Methodology for Fortune’s ranking of online computer science programs

In an in which more is made possible thanks to applied, technology and computing, topics like A.I., cloud computing, and large-scale data analysis are top of mind for business leaders across all industries. And companies need workers who are skilled in computer science and are able to implement these tools to reap the benefits.  

Roles for computer scientists stand to grow 21% during the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and many of these highly technical jobs require a master’s degree. Graduates of master’s degree programs in computer science are in high demand, and are therefore likely to land six-figure salaries immediately after graduation. The median annual pay for the occupation was $131,490 in 2021, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

To help prospective students navigate the educational landscape of computer science degree programs, for the second year in a row, Fortune has ranked the best online master’s degree programs in computer science. In total, we included 12 programs in the 2023 list. Our final ranking was built with three components: Selectivity Score, Success Score, and Demand Score.

Selectivity Score (50%)

The best computer science programs have a top-notch curriculum taught by world class professors. That’s not all: They should also attract some of the brightest students. The post-graduation success (or lack thereof ) of those alumni helps to shape how the outside world will view that program. It’s also why Fortune put so much weight on the strength of a school’s incoming class.

To calculate the Selectivity Score, we first looked at the average undergraduate GPA of incoming students, and then we weighted the program’s acceptance rate. Simply put: Programs that are challenging to get accepted into attract a stronger cohort of students.

Success Score (30%)

To hold programs accountable for their success, we measured both one-year retention rates and graduation rates.

Demand Score (20%)

If programs aren’t successful, they won’t be able to continue to attract and graduate top students year after year. What’s more, a larger student body also means a larger alumni network. That’s why we considered two-year enrollment growth as well as the number of applicants each program received in the 2022 academic year.