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Master of Science in Computer Science Degree

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You’ve always been fascinated by technology—the hardware and software, the languages and mathematical concepts behind them, and the rapid pace at which it all moves.

You dedicated yourself to learning everything about its inner workings, first through your own personal interests and then by strengthening and refining your knowledge with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field. The workforce then fully immersed you in your passion—through software or hardware engineering, web or app development, information technology, or network architecture and security—and each day, you access your expansive skill set to tackle new challenges, devise innovative solutions, and evolve and strengthen your company’s current capabilities.

Yet, more and more careers in the vast realm of computer science require an advanced degree, be it to continue growing your knowledge or to advance into a research or leadership role. If you’ve found yourself in this position, Northeastern Illinois University has structured our Master of Science in Computer Science program for driven, creative professionals like yourself, offering a higher-level broad-based curriculum, the opportunity to gain a specialization, and convenient class times that fit around your current full-time job.

Program at a Glance

Change Your Career to Computer Science

Students can enter the program with a bachelor’s from any field but must take background courses before beginning coursework toward the master’s.

Learn at Your Own Pace

The MS in Computer Science is a flexible, self-paced 36 credit hour program offering two concentrations.

13:1 Student-to-faculty Ratio

Students can take advantage of small class sizes for personalized attention. Convenient evening, weekend and online classes are offered for working professionals.

Marianela Crissman, alum

“I feel privileged to have been a part of this program. It doesn’t really matter which university you’re coming from, it’s the amount of work that you, on your own, do when you’re studying. Yes, if you’re coming from an elite university you may have more connections, but at the end of the day what’s important is what you learn and what you do with it.”

Read Marianela's Story

Marcelo Sztainberg, PhD, Professor

"Our graduate students come from different backgrounds. Some of them are seasoned professionals looking to move to the next level while others are career changers, intrigued by the possibilities of our vibrant field. Many of our students are international, bringing with them their personal experiences and the richness of other cultures. Being in the classroom with diverse individuals is as enriching as it can be. Our graduates work on hands-on projects, get access to practical research experiences and internship opportunities. When they graduate, they leave ready for successful careers in information technology, cybersecurity, and data science."

View Dr. Sztainberg's Profile

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About the Master’s in Computer Science Degree

No single path exists for computer science professionals. Rather, as more industries adopt computer applications, demand spans software, hardware, and web development to cybersecurity. Regardless of specialization, all professionals like yourself require a solid grounding in design, development, and system skills and analysis, and NEIU structures our Master’s in Computer Science degree in this fashion, allowing you to continue upgrading your knowledge.

Through this format, NEIU’s Master’s in Computer Science program:

  • provides a twofold purpose, equipping you with a blend of advanced and specialized competencies to reach the next rung of your career or change directions;
  • helps you meet the marketplace’s demands for a higher level of computer science knowledge;
  • builds on your educational and professional accomplishments while letting you customize your degree to your goals;
  • understands that today’s computer science professionals need to be super problem-solvers and supplies you with analytical skills, practical applications, and an advanced theoretical background to creatively address the latest issues;
  • helps advance your understanding of programming languages, algorithms, and data structures while broadening your scientific and technical mindset;
  • is known for its affordable tuition and diverse, supportive environment, where you’ll be in greater contact with your professors;
  • considers your hectic schedule and holds classes in the evenings after work hours and on Saturday mornings, eliminating time away from the workforce; and
  • considers a wide spectrum of paths and goals—landing an advanced specialist, manager, or leadership role in your company or industry, continuing your educational journey onto a doctoral degree, or growing your knowledge to teach computer science in a high school setting to future technology professionals.

Master’s in Computer Science Curriculum (36 Credit Hours)

Delivering the degree of customization that speaks to your vision and creativity, NEIU divides the curriculum for the Master’s in Computer Science program into three parts: core courses (12 credit hours), concentration courses (9 credit hours), and electives (15 credit hours or 12 credit hours with a master’s thesis). To illustrate the synthesis and practical application of your newly acquired knowledge, you’ll further be required to complete a thesis or graduate project.

Core Courses 

Get ready to design or originate new solutions, improve existing processes, and enhance your troubleshooting abilities with a core that introduces broadly applied higher-level computer science principles, including discrete modeling and analysis; algorithm sorting, searching, and analysis; and object-oriented design (OOD) and programming. These courses delve into advanced enumeration methods, graph theory, automata and formal languages, probability and statistics, the computational complexity and intractability of algorithms, encapsulation, polymorphism, and OOD inheritance.

Concentrations

Three concentrations reflect common mid- to senior-level computer science careers or equip you with the competencies and analytical skills to apply to a PhD program:

Security/Networking

The threats against networks continue to multiply. Network security professionals are essentially digital defenders, steadfastly keeping company and client information secure against intruders seeking to exploit a vulnerability and usurp key data. Through courses in computer networks, network and computer security, and cryptography, you’ll acquire more in-depth insight into the field’s principles, practices, and tools for securing data and electronic communications and analyzing networks and threats, particularly within the context of business usage. 

Project Management

Project managers are integral to software, hardware, web, and application development and information technology. Considering this evolving, leadership-rooted role, this concentration builds off your existing education and professional experience through courses covering the processes for developing and designing software and web applications, technical communication skills, and industry-relevant management principles for streamlining and integrating computer science-based business processes.

Data/Artificial Intelligence

The relentless growth of Big Data shows no signs of stopping and has transformed yesterday’s analysis methods. Extracting valuable insights now requires a combination of programming language and software knowhow, plus a strong background in statistics. Preparing you for a data analyst or similar role, this concentration equips you to develop stronger numbers-based insights through courses in artificial intelligence models, theories, and applications; the design and construction of database systems; organizing, analyzing, and processing data; and data mining principles and methods for influencing or supporting key business decisions. 

Review the full Master’s in Computer Science curriculum, including all concentration courses. 

Careers with a Master’s in Computer Science

Although a bachelor’s degree launches many computer science careers, this credential, along with additional training and certification, only takes you to a point. Department, team, or company leaders prove their resilience and ability to take charge not solely through their accomplishments but often by supporting their track record with a graduate-level computer science degree.

Reflecting the continuous, often purposeful pace of technology, opportunities for individuals with a computer science background are expected to grow 10% between 2019 and 2029, based on figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Beyond moving up in your field, a Master’s degree provides access to additional career paths, including as a computer or information scientist, with predicted 15% greater demand. 

Admission Requirements

Envisioning the next level of your career? Realize your potential and commitment to technology’s ever-increasing applications by earning a Master’s in Computer Science degree from NEIU. Interested candidates must meet all Graduate College application requirements, in addition to having:

  • a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate program;
  • a 2.75 cumulative GPA for all undergraduate coursework; and
  • knowledge of discrete structures and programming languages, regardless of undergraduate major.

Review all admissions requirements for the program.

Enrollment is open for fall and spring semesters.

Orchestrate the Next Stage of Your Career with a Master of Science in Computer Science from NEIU

You’re not content to proceed ahead on a single path, so harness your dedicated nature and surge forward toward your goal with an MS in Computer Science degree from NEIU. If you have questions about the program, contact NEIU’s Department of Computer Science at (773) 442-4720 to learn more. 

Additional Resources