Master of Science in Computer Science

The University of West Florida's online Master's Degree in Computer Science provides students with the skills to stay competitive in the industry and become technical leaders in their organizations. The program blends foundational skills with modern topics in computer science and technology, exploring advanced topics in algorithmic programming, parallel computing, systems and networks, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

Program Overview

The online Master's Degree in Computer Science features small class sizes, offering individualized attention and instruction. The program's online format allows students to complete their studies on their schedule.

Specializations

Students can specialize in either software engineering or data analytics, receiving a comprehensive education in their chosen field.

Study Specialized Subjects

The program covers a range of specialized subjects, including:

• Algorithmic programming, software development, and research of computational methods
• Parallel programming and cloud and high-performance computing
• Machine learning and AI for automated decision support
• Efficient data processing and mining of large data sets in a Hadoop cluster computing environment
• Agile and continuous software engineering for modern software development, integration, and delivery

Candidates for the Program

The program is suitable for:

• Students with an undergraduate degree in computer science, information technology, or a closely related area
• Current computer science professionals seeking to advance their careers
• Those seeking a deeper understanding of the field and its advanced skills

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate competence in solving complex computational problems
• Extract knowledge from large data sets for decision support
• Harness the power of advanced computing architecture

Courses and Requirements

The online Master's Degree in Computer Science includes a total of 30 credit hours, comprising 15 credit hours of core computer science topics. Students can customize their degree with a concentration in either software engineering or data analytics and nine credit hours of elective courses.

Foundational and Prerequisite Courses

Students may be required to complete foundational courses in computing and programming, depending on their undergraduate degree. These courses include:

• COP 5518: Foundations: Computing Essentials
• COP 5007: Foundations: Programming Essentials
• COP 5417: Foundations: Data Structures & Algorithms Essentials

Prerequisite Course Requirements

Students with an undergraduate degree other than in Computer Science must have completed the following undergraduate courses:

• COT 3100: Discrete Structures
• MAC 2311: Calculus I
• MAC 2312: Calculus II
• STA 4321: Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I
• One programming course (e.g., COP 2253: Programming Using Java, COP 2334: Programming Using C++, or COP 2830: Script Programming)

Core Courses

The program includes the following core courses:

• COP 5725: Database Systems
• COP 5522: Parallel and Distributed Programming
• COP 6416: Advanced Algorithms

Concentration

Students select one advisor-approved concentration:

Software Engineering

• CEN 6030: Agile Software Engineering
• CEN 6017: Continuous Software Engineering

Data Analytics

• CAP 6771: Data Mining
• CAP 6789: Advanced Big Data Analytics

Electives

Students select three elective courses, including:

• CAP 5600: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• CAP 6610: Machine Learning
• CAP 6665: Computer Vision
• COP 6727: Advanced Database Systems
• One 5000/6000 level advisor-approved elective

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, students must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum institutional GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework in the baccalaureate degree.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The full online program tuition is $425 per credit hour, with a total cost of $12,750.00 for the 30-credit hour program. Financial aid options are available, including loans, scholarships, and grants for degree-seeking students.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the online Master's Degree in Computer Science can pursue various careers, including:

• Computer and Information Research Scientists (median annual salary: $131,490)
• Computer Systems Analysts (median annual salary: $99,270)
• Software Engineers (median annual salary: $109,020)

Program Details

• Estimated program length: 36 months
• Credit hours: 30
• Course length: 8 and 16 weeks
• Transfer credits accepted: Up to 6

University of West Florida

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Overview:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Personalized Attention:

UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.

Diverse Programs:

Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Strong Reputation:

UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.

Engaging Campus Life:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:

Archaeology Institute Field Schools:

Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.

HeirStory Project:

Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:

Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.