Computer Science: Master’s for tech professionals

Computer Science is a field for problem solvers and changemakers. From video games and new technologies to corporations like Facebook and Google, none of these could have been developed without Computer Science. 

The Computer Science field includes a wide array of interesting and diverse occupations — from software developers to database administrators and web developers. Artificial intelligence is the next big frontier for computer scientists who will be developing computers that simulate learning and reasoning ability. Cybersecurity is another rapidly developing area where Computer Science professionals are in great demand to protect businesses, government, and individuals from the growing threat of cybercrime.

Technology has been growing exponentially over recent years, there has been a steadily increasing demand for bright graduates to come in and help to transform areas ranging from Software Engineering to Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence to Data Science. To gain a career in the Computer Science and information systems industries following a graduate degree, students will need more than just technical ability. To succeed, students need to be creative, adaptable and able to work in teams that span multiple disciplines and abilities. 

Master’s programmes today are well in touch with employer demands and international trends. Curriculums are designed with inputs from key industry players and a global approach to the learning experience is kept intact. Hence, making graduates of Computer Science much in demand with the employers. 

Here are four universities that prepare students for the demand in the rapidly growing Computer Science field:

Oklahoma Christian University

An Oklahoma Christian University (OC) education starts with hands-on learning and ends with a world-class degree. The transformative impact of its MS in Computer Science exemplifies this best. OC students gain an advanced understanding of the discipline that they can immediately apply in labs by using and developing software systems. They earn a degree that stands out for its OC edge: a Christian worldview that provides a solid ethical perspective.

Source: Oklahoma Christian University

Students get to choose from the following areas of emphasis: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Software Engineering. Designed for working professionals, it’s a degree with an accessible completion time frame of one to two years.

The program begins with the “Foundations of Technology Ethics and Values” class where students learn ethical theory from a Christian viewpoint, individual options and obligations for action and more. This is followed by offerings such as Algorithm Analysis, Software Engineering, Advanced Database and electives like Human Computer Interaction, Mobile App Development, and Machine Learning.

Masterful professors with industry experience integrate case studies and projects into the classroom so students get to apply principles, knowledge and skills to solve a problem as a team. Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Software Engineeer round out the program.  The program’s final project allows you to implement all of the skills you’ve learned, a valuable way to practice and improve one’s skills.  These team projects provide great experience using the tools and technologies in each field of study.

OC provides a welcoming and safe learning environment with easy accessibility to professors and staff who assist you in the classroom, provide academic and career advising and help you remain compliant with immigration policies.

As OC Director of Computer Science David North says, “Our students learn and experience skills that they immediately use in their job. Hands-on lab experience sets our graduates apart.” To learn more about how OC nurtures purpose-driven innovators, click here.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private, not-for-profit institution, with a mission to offer a diverse array of innovative academic programmes that complement on-campus educational opportunities. NSU’s College of Computing and Engineering is ranked six out of eight for “Best Online Master’s in Information Technology (IT) Degrees” and 13 out of 19 for “Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Programmes.” 

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Qualified instructional faculty and staff; opportunities for contextual learning; state-of-the-art facilities; and beautiful surroundings — these are the qualities that define the NSU learning experience. The university’s Master of Science in Computer Science offers concentrations in Software Engineering; Artificial Intelligence; Computer Systems; Data Science; Information Assurance and Cybersecurity; and Real-World Computing — all of which are available both online and on-campus.

Here, academic excellence, intellectual inquiry, leadership, research, and commitment to community are fostered. “The student life at NSU is great as they really encourage students to be involved on-campus and in the community. It is very diverse so it makes it easy for any student to adapt to the school environment,” said alumnus May Bantan. 

San Diego State University

Ranked top 25 for entrepreneurship by Forbes, Fortune and US News and World Report, San Diego State University (SDSU) is increasingly becoming a top choice for students seeking academic excellence. SDSU aims to provide research-oriented, high-quality education for students through excellence and distinction in teaching, research, and service. 

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At SDSU, students can choose from 91 undergraduate majors, 76 master’s programmes and 23 doctoral degree programmes. The university’s Master of Computer Science programme produces technological leaders with a deep knowledge of computer algorithms, computational theory, computer architecture, operating systems, and more.

That’s not all. SDSU’s Aztec Mentor Programme (AMP) engages alumni and professional mentors to connect with juniors, seniors and graduate students to support them as they move from campus to career. “Resources like professional mentorship and career fairs exclusive to SDSU students allowed me to step into the front lines with the best employers in the country — that resulted in having a full-time job lined up upon graduation,” said alumnus Viktorija Dorfan. 

Southern Utah University

Located in the world’s best backyard and home to the Thunderbirds, Southern Utah University (SUU) is known for its small class sizes, career-focused learning, and hands-on experience. It is a place for learning, discovery, innovation, expression and discourse.

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SUU’s Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance (CSIA) is an online and hybrid programme with a robust curriculum that is rich with opportunities for students to develop a sound understanding of fundamentals as well as specialised theories, practices, and ethics that enhance their learning. This programme facilitates critical thinking, effective communication, lifelong learning, and individual integrity focusing exclusively on cybersecurity.

Here, students chart their own paths of discovery, learning and growth, and each journey is as unique as the individual. “I never thought that I would be a professional, working in a fulfilling field, but my support system was there. This all stemmed from SUU and I couldn’t imagine where I would be without it,” said alumnus Zach Guthrie. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International