Master's in Computer Science: Power the World
Computing is integral to everything we do. From engineering and medicine to banking and entertainment, every industry engages with the constantly evolving field of computer science.
Computer science also benefits society. It helps charities streamline donations, paves the way for a more equitable world, and predicts and avoids catastrophes.
If you are interested in working in this dynamic field, West Chester University's Master of Science in Computer Science is an excellent place to start.
Through coursework, lab experiences, and hands-on internships, our program trains you to design, develop, and analyze software and hardware while fostering your creativity.
The Department of Computer Science is designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA), and is a member of Pennsylvania Association of Computer and Information Science Educators (PACISE), as well as National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) Academic Alliance
Master's in Computer Science Program Tracks
Information Systems
The information systems track focuses on the various networks, hardware, and software that are needed to evaluate and interpret data, and will teach you software engineering, security, and administration skills.
Information Assurance
The information assurance track is a multi-disciplined area of practice. It encompasses a wide array of specialty knowledge in areas such as privacy, disaster recovery, business continuity, and wireless programming and security.
Web Technology
If you choose the web technology concentration, you'll learn how computers and systems communicate, connect, and interact with the web. You'll also gain a comprehensive understanding of the most common internet languages: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Benefits of Earning your Master's in Computer Science at West Chester University
Faculty Experts
The faculty members of our computer science program are professionally accomplished experts in their respective specializations. Each member is active in ongoing industry research, including topics such as augmented reality security, malware analysis, information retrieval, cognitive science, and machine learning. They'll work with you to ensure your master's degree is in line with your individual career goals.
Superior Laboratory Classrooms & Multiple Servers
WCU maintains state-of-the-art computer laboratories for the exclusive use of students in the CS program, including 55 Windows-based operating systems and 25 Linux-based systems.
The Department of Computer Sciences also maintains several Linux servers that are available for student and faculty use in the program.
Information Security Center and Industry Advisory Board
The Information Security Center (ISC) provides high quality education and training of information assurance. This is accomplished through teaching, scholarly, and service activities through WCU's collaboration and partnership with industry, public organizations, and other institutions.
The ISC's Industry Advisory Board includes members from a variety of organizations including XDA Developers, Vanguard, Gartner, F5 Networks, Deloitte, Unisys, Microshare, and Parsons Corporation. The Advisory Board guides decisions for the ISC and keeps WCU on top of the latest trends in the marketplace.
Virtual Access
RamCloud is a virtual desktop infrastructure that allows our students, faculty, and staff to access licensed software applications from any device, anywhere, at any time.
Scholarships & Graduate Assistantships
WCU constantly strives to make education more affordable for our students. We've frozen tuition for the last four years and offer different funding options. The Repair the World Scholarship is awarded annually to four students who are earning their master's in computer science. (is this good for multiple years?) Limited graduate assistantships are also available through The Graduate School.
Robust Student Experience
As a student in the master's in computer science program, you'll have ample opportunities for involvement on our campus, including:
- Computer Science Club
- Bin Lu Women in Computer Science
- Competitive Programming Club
- Cybersecurity Club
- Game Development Club
- Upsilon Pi Epsilon International Honor Society
In addition, the Department of Computer Science and the Computer Science Club jointly moderate a Discord server to help facilitate virtual community and discussion outside of our physical CSC classrooms and labs.
What Can You Do with a Master of Science in Computer Science?
Exceptional Growth Through 2030
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth for computer science related roles at 22% through 2030, which is a rate much faster than the average for all occupations.
An Excellent Computer Science Salary
Depending on your level of education, your computer science salary can be well over $100,000. For example, the median salary for information research scientists is $131,490, while a software developer can earn a salary of $153,000.
Computer Science Jobs
With a worldwide reliance on technology, there are nearly endless computer science jobs available, such as:
- Computer network architect: Build communication networks including intranets.
- Software developer: Design, test, and develop applications to improve job effectiveness.
- Computer and information research scientist: Generate and design new computer science approaches.
- Software development engineer: Design, build, and maintain computer systems and software.
- Information security analyst: Protect the integrity of computer systems and information.
- Network and computer systems administrator: Ensure everyday operations are running to optimal capacity.
- Web developer: Design and create websites and optimize site capacity and performance.
Your master's degree will make you a top candidate in your computer science job search.
What Will You Study as a Master's in Computer Science Student?
Earning your master's in computer science at West Chester University means you'll have the knowledge, skills, and tools you'll need to succeed.
M.S. in Computer Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses 1,2 | ||
| CSC 520 | Foundations of Computer Science | 3 |
| CSC 530 | Data Structures | 3 |
| CSC 540 | Programming Languages | 3 |
| CSC 560 | Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select four 500-level electives from the following: | 12 | |
CSC 525 | Operating Systems | |
CSC 535 | Networks and Data Communication | |
CSC 545 | Database Systems Concepts | |
CSC 555 | Software Engineering | |
CSC 565 | Compiler Design | |
CSC 575 | Artificial Intelligence | |
CSC 576 | Data Science | |
CSC 577 | Natural Language Processing | |
CSC 581 | Topics in Computer Science | |
CSC 582 | ||
CSC 583 | Topics in Computer Security | |
CSC 584 | Topics in Web Technology | |
CSC 585 | User Interfaces | |
CSC 586 | System Administration and Security | |
CSC 587 | Modern Web Applications Using Server-Side Technologies | |
CSC 588 | ||
| Select two 600-level courses from the following: | 6 | |
CSC 600 | Advanced Seminar 3 | |
CSC 603 | Advanced Seminar in Security 3 | |
CSC 604 | Advanced Seminar Web Technology 3 | |
CSC 605 | Internship in Computer Science | |
CSC 610 | Independent Research 4 | |
CSC 620 | Thesis 4 | |
| Complete an additional CSC elective at the 500 or 600 level, numbered CSC 525 or greater. 3,4 | 3 | |
| Total Minimum Credits Required | 33 | |
- 1
A student must complete the four core courses within the first six courses taken.
- 2
All core courses must be completed before a student can take a 600-level course.
- 3
The advanced seminar courses (CSC 600, CSC 603, CSC 604) offer a variety of advanced topics in computer science. A student must take at least one of these courses and not more than two.
- 4
A student who elects to do a master's thesis must take CSC 610 (independent research) and CSC 620 (thesis). CSC 610 may count for credit towards the degree only once.
Thesis Options
Independent Research (CSC 610)
The student may work in one of three directions for this course:
-
Master's thesis preparation: After consulting with a faculty advisor, the student will conduct a comprehensive literature search in a research area, write a detailed report on the current state of the art in that area, and develop a thesis proposal.
-
Individual project: The student will work on a substantial programming project throughout the semester. The student will be expected to do sufficient background research and then design, as needed, all the data structures, flow of control, and so forth, required for implementation.
-
Team project: The student will be involved in an ambitious software development project with at least one other student under the guidance of the advisor. This course emphasizes the development of those capabilities that are considered especially important in the practical world of computing, such as written and oral communications skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Thesis (CSC 620)
The student is to carry out the research proposal developed in CSC 610. At the completion of the project, the student must submit a bound manuscript that meets the approval of the graduate committee.
You'll also have full access to computer science labs and can assist faculty with their research projects.
Internships & Research Opportunities
At WCU, we understand the value of hands-on experience. As a student in the master's degree program, you can choose to participate in diverse internships or take on your own independent research project. Regardless of the path you choose, you'll work to address real-world challenges by applying your classroom and laboratory knowledge.
"I gained a lot of knowledge and experience working with a large variety of frameworks, tools, and paradigms [by earning my master's in computer science from WCU."
"WCU's master's in computer science program educates its students in a diverse field of concepts in the industry. It prepares students to tackle the challenges in the workplace as they step out of college."
Get Started in WCU's Master's in Computer Science Program
Are you ready to enter the exciting world of technology? Computer scientists are well-paid and in-demand. There's never been a better time to earn your master's degree and get ahead in your career. Reach out today.
Apply NowPrograms Related to WCU's Master of Science in Computer Science
If you haven't completed your bachelor's in computer science, WCU offers a pathway to earn your bachelor's alongside your master's. To learn more about our accelerated bachelor's to master's in computer science program, visit our program page.
West Chester University also offers the individual tracks of the master's in computer science program as professional certificates:
