Computer Science, Master of Science
School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems
College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences
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.
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, 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.
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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:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan 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:
- Identify, explain, and synthesize fundamental concepts of computer science, including computer networking, high-performance computing, and software engineering
- Analyze and critically distill scientific literature to identify computer science theories and development and research methods appropriate to relevant science and engineering problems and research areas
- Apply computer science theories and development and research methods to formulate, develop, and assess computer system solutions to relevant science and engineering problems and research areas
- Compose and engage in highly effective written and oral communication in computer science areas
Graduate Admission Information
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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:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
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.
Additional Admission Requirements
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Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
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- A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field.
- Personal statement outlining the prospective student's professional goals in computer science.
- Two letters of recommendation from recommenders who are familiar with the prospective student's computer science qualifications.
- Computer Science Milestone. Students must pass the Initial Skills Inventory Exam, or complete CS 500 and CS 501 before enrolling in graduate-level CS courses. See the department website for details.
Master's Requirements
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This Master’s degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
- Computer Science Required Coursework: 3 units
- Computer Science Electives: 27 units
Take the following 30 units:
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Computer Science Required Coursework (3 units)
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Computer Science Electives (27 units)
Additional Information
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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.