When he first arrived in the US from Iran, Amin Taheri could not even understand the English words broadcasted throughout his airplane cabin. Today, he’s a web developer with UPS, one of the largest and most trusted global shipping and logistics companies worldwide.
Oklahoma Christian University got him there. The foreign computer engineer started out with a part-time, package handler position with UPS while taking nine hours of graduate courses at OC. “My advisor at OCCC suggested a master’s degree in computer science and cybersecurity from Oklahoma Christian,” shares Taheri. “At OC, everyone wants to help me! Professor North and Professor Coleman looked at my transcript, noticed some holes and told me what classes and certificates I need.”
Taheri studied Advanced Databases, Network Security, Object-Oriented Programming. He used everything he learned in his job. “Before taking Foundations of Technology in Ethics and Values, I only saw the surface, but now I see how my work affects people’s lives,” explains Taheri. “It is my best course.”
The more he learned at OC, the more confident Taheri became. This led to him successfully applying for a full-time, open UPS web developer position. He started his new position in March 2020 and by the end of summer, his Master of Science in Computer Science with Cybersecurity was complete.
The 30-credit MS in Computer Science programme provides an ideal balance between computer science theory and practical software engineering skills. Like Taheri’s story shows, it’s a programme designed for success.
The goal is to provide an advanced understanding of the discipline that students can immediately apply in labs by using and developing software systems. Students take units in Foundations of Technology Ethics and Values, Algorithm Analysis, Advanced Database, and Object Oriented Software Engineering. Specialisations available include Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, AI and Data Science.
Students can take classes one- or two-nights a week with each class being eight weeks, with six start times throughout the year. This means they can complete the programme in as little as 12 months or up to two years to fit their schedules.
“Our students learn and experience skills that they immediately use in their job. Hands-on lab experience sets our graduates apart,” explains Director of Computer Science David North.
As technological innovations grow, companies across a growing number of industries are seeking professionals who know how to protect digital information. Hands-on learning ensure OC students are able to do this well. Guided by world-class instructors with industry experience, they explore case studies and projects in the classroom. They get to apply principles, knowledge and skills to solve a problem as a team.
In the final project, students implement all of the skills they’ve learned, a valuable way to practise and improve their skills. These team projects provide great experience using the tools and technologies in each field of study. Add a Christian worldview that provides a solid ethical perspective and graduates are set to stand apart from the competition.
Friendly, low cost and in person
Oklahoma Christian University holds several accolades to its name. It is part of the “Colleges of Distinction” best colleges list, an organisation recognising excellent institutions with four overarching distinctions: student engagement, teaching, community and outcomes. It is also named “Best University-Master’s” in the western region in US News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges.” The Princeton Review designated it as a “Best Western College.” Oklahoma Christian is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Here, you’ll find 168 faculty members, 100% of whom are Christian. They lead small, personalised classes, 83% of which contain fewer than 30 students. More than 40 countries are represented in the student body.
That’s not all. At Oklahoma Christian University, you’ll find the academic, cultural and recreational benefits of a big city in a safe and comfortable suburban atmosphere. Home to more than 2,200 students, its 200-acre campus in northeast Oklahoma City, the state capital of Oklahoma, is at the centre of Christian faith, scholarship and service.
Oklahoma City offers more than just a stellar education —it also serves adventure, food, sports, history, outdoors and art. Here, you’ll get the experience you need to launch a successful career in a city that tops rankings in terms of incoming investments, young entrepreneurs, professional work/life, easiest to do business, millennial job seekers and where millennials make the most money.
There is plenty for the outdoorsy type too. From the Myriad Botanical Gardens to Wichita Mountains and the Boathouse District, options abound to hike, explore and swim.
The best part? OC is located on the border of Oklahoma City adjoining the suburb of Edmond, where the crime rate is really low and decreasing. You can explore all the city has to offer with a chance of being a victim of violent crime in Edmond at one one-hundredth of one percent!
Effective in summer 2021, the university is offering new, lower prices. Graduate school tuition is now more affordable as fees have been slashed and now books are included. Tuition per hour for the MS in Computer Science is reduced from US$625 to US$585.
There has never been a better time to pursue an advanced degree. Start your journey at Oklahoma Christian University now — click here to learn more.
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