Best Computer and Information Sciences Masters Programs in Arizona

MS students generally complete the degree in two years. An MS planning worksheet allows students to tailor their degree to specific interests and needs. Students generally start with two courses their first semester and average 2.5 graduate courses per semester unless the student has transferred in courses from elsewhere (see CSC Graduate Program Policies).

Students can pursue either a thesis or a non-thesis Master . The non-thesis option is designed for students to develop sophisticated programming, theoretical, and applied skills for working in industry.

The thesis-based master degree is designed for students considering research-based careers after their masters, as well as students who want to try out research while considering whether they may continue in a doctoral program.

Students who successfully complete an MS degree may command a higher salary and positions with authority and autonomy in industry.

Students should become familiar with the Graduate College Policies and CSC Graduate Program Policies and refer to them throughout the program. Submission of MS GradPath Forms are required throughout the program starting with the first semester.

The MS in Computer Science program has a $400 semester ($800 annual) program fee. The fee is used to 1) partially fund a career coordinator and 2) to improve spaces and resources for MS in Computer Science students. Students are responsible for paying this fee each semester they are in the program. There is limited scholarship funding available to help defer some of the cost for students with financial need.

If you're considering one of our graduate programs, we have information becoming a graduate student.

Computer scientists develop complex software and computer systems that are central to contemporary science, engineering, industry, and business. The MS in Computer Science enables students to either enter the computer science workforce or continue on to a doctoral program of study.

Individual and team-based assignments will enable students to build mastery of important computer science skills and their practical applications in areas that include computer networks, computer graphics and visualization, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, machine learning and data science, software engineering, software design and architecture, and software validation and verification. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage in critical application areas of computer science in areas that include biology, ecology, and astronomy.

The program is strengthened through broad collaborations with a variety of other academic programs, government agencies, and private research organizations, including the departments of Biological Sciences and Astronomy and Planetary Science, Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, and U.S. Geological Survey.

All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.

All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.

All work toward the master degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.

Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.

Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.

This MS in Computer Science will prepare you to either enter the computer science workforce or continue on to a doctoral program of study, building core skills that are widely applicable to many areas of science, engineering, industry, business, and research.

This degree is flexible and allows students to develop a customized program of study that is highly aligned with their professional or research interests. Available coursework allows students to study in many areas of computer science, including computer networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and software architecture and testing.

The non-thesis option of the program is designed for students seeking professional preparation, while the thesis option is particularly appropriate for students for considering further graduate study in a doctoral program.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to contribute in a wide variety of core computer science areas in both academia or professional practice, including computer networks, computer graphics and visualization, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, machine learning and data science, software engineering, software design and architecture, and software validation and verification. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage in critical application areas of computer science in areas that include biology, ecology, and astronomy.

Graduates of this program will demonstrate the following competencies and program learning outcomes:.

Identify, explain, and synthesize fundamental concepts of computer science, including computer networking, cybersecurity, high-performance computing, and software engineering.

Analyze and critically distill scientific literature to identify computer science theories and development and research methods appropriate to relevant science and engineering problems and research areas.

Apply computer science theories and development and research methods to formulate, develop, and assess computer system solutions to relevant science and engineering problems and research areas.

Compose and engage in highly effective written and oral communication in computer science areas.

The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

A Bachelor degree in Computer Science or a related field.

Personal statement outlining the prospective student professional goals in computer science and an indication of interest in either the thesis of non-thesis option.

Two letters of recommendation from recommenders who are familiar with the prospective student computer science qualifications.

Computer Science Milestone. Students must pass the Initial Skills Inventory Exam, or complete CS 500 and CS 501 before enrolling in graduate-level CS courses.

Graduate-level coursework with at least 15 of the units in CS courses except CS 500 AND CS 501.

Students may use a maximum of two courses, up to 6 units, of CS prefixed 400-level courses to satisfy a portion of the elective requirements.

Graduate-level coursework with at least 9 of the 15 units in CS courses except CS 500 AND CS 501.

Students selecting the thesis option are required to complete 18 units of formal letter-graded course work. No 400-level coursework may apply toward this requirement.

Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:.

Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year.

Students in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Immersive Media and Games, or Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering to Master program complete the following requirements:.

Graduate-level coursework with at least 15 of the units in CS courses except CS 500 AND CS 501.

Students in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Science to Master program complete the following requirements:.

Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete.

Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.