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Master of Science Computer Science

Overview         Degree Benefits          Why AU          Program Requirements          Career Info          Alumni Spotlights

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Computer Science will prepare you to enter one of the fastest-growing, in-demand careers.

The program is primarily online but includes a three-day, seated intensive component each semester. That’s because Anderson University’s focus is on innovation, practical learning, and personal development of its students. After graduation, you’ll be ready to pursue further doctoral studies, such as a PhD in Computer Science, or jump right into the field as a computer graphics, artificial intelligence, software engineering, networking, computational theory and analysis professional.

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Program at a
Glance

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS

HOURS

Total Credit Hours: 31

31

FORMAT & DURATION **

Online: 5 semesters / 20 months

START DATES

Fall: August | Spring: January

program at a glance icon

Program at a
Glance

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS

??

FORMAT & DURATION **

Primarily online with a seated intensive once per semester

START DATES

Spring 2024 — January, 1, 2024

**  The duration of this program does not include the addition of foundation courses. The online duration (15 to 24 months) is based on students with a 3.0 GPA who are approved to double up on courses.

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Nationally Ranked Cybersecurity Teams

As an extracurricular opportunity, you can join our undergraduate students and form teams in the national cyber Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions. Anderson University has homegrown CTF practice sites where students can hone their skills while preparing for national-level competitions. At the undergraduate level, AU students have ranked in the top 5% in national competitions. Participation in CTF competitions can help you be more competitive in the marketplace for internships and full-time employment. Many employers in the cybersecurity industry look for students who are active in CTF competitions.

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Why AU?

Why AU?

Our Master of Science in Computer Science differs from programs at other universities in the following ways:

  • Flexibility of online courses with a short intensive in-person session
  • Strong support from caring professors who want to help them succeed in their goals
  • Global networking opportunities
  • A program designed for high-performing students who excel at solving today’s challenges and want rigorous training

In short, Anderson University’s Master of Science in Computer Science program is designed to place students in careers at the highest levels in an environment where you’ll be challenged, nurtured, and ready for success the moment you earn your degree.

College of Business Faculty
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College of Business Faculty
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  • 3 COSC 610 – Algorithms and Data Structures
  • 3 COSC 615 – Computer Organization and Architecture
  • 3 COSC 620 – Formal Language Theory
  • 3 COSC 625 – Networking and Operating Systems
  • 3 BUS 640 – Data Management and Application Development
  • 3 BUS 641 – Statistical Computing
  • 3 BUS 642 – Analytics and the Enterprise
  • 3 CYB 510 – Cybersecurity Technology
  • 3 CYB 610 – Data Security and Privacy in Cloud Environments
  • 3 CYB 630 – Cybersecurity Architecture and Design
  • 1 COSC 596 – Experiential Learning (1-5 Cr. Hrs.) OPTIONAL
     

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (Applicants who do not meet this criterion may also be considered for admission if they can demonstrate convincingly that they have the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree.)

In addition, they should demonstrate:

  • Ability to write program in a high-level programming language (such as C, C++, Java)
  • Knowledge of computer architecture, and operating systems
  • Basic knowledge of software engineering
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical analysis, elements of theoretical foundations of computer science, and analysis of algorithms

Applicants must:

  • complete an Anderson University Graduate Studies Admission Application with a nonrefundable application fee. Details are available at https://go.andersonuniversity.edu/apply/;
  • have earned an appropriate cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or greater;
  • in the case of international students, if English is not the student’s first language, minimum standards must be attained as follows:
    • TOEFL score of 550 (paper), 220 (computer) or 75 (internet);
    • IELTS score of 6;
    • ELS level 112 Completion Certificate or AGAPE level 5 is required;
    • Dulingo score of 100 or above;
    • Pearson PTE score of 50 or above; or
    • iTEP score of 3.7 or above.

Upon graduation with an Anderson University MS in Computer Science, you’ll be equipped to pursue the positions and fields that include, but are not limited to:

  • Computer Network Architect
  • Software Developer / Engineer
  • Information Security Manager
  • Database Administrator
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Mobile Application Developer
  • Web Developer
  • Computer and Information Researcher
  • Data Analysis
  • Work in Artificial Intelligence
  • Game Design
  • Modeling and Animation
  • Validation Engineer

According to the United States Department of Labor, every company, level of government, or business is seeking experts in computer science fields. The demand for qualified field experts is growing, as is the expected salaries. 

In fact, there are currently more 420,000 open jobs in the United States waiting to be filled by qualified computing experts. However, only about 90,000 qualified graduates are available to fill the positions.

In short, opportunities for students of computer science continue to grow, with careers possible in not only specific areas like computer engineering, software engineering, information technology, but also in mixed disciplines such as bioinformatics, gaming and animation, computational and data science, among others.

Years of Experience

Early Career
50.0%
Mid Career
37.5%
Experienced
8.3%
This data is based on 24 survey responses.

Gender Breakdown for Master’s Degree, Computer Science (CS)

Male
72.2%
Avg. Salary: $80k – $175k
Female
27.8%
Avg. Salary: $79k – $102k
This data is based on 18 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
Source: payscale

Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admission or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.andersonuniversity.edu

10 Courses

30 total credit hours

3 COSC 610 – Algorithms and Data Structures

3 COSC 615 – Computer Organization and Architecture

3 COSC 620 – Formal Language Theory

3 COSC 625 – Networking and Operating Systems

3 BUS 640 – Data Management and Application Development

3 BUS 641 – Statistical Computing

3 BUS 642 – Analytics and the Enterprise

3 CYB 510 – Cybersecurity Technology

3 CYB 610 – Data Security and Privacy in Cloud Environments

3 BCYB 630 – Cybersecurity Architecture and Design

1 COSC 596 – Experiential Learning (1-5 Cr. Hrs.) OPTIONAL

Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admission or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.andersonuniversity.edu

Quick Links

Discover additional resources to help you navigate the admission process or contact us at admission@andersonuniversity.edu

Alumni Network

Visit the AU Network and meet more alumni in their Journey of Significance.

Center for Cybersecurity

Anderson University
316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621
Phone: 864-231-2000

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Anderson University is accredited by SACSCOC.

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