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Designed to prepare students for employment in industry/ government or for further study in a doctoral program, the Master of Science in Computer Science program emphasizes practical concerns and theoretical background, providing students with the skills and knowledge to perform a variety of tasks, including the development of:

  • Scientific and engineering applications
  • Safety and/or security critical systems
  • Systems software
  • Distributed applications
  • Solutions to computationally hard problems

While not intended as preparation for subsequent entrance to a Ph.D. program, this goal is not precluded. After specific course requirements are met, students may select appropriate electives to suit their individual interests within the program. Anticipated areas of interest include software engineering, systems programming, computer network and security, and artificial intelligence.

Degree Conferred: M.S.

Job Outlook for Computer Scientists

The U.S. Departments of Labor show strong job prospects for those with degrees in Computer Science, with much faster than average job growth . For example,

  • Positions for Software Developers will grow 30% from 2010 to 2020. In 2010, median annual earnings of wage-and-salary software developers were $90,530 .
  • Positions for Computer and Information Research Scientists will grow 19% from 2010 to 2020. Median annual earnings of computer and information research scientists were $100,660 in 2010.
  • Positions for Computer Systems Analysts will grow 22% from 2010 to 2020. Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary computer systems analysts were $77,740 in 2010.

The ACM Computing Careers Website is also an excellent resource for information about careers for Computer Scientists.

Transfer Credits and Course Substitutions

Students who believe that they have completed a course substantially similar to one of the specific course requirements may apply to have their previous work evaluated for possible exemption from that requirement. If the exemption is granted, another approved course shall be taken in place of that required course. A maximum of 9 transfer credits will be allowed for course work completed as a graduate student at another institution.

Grade-Point Average

A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 must be earned for course work approved by the program taken as a graduate student.