Master of Science in
Computer Science (MSCS)
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Computer Science Program Details
Total Credits
36
Transfer Credits
15
Program Duration
2 Years
Location
- Washington, DC
- Falls Church, VA
- Online
MSCHE Accredited
University of the Potomac is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Experienced Computer Science Faculty
Potomac chooses instructors with experience as practitioners in the industry. You’ll benefit from their real-world understanding as well as their mastery of computer science theory.
Your Degree, Your Way
Choose where you study: in Washington, DC, Falls Church, Virginia, or online. You can also blend in-person and virtual classes if that works best for you.
Computer Science Program Overview
Today’s world runs on technology, and computer science defines how that technology operates. If you want to focus on the programming and design skills that make innovative systems and software possible, University of the Potomac’s computer science programs are for you.
Develop foundational knowledge of systems, programming, and data with our bachelor’s degree program or develop advanced skills with our master’s degree. Both programs offer you the opportunity to build specialized knowledge with a concentration, and both are taught by industry-experienced instructors.
What You Will Learn
Master’s Degree
Learn to evaluate and apply research in computer science to help develop more technically advanced solutions. Build on your experience with additional leadership and project management skills that can help you direct teams.
Master’s Degree Concentrations
Artificial Intelligence
AIT 600 Artificial Intelligence
AIT 620 Methods of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AIT 670 Python for Artificial Intelligence
AIT 680 Artificial Intelligence and GPT Engineering
Cybersecurity Concentration
- CBSC610 Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime
- CBSC620 Cyber Law and Policy
- CBSC630 Hacking Methodology
- CBSC640 Capstone – Cyber Warfare
Big Data Science Concentration
- DACS610 Data Mining
- DACS620 Machine Learning
- DACS630 Data Preparation and Analysis
- DACS640 Capstone – Data Integration, Warehousing, Provenance, and Analysis
Database Organization Concentration
- COMP470 Database Organization II
- DACS640 Data Integration, Warehousing, Provenance, and Analysis
- COMP650 Data-Intensive Computing
- COMP660 Capstone – Advanced Database Organization
Geospatial Intelligence Concentration
- GIS580 Geospatial Intelligence
- GIS581 Geospatial Analysis and Modeling
- GIS585 Geospatial Web and Mobile Programming
- GIS585 Geospatial Applications in Business and Management
Information Technology Management Concentration
- COMP610 Strategic IT: Best Practices for Executives
- COMP620 Corporate IT Security Audit Compliance
- COMP630 Technology Entrepreneurship
- COMP640 Capstone – Forecasting and Management of Technology
Courses and Curriculum
Master of Science in Computer Science - 36 Credits
- COMP510 Foundations of Algorithms and Data Structures
- CBSC 510 Cloud Computing from the Ground Up
- MGMT610 Executive Leadership
- COMP520 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
- COMP530 Linguistics of Programming Languages
- COMP540 Computer Systems Architecture
- CBSC530 Cyber Crime and Homeland Security
Students also take 12 credits of courses in the concentration of their choice.
Requirements and Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Science in Computer Science program will be able to:
- Communicate computer science concepts, designs, and solutions effectively and professionally.
- Apply knowledge of computing to produce effective designs and solutions for specific problems.
- Identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly literature relating to the field of computer science.
- Use software development tools, software systems, and modern computing platforms.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Initiate, lead, and develop teams while managing multi-cultural communication and possible conflicts.
Applicants must complete the following steps to apply.
General Admission Requirements:
- Submission of a completed application for admission.
- Submission of a signed attestation of high school (or equivalent) completion.
- Equivalencies can include GED certificates or international credentials that meet our international admissions standards. Home-schooled students must present a diploma that meets the high school graduation requirements of the state in which it was issued.
- Arrange for official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended to be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration, University of the Potomac.
- Submit grade reports or scores from any recognized college-equivalency examinations (e.g., CLEP, DANTES, and Advanced Placement).
- Submit certificates from any corporate education training or professional development programs. (Note: An ACE evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for corporate educational training.)
- Submit military training documents. (Note: An ACE military evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for military training.)
- Complete an admissions interview (in person or virtual).
Master of Science in Computer Science Requirements
In addition to the general requirements listed above, applicants to our master’s degree program in computer science must provide the following:
- Proof of attainment of a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in other countries.
- International applicants with a three-year undergraduate degree may be admitted on the recommendation of the Admission Committee following an evaluation of each student’s preparation.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who may be a direct supervisor or university faculty member. Note that this requirement may be waived for those students with master’s-level transfer credits.
- One essay addressing the student’s preparation for the graduate program, submitted as a Microsoft Word document.
Tuition is calculated per credit hour. Most courses are worth three credits each. Costs below are for domestic (U.S.-based) students only:
- Master’s Degree Tuition: $450 per credit hour
Additional fees apply. Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify. Learn more about affording your degree here.
Ready to Get Started?
Start mapping out the road to your personal and professional goals in computer science. Talk to a University of the Potomac admissions advisor today!