- Snapshot Card
- Start Here
- Georgia Institute of Technology Online Master's Programs
- Quick Decision Guide
- What Georgia Tech Is Known For
- Online Master's Programs at Georgia Tech by Subject
- How Georgia Tech Compares
- Featured Programs at Georgia Tech
- Admissions Snapshot
- Tuition and Cost Overview
- Related Rankings
- Frequently Asked Questions
Georgia Institute of Technology Snapshot Card
9
Online master’s programs
$1,100
Per credit hour
—
Public university ranking
—
Public research university
Key policies
Institution type:
Public
Regional accreditation:
SACSCOC
Admissions model:
Rolling admissions
GRE/GMAT required:
Not required
Out-of-state premium:
Varies
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- AACSB
- ABET
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here
- Working software engineers and developers seeking a top-10 CS master’s at breakthrough pricing
- Data and analytics professionals who want interdisciplinary depth across computing, engineering, and business analytics
- Self-motivated learners comfortable with asynchronous, large-cohort delivery where you set the pace
- Career changers into tech with strong quantitative backgrounds who need a credentialing gateway
- Engineers specifically targeting GT’s #1-ranked industrial engineering program
- Students who need structured advising, faculty mentoring, or small-cohort relationships
- Anyone seeking non-STEM master’s degrees — education, counseling, social work, nursing, communications, public administration, or liberal arts are not available
- Students without sufficient quantitative or technical preparation for GT’s rigorous STEM curriculum
- Learners who want integrated career services as part of their online program experience
- Budget-conscious students specifically interested in online engineering degrees (non-OMS engineering programs cost ~$33K, comparable to many alternatives with more support)
Georgia Institute of Technology Online Master’s Programs
Georgia Tech is a top-five public research university in the United States and one of the most important institutions in the history of online graduate education. Consistently ranked among the top engineering and computing schools in the country — U.S. News places it in the top 10 nationally for both — GT leverages that reputation directly into its online master’s portfolio through a model no other elite university has replicated at the same scale.
The centerpiece of Georgia Tech’s online identity is the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS), launched in 2014 in partnership with Udacity. At roughly $7,000 total for a 30-credit master’s from a top-10 CS program, OMSCS fundamentally disrupted assumptions about what an elite online degree could cost. That model has since expanded to analytics and cybersecurity, creating a trio of programs that deliver identical credentials to on-campus counterparts at a fraction of the price. Outside those three flagship programs, GT also offers several online engineering master’s degrees through its Professional Education division — at conventionally higher price points — and a hybrid Executive MBA through the AACSB-accredited Scheller College of Business.
What makes Georgia Tech’s online portfolio distinctive is not its breadth — it is sharply narrow, almost entirely STEM-focused, and absent from fields like education, nursing, social work, and liberal arts. Its distinction is depth: a small number of programs, each backed by world-class faculty and departmental rankings, delivered at price points that range from radically affordable to premium depending on the program model.
Quick Decision Guide
This guide gives you a fast read on whether Georgia Tech’s online master’s programs are likely to match your situation before you dig into the full evaluation below.
Quick Fit Summary: Georgia Tech online is built for self-directed, quantitatively strong professionals who want a top-tier STEM credential without leaving their career. If you’re a working software engineer, data analyst, or technical professional who thrives in independent study environments, GT’s OMS programs offer arguably the best value in online graduate education. If you need advising support, small-class interaction, or a non-STEM degree, look elsewhere.
Cost Signal: GT’s pricing is sharply bifurcated. The three OMS programs (Computer Science, Analytics, Cybersecurity) range from approximately $7,000 to $10,000 total — among the lowest for any accredited master’s from a top-ranked institution. The Professional Education engineering programs cost approximately $33,000. The Executive MBA costs approximately $104,000. These are fundamentally different pricing tiers that reflect different delivery models, not a single institutional rate. Use the OMC Graduate School Cost Calculator to model your total investment.
Learning Model Signal: OMS programs use asynchronous, MOOC-style delivery with pre-recorded lectures, automated and TA-graded assessments, discussion forums, and self-paced progression within semester boundaries. Class sizes can exceed 10,000 enrolled students. Professional Education engineering programs follow a more traditional online graduate format with smaller cohorts. The Executive MBA is hybrid with required in-person residencies.
Admissions Signal: Georgia Tech is selective even for online programs. OMS programs do not require the GRE, but admissions committees review undergraduate transcripts, professional experience, and statements of purpose carefully. Professional Education engineering programs typically require the GRE. The Executive MBA requires 8+ years of professional experience and uses a holistic review.
Flexibility Signal: OMS students can take as few as one course per semester and complete the degree in up to six years, making part-time study the norm. Most OMSCS students take 2-3 years. Professional Education programs follow a more structured semester schedule. The Executive MBA has a fixed 17-month cohort timeline.
Main Tradeoff: You get an elite STEM brand and — for OMS programs — a radically affordable price point. What you give up is breadth (the catalog is narrow), individual attention (class sizes are enormous in OMS programs), integrated career support, and access to non-STEM fields. This is the right trade for a specific type of student; it is the wrong trade for many others.
What Georgia Tech Is Known For
Georgia Tech’s online reputation rests on a handful of concrete distinctions that set it apart from virtually every other institution offering online master’s degrees.
Pioneer of the Affordable-Elite-Online Model.
When GT launched OMSCS in 2014 at approximately $7,000 total, it was a direct challenge to the prevailing model where online master’s degrees from top universities cost $40,000 or more. The program — developed in partnership with Udacity and later expanded via edX — proved that a top-10 computer science department could deliver a rigorous, accredited master’s degree at MOOC-scale pricing without compromising credential value. No other institution has replicated this model at Georgia Tech’s combination of ranking and price. The success of OMSCS led to the creation of OMS Analytics and OMS Cybersecurity, extending the same logic to adjacent fields.
Top-5 Engineering and Computing Reputation.
Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering and College of Computing are consistently ranked in the top five nationally. The H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering holds the #1 ranking. These are not marginal programs riding an institutional brand — they are among the most respected departments in their fields globally. That ranking applies to the online degrees because GT awards the same diploma to online and on-campus students, with no distinction on the transcript or credential.
The Identical-Diploma Policy.
This is one of GT’s most consequential decisions for online students. Graduates of OMSCS, OMS Analytics, and OMS Cybersecurity receive the same Master of Science degree as students who completed the on-campus program. There is no “online” designation. Employers and graduate admissions committees see the same credential. This policy is not universal among elite universities, and it is a major factor in the value proposition of GT’s OMS programs.
Analytics and Computing Depth Across Programs.
While GT’s online catalog is narrow, it has unusual depth within the computing-analytics-cybersecurity cluster. The interdisciplinary structure of OMS Analytics — which spans three colleges — and the NSA/DHS-designated cybersecurity program create a computing ecosystem, not just isolated degree offerings. Students in one OMS program can often take elective courses that complement work in adjacent fields.
Research-Active Faculty.
GT’s online courses are taught by the same faculty who lead research labs, publish in top-tier venues, and shape their fields. In the OMS model, this means students access lecture content developed by active researchers, though individual faculty interaction at the OMS scale is limited by the sheer enrollment numbers. In Professional Education engineering programs with smaller cohorts, faculty interaction is more accessible.
Online Master’s Programs at Georgia Tech by Subject
Georgia Tech offers nine online master’s-level programs, a deliberately narrow portfolio concentrated almost entirely in STEM and technical fields. The table below captures every current online offering with key decision data — and the critical cost distinction between the three OMS-model programs and the conventionally priced Professional Education programs.
| Program Name | Degree Type | Subject Area | Credit Hours | Estimated Total Cost | Admissions Model | GRE Required | Accreditation | In-Person Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science (OMSCS) | MS | IT & Data | 30 | ~$7,000 | Deadline-based | No | ABET (Computing) | No |
| MS in Analytics (OMS Analytics) | MS | IT & Data | 36 | ~$10,000 | Deadline-based | No | — | No |
| MS in Cybersecurity (OMS Cybersecurity) | MS | Cybersecurity | 30 | ~$9,300 | Deadline-based | No | — | No |
| MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering | MS | Engineering | 30 | ~$33,000 | Deadline-based | Yes | ABET | No |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | MS | Engineering | 30 | ~$33,000 | Deadline-based | Yes | ABET | No |
| MS in Aerospace Engineering | MS | Engineering | 30 | ~$33,000 | Deadline-based | Yes | ABET | No |
| MS in Industrial Engineering | MS | Engineering | 30 | ~$33,000 | Deadline-based | Yes | ABET | No |
| Professional Master’s in Applied Systems Engineering | MS | Engineering | 30 | ~$33,000 | Deadline-based | No | — | No |
| Executive MBA | MBA | Business | 48 | ~$104,000 | Deadline-based | No | AACSB | Yes |
The OMSCS and OMS Analytics programs are the heart of Georgia Tech’s online identity — and arguably the two most significant experiments in affordable elite online education in the United States. Together, they enroll tens of thousands of students in any given semester, deliver instruction asynchronously through pre-recorded lectures and automated assessment pipelines, and award the same credentials as GT’s on-campus programs.
OMSCS offers four specialization tracks — Computing Systems, Interactive Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Computational Perception and Robotics — chosen through elective course selection rather than formal declarations. The curriculum is rigorous; students regularly report that courses like Graduate Algorithms and Machine Learning are as demanding as their on-campus equivalents. At roughly $180 per credit hour and $7,000 total, OMSCS has attracted working professionals who previously could not justify the cost or career disruption of a traditional master’s. The tradeoff is clear: you get a top-10 CS credential at breakthrough pricing, but you operate largely independently. Office hours are available but crowded. TA support varies by course. Peer interaction happens in forums, not seminar rooms.
OMS Analytics extends the same model into data science territory, structured as an interdisciplinary degree spanning the College of Computing, College of Engineering, and Scheller College of Business. Students choose from three tracks — Analytical Tools, Business Analytics, and Computational Data Analytics — which range from technically intensive to business-application oriented. At 36 credits and approximately $10,000 total, it remains dramatically cheaper than competing online data science master’s programs at peer institutions.
Compared to conventional online computer science master’s programs — where total costs often range from $30,000 to $70,000 — GT’s OMS programs represent a different category entirely. The closest comparison is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s online MCS, which operates at a similar scale and price point but with a different curricular structure. Students choosing between these programs should weigh GT’s specialization depth against UIUC’s slightly different course offerings and elective flexibility. For a broader view of the computer science and data science landscapes, OMC’s subject hubs cover programs across institutions and price points.
The OMS Cybersecurity program is Georgia Tech’s third entry in the massive-online-at-low-cost model, and it brings a genuinely interdisciplinary structure that distinguishes it from many competing online cybersecurity master’s programs. Rather than housing the degree solely in a computing department, GT draws coursework from computing, engineering, and public policy — reflecting the reality that cybersecurity operates at the intersection of technical systems, infrastructure, and governance.
Students choose from three tracks: Energy Systems (focused on critical infrastructure), Information Security (the most technically oriented track), and Policy (oriented toward governance, compliance, and strategic cyber risk). This breadth within a single program is unusual, and it allows students with different professional trajectories — from penetration testers to policy advisors — to pursue a GT credential through the same program.
At approximately $9,300 total for 30 credits, OMS Cybersecurity follows the same pricing logic as OMSCS and OMS Analytics. Georgia Tech is also designated as an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, which adds institutional credibility in a field where employer trust in program quality matters significantly. For students evaluating cybersecurity programs, GT’s combination of interdisciplinary depth, low cost, and NSA/DHS designation is difficult to match — though the same large-cohort, limited-interaction tradeoffs apply here as in the other OMS programs.
Georgia Tech’s online engineering master’s programs operate under a fundamentally different model than the OMS programs, and understanding that distinction is critical before applying. The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, MS in Mechanical Engineering, MS in Aerospace Engineering, MS in Industrial Engineering, and Professional Master’s in Applied Systems Engineering are all delivered through GT Professional Education at standard graduate tuition — approximately $1,100 per credit hour and $33,000 total for a 30-credit degree.
That price point puts these programs in the same range as online engineering master’s programs at other top-tier institutions. The value proposition is not radical affordability — it is Georgia Tech’s engineering reputation, particularly in industrial engineering, where the H. Milton Stewart School of ISyE holds the #1 national ranking. For professionals specifically targeting operations research, logistics, supply chain optimization, or quality engineering, GT’s online MS in Industrial Engineering carries a credential weight that few competitors can match, even at comparable prices.
The other engineering programs — ECE, mechanical, aerospace, and applied systems — draw from departments ranked in the top 5 to 15 nationally. All except Applied Systems Engineering require the GRE. These programs have smaller enrollments than OMS programs and offer a more traditional online graduate experience, with closer cohort sizes and more accessible faculty interaction relative to the massive OMS model.
The key question for prospective engineering students is whether the GT brand justifies the conventional price when you will not benefit from the OMS cost model. For students comparing online engineering master’s programs across institutions, alternatives like Purdue University and North Carolina State University offer competitive engineering programs at similar or lower price points, sometimes with more flexible admissions requirements or broader specialization options. GT’s engineering programs are strongest when you specifically need GT’s departmental reputation in your target specialty — especially industrial engineering — rather than a general engineering credential.
Georgia Tech’s Executive MBA through the Scheller College of Business is a fundamentally different offering from everything else in the GT online portfolio. It is not fully online — the program uses a hybrid format with required in-person residencies in Atlanta. It is not affordably priced — at approximately $104,000 total, it is priced as a premium executive education experience. And it is not designed for early- or mid-career professionals — applicants must have at least eight years of professional experience.
Scheller College holds AACSB accreditation, placing it in the top tier of accredited business schools globally. The program emphasizes technology management and innovation leadership, which aligns with GT’s institutional strengths more than a generalist MBA would. GMAT/GRE waivers are available for experienced professionals.
For most prospective online master’s students evaluating GT, the Executive MBA is likely not the relevant program. It serves a narrow audience of senior professionals willing to invest significantly in a hybrid executive credential. Students seeking a more traditional online MBA or a lower-cost business master’s should explore other institutions — GT does not offer a standard online MBA.
Viewed as a whole, Georgia Tech’s online portfolio reveals a sharp institutional bet: depth over breadth, STEM over everything else. The three OMS programs — Computer Science, Analytics, and Cybersecurity — share a common DNA: massive enrollment, asynchronous MOOC-style delivery, identical-diploma credentialing, and radically low tuition made possible by scale and platform partnerships. The five engineering programs and Executive MBA operate under entirely separate pricing logic, with conventionally high tuition and smaller, more traditional cohort formats.
What is conspicuously absent is any online master’s program in education, psychology, social work, nursing, public administration, communications, or the liberal arts. Georgia Tech does not attempt to be a comprehensive online university. If you want a GT master’s degree, it will be in computing, data, cybersecurity, engineering, or executive business — and nothing else. For students whose interests or career goals fall outside these fields, GT is simply not a viable option, regardless of its reputation. Those students should explore universities with broader online catalogs, such as Arizona State University or Northeastern University.
How Georgia Tech Compares
Georgia Tech occupies a distinctive position in the online master’s landscape, but it is not the only institution serving technically oriented graduate students at scale. The comparison below evaluates GT against four peer institutions that overlap with GT’s audience — Purdue University , the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , North Carolina State University , and Northeastern University — across the dimensions that matter most for student decisions.
| Dimension | Georgia Tech | Purdue | UIUC | NC State | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Breadth | Narrow — 9 programs, nearly all STEM | Broad — 70+ programs across many fields | Moderate — strong STEM and business, limited other fields | Moderate — engineering-heavy with some education and business | Very broad — 100+ programs across nearly all fields |
| Cost Range | $7K–$104K (OMS programs: $7K–$10K; engineering: ~$33K; EMBA: ~$104K) | $10K–$45K depending on program | $10K–$80K (iMBA ~$22K; iMCS ~$21K; other programs higher) | $20K–$40K for most programs | $30K–$60K for most programs |
| Admissions Selectivity | Selective — no GRE for OMS; GRE for engineering; holistic review for EMBA | Moderately selective — varies by program | Selective for flagship programs; moderate for others | Moderately selective | Moderately selective with rolling review |
| Learning Model | Asynchronous MOOC-style (OMS); traditional online (engineering); hybrid (EMBA) | Traditional online with some synchronous elements | Large-scale asynchronous (iMBA, iMCS); traditional online (others) | Traditional online | Varies — asynchronous, cohort-based, hybrid options |
| Career Services | Limited for online students — no dedicated online career center | Strong — integrated career support for online students | Moderate — some career resources for online students | Moderate — standard university career resources | Strong — co-op network extends to some online programs |
| Student Support | TA forums and peer community; limited individual advising at OMS scale | Dedicated online student advisors | Varies by program; Coursera-based programs have platform support | Traditional online support model | Dedicated online student services team |
Key takeaways from this comparison:
- The comparison reveals Georgia Tech’s core tradeoff in sharp relief. GT’s OMS programs are nearly unmatched on cost-to-prestige ratio in computing, analytics, and cybersecurity. But the moment you look at program breadth, student support, or career services, GT falls behind universities that have invested more in the full online student experience. Purdue offers dramatically more program variety and stronger online career services. UIUC matches GT’s scale-and-affordability model for specific programs (iMBA, iMCS) but offers more variety beyond STEM. North Carolina State provides a solid engineering alternative at similar price points with potentially more accessible admissions. Northeastern offers the broadest catalog and strongest career integration, but at significantly higher cost.
- The right choice depends on your priorities. If you want a top-tier STEM credential at breakthrough pricing and are comfortable being largely self-directed, Georgia Tech is hard to beat. If you need breadth, support, or non-STEM options, GT’s narrowness becomes a genuine limitation.
Best For
Georgia Tech’s online master’s programs are strongest for students whose goals align precisely with what GT does well — elite STEM credentials, independent study, and in certain programs, radically low cost. The following profiles represent the students most likely to thrive.
- Working software engineers and developers who want a top-10 CS credential without quitting their job. OMSCS was designed for this student. If you are already working in software and want to deepen your expertise in machine learning, systems, or AI — and you want a credential from a program ranked alongside MIT and Stanford — GT delivers at a cost that is essentially unbeatable. The asynchronous format means you can continue full-time work while progressing through the degree at your own pace.
- Data and analytics professionals seeking interdisciplinary depth. OMS Analytics is not just a data science degree relabeled — it draws from three colleges and offers tracks that range from deeply technical (Computational Data Analytics) to applied (Business Analytics). Professionals who want to move beyond basic data skills into analytical leadership will find GT’s program substantive and well-structured.
- Self-motivated, independent learners who do not need hand-holding. The OMS programs are large-scale, asynchronous, and low-touch by design. If you learn well from recorded lectures, thrive in online forums, and are disciplined enough to manage your own study schedule within semester deadlines, this model works extremely well. If you need someone checking in on you weekly, it does not.
- Career changers into tech with strong quantitative backgrounds. OMSCS and OMS Analytics accept students from non-CS backgrounds if they can demonstrate quantitative readiness. A mechanical engineer, physicist, or mathematician looking to pivot into software or data work can use GT’s programs as a credentialing bridge — at a cost low enough that the risk of a career change is manageable.
- Engineers targeting GT’s #1-ranked industrial engineering program. For professionals in operations, supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing systems, GT’s online MS in Industrial Engineering draws from the nation’s top-ranked ISyE department. The $33,000 price tag is not the OMS bargain, but the departmental reputation in this specific field is unmatched.
Not a Best Fit For
Recognizing when Georgia Tech is not the right fit is as valuable as knowing when it is. GT’s narrow focus and distinctive delivery model create real limitations for certain students.
Students who need high-touch advising, mentoring, or small-cohort interaction. OMS programs enroll thousands of students per semester. There is no assigned academic advisor in the traditional sense. Office hours are available but can be crowded. If your ideal graduate experience involves a faculty mentor who knows your name, a tight cohort you build relationships with, or regular one-on-one advising, the OMS model will leave you frustrated. Universities like Northeastern University invest more heavily in individualized online student services.
Anyone seeking a non-STEM master’s degree. Georgia Tech does not offer online master’s programs in education, counseling, psychology, social work, nursing, public health, public administration, communications, or any liberal arts field. This is not a temporary gap — it reflects GT’s institutional identity. If your field is not computing, data, cybersecurity, engineering, or executive business, GT has no online program for you.
Students without sufficient quantitative preparation. GT’s STEM programs are rigorous and assume mathematical maturity. OMSCS expects comfort with algorithms, discrete math, and programming. OMS Analytics assumes statistical and quantitative foundations. Students who struggle with calculus, linear algebra, or programming fundamentals will find the coursework overwhelming, regardless of their motivation. There is no developmental or bridge curriculum built into the online programs.
Students who want structured career services integrated into their program. GT does not offer a dedicated career services infrastructure for online students comparable to what some competitors provide. If you expect your master’s program to include career coaching, employer networking events tailored to online students, or job placement support, GT’s offering is thin in this area.
Students who prefer cohort-based, relationship-driven learning. The OMS model is the opposite of cohort-based. You move through courses at your own pace, interact primarily through forums, and may never meet a classmate. For students who learn best through discussion, group projects, and peer accountability structures, this format undermines rather than supports their success.
Budget-conscious students targeting engineering specifically. If you are drawn to GT for its low OMS prices but actually need an engineering degree (electrical, mechanical, aerospace, industrial, or systems), be aware that those programs cost approximately $33,000 — comparable to many alternatives. At that price, institutions like Purdue University or North Carolina State University may offer more support, broader specialization options, or more flexible admissions at similar or lower costs.
Featured Programs at Georgia Tech
Three programs stand out in Georgia Tech’s online portfolio — not because the others lack quality, but because these three represent GT’s strongest value propositions for distinct student audiences.
Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) — GT’s flagship and arguably the single most important online master’s program in the country. At approximately $7,000 total for a 30-credit MS from a top-10 CS program, OMSCS has no direct equivalent. The program offers four specialization tracks, with Machine Learning and Interactive Intelligence being the most popular. Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, and the degree carries the same credential. Best for: working software professionals who are self-directed, quantitatively strong, and want an elite CS credential without career disruption. Be prepared for rigorous coursework, limited faculty access, and a learning experience driven primarily by recorded lectures and peer forums. OMSCS is a self-service education at a luxury-brand price point — which is exactly its genius.
Master of Science in Analytics (OMS Analytics) — The second OMS program, and the one that best serves the growing population of data professionals who want to move beyond tools-level proficiency into analytical reasoning. The interdisciplinary structure is a genuine differentiator: the Computational Data Analytics track provides deep technical training; the Business Analytics track connects data work to organizational decision-making; and the Analytical Tools track focuses on the engineering of data pipelines and platforms. At ~$10,000 total, it undercuts most online data science and analytics programs by a wide margin. Best for: data analysts, business intelligence professionals, and quantitatively inclined professionals who want to deepen and formalize their analytical expertise.
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering — Georgia Tech’s ISyE department is ranked #1 in the nation, and the online MS gives working engineers access to that reputation. Unlike the OMS programs, this degree is delivered through GT Professional Education at approximately $33,000 total, with GRE required. The program offers concentrations in Logistics and Supply Chain, Quality and Statistics, Economic Decision Analysis, and Optimization. Best for: engineers and operations professionals who specifically need GT’s ISyE credential for career advancement in manufacturing, supply chain, defense logistics, or operations research. The price premium over the OMS programs is significant, but in industrial engineering specifically, GT’s departmental ranking is a genuine competitive advantage that justifies the investment for the right candidate.
Admissions Snapshot
Georgia Tech’s online admissions process is not one-size-fits-all — the requirements and competitiveness vary significantly depending on whether you are applying to an OMS program, a Professional Education engineering program, or the Executive MBA.
OMS Programs (Computer Science, Analytics, Cybersecurity): The GRE is not required for any of the three OMS programs. However, GT still applies a selective review. Admissions committees evaluate undergraduate transcripts (particularly quantitative coursework), professional experience, statements of purpose, and letters of recommendation. OMSCS, despite its massive enrollment of ~12,000 students, does not accept everyone — applicants without a strong quantitative or technical background are routinely declined. The acceptance rate for OMSCS is not publicly disclosed with the same precision as on-campus programs, but anecdotal evidence suggests it is meaningfully selective, particularly for applicants without CS undergraduate degrees. OMS Analytics and OMS Cybersecurity follow similar processes.
Application deadlines for OMS programs are typically in the spring (for fall admission) and fall (for spring admission). GT does not use rolling admissions for these programs — all applications are reviewed in batch after the deadline.
Professional Education Engineering Programs (ECE, ME, Aerospace, IE, Applied Systems Engineering): These programs follow a more traditional graduate admissions model. The GRE is required for most (the exception being the Professional Master’s in Applied Systems Engineering). Admissions committees review transcripts, test scores, professional experience, and statements of purpose. The pool is smaller and more specialized than OMS programs, and acceptance decisions are made on a per-program basis.
Executive MBA: The most selective and distinct admissions track. Applicants must have at least eight years of professional experience. GMAT/GRE waivers are available for highly experienced professionals. The review is holistic, emphasizing leadership experience, organizational impact, and career trajectory. Admissions operates on a fall cohort cycle with defined application rounds.
Across all programs, Georgia Tech values demonstrated quantitative ability. An undergraduate degree in a STEM field is not strictly required for OMS programs, but applicants from non-technical backgrounds should be prepared to demonstrate mathematical and analytical readiness through coursework, professional work, or MOOCs. GT’s admissions process is rigorous enough that “open enrollment” assumptions do not apply, even for the massive OMS programs. Students looking for guidance on broader admissions considerations can explore OMC’s resources on accredited online master’s programs .
Tuition and Cost Overview
Georgia Tech’s tuition structure is one of the most unusual in online graduate education, and understanding it requires acknowledging that GT effectively operates two different pricing models under one institutional umbrella.
| Program | Per-Credit Rate | Total Credits | Estimated Total Cost | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science (OMSCS) | ~$180 | 30 | ~$7,000 | OMS (scale-subsidized) |
| MS in Analytics (OMS Analytics) | ~$275 | 36 | ~$10,000 | OMS (scale-subsidized) |
| MS in Cybersecurity (OMS Cybersecurity) | ~$310 | 30 | ~$9,300 | OMS (scale-subsidized) |
| MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ~$1,100 | 30 | ~$33,000 | Professional Education (standard) |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | ~$1,100 | 30 | ~$33,000 | Professional Education (standard) |
| MS in Aerospace Engineering | ~$1,100 | 30 | ~$33,000 | Professional Education (standard) |
| MS in Industrial Engineering | ~$1,100 | 30 | ~$33,000 | Professional Education (standard) |
| Professional Master’s in Applied Systems Engineering | ~$1,100 | 30 | ~$33,000 | Professional Education (standard) |
| Executive MBA | Cohort-priced | 48 | ~$104,000 | Executive cohort (hybrid) |
The price gap is not an error or a discount — it reflects fundamentally different delivery economics. The OMS programs achieve their low pricing through massive enrollment (thousands of students per course), platform partnerships (originally Udacity, now primarily edX), and automated or TA-managed assessment at scale. The cost per student drops dramatically when a single lecture recording serves 10,000+ learners simultaneously. Professional Education engineering programs operate at traditional cohort sizes with conventional delivery infrastructure, which produces conventional pricing.
For prospective students, this bifurcation means two very different financial calculations. If you are considering OMSCS, OMS Analytics, or OMS Cybersecurity, you are looking at one of the most affordable online master’s programs available from any nationally ranked institution. If you are considering the engineering programs, you are paying market rate — approximately $33,000 for a 30-credit degree — which is competitive but not exceptional relative to peer institutions. And if you are considering the Executive MBA, you are in premium executive education territory at $104,000.
Financial aid availability also differs by program type. OMS students may be eligible for federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement, and GT’s own payment plans. Professional Education students access similar aid structures but at higher total costs. The Executive MBA typically draws from employer sponsorship and executive loan programs. To model the full cost impact for your situation, the OMC Graduate School Cost Calculator can help you compare GT’s pricing against alternatives.
Visit Georgia Institute of Technology’s official online programs page
Related Rankings
Georgia Tech appears in or is relevant to several OMC rankings that can help you evaluate GT’s programs in the context of its peer institutions and broader market:
- Best Online Master’s in Computer Science — GT’s OMSCS is one of the most prominent programs in this category
- Best Online Master’s in Data Science — OMS Analytics sits at the intersection of data science and business analytics
- Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity — OMS Cybersecurity brings GT’s computing strength into the security field
- Best Online Master’s in Engineering — GT’s engineering programs carry top-10 departmental rankings
- Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs — GT’s OMS programs rank among the most affordable from any nationally ranked institution
- Ivy League-Caliber Online Master’s Programs — GT is not Ivy League, but its STEM reputation places it in the same conversation for computing and engineering credentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Georgia Tech awards the same Master of Science in Computer Science degree to OMSCS graduates as to students who complete the program on campus. There is no “online” designation on the diploma, transcript, or any official credential. Employers and graduate admissions committees see only a Georgia Tech MS in Computer Science. This identical-diploma policy is one of the most significant features of the OMSCS program and is a major factor in its value proposition.
It depends entirely on which program you choose, because Georgia Tech operates two distinct pricing models. The three OMS programs — Computer Science (~$7,000 total), Analytics (~$10,000 total), and Cybersecurity (~$9,300 total) — use a scale-subsidized model that makes them among the most affordable accredited master’s degrees in the country. The Professional Education engineering programs (Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, and Applied Systems) cost approximately $33,000 total at ~$1,100 per credit hour. The Executive MBA costs approximately $104,000 as a cohort-priced hybrid program. These are not variations on a theme — they are fundamentally different cost structures.
Georgia Tech is selective for its online programs, though not in the same way as on-campus admissions. OMS programs do not require the GRE, which lowers one traditional barrier, but admissions committees carefully review undergraduate transcripts (especially quantitative coursework), professional experience, and statements of purpose. OMSCS, despite its large enrollment, declines a meaningful percentage of applicants — particularly those without demonstrated quantitative or technical readiness. Professional Education engineering programs typically require the GRE and apply traditional graduate admissions standards. The Executive MBA is the most selective track, requiring 8+ years of professional experience and holistic leadership review.
Support varies significantly by program type. OMS students have access to teaching assistant office hours, discussion forums, peer study groups, and online student communities — but not individual academic advising or faculty mentoring in the traditional sense. The scale of OMS programs (thousands of students per course) means that support is primarily peer-driven and TA-managed. Professional Education engineering students have access to more traditional advising structures with smaller cohort sizes. Executive MBA students receive dedicated cohort support, career coaching, and executive education services. Across all programs, online students have access to GT library resources, IT support, and some mental health services, but dedicated career services for online students are limited compared to some peer institutions.
Yes, and in fact most OMS students do. OMSCS students commonly take one to two courses per semester and complete the degree in two to three years, though the program allows up to six years. OMS Analytics and OMS Cybersecurity follow similar part-time-friendly structures. Professional Education engineering programs also accommodate part-time enrollment, with students typically taking two to four years to finish. The only program with a fixed timeline is the Executive MBA, which operates on a 17-month cohort schedule that does not allow part-time pacing.
Georgia Tech is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which covers all of its programs — online and on-campus. Beyond institutional accreditation, several programs hold programmatic accreditation: OMSCS and the engineering programs are accredited through ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), and the Executive MBA holds AACSB accreditation through the Scheller College of Business. OMS Analytics and OMS Cybersecurity do not carry separate programmatic accreditation beyond SACSCOC institutional accreditation, which is standard for analytics and cybersecurity programs nationally. For context on why accreditation matters, see OMC’s guide to accredited online master’s programs.
The distinction is fundamental and affects cost, delivery, admissions, and student experience. OMS programs (Computer Science, Analytics, Cybersecurity) use a massive-online model: large enrollments, asynchronous MOOC-style delivery, low per-credit rates ($180–$310), no GRE requirement, and total costs between $7,000 and $10,000. Professional Education programs (Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, Applied Systems Engineering) use a traditional online graduate model: smaller cohorts, standard per-credit rates (~$1,100), GRE typically required, and total costs around $33,000. Both types award the same caliber of Georgia Tech degree, but the learning experience, support infrastructure, and cost are substantially different. Choosing between them means deciding whether the OMS model’s tradeoffs — scale, independence, limited support — are worth the dramatic cost savings, or whether the Professional Education model’s more traditional structure justifies the higher price.
Most OMSCS students complete the program in two to three years while working full-time, taking one to two courses per semester. The program requires 30 credit hours (10 courses). Students who take a heavier course load can finish in as little as one year, though this is uncommon among working professionals. The maximum time to completion is six years. There are no accelerated or one-year track designations — pace is entirely self-determined within the six-year window. The flexibility to adjust course load semester by semester is one of the program’s strongest features for working professionals managing career demands alongside graduate study.