Master's in Applied Computer Science
Program Overview
Online Master's in Applied Computer Science
The Online Master's in Applied Computer Science is a graduate program designed to prepare students for a future as computing professionals. This program is tailored for computer science professionals who want to advance their careers and graduate students seeking competitive jobs. However, it is also designed to engage and prepare students with no background in computer science.
Degree Type and Program Type
- Degree Type: Master's Degree
- Program Type: Graduate
Location and College
- Location: Online
- College: Business & Computing
- Department: Computer Science
Program Overview
The program focuses on developing skills that are vital in the modern global society, including technical and professional skills. Students will drive real change by engaging in primary and secondary research, mastering the knowledge of the most up-to-date technologies, and practicing hands-on exposure to a variety of computer systems, tools, and techniques.
Career Opportunities
There will soon be more job openings for computer science graduates than qualified employees. Earning a Master's in Applied Computer Science enables students to develop the critical experience needed to work in this growing career field. Career opportunities include:
- Application/Full-stack Developer
- Database Administrator
- IT Business Analyst
- Network/Systems Administrator
- Software Engineer
- Computer Programmer
- Software Architect
- Video Game Developer
Admission Requirements
In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies, applicants must have:
- A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer information systems, or a related field. Students with bachelor's degrees from other fields will be required to take up to 2 prerequisites related to Fundamentals of Computing and Programming (provisional admission).
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Six completed hours of science and six completed hours of mathematics in the undergraduate degree
Probationary Admission
Applicants who do not meet the general and/or program's admission requirements may be considered for probationary admission upon approval by the graduate program coordinator. Students admitted on probation must complete nine credit hours that count towards the degree with a grade of "B" or better to continue in the program.
Curriculum Checklist
The Applied Computer Science (MS) Curriculum Checklist consists of 30 hours, including:
Core Requirements:
- CY501 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3)
- CS506 Distributed Cloud Computing (3)
- CS591 Advanced Artificial Intelligence (3)
- CS605 Research Methods (3)
- CS609 Advanced Programming Languages (3)
- CS630 Current Topics in Human Computer Interaction (3)
Thesis Option (12 hours)
- CS/CY5xx-6xx – choose 6 hours
- CS697 Thesis Research I (3)
- CS698 Thesis Research II (3)
- GR699 Master's Oral Examination (0)
Non-Thesis Option (12 hours)
- CS/CY5xx-6xx – choose 12 hours
- CS690 Graduate Project (0)
- GR698 Master's Final Comprehensive Examination (0)
Electives
Electives may be chosen from the following with the advice of the advisor:
- CS505 Data Mining (3)
- CS533 Mobile Computing (3)
- CS560 Computer Architecture (3)
- CS575 Advanced Web Development (3)
- CS580 Advanced Robotics (3)
- CS581 Advanced Network Programming (3)
- CS585 Formal Systems & Modeling (3)
- CS603 Introduction to Data Analytics (3)
- CS612 Simulation & Modeling for Computing (3)
- CS631 Advanced Software Engineering (3)
- CS632 Emerging & Converging Technologies & Computing (3)
- CS633 Digital Signal & Image Processing (3)
- CS634 Machine Learning (3)
- CS640 Advanced Database Systems (3)
- CS645 Internet of Things (3)
- CS650 Theory of Computation (3)
- CS653 Special Topics (3)
- CS693 Independent Study (3)
- CS699 Internship (3)
- CY510 Information Security & Assurance (3)
- CY520 Information Security in Systems Administration (3)
- CY610 Web Application Security (3)
- CY620 Computer Forensics (3)
Outcomes and Careers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual salaries for related careers are:
- $144,570 for Software Developers
- $187,990 for Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- $107,440 for Database Administrators
Stamp Cyber Command Center
The program offers experience-driven, real-world cyber-attack scenarios in the first Cyber Command Center west of the Mississippi, in collaboration with IBM. This provides students with the skills and expertise needed to respond to the evolving cybercrime landscape.
Harrison College of Business & Computing
The program is housed in the Harrison College of Business and Computing, which prepares students for the global marketplace. Alumni work for some of the world's largest corporations to some of today's most innovative startups, focusing on creating and innovating, data, and trends, supported by faculty mentors who are leaders in business and computing.
Online Learning at SEMO
Online learning at SEMO takes the same reputable college courses taught by Southeast faculty and makes them available anytime, anywhere. The university is committed to helping students achieve their goals, with boldly supportive faculty providing the expertise and support needed to land dream jobs.
Accreditations and Designations
The university holds various accreditations and designations, ensuring the quality and recognition of its programs.
Career Services
SEMO's Career Services office is available to help students with the next step after graduation, providing assistance in finding the right job, making connections, and selling their knowledge and experience.
Additional Resources
Additional resources are available, including student resources, costs and fees, scholarships, important dates, and department faculty information.
Related Programs
Related programs include the Master's in Technology Management Online, which prepares students for an IT career working in information systems or information technology.