Master of Science in Computer Science
New for January 2023
The field of Computer Science is constantly evolving as the relationship between everyday life and technology becomes more integrated. A Master of Science in Computer Science will prepare you to not only pave the way for technology of the future but also define its uses and impact.
Why choose the Master of Science in Computer Science?
Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and it is essential for computer science professionals to be at the forefront of these changes as they happen, as well as make their own discoveries and contributions to the field. The MS in Computer Science program at WNE will offer you current insights into an increasingly specialized field through relevant courses that align with high demand skills in software engineering, including cutting-edge areas such as cybersecurity and AI/machine learning. With the knowledge and experience that you develop, you will be better positioned to progress with your career, especially if you aspire to be a manager.
What Will You Study?
You’ll take courses from the breadth of computer science, including seven core courses and three electives, allowing for specialization in desired areas. Courses include software engineering, cybersecurity, AI and machine learning, and operating systems and networking, among others.
The program also includes a capstone course, which will involve a professional-level software project. As a part of this experience, you will work in teams using leading edge software technologies and will gain an understanding of both current software development techniques as well as management approaches.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose The MS in Computer Science
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An Advanced Degree to Take Your Career to the Next Level–Bring a new dimension to your computer science skillset with a master’s degree from Western New England University. The MS in Computer Science program will teach you the advanced techniques and skills of high-technology industries, and how to apply them in research and project management.
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A Challenging Curriculum Designed for the Real World–You’ll develop advanced skills in cybersecurity and software engineering through a curriculum that is designed to be responsive to the demands of the field right now, with current technology in mind.
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Enhance Your Skills and Stay Relevant with Current Best Practices–Lifelong learning and staying current are essential in the field of computer science. The MS in Computer Science at WNE has been designed with this in mind. Our curriculum covers content that is in demand today, and will continue to evolve to address the needs of a rapidly changing job market.
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Experienced Faculty are Committed to Student Success–You’ll learn from expert faculty with outstanding academic credentials and published research in the field of computer science. Our professors are actively involved in improving participation in computing and identifying and applying active learning techniques that enhance student learning.
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Individualized Attention Through Small Classes–Our graduate classes average 20 students, maximizing your ability to interact with your professors, collaborate with classmates, and really absorb the advanced course materials.
Admissions Requirements
- Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Candidates with an undergraduate GPA between 2.7 and 2.99 will be considered for conditional admittance.
- A wide variety of academic backgrounds will be considered for admission.
An undergraduate degree in computer science or related field is not required, however, the MS in Computer Science has three prerequisites:
- CS/IT102 Introduction to Programming
- CS/IT200 Data Structures
- MATH150 Applied Discrete Mathematics
If you have not completed these courses, or the equivalent, you may be able to begin your studies on a provisional basis while fulfilling any prerequisite requirements.
Faculty
The Computer Science faculty at WNE have a combination of esteemed academic credentials and research in computer-related industries. Computer Science faculty are interested in and promote student learning via out-of-class learning opportunities such as independent studies and research. In recent years, faculty members have obtained over $1.3 million in National Science Foundation funding to study student participation in Humanitarian Free and Open Source Software. As part of research efforts, students have worked directly with software professionals and presented their research results at conferences.
How are Courses Offered?
Course Delivery: In-class
Total Credits: 30
MS in Computer Science courses are held primarily in person during the day and early evening, with classes meeting 1-2 times per week. Approved elective courses offered through the College of Business and College of Engineering may be available online. Graduate computer science courses will typically be offered during the fall and spring semesters. The program is designed primarily for full-time candidates and can be completed two years.
Course Requirements
The MS in Computer Science consists of 30 credits (10 graduate courses). The following is breakdown of the degree requirements:
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CS 610 Advanced Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 615 Software Security | 3 |
| CS 630 Operating Systems & Networking | 3 |
| CS 640 Non-Relational Databases | 3 |
| CS 660 Algorithms & Computing Theory | 3 |
| CS 670 Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | 3 |
| CS 685 Computer Science Graduate Capstone | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 21 |
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| 5XX or 6XX CS Elective, or approved CPE or BIS 6XX Elective | 3 |
| 5XX or 6XX CS Elective, or approved CPE or BIS 6XX Elective | 3 |
| 5XX or 6XX CS Elective, or approved CPE or BIS 6XX Elective | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 |
|---|
*CS 501 cannot be used to satisfy an elective requirement.