MS in Computer Science

Program Overview

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Master of Science in Computer Science

Florida Poly offers a broadly based and customizable Masters of Science in Computer Science program that provides students with an advanced computer science education — with a focus in general computer science or analytics — leading to careers across a fast-growing sensor, data analytics, and computation-based economy.

About M.S. in Computer Science

The M.S. in Computer Science program attracts both recent college graduates and working professionals with clear aptitude in mathematics and logical reasoning. Students interested in the master's in computer science may choose from two different pathways:

• One-Year Accelerated, Coursework Only Pathway: Students may complete their full 30 credit hour master’s degree in one academic year, or three total semesters – Fall, Spring, and Summer.
• Two-Year Thesis Pathway: With a heavy emphasis on research in your chosen area of study, the two-year thesis pathway of our graduate program is designed for students with an area of interest that can benefit from extensive study both inside the classroom and out.

Careers in Computer Science

While computer scientists work across every industry, two — transportation and logistics, and finance — provide good examples of how a M.S. in Computer Science degree will always be relevant, and why you might want to further specialization as you advance through your career.

Job Growth

Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,400 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Salary Ranges

The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $145,080 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $81,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $233,110.

*For those who step up to earn their master's degree, graduates can expect to earn about 10,000 more than their bachelor's degree counterparts

Career Opportunities

• Network Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Security/Cyber-Security Engineer
• Developer
• IT Manager
• Programming Analyst
• Software Solutions Architect
• Information Technology & Cybersecurity Specialist
• Chief Information Officer
• Database Administrator

Admissions Requirements

One-Year, Coursework-Only Pathway:

• A baccalaureate degree in a field related to your intended graduate major.
• A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in degree-specific courses (2.75 for FPU students / alumni).
• Transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended (*Waived for FPU students / alumni – the university has access to your transcripts).
• International applicants: If your postsecondary institution(s) was located outside of the US, please provide a course by course evaluation of your transcripts for US equivalency, with GPA calculation, by an evaluator such as WES, Josef Silny, or AES.
• A Statement of Purpose (a brief summary of your interest in the degree, as well as how it may impact your academic and professional goals).
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty or professional supervisor (*Letters of rec are waived for FPU students / alumni).
• International applicants: Please provide proof of English literacy by meeting the requirements listed here.

*Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to the program. Additional documentation may be required at the discretion of the Admission Committee.

Two Year Thesis Pathway:

Students seeking consideration to the two year thesis pathway should meet the same minimum requirements listed above for the one-year, coursework-only pathway in addition to the following:

• An interview with the Faculty Chair of the department to which you’re seeking admission (or their designees).
• A statement outlining any previous research, completed or ongoing projects, publications, etc.
• Additional documentation at the discretion of the Admission Committee.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Computer Science Degree, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate mastery in analyzing complex problems and applying knowledge of computer and/or data science to formulate solutions.
2. Communicate computer and/or data science information clearly and effectively through presentations and technical writings to both expert and non-expert audiences.
3. Demonstrate critical evaluation of recent research literature.
4. Identify a novel relevant research problem in a chosen computer and/or data science research field, perform the literature survey for the problem, create a plan to solve the problem, carry on the plan, and defend the research.
5. Recognize appropriate practices in the different fields of computer science and their ethical implications.

Interested in our other Graduate Degrees?

M.S. in Data Science

The M.S. in Data Science program helps students identify and formulate key business challenges, collect and manage data from a variety of sources, select effective analytical techniques to identify solutions, and communicate results in a clear and creative way, harnessing the power of data in decision making.

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Our M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering prepares students for careers that are in high demand in the state of Florida, and of high wage. Graduates of this program contribute to specialized industries such as cyber physical security, autonomous and hybrid vehicles and associated supporting technologies, robotics and automation, and many facets of the aerospace industry. Students are also well prepared to enter doctoral programs after graduation, particularly through our Thesis pathway which fosters and supports student research.

M.S. in Engineering Management

The M.S. in Engineering Management is designed for individuals with technical and engineering backgrounds to gain advanced engineering education from a managerial perspective. As one of the most affordable high-quality degrees in the state of Florida, the M.S. in Engineering Management at Florida Poly provides students with the necessary skills for advancing their careers across a range of industry applications.

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers are in high demand. Our M.S. in Mechanical Engineering degree allows for job progress and specialization, preparing students to contribute to specialized industries. Students are also well prepared to enter doctoral programs after graduation, particularly through our Thesis pathway which fosters and supports student research.

4+1 Master's Degree

“Level Up” and earn your master’s degree in just one year, plus maximize your time during your senior year and save nearly $10,000. The 4+1 is an opportunity for academically talented undergraduate Florida Poly students to “level up” in their academic career by enrolling in two graduate- level courses in their senior year. The two graduate-level courses taken in senior year are billed at a discounted rate.

Meet the Faculty

Shahram Taj

Chair & Professor Data Science & Business Analytics

Paniz Abedin

Assistant Professor

Muhammad Abid

Associate Professor - 9

Sarker Monojit Asish

Assistant Professor

Ayesha Dina

Assistant Professor

Karim Elish

Associate Professor

Abdelwahab Hamam

Assistant Professor

Luis Jaimes

Associate Professor - 9

Bayazit Karaman

Assistant Professor

Igor Mirsalikhov

Instructor

Christian Navarro

Senior Instructor

Bradford Towle

Associate Professor

Denis Ulybyshev

Assistant Professor

Xianping Wang

Assistant Professor

Feng-Jen Yang

Associate Professor (Computer Science)