Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's online Master's in Computer Science is designed for critical thinkers who want to set themselves apart with a depth of technical knowledge. This program positions students for success, providing the space to create, innovate, and learn in a format that suits their lifestyle. With the full support of the faculty, an expert roster that includes White House Office of Science and Technology Policy leaders, National Science Foundation researchers, and award-winning scientists, students will master the theory and practice of advanced computer science concepts to maximize their earning and creative potential.

Program Details

• Degree: Master of Science
• Major: Computer Science
• College: Tickle College of Engineering
• Format: Mixed (fully online, mix of asynchronous and synchronous)
• Program Duration: 18-24 months, dependent on the student's academic history, transfer credits, and applicability of transfer credits to the University's and program's graduation requirements
• Credit Hours: 30
• Cost Per Credit: $861 (in-state), $936 (out-of-state)
• Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate cumulative GPA
• If cumulative GPA is below 3.0 but above 2.7, the student may still qualify with an exception
• Cumulative GPA of 3.3 for international students
• Copies of official transcripts from all institutions attended (undergrad and grad)
• Resume
• Personal statement
• $60 application fee

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or relevant work experience in:
  • Programming (Java, C, C++, and/or Python)
  • Data structures and algorithms
  • Computer architecture
  • Systems programming
  • Calculus (at least 1 semester)
  • Linear algebra
  • Discrete mathematics
• For relevant work experience, three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the student's CS acumen are requested, along with an updated resume or CV highlighting competency in each of the above areas.

Program Concentrations

The program offers three concentrations designed around in-demand areas of the field:

• Cybersecurity: Hone your ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats.
• Data Mining and Intelligent Systems: Learn the advanced methodologies, models, and tools behind high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI).
• Software Engineering: Gain the technical and problem-solving skills necessary to work in front-end, back-end, and full-stack leadership roles.

Featured Courses

• COSC 522: Machine Learning: Theoretical and practical aspects of machine learning techniques related to pattern recognition.
• COSC 523: Artificial Intelligence: Theoretical and applied aspects of artificial intelligence, including problem-solving and search, knowledge representation and reasoning, decision-making under uncertainty, machine learning, and multi-agent systems.
• COSC 566: Software Security: An in-depth introduction to software security, focusing on identifying vulnerabilities in software, exploiting vulnerabilities in software, and software development best practices for avoiding vulnerabilities.
• COSC 540: Advanced Software Engineering: Advanced coverage of software processes and technologies that can be used on large projects to help design, manage, maintain, and test software.

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