Computer Science (M.S.)

The University’s online master of science (M.S.) in computer science is a flexible program that offers students the ability to develop a program of study based on prior education and future educational and careers goals.

This online master’s program includes 33 credit hours of coursework. Working with an advisor, each student selects one of the following concentrations based on individual needs and interests. In addition, each student completes electives as well as a culminating experience, which normally involves a significant project or experience that is supervised by the faculty and is directly related to the student’s concentration and interests.

• The Academic Concentration ensures a strong foundation in computer systems and algorithms. This foundation can be excellent preparation for either applying for competitive industry software engineering positions, or applying for Ph.D. programs. The skills and knowledge can also be applied across other areas of computer science.

• The Bioinformatics Concentration ensures knowledge and skills in bioinformatics algorithms, the most important software packages and pipelines, how biological data is acquired, and important bioinformatics questions.  The concentration prepares students to make immediate contributions in this field at the boundary between biology, medicine, and computer science.

• The Data Science Concentration provides a strong foundation in the mathematics, algorithms, and software packages used to manage various types of data, analyze data, and communicate results. This includes exploratory data analysis, predictive modeling, descriptive modeling, and model evaluation. The concentration prepares students for positions in data science and related areas.

• The Professional Concentration provides a foundation in the core of computer science and ensures students gain skills and knowledge in important application areas. The concentration is recommended for those coming to computer science from other disciplines and those looking for a wide exposure to in-demand skills and areas.  Students are prepared to take positions in a variety of important application areas.

Students benefit from faculty members who stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the ever-changing world of computing and provide contemporary and relevant experiences to their students.

The online master's degree in computer science is open to eligible students in the U.S. (including the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories). The program also is open to students in Canada (all provinces). The program is closed to students residing in countries other than the U.S. and Canada except for U.S. military and State Department personnel and their family members with APO/FPO addresses.

The program can be completed entirely online in three to five years of part-time study. Students who wish to pursue the degree full-time can complete the program in two years.