Program Overview

Computer Science (B.S.C.S. & M.S.)

The Computer Science program at Old Dominion University allows exceptionally successful students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science. This program enables students to count up to 12 credits of graduate coursework toward both their undergraduate and master's degrees in computer science.

Program Highlights

• Obtain two highly marketable degrees in five years, with an average increase of $20,000 in starting salary for MS vs. BS graduates.
• Count up to 12 graduate-level credit hours towards both the BSCS & MS degrees, allowing for the completion of the MS in one academic year after finishing the BSCS.
• The GRE requirement for MS admission is waived for students successfully participating in the Linked Program.
• During the 5th year, after completing the BSCS, students are eligible for a Graduate Assistantship (Teaching or Research), which includes a stipend each semester and a partial tuition waiver (up to 100% for Virginia residents).
• Courses for both programs are available in on-campus and online formats.

At a Glance

• College: College of Sciences
• Department: Computer Science
• Degree Level: Linked
• Degree Earned: B.S.C.S. & M.S.
• Delivery Modes: On-Campus, Online

Featured Courses

CS 580: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Laboratory work required. Introduction to concepts, principles, challenges, and research in major areas of AI. Areas of discussion include natural language and vision processing, machine learning, machine logic and reasoning, robotics, expert and mundane systems.

CS 620: Introduction to Data Science and Analytics

This course explores data science as a burgeoning field. Students learn fundamental principles and techniques that data scientists employ to mine data. They investigate real-life examples where data is used to guide assessments and draw conclusions. This course introduces software and computing resources available to a data scientist to process, visualize, and model different types of data, including big data.

CS 532: Web Science

An overview of the World Wide Web and associated decentralized information structures, focusing mainly on the computing aspects of the Web: how it works, how it is used, and how it can be analyzed. Students examine a number of topics, including web architecture, web characterization and analysis, web archiving, Web 2.0, social networks, collective intelligence, search engines, web mining, information diffusion on the web, and the Semantic Web.

Careers

Potential career paths for graduates of the Computer Science program include:

• Network and Computer Systems Administrators: Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Median salary: $86,340.
• Software Developers, Systems Software: Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Median salary: $111,780.
• Computer and Information Systems Managers: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. Median salary: $149,730.
• Web Administrators: Manage web environment design, deployment, development, and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications. Median salary: $91,080.

Alumni Careers

Notable companies where alumni have found employment include Google, Amazon, Pearson, eBay, Dominion Enterprises, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Requirements

To apply for the Computer Science program, students should meet the minimum university admission requirements. Specific requirements include:

• Completion of at least 60 undergraduate credit hours (at least 24 credit hours from ODU).
• Completion of CS 361, CS 381, MATH 212, and all associated prerequisites for those courses.
• An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and a GPA of 3.0 or higher in CS and MATH courses.
• Completion of an application in coordination with the Chief Department Advisor (CDA) and Graduate Program Director (GPD).
• Students in the Linked Program must apply for admission to the MS program to start the semester after graduation from the BSCS program.

Transfer

Old Dominion University understands the unique needs of transfer students and aims to create a transfer-inclusive culture that supports their successful transition and academic success.

Cost

Estimated rates for the academic year are subject to change. Rates include:

• Active Duty Military Rate: $250 per credit.
• Virginia Resident: $268 per credit.
• Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States: $444 per credit.
• Non-Resident: $953.50 per credit.

Ways to Save

Options for reducing costs include a thesis-based department-funded scholarship with a guaranteed appointment as a TA or RA and tuition waiver, and a Graduate Assistantship (Teaching or Research) during the 5th year, which includes a stipend and a partial tuition waiver (up to 100% for Virginia residents).

Next Steps

Students interested in the program should review the application process and requirements carefully.

Related Programs

Related programs offered by the university include Computer Science (B.S.C.S.), Computer Science (Minor), and Web Programming (Minor).