This plan is only available to students in China as part of NAU’s partnership with Beacon Education. This program is taught through NAU’s online, competency-based program, where students are enrolled in six-month subscriptions and complete their courses at their own pace. Visit the NAU-Beacon Education Partnership website to learn more.
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. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
This MS in Computer Science will prepare you to enter or continue in the computer science workforce, 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 goals. Available coursework allows students to study in many areas of computer science, including computer networking, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and software architecture and testing.
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.
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, machine learning and data science, software engineering, software design and architecture, and software validation and verification.
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:
Computer Science Required Coursework (3 units)
Computer Science Electives (27 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.