Computer scientists develop complex software and computer systems that are central to contemporary science, engineering, industry, and business. The MS in Computer Science enables students to either enter the computer science workforce or continue on to a doctoral program of study.
Individual and team-based assignments will enable students to build mastery of important computer science skills and their practical applications in areas that include computer networks, computer graphics and visualization, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, machine learning and data science, software engineering, software design and architecture, and software validation and verification. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage in critical application areas of computer science in areas that include biology, ecology, and astronomy.
The non-thesis option of this program allows students to complete their degree through coursework, while the thesis option is focused on engagement with research projects under the mentorship of a faculty member and culminating in the preparation and defense of a thesis.
The program is strengthened through broad collaborations with a variety of other academic programs, government agencies, and private research organizations, including the departments of Biological Sciences and Astronomy and Planetary Science, Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, and U.S. Geological Survey.
The MS in Computer Science degree program prepares graduates for careers in a wide variety of areas in the application of computer science to science, engineering, industry, and business. The thesis option of the program is particularly appropriate for preparing graduates to subsequently enter doctoral programs of study.
Common types of software applications include advanced simulations, data analysis using Big Data, search and data mining, cloud-based systems, user interfaces, mobile application development, computer graphics and game development, high-performance parallel applications, and database design and applications.
Computer scientists are employed in a large number of organizations, with Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Dell, Oracle, Amazon, Google, General Dynamics, Boeing, and Raytheon among the largest employers. Other more specialized organizations include National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and one of the National Laboratories (e.g. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory or Los Alamos National Laboratory).
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Thesis | Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Research | Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
Purpose Statement
This MS in Computer Science will prepare you to either enter the computer science workforce or continue on to a doctoral program of study, building core skills that are widely applicable to many areas of science, engineering, industry, business, and research.
This degree is flexible and allows students to develop a customized program of study that is highly aligned with their professional or research interests. Available coursework allows students to study in many areas of computer science, including computer networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and software architecture and testing. While all students will be expected to contribute to a substantive computer science development or research project under the mentorship of a faculty member during the course of their study, thesis option students will have additional opportunities to engage in computer science research and scholarship and prepare a thesis.
This program is designed for students with strong preparation in programming and computer science, gained through successful completion of an undergraduate computer science program or other professional experience. The non-thesis option of the program is designed for students seeking professional preparation, while the thesis option is particularly appropriate for students for considering further graduate study in a doctoral program.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to contribute in a wide variety of core computer science areas in both academia or professional practice, including computer networks, computer graphics and visualization, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, machine learning and data science, software engineering, software design and architecture, and software validation and verification. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage in critical application areas of computer science in areas that include biology, ecology, and astronomy.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will demonstrate the following competencies and program learning outcomes:
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Master’s degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 30 units:
Non-Thesis or Thesis Option - Select one (27 units)
Non-Thesis Option (27 units)
Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet all course prerequisites.
Thesis Options (27 units)
Students selecting the thesis option are required to complete 18 units of formal letter-graded course work. No 400-level coursework may apply toward this requirement.
Thesis option students are responsible for selecting a research advisor who will act as their thesis committee chair as well as other members of their thesis committee before completing 9 units of coursework in the degree program.
Thesis option students must successfully complete a thesis and thesis final defense and are responsible for following all applicable NAU conditions as stated in the Requirements for Theses and Dissertations Policy (100806).
Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet all course prerequisites.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and start a Master of Science in Computer Science - Non-thesis at NAU.
OR
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and start a Master of Science in Computer Science - Non-thesis at NAU.
OR
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Immersive Media and Games and start a Master of Science in Computer Science - Non-thesis at NAU.
OR
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering and start a Master of Science in Computer Science - Non-thesis at NAU.
Students accepted into one of the Accelerated Programs should complete the appropriate requirements below.
This Master’s degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 30 units:
Students selecting a non-thesis/coursework/track option must complete 24 units of formal letter-graded coursework.
Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet all course prerequisites.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
This Master’s degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 30 units:
Non-Thesis Option (27 units)
Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet all course prerequisites.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.