The online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is designed for professionals looking to grow their computer science expertise and excel in this evolving industry.
Offered by the J.B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville, the Master of Science in Computer Science program delivers timely and relevant information on key areas of importance within the industry today including databases, artificial intelligence, analytics, data mining and more. You will graduate with a deepened understanding of computer science fundamentals as well as a more informed perspective on new and emerging technologies—helping you advance your career in this forward-moving industry.
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The J.B. Speed School of Engineering has been educating technical professionals since 1924 and features classes and research taught by internationally recognized faculty as well as state-of-the-art computer and networking laboratories.
Specialize your knowledge and add valuable credentials to your career portfolio by earning an online certificate while completing your master’s degree. You can also start with a certificate and move into the master’s program with ease.
Complete this degree on your own time through fully online coursework.
Learn More10 courses are required for completion – 5 core, 3 electives and a thesis or capstone project (6 credits).
Learn MoreSpecialize your expertise using MSCS electives to earn a certificate in Data Science or Cybersecurity.
Learn More"As soon as I graduated in May of 2023 from the Master of Science in Computer Science online program, I came to the University of Louisville for a job fair. I met with a company that needed assistant managers and data analysts. I did an interview, they asked me a ton of questions. I got the job and I actually start my new position on Monday. Being prime military and having a master’s degree did help."
Computers are used in nearly every aspect of our lives today—from our mobile devices to our desktops, to large systems supporting government and for-profit organizations, to supercomputers and grids of networked processors expanding the frontiers of science and technology. As a result, it’s unsurprising that the demand for highly-trained workers in these areas is booming.
Jobs for computer scientists and engineers are among the fastest growing occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations—with a projected 531,200 new jobs created. Our graduates are employed in a wide variety of environments, including computer and electronic product manufacturing, development and support businesses, academia, military, government and more.
By earning UofL’s online master’s in computer science, you will gain the expertise and skills you need to take advantage of this industry growth. Gain skills in rapidly advancing technology including cloud computing, big data, and information security. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialize your master’s with an added certificate in Data Science or Cybersecurity—earned at no extra time or cost.
According to BLS, the average annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $145,080 in May 2023, which is almost three times the average wage of $59,384 for other industry occupations in the nation.
Preferred Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
---|---|---|
August 1 | Fall | August |
November 15 | Spring | January |
April 1 | Summer | May |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
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To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
* Required application packet materials include:
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to view special requirements for international students. Online students do not qualify for US visa.
International students whose primary language is not English must show English language proficiency by either TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo score or demonstration of a degree awarded from an acceptable English language institution. The successful applicant will typically have a TOEFL score of 79 or higher or overall lELTS score of 6.5 or higher or a Duolingo score of 105 or higher.
You are not alone! More than ever before, professionals with non-computer science educational background are seeking to earn computer science credentials at the graduate level for career change or advancement opportunities. The online Master of Science in Computer Science at UofL is available to applicants with a technical degree or relevant experience.
Non-computer science candidates often need to complete undergraduate prerequisites before applying to the master’s program. These requirements can be completed online at UofL.
Prerequisite Courses | Hours |
---|---|
CSE 130Introduction to Programming Languages (C/C++ Programing) |
3 |
CSE 310Discrete Structures |
3 |
CSE 503Survey of Computer Engineering and Computer Science (Data Structure & Design of Operating Systems) |
3 |
Important Note: The actual number and type of prerequisites is determined on a case-by-case basis, based on candidate’s official transcripts and evaluation of transferable credit. Also, the length of the program will depend on the number of prerequisites needed for the completion of graduate coursework.
You may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate coursework from an accredited university, pending department approval. See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.
Areas | Courses | Hours | |
---|---|---|---|
Foundations (1 course required) |
CSE 504 Automata Theory (not available online) CSE 611 Architecture CSE 619 Design & Analysis of Computer Algorithms |
3 | |
Software (2 courses required) |
|
6 | |
Analytics (2 courses required) |
|
6 | |
Electives | 3 CSE Electives | 9 | |
Select Thesis, Project or Course Only Option | |||
Thesis Option | CSE 690 MS Thesis | 6 | |
Project Option |
CSE 696 and CSE 6XX (Project-Oriented Course) CSE Elective |
6 | |
Course Only Option | See Catalog | 6 | |
Total Credit Hours |
30 |
The program requires minimum 15 credit hours of 600 level courses. Electives must be chosen so that at least one-half of the credits counted toward the degree are 600-level.
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Yes, the pre-requisites are designed as if students do not have any knowledge in Computer Science and completing the 3 pre-requisite classes will serve as a foundation for a student to be successful in this program.
The pre-requisite classes include: CSE 130, Intro to C & C++ Programming, CSE 310 Discrete Structure, and CSE 503, Survey of CSE: Data Structure & Design of Operating Systems.