Mixing business with computing. That’s what we do.

Wondering what applied computer science is? An applied computer science degree focuses on the technical aspects of computer science to drive business decisions. The field was developed to answer the need for a business-focused IT professional. In addition to helping those with a computer science degree further their career, the program also prepares those with no background in computer science.

What You’ll Do

The program helps enhance your technical and professional skills so you can develop a high degree of specialization.

  • Learn theoretical computer science, software construction, data analytics, cloud computing and more.
  • Develop software applications.
  • Gain critical reasoning and technical writing skills.
  • Work closely with faculty advisors armed with professional/industrial background.

Outcomes & Careers

  • $114k

    Software Developer

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a software developer is $114,270.

  • $110k

    Web Developer

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a web developer is $109,950.

  • $89k

    Network & Computer Systems Administrators

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a network and computer systems administrator is $89,460.

Applied Computer Science Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

What You’ll Study

Degree Map

With a Master’s degree in Applied Computer Science, you’ll be prepared to further your career in computers and information technology.

In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies, applicants must have the following: 

  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer information systems or related field
*Students with bachelor’s degrees from other fields will be required to take up to 2 prerequisites related to Fundamentals of Computing and Programming (provisional admission). 
  • An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 
  • Six completed hours of science and six completed hours of mathematics in the undergraduate degree 

Probationary Admission 

Applicants who do not meet the general and/or program’s admission requirements may be considered for probationary admission upon approval by the graduate program coordinator. Students admitted on probation must complete nine credit hours that count towards the degree with a grade of “B” or better to continue in the program. 

Core Requirements: 

  • CY501 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3) 
  • CS506 Distributed Cloud Computing (3)  
  • CS591 Advanced Artificial Intelligence (3) 
  • CS605 Research Methods (3) 
  • CS609 Advanced Programming Languages (3) 
  • CS630 Current Topics in Human Computer Interaction (3) 

Choose one thesis option: 

Thesis option -12 hours 
  • CS/CY5xx-6xx –choose 6 hours* 
  • CS697 Thesis Research I (3) 
  • CS698 Thesis Research II (3) 
  • GR699 Master's Oral Examination (0) 
Non Thesis option -12 hours  
  • CS/CY5xx-6xx –choose 12 hours* 
  • CS690 Graduate Project (0) 
  • GR698 Master's Final Comprehensive Examination (0) 

Electives may be chosen from the following with the advice of the advisor:*  

  • CS505 Data Mining (3) 
  • CS533 Mobile Computing (3) 
  • CS560 Computer Architecture (3) 
  • CS575 Advanced Web Development (3) 
  • CS580 Advanced Robotics (3)
  • CS581 Advanced Network Programing (3) 
  • CS585 Formal Systems &Modeling (3) 
  • CS603 Introduction to Data Analytics (3) 
  • CS612 Simulation & Modeling for Computing (3) 
  • CS631 Advanced Software Engineering (3) 
  • CS632 Emerging & Converging Technologies & Computing (3) 
  • CS633 Digital Signal & Image Processing (3) 
  • CS634 Machine Learning (3) 
  • CS640 Advanced Database Systems (3) 
  • CS645 Internet of Things (3) 
  • CS650 Theory of Computation (3) 
  • CS653 Special Topics (3) 
  • CS693 Independent Study (3) 
  • CS699 Internship (3) 
  • CY510 Information Security & Assurance (3) 
  • CY520 Information Security in Systems Administration (3) 
  • CY610 Web Application Security (3) 
  • CY620 Computer Forensics (3) 
  • XX5xx/6xx Any relevant course from other departments and listed as electives – up to 6 hours

Stamp Cyber Command Center

Get experience with real-world cyber-attack scenarios in the first Cyber Command Center west of the Mississippi. Through SEMO's collaboration with IBM, you’ll get experience with immersive simulations that replicate real-world cyber threats, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to respond to the evolving cybercrime landscape.

Graduate Assistantships

The graduate assistantship (GA) is designed to provide support during full-time graduate study. It’s an opportunity for the graduate students to serve in a professional role while establishing a professional relationship with faculty and administrators. In addition to a per year stipend, GAs gain valuable experience. There are two kinds of assistantships: teaching and administrative.

Harrison College of Business & Computing

This program is housed in the Harrison College of Business and Computing. The College prepares students for the global marketplace. Alumni work for some of the world’s largest corporations to some of today’s most innovative startups. The focus is on creating and innovating, data and trends, supported by faculty mentors who themselves are leaders in business and computing.

Accreditations and Designations

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET): Computing Accreditation Commission logo
  • National Security Agency logo
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo
  • official Centers of academic excellence in cybersecurity community logo

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Graduate Coordinators

Graduate coordinators serve as the contact for graduate programs. The coordinators are most often faculty within the college which houses the program, helping you to get questions answered and first-hand knowledge of the degree requirements and placement opportunities.

Applied Computer Science Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

Location
Office
Dempster Hall, 021A
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 5950
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701