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Master's Degree in Computer Science

Masters in Computer Science students working on a project

Why Choose Saint Rose for a Master's Degree in Computer Science?

Whether you have a background in computer science or want to apply your quantitative and problem-solving skills to technological challenges, Saint Rose has the degree for you. An advanced degree in computer science can help you build a meaningful, rewarding career. Our computer-science graduates translate computer code into solutions to society’s most pressing issues – like protecting consumers’ personal data, helping communities recover from disasters, improving healthcare delivery, and feeding the world.

Computer scientists and software engineers are projected to remain some of the workers in highest demand over the next decade, commanding annual salaries at or above $100,000. If you enjoy thinking analytically, conceptualizing big ideas, planning how to address problems, and engineering solutions, you belong here at Saint Rose.

Our computer science curriculum is structured around dynamic coursework in computing theory, operating systems, and algorithm development. At program’s end, you’ll apply your knowledge and skills to resolve significant and complex quandaries facing various organizations, businesses and industries. You’ll study with exceptional faculty who foster a supportive learning environment tailored to your individual learning style and needs. You’ll work with classmates who bring a rich diversity of experiences and backgrounds – excellent preparation for the multifunctional teams you’ll work with in the future. Our deliberately small classes and emphasis on project learning means you’ll get even more out of these relationships, maximizing your learning and interaction with faculty and classmates. Upon graduation, you will enter the workforce as a confident and experienced computer scientist prepared to apply your creativity and aptitude to the digital world.

Graduate Program Highlights

  • Enjoy classes taught by tenured faculty, not graduate students
  • Attend class in computer labs with a workstation for each student
  • Study with responsive faculty from diverse backgrounds and demographics
  • Choose from our flexible hours to suit your schedule
  • Complete a research project or internship to demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge to a real-world problem
  • Delve into computation theory, operating systems, and algorithm design; learn to use cloud computing, big data, and cryptography technologies

Note: This program may be most appropriate for you if you are comfortable with coding and abstract concepts, have strong analytical and conceptual skills, and hold a BS in CS or IT; those with a BS in math may have to complete additional prerequisites. If you’re more interested in helping people apply technological solutions to business processes, consider our MS in Information Technology.

Weekend Hybrid Program

Our new hybrid course delivery method combines the best of both worlds, online learning with the reassurance of face time with your professors. This degree is perfect for the working professional who wants to advance in their field but cannot commit to traditional graduate programs.

Explore the Weekend Hybrid Program

Course Requirements and Faculty

Faculty

Program Requirements (33 Credits)

Core Requirements (15 Credits)

  • CSC 507 – Software Engineering – 3 cr.
  • CSC 509 – Algorithms – 3 cr.
  • CSC 541 – Networking – 3 cr.
  • CSC 542 – Theory of Computation – 3 cr.
  • CSC 563 – Operating Systems – 3 cr.

Elective Requirements (15 credits)

Students are required to take at least 15 credits of electives. An elective course is any graduate level computer science course offered at the College of Saint Rose that does not count toward the core requirements. CSC501, CSC506, CSC520, and CSC522 cannot count as elective courses for the Computer Science Master’s degree.

Research Requirement (3 credits)

  • CSC 593 – Master’s Research Seminar – 3cr.
  • CSC 595 – Project-Based Internship – 3cr.
  • CSC 596 – Research Master’s Project – 3cr.
  • CSC 597 – Master’s Project – 3cr.

Students must choose to choose a capstone experience which can be a Master’s Project (CSC 597), a Project-Based Internship (CSC 595) or a Research Master’s Project (CSC 596) as a culminating experience. Research-Based Master’s Project is open to students who have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and is best suited to students who anticipate further graduate study. The Master’s Research Seminar is a way of grouping together several students doing research with a particular faculty member.

The Internship is designed for students who plan to immediately enter the job market. For students interested in further graduate study or immediate entry into industry upon graduation, the master’s project is a good fit since it is flexible to allow students to find a good balance between in depth research and practical experience. Students wishing to work closely with a faculty in their area of expertise may choose the Seminar as a capstone experience.

The capstone project also requires the student to produce a written report and give a presentation at the end of the semester at a department colloquium. All capstone projects require the approval and supervision of a faculty member.

Admission Requirements

Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in computer science at The College of Saint Rose should have:

  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field.
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Prerequisite Requirements

Additionally, Students are required to have a background in the following areas:

  • Discrete Math
  • Programming principles and techniques
  • Algorithms
  • Data Structures
  • Computer Organization
  • Calculus

Career opportunities

  • Software Development Engineer
  • Security Engineer
  • Mobile Applications Developer
  • Full-Stack Web Developer
  • Systems Administrator
  • IT Management & Consulting
  • Computer Research Scientist
  • Network Architect
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