Online Master of Science in Computer Science Degrees

People who pursue an online Master of Science in Computer Science are usually already working in the computer field.

Computer science includes the theory and programming required to develop computing solutions. It includes designing and building software. With the threat of national security, emphasis has been placed on the need for people who are knowledgeable about the intricate technology connected with the safety of data. This program is to enforce the student's current computer abilities and expand their knowledge. Opportunities in the online MS in computer science are offered to give the student exposure to areas of computing outside their previous depth of knowledge. Receiving this degree will assure future, or current employers that a particular area has been studied in detail with further skills developed in a particular specialty. The average school, who offers this degree, requires at least a 45-unit requirement. The following information is based on one school's requirements.

Computer Science Programs

Northcentral University

• Master of Business Administration - Applied Computer Science

American Sentinel University

• M.S. in Computer Science

Nova Southeastern University

• Nova Southeastern University Master of Science in Computer Science

Computer Science Education and Training

Courses in the Master of Science in Computer Science degree program must be taken in three areas, Computer Systems, Al and Applications and Mathematical and Theoretical Foundations. Each of these areas is made up of certain required courses. There is also is a larger area in which the student can choose the courses that will fit their particular program goal.

Every school assigns an academic advisor to the student in the computer science masters degree online or campus program. This advisor will provide information regarding the basic course requirements and other materials that need to be addressed. A given number of courses must be completed in the approved academic plan. If it is apparent that more courses need to be taken to satisfy one's educational goal it will sometimes add up to more than the required academic units.

The computer science masters program also provides education in various specializations. These may include artificial intelligence, data and network security, database system biocomputation, human-technology interaction, software theory and others. These are in addition to the basic requirements. Some of the areas of concentration taken are:

• Data Security Concentration
• Information Systems Security Concentration
• Network Security Concentration and Governance
• Compliance Concentration

These concentrations are all geared to security of government and corporation data. The majority of computer science masters programs will allow exceptions to required classes if the subject has already been addressed at another school In such a case, the advisor has the authority to approve exceptions for one course. If more exceptions are requested it must be reviewed by a committee. To receive a degree from any schools, each course work must have at least a 3.0 grade average. Some computer science courses at the masters level might include:

• Computer Systems Architecture
• Computer Networks
• Artificial Intelligence
• Database Design
• Data Structures
• Computer Graphics
• Software Engineering
• Computer Algorithms
• Computational Methods

To be admitted to the online computer science masters degree program all schools have the same requirements. They are a bachelor's degree and transcripts from all colleges and/or graduate school attended, resume, three letters of recommendation, application form and fee. A number of schools also require official scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) and an entrance examination.

Computer Science Careers

Graduates with a Master of Science in Computer Science have many employment opportunities. A few are Sr. Software Engineer/Developer/Programmer, Lead Software Development Engineer, Software Developer/Business Analyst/Web Applications, Software Engineer, Oracle Database Administrator, Software Quality Assurance Manager or one of the new jobs opening up continually. Amongst the fastest growing professionsfor graduates with a master of compuer science degree are:

• Software Engineer
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Support Specialist
• Database Administrator
• Network System Analyst
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Computer Systems Designer
• Network Administrator
• Computer Scientist
• Computer and Information System Management

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

The average salary depends on the employer and the job but salary for graduates with a master of science in computer science degree is shown at $80,000 to $97,949 plus benefits. The US Bureau of Statistics (BLS) predicts a huge growth in jobs in this sector within the next few years.

Specifically, the employment of computer scientists is expected to grow by 24% between 2008 to 2018. This rate is much faster than the average for other occupations. The BLS also reports that the median annual income for computer and information scientists was $97,970 in 2008. The middle 50% made between $75,340 and $124,370 and the top 10% earned more than $151,250 during this same time period.

Online master of science in computer science and software programming degrees