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Online Computer Science Degree Master's
Master of Science in Computer Science
Colorado Technical University’s Master of Science in Computer Science program is designed to provide technical depth in computer science—and in software engineering, security and database management systems. With the computerization of everything from phones and coffeemakers to cars and airplanes, companies across industries need those with computer science skills and knowledge.
This program provides you with an opportunity to advance your knowledge of core computer skills, and explore operating systems, network architecture, and software system engineering processes. Focus your study by pursuing one of three concentrations—database systems, computer system security and software engineering or a general computer science track. In the computer science capstone, focus on a major technical problem or issue that impacts your own organization or in a desired area of study.
For the sixth year in a row, CTU’s online Master of Science in Computer Science degree programs are ranked among the Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs by U.S. News and World Report.*
CTU aims to make it easy to manage your education with your smartphone or tablet anytime, anywhere with CTU Mobile. Our online and mobile-friendly classes begin every 8 weeks and run 5½ weeks long.
* CTU programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 best online programs.
Relevant Institutional/Programmatic Accreditation
CTU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission www.hlcommission.org
CLASSES START
- October 06, 2020
- November 17, 2020
- January 05, 2021
TOTAL CREDITS
PROGRAM AVAILABILITY
- Online
- Colorado Springs
- Denver South
Program Details
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Total tuition for this degree program will vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and other factors.
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Program Overview
The MSCS program is designed to provide students with a strong and broad Computer Science related technical background as well as systematic, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills that enable them to contribute as a professional or a subject expert to a variety of Computer Science or Software Engineering related technical roles, including but not limited to Computer and Information Research Scientists, Information Security Analysts, Computer Programmers, Software Developers, Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers, Computer Systems Engineers/Architects, and Computer Science Teachers.
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) degree program includes core courses which are designed to provide relevant and advanced instruction in a set of Computer Science’s most important subjects such as computer algorithm, operating system, database, security, and networking, as well as software engineering. In addition, the MSCS degree program has a General Track as well as three concentrations: Data Science, Software Engineering and Cybersecurity Engineering. Each concentration provides a set of courses which are designed to equip students with additional domain knowledge such as principles, processes and methodologies, as well as best practice on how to apply relevant computer software or other computing technologies in the concentration subjects.
This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
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Degree Requirements
Courses for this degree are dependent upon the concentration chosen.
Please see the Related Areas of Study tab for available concentrations.
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Related Areas of Study
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Ways to Save
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Admission Requirements
MSCS Foundation Requirements
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is built upon the expectation that students will enter the program with a solid computer science background. Therefore, the MSCS program requires students to have prior foundational knowledge in all core computer science disciplines to be successful.
Students entering into the MSCS program without a bachelor’s degree in either computer science or computer engineering will be required to successfully complete two MSCS foundation courses (CS503 and CS505) covering the following discipline areas of computer science: discrete math; programming language; object-oriented programming; data structure; algorithms; and algorithm analysis.
If a student can show evidence of satisfying the foundation course objectives through coursework from an accredited institution, the foundation requirement can be waived.
The foundation courses are also available to students with an undergraduate computer science degree who wish to refresh their knowledge in these subject areas.
The MSCS foundation course CS503 must be completed and passed prior to beginning courses in the MSCS program. Students will need to complete and pass CS505 prior to the end of the first quarter.
Students must be able to exhibit proficiency by successfully completing the foundation course with a minimum 70% passing score. If after 5 attempts (applies to each course separately) students do not pass the foundation course, students are encouraged to work with the Student Success department if they have questions regarding these foundation courses, timeframes for completion, or for alternative programs of study as needed.
Students who do not meet the MSCS foundation requirements will be withdrawn, canceled or transferred from the MSCS program.
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Next Steps
Program details are provided lower on the page.
