New Master’s Degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology

The College of Saint Rose recently launched two new master’s degree programs – Computer Science and Information Technology – and is enrolling students for the Fall 2018 semester.

The Computer Science degree is for graduate students with strong analytical and conceptual skills, who are interested in coding and aspire to build software solutions. The Information Technology degree focuses on applying technological solutions to achieve business objectives.

These new programs mark eight new degree programs announced at Saint Rose since last spring, in addition to a new certificate program. Last year, Saint Rose launched new master’s degree programs in Business Analytics and Social Work; accelerated dual-degrees that allow students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Psychology/Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Psychology/Business Administration; and bachelor’s degrees in Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Music Performance. Also new to the College is a Certificate of Translation Spanish <> English, an 18-credit program.

“Saint Rose is meeting the needs of students by delivering new programs in growing career fields while providing a strong foundational education and the kinds of experiences that give them the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to be bold leaders and good collaborators,” said Saint Rose President Carolyn J. Stefanco. “Our students enter technology fields knowing how to effectively communicate information and ideas and serve on diverse teams that persist through challenges. Those who pursue social work or become translators enter these professions having a strong understanding of cultures and communities, which is key to the work they do. Our goals at Saint Rose are to offer even more inspiring courses and coveted internships, which we do very well, and to continue to help students to develop and grow as people. As a result, our graduates become the top candidates for positions in their fields.”

The new master’s degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology meet a growing labor demand in the technological fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. These occupations are projected to add about 557,100 new jobs. Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security.”

The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $82,860 in May 2016.

The Information Technology master’s program replaces the program formerly known as Computer Information Systems. Both new master’s degree programs flow from already established undergraduate programs in both Computer Science and Information Technology. Students also have the option of accelerated dual-degree programs in those fields, meaning that they can earn a bachelor’s degree in either Information Technology or Computer Science paired with a master’s degree in Information Technology in just five years.

“We are proud and excited to offer these new master’s degree programs to students,” said Ian MacDonald, interim dean of the School of Mathematics and Sciences at Saint Rose. “We believe we have the perfect learning environment for students studying Information Technology and Computer Science. Our students do not sit in large lecture halls; they attend class in front of a computer with no more than 20 students and get one-on-one support from their professors. We believe this allows them to get the most out of their educational investment.”