Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

Computer Science, Master of Science


Academic Information

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.
 

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

Computer Science, Master of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Science in Computer Science?

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).
 

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Senior software engineer
  • Software project manager

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Researcher
  • University professor

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

Computer Science, Master of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

Computer Science, Master of Science


Overview

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:

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

Computer Science, Master of Science


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

Computer Science, Master of Science


Campus Availability

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