Master of Science in Computer Science
Online, USA
MSc
DURATION
30 hours
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
* rolling admissions
Key Summary
About: Eastern Kentucky University's Master of Science in Computer Science is a 100% online graduate program offering an MS and certificates in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, and Game Design. Courses blend theory and practice across programming, algorithms, databases, systems administration, security, and software engineering.
Career Outcomes: Employment in computing and IT was projected to grow 12% from 2018 to 2028, adding 546,200 jobs. Graduates can pursue software developer, information security analyst, network administrator, or database administrator roles in industry, government, cloud, big data, cybersecurity, games, with median salaries cited at $105,590, $98,350, $82,050, and $90,070.
From private corporations to government agencies, computers are critical to the success of virtually every industry. As a result, jobs for computer scientists and engineers are among the fastest growing in the marketplace. EKU’s 100% online computer science programs are ideal for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and expertise in computer science and software engineering.
Choose from multiple program options:
- Master’s Degree in Computer Science (MS)
- Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Certificate in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
- Certificate in Game Design
What sets our program apart?
Learn essential skills for today’s digital work environment through a personalized and tailored master’s degree in computer science. Rooted in both theory and practical applications, our fully-accredited online programs blend academic and professional preparation through course topics such as programming and data structures, computer administration and security, databases and algorithms, and software engineering.
- Earn a certificate in an area of specialization as you complete your degree
- Ability to highly tailor and personalize your degree through focus areas and electives
- Accelerated 8-week terms
- Multiple start dates
- Reduced tuition for active-duty military members
- No campus visits required
- Free online tutoring and career services assistance
- Generous credit transfer policy
- Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best universities offering online degrees
Core Courses --- 12
- CSC 730 --- Programming and Data Structures --- 3
- CSC 815 --- Computer Administration and Security --- 3
- CSC 831 --- Databases and Algorithms --- 3
- CSC 834 --- Software Engineering --- 3
Concentration --- 12
Select one of the following concentrations:
Artificial Intelligence in Data Science --- 12
- CSC 746 --- Artificial Intelligence
- CSC 781 --- Machine Learning
- CSC 782 --- Big Data
- CSC 783 --- Data Visualization
Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics --- 12
- CSC 736 --- Incident Response I
- CSC 737 --- Incident Response II
- CSC 744 --- Database Administration and Security
- CSC 747 --- Network Forensics and Investigation
Game Design --- 12
- INF 711 --- Principles of Game Design and Game Theory
- INF 712 --- Game Production and Publication
- INF 713 --- Online Game and Application Design
- INF 715 --- Special Topics in Gaming
Electives --- 6
Total Hours --- 30
Find Your Scholarship
A scholarship is a financial award given to students to help pay for their education that does not need to be paid back. Scholarships are awarded by schools, universities, and other organizations, and are based on a variety of criteria, such as academic achievement, financial need, or professional experience. The money can be used to cover tuition, books, housing, food, and other educational expenses. Please note that institutional scholarships, including merit awards, may not be stacked with other scholarships or tuition waivers and require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merit Scholarships for In-State First-Time Freshmen
Merit scholarships make EKU even more affordable for first-time students.* EKU recognizes the hard work and dedication needed to achieve at a high level. Get rewarded for your high school accomplishments with merit scholarships. If you meet the following criteria, merit scholarships will automatically be applied to your account. No application needed!
Merit Scholarships for Out-of-State First-Time Freshmen
High-achieving students can get rewarded for their work and receive additional scholarships to make EKU even more affordable. If you meet the following criteria, merit scholarships may be applied to your account automatically without the need for an application!
Additional EKU Scholarships for First-Time Freshmen
Kentucky residents who are Pell Grant-eligible may receive this scholarship, which will cover up to 100 percent of tuition and fees for first-year students who have a 3.0 high school GPA. This scholarship is intended to act as “gap funding” for any first-time freshman who has exhausted all avenues of federal, state, and institutional scholarship and grant assistance, and still has a remaining balance for tuition and required fees. This scholarship is for on-campus students only. This cannot be awarded in addition to a Merit Tier scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements: On-campus, Pell Grant-eligible, Kentucky resident, first-time freshman with a 3.0 high school GPA
EKU Scholarships for On-Campus, In-State Transfer Students*
Eastern Kentucky University values the education and experience students from other schools bring to their EKU experience. On-campus students who transfer to EKU with 24 earned college credits are eligible for the following scholarships. If you meet the following criteria, transfer scholarships will automatically be applied to your account. No application needed!
Foundation Scholarships
EKU has made a difference in thousands of lives. Donors who have experienced the life-changing effect an EKU education can have now want to make a difference in your life. Thanks to their generosity, there are hundreds of scholarships available for EKU students.
Eligibility criteria range from GPA to county of residence to degree program and more. Simply fill out the foundation scholarship application, and you’ll learn which scholarships you may be eligible for.
Outside Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by an organization other than the government or university. They are available from several groups, organizations, and entities nationwide. Third-party scholarships can be general in nature or very specialized and tied to the type of work you would be doing after graduation.
If you receive an outside scholarship, you must notify Big E Central so the award can be properly reported as part of your total aid package. Failure to report awards can result in the award not being accepted or a portion of the funds having to be repaid due to overpayment.
Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. These occupations are projected to add about 546,200 new jobs. Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security.
Job Opportunities
Network Administrator
- Median Annual Salary: $82,050 per year / $39 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 383,900
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's Degree
Information Security Analyst
- Median Annual Salary: $98,350 per year / $47 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 112,300
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Software Developer
- Median Annual Salary: $105,590 per year / $50 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 1,365,500
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's Degree
Database Administrators
- Median Annual Salary: $90,070 per year / $43 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 116,900
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
- No application fee
- Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
- Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
- Dynamic, supportive learning environment
- Fitness & wellness management program provides students with knowledge & skills needed to successfully certify through ACSM, ACE, NSCA, AFAA, & other professional groups
- Dedicated faculty advisors who work with pre-professional health students on the ins and outs of applying to professional programs of choice
- Pre-professional curricula emphasize inclusion of prerequisite courses, foundational content & additional courses to prepare students for graduate/professional programs
- Diverse faculty are actively involved in the profession & have real-life expertise
