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MS in Applied Computer Science

MS in applied computer science student sits and thoughtfully listens to a professor in the lab during class
MS On-Campus Main Campus Online
DEGREE TYPE

Master's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Graduate

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Mixing business with computing. That’s Fearless.

Wondering what SEMO's master's in applied computer science is like? An MS in applied computer science 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.

Where Bold Ideas Take Shape with a MS in Applied Computer Science

The master's in Applied Computer Science 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 applied computer science professional/industrial background.

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MS in Applied Computer Science Outcomes & Careers

  • $144k

    Software Developer

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a software developer is $144,570.

  • $99k

    Web Developer

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a web developer is $98,790.

  • $101k

    Network & Computer Systems Administrators

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a network and computer systems administrator is $101,190.

MS Applied Computer Science Degree Map

Equipped to Lead. Inspired to Go Further.

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Built for What Comes Next with an Master's in Applied Computer Science

With an Online Master’s degree in Applied Computer Science, prepare 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:

  1. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer information systems, or a 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).
  2. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  3. 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-driven, real-world cyber-attack scenarios in the first Cyber Command Center west of the Mississippi. Through SEMO's collaboration with IBM, experience immersive simulations that replicate real-world cyber threats, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to respond to the evolving cybercrime landscape.
Explore the Cyber Command Center
A student works with code at at computer console in the new cyber security facility, a full-scale cyber command center

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.
See Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

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.
Explore the College
Students getting their Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, work on the computer in class.
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What will it cost?

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, and sell your knowledge and experience—if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. Our boldly supportive faculty will provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job.
Career Services

Become a Redhawk.

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

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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.
Dr. Reshmi Mitra
Dr. Reshmi Mitra

Additional Resources

Graduate Studies
Office of Admissions
Student Financial Services
Kent Library
Department of Computer Science
Harrison College of Business & Computing

MS Applied Computer Science Degree Map

Equipped to Lead. Inspired to Go Further.

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Related Programs

The cybersecurity degree prepares you for a career as a developer, programmer, or software engineer with courses to protect networks and minimize software and systems vulnerabilities.

Program Details Degree Map

DEGREE TYPE

Master's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Graduate

LOCATION

Main Campus - Cape

DEPARTMENT

Computer Science

Computer Science

Contact Us

Location

Office

Dempster Hall, 021A

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 5950
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
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