Master of Science in Computer Science
The Master’s Degree in Computer Science is making a career in the growing field of computer science more attainable for all kinds of learners. It’s a program that could be right for students whether they have prior educational background with computer science or not. Students start by taking courses in programming, data structures, and algorithms so that they have the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in their studies. Students then learn applicable skills in innovative areas such as machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, and software engineering. These skills can be applied the very next day in the workplace. All courses are delivered asynchronously online.
Curriculum Overview
Through the core courses of this program, students will establish their understanding of data analysis, cybersecurity, software engineering, and research methodologies. In the advanced elective courses, students will tackle concepts such as full stack web development, machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence, data storage, data management, data visualization, advanced operating systems, advanced networking, graphs, and algorithms. These electives will help students to develop specialized knowledge and skills so they will stand out to employers while pursuing a career in a chosen area.
30-36 credits
Computer Science Core Courses, 12-18 credit hours
The core courses CS 621, CS 647, CS 689, and CS 690 (for a total of 12 credit hours) will be required for all students. These courses offer knowledge in data analysis, cybersecurity, software engineering and research methodologies, which are necessary and important for students to take on any specialization.
CS 601 and CS 602 are specifically for students with little or no background in computer science, to prepare them with basic & necessary CS knowledge in programming, data structures, and algorithms. Those students will be required to finish CS 601 and CS 602 before taking any other course in the program. With permission from the Graduate Program Director, those two courses will be waived for students with sufficient CS background (e.g., students with a CS-related undergraduate degree).
| CS 601 | Computer Programming and Data Structures | 3 |
| CS 602 | Discrete Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 621 | Data Analytics | 3 |
| CS 647 | Cybersecurity and Secure Software | 3 |
| CS 689 | Research Methods in Computer Science | 3 |
| CS 690 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 12-18 |
Research Coursework, 3 credit hours from
Combined with understanding gained from CS 689 Research Methods, students will develop an applied research project in the following courses. At least three credit hours are required from this list. (Additional courses may count as electives, and are listed in the "Elective Coursework (additional 15 credit hours from)" section below as well).
| CS 626 | Topics in Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CS 639 | Seminar in Computer Science | 1-6 |
| CS 668 | Graphs, Algorithms, and Applications | 3 |
| CS 681 | Applications of Computability | 3 |
| CS 699 | Independent Study in Computer Science | 1-6 |
| THES 698 | Thesis | 1 TO 6 |
| Total Credits: | 3 |
Elective Coursework, additional 15 credit hours from
The advanced (specialization) elective courses provide students with deeper knowledge and skills in a chosen specialized area, which allows students to embark on a successful career in their chosen specialization area. 15 additional elective credit hours will be required from this list.
(A student may take DSCI 606, or ICS 664, but not both, as the two courses overlap in content.)
| CS 618 | Full Stack Web Development | 3 |
| CS 619 | Advanced Operating Systems and Networking | 3 |
| CS 626 | Topics in Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CS 636 | Modern Database Systems with Applications | 3 |
| CS 639 | Seminar in Computer Science | 1-6 |
| CS 654 | Machine Learning and Data Mining | 3 |
| CS 668 | Graphs, Algorithms, and Applications | 3 |
| CS 681 | Applications of Computability | 3 |
| CS 699 | Independent Study in Computer Science | 1-6 |
| THES 698 | Thesis | 1 TO 6 |
| DSCI 604 | Data Storage and Management | 3 |
| DSCI 605 | Data Visualization | 3 |
| DSCI 606 | Introduction to Cloud Computing | 3 |
| or | |
| ICS 664 | Cloud Technologies | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 15 |
Total Credits: 30-36