Program Description
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) degree is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skill, and professional practices needed in computing fields. The program also prepares students who desire to pursue further graduate work leading to a Ph.D. degree.
Why Master Degree in Computer Science?
The benefits of earning a master degree in computer science will vary from industry to industry but below are of the most common benefits of earning an MS in computer science and you will better understand whether or not it is the right move for you to make to achieve your personal and career goals.
- Increased Earning Potential
Computer science graduates are at the top of the list of the projected highest-paid master’s degree graduates for the Class of 2017, according to results of NACE’s 2017 Salary Survey. The overall average salary projection for Class of 2017 computer science graduates is $81,039. On average, employees with a master’s degree earn 18 percent more than bachelor’s degree holders over their lifetime. Computer science professionals, specifically, see an average $30,000 boost in salary after earning their graduate degree.
- Career Advancement
Many organizations prefer that their employees have some sort of graduate degree; in fact, 74 percent of employers have recently raised their educational standards.
- Broadened Professional Network
Earning a graduate degree will help you widen your professional network by helping you meet, work, and learn with professors and other students, who may help your career down the road.
Why Choose the Computer Science Graduate Degree at Marshall University?
The M.S. in Computer Science degree program at Marshall University provides focused and state-of-the-art technical expertise and other skills needed for building modern computer systems.
The emergence of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, mobile and location based services, IoT, and protecting digital assets from online espionage necessitate advanced computing knowledge and skills. Whether you want to build a financially rewarding career, kindle your entrepreneurial spirit through a startup, or simply want to make the world a better place to live and work, a master’s degree in computer science is a definite path. A master’s degree in computer science commands an average mid-career median salary at $126,000.
Marshall University Master of Science in Computer Science (MS in CS) degree prepares you for high tech careers in computing industry. The program also prepares students to subsequently pursue doctoral degree in Computer Science. Our curriculum reflects the state of the art with special focus on data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, management, high performance computing, cloud and mobile computing, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Our students participate in internship programs with various organizations within and outside the state and almost all our students immediately find jobs after graduation. Our dedicated and distinguished faculty are eager to help you achieve your professional aspirations.
What Careers in the Computer Science?
– Computer System Architecture, Lead Software Engineer, Software Project Manager, Database Administrator, Senior System Analyst, IT Architect, Network manager, Information Security manager, etc.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should follow the admissions process as stated in the Graduate Catalog or the graduate admissions website. For full admission, a four-year Bachelor’s degree with GPA of 2. 75 or higher out of 4.0 in Computer Science, or related areas listed below is required.
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Information Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Software Engineering
Applicants with a four-year bachelor’s degree in a major not listed above may be admitted to the program with a condition of successful completion of the following three bridge courses with a grade of B or above in the first two semesters of the program:
- Data Structures and Algorithms (CS 210 Data Structures and Algorithms)
- Data Engineering (CS 410 Database Engineering)
- Applied Probability and Statistics (STA 345 Applied Prob and Stat)
Whether a student meets the above requirements will be determined by the division chair or designee based on the information provided in the admission application and transcripts. Foreign nationals must provide proof of English proficiency with a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS or 80 on TOEFL IBT (or 550 paper based) and must have met all other admission criteria prior to registering for the first semester of courses.
Degree Requirements
The MSCS degree requires 30 credit hours (CR) of graduate work. At least 18 CR must come from 600-level courses. The 30 CR is comprised of the following components:
- Five required CS courses (15 CR):
- CS 510 Advanced Database Systems
- CS 511 Advanced Programming
- CS 515 Data Mining
- CS 600 Advanced Web Technology
- CS 620 Applied Algorithms
Every student must take CS 510 and CS 511 in their first six hours of coursework.
- Elective Courses (15 CR)
Any 600 level course in master programs in the department of computer science or 500 level course with special permission by chair of the program.Thesis option
As elective course, the thesis option offers a student an opportunity for serious investigation into an area of interest. Students must summarize their thesis work in the form of a formal written document and deliver an oral presentation. Thesis work is typically conducted over two semesters (6 CR). Thesis can be taken only after the completion of 18 credits at the minimum. Please refer to Thesis Guideline in CS provided by your advisor for details.
Plan of Study
Students are required to complete a Plan of Study form in consultation with their academic advisors before the students can begin program of study. This is usually done the week before the first day of classes of first semester.
Semester 1
- CS 510 Advanced Database Systems
- CS 511 Advanced Programming
- CS Elective 1
Semester 2
- CS 515 Data Mining
- CS 600 Advanced Web Technology
- CS Elective 2
Semester 3
- CS 620 Applied Algorithms
- CS Elective 3 or CS 681 Thesis I
- CS Elective 4
- CS Elective 2
Semester 4
- CS Elective 5 or CS 682 Thesis II