Master of science
Computer science shapes our modern world on multiple levels. Its principles influence software interfaces and functionality, the design of devices and networks and the security of organizational resources. As a computer science professional, you initially entered the workforce with a broad skill set. Now, you’ve refined and advanced your knowledge, acquiring new programming languages and further exploring computer science’s capabilities.
Missouri University of Science and Technology’s (Missouri S&T) online master of science in computer science helps you reach the next level. Grow and upgrade your foundational knowledge through a customized course of study while developing a specialization in cybersecurity or data science — two in-demand areas building from computer science principles. Select from a non-thesis track, or conduct research to complete a thesis in a computer science subdiscipline or related engineering area.
Quick facts
Official name
Master of science in computer scienceCampus
Program type
Master's degreeAcademic home
College of Engineering and Computing | Department of Computer ScienceDelivery mode
100% onlineAccreditation
Higher Learning Commission*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Why earn an online master’s in computer science?
Computers define much of our modern world. Hardware, software, interfaces and capabilities form the backbone of all electronic devices and car operations. They’re also essential for predicting industry trends and protecting financial and informational assets. At the same time, these technologies have overhauled health care and manufacturing fields.
Missouri S&T has long understood the impact of computer science — both in terms of its transformative capabilities and influence on the world as a whole. We launched the state’s first computer science program, and today, we look ahead toward what’s next regarding skills and applications.
For our online master’s in computer science, we take a two-part approach. Computer science professionals are lifelong learners, and our curriculum boosts their knowledge of trends in networking, computer hardware, artificial intelligence, data structures and algorithms. From there, a flexible structure invites exploration of multiple higher-level topics and presents the opportunity to specialize your skills toward a related application.
As you think about your career’s direction, Missouri S&T’s online master’s in computer science program:
- Provides significant flexibility for advancing and specializing your knowledge base
- Helps you invigorate your career and reach for new opportunities — including in your existing industry or a new field
- Enhances how you use computer science as a problem-solving tool
- Highlights real-world applications of computer science theories
- Equips you to tackle new challenges and develop solutions for various industries and organizational models
- Helps you continue growing your knowledge of information technology, data analytics, security, information systems, algorithms and networks
Career prospects
Don’t just stay afloat in your field — stand out and access positions requiring a greater degree of responsibility and more specialized skill set. Computer science and information technology professionals are predicted to see above-average demand over the next decade — about 15%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Our graduates harness this trend to move up, switch roles or assume leadership positions. Students find themselves building software or apps, securing networks against outside threats or drawing insights from large amounts of data. Opportunities exist in:
- Technology
- Law enforcement
- National defense
- Finance
- Computer manufacturing
- Health care
Program structure
Both thesis and non-thesis tracks require 31 credit hours. Along with a one-credit-hour seminar, students select from a broad array of advanced computer science courses exploring various job-relevant applications. Students enrolled in the thesis track devote six credit hours toward original research. All courses are online, and no on-campus visits are required.
Students may customize their degree with an emphasis in:
- Cybersecurity: Threats that compromise national and organizational networks have become increasingly complex. This multidisciplinary track trains you to strengthen network security, reliability and survivability. You’ll learn more about identifying and protecting information against outside and internal threats and building an effective cybersecurity strategy.
- Data science: Organizations have access to an insurmountable amount of data. Yet, analysis requires knowledge of certain languages, tools and statistics-rooted methods. Pivot to this growing discipline through a study of processes, algorithms, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data management and systems used to uncover patterns, which then improve organizational applications and decisions.
For students interested in research, Missouri S&T’s Computer Science department has led innovations in distributed embedded systems, machine learning, data mining, software engineering, the Internet of Things and cybersecurity. Our work highlights the possibilities of computer science, particularly software engineering applications and protecting infrastructure. Should you choose to conduct research, you'll first propose your topic to an adviser before working in conjunction with our department’s esteemed faculty.
Course work covers
Broaden your understanding of:
- Networks
- Security
- Software engineering
- Databases
- Wireless systems
- Artificial intelligence
- Data mining
- Parallel and distributed processing
- Pervasive computing
- Algorithms
- Scientific visualizations
Review all requirements for the online master’s in computer science.
Delivery
100% onlineCalendar system
SemesterTypical program length
3 yearsTypical course load
1-2 classes per semesterAccreditation
Missouri University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
Faculty spotlight
Dr. Morales earned his doctorate in 2010 from Texas Tech University. He believes programming is a constructive art, which requires dedication and practice. He guides students through computer program process-building with carefully selected examples and exercises. He's passionate about helping students problem solve and teaching how intellectually rewarding the subject matter is.
Teaching interests include:
Introduction to programming with C++, data structures, discrete mathematics for computer science and algorithms.