Program Overview
M.S. in Computer Science
Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science program provides a higher level of understanding in computational science and its application to a variety of fields, including education, industry, research, business, and government. As a student, you have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of advanced topics to tailor their coursework to meet your career and personal goals. Project-intensive courses provide hands-on experience with popular technologies such as game design, robotics, and computer graphics.
Curriculum
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science program at Rowan University requires the completion of 31 semester hours (s.h.). Both a thesis and a non-thesis track are available. Ten distinct courses must be taken to fulfill the Master’s Degree. Any course taken that belongs in multiple categories cannot double count. Up to two courses may be taken from other, appropriate graduate programs subject to advisor approval, provided all requirements for this MS degree are fulfilled.
Tracks:
- Thesis Track: Students choosing the thesis track will also take 31 credits, but will substitute between 6 to 9 credits for traditional (non-thesis) courses.
- Non-Thesis Track: Students choosing the non-thesis track will take 31 credits of traditional (non-thesis) courses.
Algorithms Core:
- All students must complete a 3 credit Algorithms Core course
Common Core:
- All students must complete 9-credits of Common Core courses.
Advanced Courses:
- All students must complete 9-credits of advanced (600 level) courses. Thesis II and Thesis III courses will fulfill this requirement for thesis-track students.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
- Completed Application Form
- $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
- Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) in Computer Science or related field from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional resume
- Typewritten statement of professional objectives
- Two letters of recommendation
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Submission of official GRE test results is highly recommended
- Students accepted into the program are expected to be well versed in programming, discrete mathematics, computer organization/architecture, direct interactions with operating systems, data structures, and algorithmic thinking either through undergraduate course work or work experience. Students not meeting all of these criteria may be accepted into this master’s program but will be required to complete one or two computer science bridge courses before enrolling into other computer science graduate courses. These courses are:
- CS 01501 Essential of Computer Science I*
- CS 01502 Essentials of Computer Science II*
- *CS 01501 and CS 01502 will not count toward the 31 graduate credits needed for degree completion.
Career Outlook & Job Opportunities
As a student in our Master of Science in Computer Science program, you will strengthen your skills and better position yourself to pursue a variety of careers in the field of Computer Science.
Admissions Information
Deadlines, Tuition and Financial Aid
The chart below details available entry terms for the M.S. in Computer Science program as well as corresponding application deadlines. Submitting the Application Form is only the first step to beginning the admission process. All of the required materials listed above must be received on or before the application completion deadline for your desired entry term to be considered for admission to that term. We encourage you to complete the application form and begin submitting your materials at least one month before the deadline indicated.
| Entry Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 1 |
| Spring | November 1 |
| Summer | April 1 |
Rates
We know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Rowan University Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science program offers an advanced understanding of computational science and its applications across various fields, including education, industry, research, business, and government. Students can tailor their coursework to meet their career and personal goals by choosing from a wide range of advanced topics. The program features project-intensive courses providing hands-on experience with technologies like game design, robotics, and computer graphics. Both thesis and non-thesis tracks are available. The program aims to strengthen students' skills and position them for diverse careers in computer science. Students accepted into the program are expected to be proficient in programming, discrete mathematics, computer organization/architecture, operating systems, data structures, and algorithmic thinking, either through undergraduate coursework or work experience. Those lacking these skills may be admitted conditionally, requiring completion of one or two computer science bridge courses (CS 01501 and CS 01502, which don't count towards the 31 graduate credits).
Outline:
The M.S. in Computer Science program requires 31 semester hours (s.h.) for completion. Ten distinct courses are needed. Courses fulfilling multiple category requirements cannot be double-counted. Up to two courses may be taken from other appropriate graduate programs with advisor approval, provided all degree requirements are met. The program is structured into several components:
- Required Courses (4 s.h.
- ): CS 00500 Computer Science Graduate Seminar (1 s.h.)
- Core Courses (9 s.h.
- ): Students must complete at least one course from three of the five Common Core areas:
- Algorithms and Theory: CS 07510 Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science (3 s.h. ), CS 07556 Machine Learning I (3 s.h. ), CS 07559 Advanced Models of Deep Learning (3 s.h. ), CS 07622 Advanced Theory of Computing (3 s.h. ), CS 07650 Concepts in Artificial Intelligence (3 s.h. ), CS 07652 Cryptographic Algorithms (3 s.h. ), CS 07656 Machine Learning II (3 s.h.)
- Software Design: CS 04515 Embedded Systems Programming (3 s.h. ), CS 04524 Agile Software Engineering (3 s.h. ), CS 04563 Parallel and Concurrent Programming (3 s.h. ), CS 04580 Human Centered Computing (3 s.h. ), CS 04623 Advanced Software Engineering (3 s.h. ), CS 04670 Advanced Object Oriented Design (3 s.h.)
- Cybersecurity: CS 03551 Advanced Cyber Security: Principles & Applications (3 s.h. ), CS 03552 Graduate Digital Forensics (3 s.h. ), CS 03570 Cyber Defense of Operating Systems and Networks (3 s.h. ), CS 03580 Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things - Architectures and Security (3 s.h. ), CS 07652 Cryptographic Algorithms (3 s.h. ), CS 09612 Network Security (3 s.h.) ), CS 02530 Advanced Topics in Database Systems: Theory and Programming (3 s.h. ), CS 02605 Data Mining II (3 s.h. ), CS 02620 Data Warehousing (3 s.h. ), CS 02625 Data Quality and Web/Text Mining (3 s.h. ), CS 02630 Advanced Topics in Database Systems (3 s.h. ), DS 02510 Visual Analytics (3 s.h.)
- Computer Networks: CS 03580 Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things - Architectures and Securities (3 s.h. ), CS 09510 Computer Networks (3 s.h. ), CS 09605 Wireless Networks & Systems (3 s.h. ), CS 09612 Network Security (3 s.h. ), CS 09675 Advanced TCP/IP & Internet Protocols & Technologies (3 s.h.)
- Advanced Courses (9 s.h.
- ): Three 600-level courses are required. These can also fulfill core requirements if 10 distinct courses are taken.
- Thesis Track (6-9 s.h.
- ): Students choose between 6 credits of thesis and 1 elective, or 9 credits of thesis. This involves completing and defending a Master’s Thesis (CS 07530 Computer Science Thesis I (3 s.h. ), CS 07631 Computer Science Thesis II (3 s.h. ), CS 07632 Computer Science Thesis III (optional 3 s.h.)).
- Non-Thesis Track (9 s.h.
- ): Students take 9 credits of electives from the core banks; no thesis courses are allowed. A list of elective courses is provided in the text but is noted as subject to change.
Careers:
The program aims to prepare students for a variety of careers in computer science. Student testimonials are included, offering perspectives on the program's value and suggesting the importance of active learning and skill development. The program includes a required seminar course (CS 00500). The curriculum is subject to change.
