGN 577: Leading and Managing High Performance Teams
Track 4: Advanced Software Technologies
This new track will focus on advanced concepts in programming, data structures, and software engineering, equipping students with the expertise to design and implement robust, scalable, and efficient systems. To complete the track, students will need to complete 9 credit hours of coursework, beginning with a cornerstone course in advanced software techniques and project development. Students will then select two courses from a diverse range of options. Across these courses, assignments will be carefully crafted to highlight software design principles, incorporating best practices, design patterns, and user-centered approaches. This will ensure graduates are fully prepared to address complex, real-world challenges in the field of advanced software technologies.
The track in Advanced Software Technologies requires 9 credit hours to complete, with the option to take more for added depth or to stack toward the full master’s degree:
Required courses:
-CSCI 520: Software Engineering Systems Development I
-CSCI 521: Software Engineering Systems Development II
Pick one from the following:
-CSCI 507: Computer Vision
-CSCI 578: Bioinformatics
Prerequisite knowledge: Applicants should have a foundational understanding of computer science principles, including programming, algorithms, and data structures. Depending on the chosen track, additional background may be required in areas such as probability and statistics (for Applied Machine Learning), networking and security (for Cybersecurity), software development (for Advanced Software Technologies), or business and project management concepts (for Analytics and Project Management). Through individual advising, we will help students assess their preparation and identify any necessary preparatory learning before enrolling.
Application Requirements
- STEM Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Required if GPA is below 3.0.
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
Requirement Details
Click to read more about each of the requirements outlined above, including information on how to submit your application.
Online Program Cost
Estimated tuition based on academic year 2025–2026 rates for the online professional master’s non-thesis program: $35,400 ($102 technology fee for fall/spring, $89 technology fee for summer). Tuition rates are subject to change annually. See detailed tuition and fee information for residential programs on the Bursar’s Office website.
Computer Science Doctorate
This doctoral program requires 72 hours of coursework and research credits and starts with five core courses in algorithms, operating systems, theory of computation, advanced computer architecture and research ethics. Candidates must also pass a PhD qualifying exam and successfully defend a thesis.
A course of study leading to the PhD degree can be designed either for the student who has completed the master’s degree or for the student who has completed the bachelor’s degree. Learn more about our PhD program.
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Scores may be used as additional supporting materials
- Letters of Recommendation (3 letters)
- No letters are required for current Mines students or Mines alumni.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
- Supporting Materials: Optional. Up to 2 additional supporting materials may be submitted.
Computer Science Certificates
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
This online program focuses on data science concepts within computer science (e.g., computational techniques and machine learning) plus prerequisite knowledge (e.g., probability and regression). Learn more about this graduate certificate.
Problem-solving, innovation, transformation and creativity. Cybersecurity involves much more than programming—it engages and challenges many skill sets and is only limited by your imagination. Virtually every industry relies on computing, including security, providing a nearly endless number of opportunities for talented individuals.
The online Cybersecurity certificate program provides top-notch instruction to ensure students are prepared for career success upon completion. If you want to be involved in this ever-changing and challenging field, Mines can help you make it happen.
The online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity is targeted to train recent graduates or mid-career professionals with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field with foundational knowledge in programming, data structures, algorithms, systems programming, statistics, and discrete math.
To complete the online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, students must complete 9 hours of coursework as follows:
Required Courses:
- CSCI 574: Theory of Cryptography
- CSCI 585: Information Security and Privacy
Pick one from the following:
- CSCI 560: Fundamentals of Computer Networks
- CSCI 587: Cyber Physical Systems Security
While all courses are to be delivered online, students that are interested in attending an on-campus class may substitute one of the above courses with a pre-approved elective as listed in our Graduate Catalog.
Certificate Requirements:
- Undergraduate-level knowledge on data structures, computer organization, algorithms, and operating systems
- Undergraduate-level knowledge on statistics and discrete mathematics
- Undergraduate-level skills on the Linux operating system and shell scripts
- Undergraduate-level programming skills in languages such as C, C++, Python, Java, JavaScript and HTML/CSS
Application Requirements
- STEM Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
Requirement Details
Click to read more about each of the requirements outlined above, including information on how to submit your application.
Online Program Cost
Estimated tuition based on academic year 2025–2026 rates for the online graduate certificate program: $10,620 ($102 technology fee for fall/spring, $89 technology fee for summer). Tuition rates are subject to change annually. See detailed tuition and fee information for residential programs on the Bursar’s Office website.
Computer Science Certificates
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
This online or residential program focuses on data science concepts within computer science (e.g., computational techniques and machine learning) plus prerequisite knowledge (e.g., probability and regression). Learn more about this graduate certificate.
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Suggested if GPA is less than 3.0/4.0
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Transcripts
- Application Fee
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
Requirement Details
Click to read more about each of the requirements outlined above, including information on how to submit your application.
Online Program Cost
Estimated tuition based on academic year 2025–2026 rates for the online graduate certificate program: $14,160 ($102 technology fee for fall/spring, $89 technology fee for summer). Tuition rates are subject to change annually. See detailed tuition and fee information for residential programs on the Bursar’s Office website.
Computer Science at Mines Bridge Program
This unique bridge program provides a direct path to a master’s degree in computer science for students with any undergraduate degree. Rigorous undergraduate computer science courses, which can be completed in two semesters, prepares students for master’s course work, which can be completed in two semesters of full-time enrollment. The MS can also be earned with part-time study.
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Required
- Not required for students holding a BS degree granted by a North American institution.
- Letters of Recommendation (3 letters).
- No letters are required for current Mines students or Mines alumni.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
- Supporting Materials: Optional. Up to 2 additional supporting materials may be submitted.
Department of Computer Science
Studying computer science at Colorado School of Mines can transform your future and prepare you for an evolving and exciting job market. With skills applicable to every industry, computer science professionals are in demand today more than they’ve ever been.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects computer and information technology jobs to grow 12 percent between 2018 and 2028—much faster than the average for all occupations. With a diversity of career options ranging from machine learning engineer to business data scientist, a graduate degree in computer science empowers you to shape your future.
A Top Tier University
Computer Science students can choose from eight research areas
Mines is home to the human-centered robotics lab
Top-ranked university for the best return on investment
Credits and Deadlines
View the academic catalog to see the courses and credit requirements for this program.
Master's Thesis & Doctorate (PhD) Program Deadlines
Select a Term:
Spring Deadlines | Fall Deadlines
Spring Deadlines
Fall Deadlines
| Degree Program | Priority | International* | Domestic* | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Energy Systems | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Applied Chemistry | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Applied Mathematics & Statistics | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Applied Physics | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
| Chemical Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
| Chemistry | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Civil & Environmental Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Computer Science | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Earth Resources Development Engineering | January 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Electrical Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Engineering & Technology Management | January 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Environmental Engineering Science | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Geochemistry | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Geological Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
| Geology | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
| Geophysical Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
| Geophysics | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
| Humanitarian Engineering & Science | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Hydrology | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Materials Science | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Mechanical Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Mineral & Energy Economics | January 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Mining Engineering | January 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Nuclear Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Operations Research with Engineering | January 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Petroleum Engineering | March 1 | March 1 | ||
| Physics | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
| Quantitative Biosciences & Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Quantum Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Robotics | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
| Space Resources | March 1 (International on-campus) | July 1 (Domestic on-campus) | August 1 | |
| Underground Construction & Tunnel Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 |
Residential (on-campus) Master's Non-Thesis & Graduate Certificates Deadlines
| Spring Deadlines | Fall Deadlines | |
|---|---|---|
| International Students* | October 1 | March 1 |
| Domestic U.S. Students | December 15 | August 1 |
| International students are not eligible to apply for residential certificate programs. We encourage you to check out our online certificate options | ||
Online Master's Non-Thesis & Graduate Certificates Deadlines
| The following deadlines apply to online master's non-thesis and graduate certificate programs for domestic U.S. and International students. | |
| Spring I & II (January 12 start) | January 2 |
| Spring III*** (March 11 start) | February 18 |
| Fall I & II (August 19 start) | August 1 |
| Fall III*** (October 22 start) | October 1 |
| **The Fall III deadline is only available for the following programs: Additive Manufacturing; Business Analytics; Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage; Chemical Engineering Processes in Energy Transitions; Data Science: Computer Science; Data Science: Earth Resources; Electrical Engineering (Professional Master and Certificate Only); Engineering and Technology Management; GIS & Geoinformatics; Mechanical Engineering; Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering | |
| ***The Spring III deadline is only available for the following programs: Additive Manufacturing; Business Analytics; Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage; Electrical Engineering (Professional Master and Certificate Only); Engineering and Technology Management; GIS & Geoinformatics; Mechanical Engineering; Product Management (Offered for only session III in spring); Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering | |
Get Connected
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Faculty Spotlight
Christine Liebe
Dr. Christine Liebe holds a Ph.D. in Education and currently serves as a Professor of Practice with a joint appointment in the Computer Science (CS) department in addition to Teach@Mines in the Honors College.
Dr. Liebe teaches introductory programming and pre-service CS teacher education courses. Her research interests include K-12 computer science teacher education, computational thinking, abstraction, critical thinking and learning through research.
You Are Ready
Contact Us
(303) 273-3247
grad-admissions@mines.edu
Career Connections
At Mines, your career goals are the focus. You will connect with world-class faculty and industry experts in your field, all while enhancing your knowledge through hands-on learning and research.
Why study computer science at Mines?
As one of the top engineering and applied science universities in the nation, Mines is a top choice for those pursuing a graduate degree in computer science. As a smaller, close-knit graduate program, students have the opportunity for more 1-on-1 interactions with faculty and advisors. At Mines, we believe that these interactions and our sense of community set us apart from the rest and empower our students to maximize their talents.
In addition to our small class sizes, we also offer a variety of courses and tracks so that you have the freedom to explore your passions. With experts from various research areas and fields, including cybersecurity and machine learning, you’ll discover the path that aligns with your interests and goals. We also understand the importance of supporting our graduate students, which is why nearly all of our PhD students partake in research opportunities and are fully funded for the duration of their studies at Mines. With a renowned computer science faculty, advanced research facilities and a truly unique student experience, there are so many reasons to consider Mines for your graduate studies.
Computer Science career types
With a graduate degree in computer science, students can pursue a variety of careers in fields such as:
- Algorithms
- Human-Centered Computing
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Robotics
- Security and Privacy
- Systems
Career resources
Mines Career Center
The Mines Career Center helps students chart their career paths and prepare for job searches, holds networking events and brings hundreds of employers to campus, among a host of other services.
Job Boards
- CrunchBoard
- GitHub
- IEEE Computer Society
- StackOverflow
- TechCareers
- Uncubed
- Y Combinator
Research and Trade Publications
- Artificial Intelligence
- Communications of the ACM
- ComputingEdge
- IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence
- Journal of Computer Science
- Open Journal of the Computer Society
Professional Organizations
- American Society for Information Science and Technology
- Association for Computing Machinery
- Association for Women in Computing
- Association of Information Technology Professionals
- Computing Research Association
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society
- International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology
Where to find our alumni
- Apple
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Salesforce
- Chevron
- Numerical Algorithms Group (NAG)
- Outrider
- BlackSky
- The Trade Desk
- Plus One Robotics
- Raytheon
- Emerson
- CACI
- RARE Petro
Engineer Your Future Today
Mines Online
Flexibility in formats that fit your life
Mines Research Magazine
Innovation with impact
Get to Know Mines
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