Degree
- Master of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/master-computer-science/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/SET-cybersecurity-computer.jpg
Format
- In-Person
Department
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Master’s in Computer Science at St. Mary’s
The Master of Science in Computer Science at St. Mary’s University prepares students to manage all aspects of a software development project — from analysis, design, implementation, testing and maintenance stages to management of quality, budgets, deliverables and deadlines. The program provides a deep understanding of the hardware and software components of computer systems and the following topics:
- Data communication and databases
- Hardware organization and operating systems
- Software analysis and design methodologies
- Software implementation and testing
Program of Study
This degree is a 33-credit-hour program. Students may elect a thesis (6 credit hours) or a project (3 credit hours) option.
Students are expected to write computer programs in a high-level programming language and to understand the connection between computer hardware and software before starting the program.
Combined Degree Program
Students can pursue a combined five-year program to pursue a Bachelor’s and Master of Science in Computer Science. Combined degree programs allow undergraduate students to begin graduate studies in their junior year and pay the undergraduate tuition rate, a substantial savings. They also shorten the time it takes to earn two degrees.
Degree Plans
Students take 33 credit hours of courses and may elect a thesis or project option. The thesis option consists of 27 credit hours of course work and 6 credit hours of thesis direction. Non-thesis students must complete 30 credit hours of course work and 3 credit hours of a capstone project.
Students can also pursue a combined 5-year program:
The School of Law and the University also offer a joint program of study:
Highlighted Courses
Two Engineering elective courses are required.
Highlighted courses include:
- Advanced Computer Networks
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Hardware and Operating Systems
- Systems Analysis and Design
See all course details in the catalog.
What can I do with a master’s in Computer Science?
Career Opportunities
Computer scientists are in high demand in organizations that develop or use software. Most companies have information technology (IT) departments or at least an IT expert on staff. Typical employers include computer companies, research and development laboratories, educational organizations, entertainment industries, aerospace contractors, financial institutions, telecommunication companies and government agencies.
Computer Science professionals often work in jobs such as:
- Software development engineer
- Computer programmer
- Web developer
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Computer Science program, applicants should:
- Have taken certain programming and mathematics classes
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a bachelor’s degree
- Submit a written statement of purpose indicating interest and objective
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Submit official transcripts of all college-level work
- Submit résumé
Applicants should have taken programming classes including data structures and object-oriented programming. GRE scores are not required for admission.
International Student Admission
International students must submit the TOEFL scores and show a minimum of 80 on the Internet-based test or 213 on the computer-based test or 550 on the paper-based test.
TOEFL score 80-82 is acceptable with the provision that the student takes EN6301 during the first semester at St. Mary’s University. As an alternative to the TOEFL, the international student can take the IELTS test and show a minimum score of 6.5 or better. A score of 6.0 is acceptable with the provision that the student takes EN6301 during the first semester at St. Mary’s University. No student will be admitted with a score lower than 6.0 on the IELTS test.
The third option for an international student is a Duolingo English test score of 115 or above.
Faculty
-
Ayad Barsoum, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Computer Science
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Arthur Hanna, Ph.D. Professor of Computer Science
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Carol Luckhardt Redfield, Ph.D. Chair and Professor of Computer Science
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