Getting Your Master’s Degree in Computer Science with the GI Bill
The University of Minnesota official site says, "The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) graduate program offers coursework across a broad spectrum of theoretical and applied computer science, combined with research opportunities in nearly all areas of the field."With a Master’s degree in computer science, you can go into many industries such as business, healthcare, finance, and technology. You can find employment in a large corporation, a nonprofit, a startup, and even the government. Most industries use technology in some form, so your job prospects are high.
Although you can get a decent job with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, pursuing your master’s in computer science opens even more doors. This is helpful in a competitive market and will give you more room for advancement. Getting your master’s degree will allow you to move into upper management.
Some people enter a master’s program after getting their bachelor’s degree, while others return to school after years in the workforce. They may want to make a career change or have hit a wall in their current job.
Online or In-person
Regarding getting your master’s degree in computer science, you can attend an in-person or online program. The benefits of an online program may appeal to working professionals or those looking for a career transition. In-person programs may appeal more for those coming from undergraduate programs or those who simply want that in-person experience.Master’s of Computer Science Program
What will students learn in a master’s of computer science program? This depends on the specification, the school, and the type of program the student is in. Generally speaking, students will learn how to solve problems and communicate with programming languages. They will build databases and work to figure out security vulnerabilities.The computer science degree has its foundations in math and science and requires students to possess strong analytical reasoning skills to solve problems.
Specializations
When entering a master’s degree program, you must decide on a specialization. Some of the more common specializations in computer science are software engineering, data analytics, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, computer and network security, human and computer interaction, real-world computing, and database systems.Common Classes
- Database Systems– where you explore the fundamentals of designing databases and applications, studying data models, query languages, and different techniques for building databases.
- Software Architecture and Design- where you would examine the basic principles of analyzing and designing software systems, how to apply object-oriented design techniques, assess various architectural systems, create software architectures and use correct software design patterns.
- Data Structures and Algorithms- where you explore the fundamentals of data structures, including stacks, queues, lists, trees, graphs, and algorithms.
- Artificial Intelligence- where you learn about the basic principles and applications of AI.
- Programming Languages- where you learn about the design and use of mainstream programming languages.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements will also depend on the program. Generally, you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, usually with a major or at least a minor in computer science or a computer science-related field. Some programs require a 3.0 or higher GPA, professional experience, completing the GRE, writing an essay, recommendations, certificates, and letters of intent.Top Master’s in Computer Science Programs
There are many different master’s in computer science programs, some are in-person, and some are online.Top 10 Master’s in Computer Science Programs
- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- The University of California at Berkeley
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Princeton University
- Columbia University
- The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Cornell University
- New York University
Top 10 Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs
- Vanderbilt University
- The University of Louisville Online
- Syracuse University
- Stanford University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Columbia University
- John Hopkins University
- The University of Southern California
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Boston University
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- The University of Illinois at Springfield
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Jobs With a Master’s Degree in Computer Science
- Computer Network Architects - Computer Network Architects work to build communication networks, local and wide area networks, and intranets.
- Database Administrators - Database Administrators use software to organize and store data, are responsible for securing this data and making it available to authorized users. They also monitor the performance of databases and conduct support to ensure that data analysts and others can easily access and find the necessary information.
- Software Developers - Software Developers design, develop, and test applications that can help people in their jobs. They also ensure that programs work properly, will recommend software updates, and collaborate with other computer specialists.
- Computer System Analyst - Computer System Analysts work to optimize the user experience with different programs and advise employers and clients on what software they might need, implement the software, and make sure they are working properly.
- Computer Hardware Engineer - Computer Hardware Engineers will research, design, develop, and test computer systems, components, processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.
- Information Security Analysts—Information Security Analysts are responsible for testing and screening security software, monitoring networks and systems for security breaches or intrusions, resolving possible causes of security threats, and making recommendations to management.
- Computer and Information Systems Managers - Computer and Information Systems Managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization or company. They will also help determine the information technology goals and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet these goals.
- Web Developer - Web Developers design and create websites, and make sure that the website performs and is optimized correctly. They write code, collaborate with others, and monitor a website’s traffic.
Scholarships for Students Getting a Master’s in Computer Science
Here are a few scholarships for those getting their master’s in computer science. You can also find our longer list of scholarships for computer science majorsat College Recon.Society of Women Engineers-Honeywell Scholarship
The Honeywell Scholarship from the Society of Women Engineers is for sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate students who are US citizens and have an SWE Collegiate membership. Preference will be given to under-represented groups and/or those who demonstrate financial need. Students must be studying certain degrees, including computer science. The award of $5,000 will be given to three studentsPG&E Better Together STEM Scholarship
The PG&E Better Together STEM Scholarship is for those who are either a high school senior, or a graduate, an undergraduate, or a post-secondary undergraduate. Veterans and adults returning to school can also apply. Applicants must have a primary residence that is a PG&E customer in California at the time of the application. They must plan to enroll full-time in an accredited college or university, pursuing studies in STEM at a California college or university. They should also have an interest in the energy industry and STEM-related issues. Past awards have ranged from $1,000-$10,000.Related Majors:
- Computer Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Information Science
- Computer Systems Networking
- Computer Science and Applications
- Computer Programing
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Data Processing
- Data Entry