Computer Science, MS (53-976) (30 hours) [Also available as an accelerated program]

Student Learning Outcomes

The graduate with a Master of Science degree in Computer Science will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:

• Apply algorithmic principles and computing theories to solve advanced problems in Computer Science.
• Apply design and development principles in construction of computer-based systems of varying complexity.
• Be able to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences, work effectively in a team environment, and demonstrate an understanding of ethical concerns related to computing.
• Recognize the need for and engage in continuing professional development.

This program is designed to produce senior computer professionals in the computer industry, and its focus is on the application of technology to solve a variety of practical problems.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

1. The applicant is a graduate of a regionally accredited college or university with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Data Science or Cybersecurity and a GPA of 3.0 or more.
2. The applicant is a graduate of a regionally accredited college or university with a degree in a closely related field, such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Communications Engineering with a GPA of 3.25 or more. Completion of additional undergraduate preparatory courses will be required.
3. An applicant holding an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Communications Engineering with a GPA of 2.8 and has earned an M.S. or more advanced degree in a closely related discipline. Completion of additional undergraduate preparatory courses could be required.
4. An applicant holding an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Communications Engineering that does not meet the GPA requirement in Requirement 1 or Requirement 2, above, must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 and a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a minimum combined score of 291 in Verbal and Quantitative reasoning. Completion of additional undergraduate preparatory courses will be required. Applicants must submit official GRE test scores through the Educational Testing Services (ETS) directly to the University of Central Missouri. The ETS institution code for sending GRE scores to UCM is 6090 and the program code is 0402.

International students whose native language is not English and do not have a US degree are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 79 is required. Duolingo and IELTS scores are also accepted at UCM. Regular graduate students should have a composite exam score of 120 in Duolingo or a band score of 6.0 in IELTS. The English requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours or have earned a bachelor or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in the USA. Submission of a statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation is OPTIONAL for admission. They may however be required if the student applies for graduate assistantship or student worker positions.

Full time students with no deficiencies can expect to complete this program in two academic years.