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Technology runs our lives. There are few aspects of daily life not affected by tech, and it is those with proficiency in the computer sciences who increase technological innovation and keep current systems up and running. While good jobs are available for those with only a bachelor’s degree in computer science, a master’s degree opens up an even stronger career path in occupations expected to grow exponentially.

A master’s degree in computer science is generally targeted toward those currently employed in this field. Those seeking entrance into the technology industry may find their applications accepted for graduate-level study if they meet the prerequisites or are able to take some necessary classes to earn those qualifications. In the latter case, you should make sure to contact the schools in which you are interested and ask for a list of all prerequisites so that you can make sure they are met or find out how to meet them.

PROS

• When it comes to earning a master’s degree in computer science, there is no question that the pros outweigh the cons. In many situations, an employer may reimburse an employee for their tuition, or pay for it outright, making pursuing such a degree a wise choice no matter the associated costs.

• Perhaps the biggest positive to earning a master’s degree is the higher salary it commands. Not only does someone with a master’s degree generally earn more than a person without one, but the master’s degree allows an individual to earn more certifications as well. This expands their job opportunities by allowing them to specialize or branch out their skill set. A master’s degree usually offers specialization in a particular area, such as artificial intelligence, rather than more general technology education. Another advantage is that, while the student is studying, they can apply what they are learning right away on the job.

CONS

• The primary cons to earning a master’s degree, rather than just a bachelor’s degree in computer science, revolve around the length of time it takes to earn this degree. If an employer is not paying for your tuition, there is also the question of cost. In computer science, talented employees can learn on the job, and some may feel that gaining a master’s degree isn’t going to make a huge difference. However, additional education can assist employees in better handling more sophisticated, challenging aspects of computing.

Overview of a Computer Science Masters

What Computer Science Master’s Degrees are Available?

A computer science master’s degree may vary by a particular focus, or by the university. The majority of these degrees are Master of Science degrees. Available degree programs in computer science include:

• Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science:

Any type of MS degree involves graduate level study in computer science. Most MS degrees require submission of a thesis by the student prior to graduation, but there are non-thesis degrees available in the computer sciences as well. The most popular concentration is in programming.

• Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology:

Rather than focus on programming, those pursuing this degree are more concerned with end user needs. The primary role is information processing, which involves problem solving and dealing with how IT works in various fields. An IT concentration is business-oriented and includes database and security management.

• Master of Software Development:

This degree is focused on the development of new software. Even in a rapidly growing industry, software development stands out as one of the professions most in demand. By 2026, the number of workers needed in software development is expected to grow by 24%. Even so, there are far fewer MS degrees in software development offered than in other computing endeavors. Along with software development in particular, students earning this degree are prepared to enter development team management.

Admission Requirements to Enter a Masters Program

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required to enter a master’s computer science degree program. For the most part, that means a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering. Those with a degree in a related field, such as mathematics, may apply for graduate work in the computer sciences but must also have appropriate experience. Decisions are made on an individual basis and the specific criteria may vary by the institution.

Schools also usually require a copy of all transcripts, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) results, a resume or curriculum vitae, professional references, and perhaps a personal statement outlining the student’s career goals and objectives. Applicants should have a strong working knowledge of procedural and non-procedural programming languages, as well as experience in computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, and other computer science components.

How long does it take to earn a Master’s Degree in Computer Science?

You should expect to spend at least two years earnings a master’s degree in computer science if enrolled in a full-time program. If attending school part-time, it may take between three and five years to earn the degree.

You might find an accelerated degree program, or a program offering a combination bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science. Some accelerated programs allow completion of a degree within one year to 18 months, attending school in summer as well as spring and fall semesters. Students might complete a combined degree program within five years.

Associate Degree

At the associate level, the classes you’ll take are more basic. You’ll take your general education courses, as students seeking their undergrad degrees will do and you’ll take a few of the computer systems and programming classes you will need to gain an entry level position in the CS field.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE SAMPLE COURSES

• English Composition

• Calculus, I

• Introduction to Programming

• Logic

• English Composition, II

• Calculus, II

• Approved elective

• Computer Science, I (or approved elective)

• Principles of Macroeconomics

• Public Speaking

• Interpersonal Speaking

• Computer Science, I

• Approved elective

• Physics: Calculus-Based, I - with Lab

• Art Appreciation

• General Psychology

• Western Civilization, and additional classes

Bachelors, with Concentration

At the bachelor’s level, you’ll take similar classes—with the option of progressing toward a masters. Though the classes are similar, they will be more numerous and will lean more heavily into the math arena. Once you graduate with a bachelors, you’ll have a wider range of jobs you’ll be able to walk into than you would have with just an associate’s.

GENERAL EDUCATION:

• Interpersonal Communication or Speech Communications

• Introductory Written Communication

• Professional Written Communication

• Modern American History: 1950-21st Century

• College Algebra for Technical Programs

• Introduction to Ethics

• Introductory Psychology

CORE COURSES:

• Computer Architecture

• Problem Solving in Computer Science

• Principles of Programming Languages

• Introduction to Programming

• Python Programming

• SQL Programming

• Java Programming

• C++ Programming

• Fundamentals of Data Structures

• Introduction to Database Systems

• Computer Algorithms

• Mobile Programming

• Introduction to Parallel Computing

• Principles of Operating Systems

• Software Engineering

• Foundations of Big Data Analysis

• Computer Science Team Project, I

• Computer Science Team Project, II

• Introduction to Computer Security

• Fundamentals of Networking

• Applications of Discrete Mathematics for Computer Systems and IT

• Data Driven Statistics for Computer Systems and IT

• Concentration:44 credits from Computer Science Credits (Also as electives)

Masters, with Concentrations

1ST MASTER’S PLAN:

• 32 credit hours of approved graduate courses

• At least two credit hours of CS Colloquium

• At least 26 of the 32 hours must be in courses offered by Computer Science Department at 500 level or higher

• Complete minimum of two courses from following categories with a grade of B- or higher:

o Mathematical Methods

o Empirical Methods

o Engineering/System Building Methods

• Completion of 6-9 credit hours of Thesis credit, with a maximum of 9 credit hours of thesis and independent research, combined

• Defense of the Thesis

2ND MASTER’S PLAN:

• 32 credit hours of approved graduate courses

• At least 2 credit hours of Colloquium

• In addition to Colloquium, at least 24 of the 32 credit hours must be in courses offered by Computer Science Department at the 500 level or higher

• Completion of a minimum of two courses from each category below, with a grade of B- or higher:

o Mathematical Methods

o Empirical Methods

o Engineering/System Building Methods

• No final exam will be required.

Concentrations: Entrepreneurship and Technology Management

What Can I Do With a Computer Science Degree?

At any level (associate’s, bachelor’s, or masters), a computer science degree is lucrative. This career field is much in demand as companies all across the U.S. continue embracing technology and moving more and more of their operations to computers, servers, and the cloud.

At the associate’s level, you can easily earn more than $36,000; at the bachelor’s level, close to $54,999; and at the master’s level, a little more than $96,000.

Computer Science Fields of Study

• As a computer hardware engineer, you are responsible for researching, designing, developing and testing new computer systems and their components (processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers). You create the schematics for the system to be built, then test the hardware. You also analyze the test results and make any needed modifications.

• Computer engineers also solve problems using spreadsheets and databases. Working for a large company, you’ll target any problems that are slowing or stopping the functions of the computer system. You’ll also handle data effectively, perform computational analysis, and assist with decision support.

• Digital Storytelling allows people to tell stories by using computer-based tools. These are also called computer-based narratives, digital documentaries, digital essays, interactive storytelling, and electronic memoirs. If this is your field, you’ll work within community centers, libraries, schools, and businesses. You’ll assist teachers, students, and educators to create and tell the stories.

• In web application development, you will be responsible for creating technologies that allow people to learn, carry out business, and keep control over their daily lives. Electronic calendars and alarm apps come to mind. With all of this, the Internet has become the basis for businesses.

• Artificial Intelligence is a relatively new and still highly experimental field. Businesses and individuals use AI in their daily lives, where various systems aid us in learning, finding needed information, and using what we find to make educated decisions. Apps such as Siri and Alexa are considered to be AI.

• Data mining helps professionals to find relationships and patterns embedded in data. Computer science professionals who specialize in data mining principles assist other professionals in finding the data, analyzing it, then converting it into usable information for the company.

• Software engineering powers all our electronic devices, such as music players, microwave ovens, cellphones, personal computers, tablets, e-readers and even huge mainframe computers that government organizations rely on. Software engineering relies on algorithms that inform the device about all the various procedures they should perform.

Computer Science Careers and Salary

Computer support specialists are becoming more and more important with every year that passes. They provide support to businesses and governments and aid organizations and users. For governments and worldwide companies, they provide computer network support and give technical assistance.

Computer science professionals in different occupations earn salaries at differing rates. For instance, computer support specialists earn $52,810 as a median annual salary while computer and information research analysts earn much more at $114,520.

The difference in annual pay comes from the computer science concentrations each professional chose while in college. Computer support specialists provide technical help and advice for individuals and organizations. Computer and information research scientists go much deeper in their knowledge and the work they do. They invent and design new types of computing technology. In addition, they develop new and innovative uses for technology that already exists. They also solve complex problems in computing for several areas, such as medicine, business, government, and science.

CS Career Options

• Computer Network Architects help design and build data communication networks (local area networks and wide area networks). The connections may be small or large, such as cloud infrastructure to aid multiple customers. They are expected to hold bachelor’s degrees before they are hired for these positions.

• Computer Programmers write the code that helps to interpret what we want to do, such as research or logging into social media and interacting with others. When software developers and engineers send them program designs for specific apps or software, programmers take those designs and convert them into instructions a computer will reliably follow.

• Computer Systems Analysts (or architects) carefully examine a company’s current computer systems so they can recommend and design solutions to aid the company in becoming more efficient. They are required to bring IT and business together. This means they have to communicate closely with and understand the needs of the company and understand the limitations the company and IT bring to the equation.

• Information Systems Analysts are tasked with planning security measures, then carrying them out so that an organization’s networks and systems are protected. As the number of networks and cyberattacks increase, the work of the systems analyst grows, keeping them constantly busy. Cyberattacks may originate from foreign countries, compromising a company’s secrets or the electric grid.

• Web Developers can do their work once they have earned an associate degree. They help to design and create new websites, monitoring the look of the new sites they have created. Developers monitor the technical performance of websites, such as load speed and capacity. They may also create site content.

Scholarships

• School of Engineering Scholarships

Covers several scholarships for students in the School of Engineering—including computer science students. These are internal scholarships for the School of Engineering and include SOE Summer Undergraduate Scholarships and National Science Foundation scholarships. (Funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation.)

• S-STEM Scholarships (formerly CSEMS)

This National Science Foundation-funded scholarship supports students identified as Appalachian High Achievers in STEM. This scholarship is aimed at those students with financial need and academic talent who plan to major in computer science, chemistry, geology, physics, or applied mathematics. This program works to provide a safe, nurturing environment that encourages scholastic excellence.

• Computer Science Scholarship

This scholarship was designed to encourage academic interest in computer science. The selected applicant must be enrolled full-time as a rising junior or senior majoring in computer science. Students must maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.5; cumulative GPA must be a minimum of 3.0 for all courses in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. A letter of application is required from a Mathematical Sciences faculty member.

• Mark Nesiba Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Women in Computing

This scholarship is open to women only. Students who are applying for this scholarship must be majoring in computer science with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Although it isn’t mandatory, the scholarship department prefers that students be Hispanic. Women who apply should qualify for financial aid after filling out and submitting their FAFSA.

The adhering to sections detail usual concentrations as well as courses discovered in master's in computer scientific research degree programs. Data Science Data scientific research involves gathering, handling, and also evaluating info. A master of computer system scientific research level with this specialization trains pupils to use formulas and also simulations to make inferences concerning information. Learners research information mining, maker knowing, as well as big data analytics.

Learners research subjects like engineering, software application administration, and also business economics. Degree-seekers likewise discover to examine items as well as carry out research to establish product requirements. Cybersecurity Master of computer scientific research degrees in cybersecurity highlight details, software, and also network protection. Students discover subjects like data mining, cryptography, and also network structures as they associate to network, computer system, and mobile safety.

Program subjects may consist of modeling, formulas, estimate, and also making strategies, in addition to hardware and software application for visuals layout. Students may require prerequisite knowledge in shows languages, trigonometry, or calculus to take this class. Master's in computer scientific research students as well as graduates can benefit from specialist organizations. They may likewise use access to journals, blogs, publications, as well as newsletters that analyze innovative computer scientific research subjects.

The following checklist provides several prominent computer system scientific research organizations. This culture hosts global meetings on subjects like mobile data monitoring, software, as well as systems as well as networks. The organization additionally publishes publications as well as journals that check out computer system graphics, cloud computing, and also safety and security. CRA hosts virtual meetings, symposiums, as well as workshops for computing specialists. The web site additionally offers a task internet search engine, a blog site, as well as tools associated with computer research study plans and also campaigning for.

The organization also supplies honors for study, solution, mentoring, as well as occupation success. This organization hosts unique single-interest group on different areas of infotech. The organization additionally publishes journals, publications, as well as books on computer topics. Numerous computer and information technology work call for a minimum of a bachelor's level, such as computer system network architect, computer system designer, as well as software program developer. Prospects with a master's, nevertheless, have an one-upmanship in the work market. A master's likewise certifies professionals to work as computer and information study researchers. Computer and info study scientists produce and also modify technologies.

They might research solutions to issues or check out extra efficient ways to finish digital jobs. These experts might also publish scholarly works or talk at computer scientific research conferences. They generally require a minimum of a master's degree. Detail-oriented people with strong analytical, interaction, and also analytic skills prosper in this job. They install ideal software program, examination networks, and recommend enhanced protection steps. They also observe computer systems for indications of attacks and assistance firms build emergency procedures for when violations occur. Some organizations just mandate a bachelor's degree for these placements, while others require a master's.

For circumstances, out-of-state tuition commonly costs significantly even more than in-state tuition. Nonetheless, many institutions use financial assistance possibilities, like teaching assistant ships, scholarships, and research study fellowships, to counter tuition prices. Computer technology master's levels prepare pupils to create, take care of, as well as implement innovations based.

Prospects with a master's, nevertheless, have an one-upmanship in the work market. A master's likewise certifies professionals to work as computer and information study researchers. Computer and info study scientists produce and also modify technologies.

They might research solutions to issues or check out extra efficient ways to finish digital jobs. These experts might also publish scholarly works or talk at computer scientific research conferences. They generally require a minimum of a master's degree. Detail-oriented people with strong analytical, interaction, and also analytic skills prosper in this job. They install ideal software program, examination networks, and recommend enhanced protection steps.

A Master's Degree in Computer Science is a specialized degree program that provides students with knowledge of the programming, networking and other aspects of information technology. These programs often focus on the specific industry or computer science discipline and many have advanced courses that also help to prepare students for a career in the field of computer science. Depending upon the particular area of specialization the number of programs required for the degree can vary greatly.

The different areas of specialization within the program can have many overlaps as well as differences in the amount of time that students will need to finish their studies. Students are usually expected to complete their bachelor's degrees before they are qualified for a Master's program and typically complete their bachelor's degrees while still attending college and participating in a coursework schedule that has them working with professors to finish their degrees. Graduates will be eligible to take a special exam that allows them to show that they have completed the specific courses that are required to qualify for the degree.

Students who wish to earn a Master's degree in this field usually begin their education in the Bachelor's degree programs. Some of the subjects that these students learn in the first two years include basic computer language such as how to use the Windows operating system. They will also learn about databases and the types of data that are stored in them, web site design and development, the networking and information security field, how computers work together, and how computers interact with software.

The master's degree that students complete will enable them to complete additional studies and be able to apply their skills in a specific area. The areas of study for this type of program may vary, although many programs will offer general courses in the fields of computers and software. Students will be given a set number of credits based on the number of credits that they have earned through their undergraduate studies.

Students can complete their master's degrees at their own pace and in order to fit into the time schedule that they have available. Some students are able to complete their degrees in four years while others complete it in seven to eight years. Regardless of the length, students who have completed their degrees will be eligible for advancement to the next level of the program.

The requirements for a degree in this field do not change drastically over the years. Students should keep a good grade point average throughout their time in school and should take classes that have a significant bearing on the field of study that they want to pursue. They should be prepared to write an outline of what they have learned so that they can compare their own knowledge and apply this to the coursework that they will be taking after their master's degree. In most cases there will be a specific minimum number of hours that are required for students to complete a bachelor's degree but the number will be different from program to program.

The master's degree does not come with the same benefits as a doctorate degree but it will open up doors for career opportunities that may not exist otherwise. For example, people who earn their degrees in computer science have a higher chance of landing jobs with large corporations that make their products on a computer. In addition, they will likely be considered for positions that involve overseeing computer systems development. These positions will require that they have a certain level of computer programming skill.

Because of the demand for professionals in this field many colleges will offer these programs and if a student is interested in a more specific area of the program then they can consider enrolling in more than one program. This can help students find the right program for their needs and help them to choose a program that suits their individual needs best.

Choosing an Accredited College

Accredited universities, whether you’re studying on campus, online, or in a hybrid program, seek accreditation so they can ensure the faculty they hire to teach their students will be of the highest quality. They also want to be sure that the programs are as well-created as possible, so that students will benefit from the latest and most reliable information as they learn about their chosen field.

As you weigh your options, speak to the admissions offices of each university you’re considering. Include a question about the school’s accreditation status, who has accredited it and whether the computer science program you’re considering is accredited.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits computer science, engineering, and engineering technology programs. When you find that the program is ABET-accredited, you’ll know you’re entering a high-quality program. If this accreditation is not available, consider looking for regional accreditation provided by a Department of Education -approved accrediting agency.

Online vs. On-Campus vs. Hybrid

As a computer science major, you may want to be able to take classes online. Before you make your final decision on this topic, understand that each format will give you different experiences, even though you’ll still be expected to meet all deadlines.

Traditional learning makes it easier for you to interact with professors and fellow students. You’ll learn through lectures, discussions, and labs. You’ll know when assignments are due and tests are scheduled. You’ll receive immediate feedback from your instructors and fellow students.

Online, you’ll be working alone joined to everyone only by your internet connection. You can log in at any time you want, either to listen to a lecture or complete an assignment or quiz; ditto with forum participation. However, you will still have deadlines, usually weekly.

With hybrid courses, you’ll get a mix of both worlds. That is why this option is known as “blended.” While your on-campus class sessions may only occur once or twice in the term, you’ll still meet other students and your instructors.

Additional Questions

Does the College Have Post-Graduate Job Placement Help and Assistance?

If your university offers career and/or placement services, you’ll be able to take advantage of both as a student or graduate. You can receive career counseling, career assessments, and resume reviews, where you’ll learn how to spruce your resume up.

Why You Need to Consider How the Rating/Accreditation Can Affect Your Future Salary

College rankings are only as important as the criteria they evaluate. These evaluations can’t be quantified because the value of a school is so individual to each student.

Choosing an accredited university can have good or bad implications for your future. If you take the time to learn about the university’s accreditation, you’ll learn more about whether you’re attending a true educational institution or a “diploma mill.”

Financial aid won’t be provided if your school isn’t accredited. Your future salary also relies on this status. Future employers will ask for your official transcripts. They do so as they are checking out your background. If you did attend an accredited institution, you may be offered a higher salary.