Computer Science, Master of Science
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program enables students to broaden and build on abilities brought to the program to develop a broad base of competency and depth of study in the field of computer science beyond the undergraduate level. The program provides graduates with experience in acquiring and applying knowledge, tools, and techniques to significant projects and studies through real-world experiences through either a repeatable internship or a capstone project.
Courses provide focus on programming, discrete math, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and full-stack development required to deliver Computer Science projects, as well as maintaining the professional skills needed to advance in the Computer Science field. Students will emerge with the experience and leadership identity required to influence the way that Computer Science is implemented and consumed in any corporation or government organization.
The Depth of Study (DOS) sequence prepares students to demonstrate expertise in a specific area. The elective courses allow students to expand their interests in other disciplines. The internship provides students a vehicle to apply what they have learned in the degree to real work problems at a for-profit or a non-profit organization.
The capstone is the platform that exhibits the synthesis of student’s academic accomplishments and experiential internship learnings. Under the guidance of an advisor, the capstone can be a project, research paper, thesis or poster, and a public presentation designed to demonstrate mastery.
Program Outcomes
The Master of Science in Computer Science will prepare students to:
1. Integrate a foundational knowledge of all areas of advanced computer science (General Computer Science Knowledge).
2. Apply fundamental principles and practices of advanced computer science (Computer Science Principles and Practices).
3. Apply critical and ethical thinking to solve problems in advanced computer science (Critical and Ethical Thinking).
4. Evaluate data to inform decisions and solve problems in advanced computer science (Quantitative Literacy).
5. Create the ability to develop and express ideas while applying a variety of delivery models, genres, and styles (Communication).
6. Collaborate effectively on diverse teams to accomplish a common goal (Collaboration).
Admission Requirements
In addition to City University of Seattle's graduate admission requirements, found under Admissions in the catalog menu, applicants to this program must also meet the following requirements:
- An earned bachelor's degree and evidence of completion of undergraduate courses or their equivalent in:
- Equivalency of 5-quarter hour credits at the intermediate level in at least one computer programming language; and
- Equivalency of 5-quarter hour credits in networking (TCP/IP from physical through applications layers); and
- Equivalency of 5-quarter hour credits of data management including basic database design and SOL/NoSQL Queries; and
- Equivalency of 5-quarter hour credits of operating systems including OS theory, process management, and memory management; OR
- An earned bachelor's degree and successful completion of CityU's Undergraduate Certificate in Foundations of Systems Development.
Total Required Credits (39-59 Credits)
Preparatory Courses (6 or 20 Credits)
These preparatory courses may be required for students entering the MSCS degree program without sufficient related experience. Please see the program admissions criteria in the City University of Seattle catalog for specific information.
Breadth-First Preparatory Courses (6 Credits)
| CS 11A | Technology & Computing Components I | 3 |
| CS 11B | Technology & Computing Components II | 3 |
Depth-First Preparatory Courses (20 Credits)
| CS 132 | Computer Science I * | 5 |
| (or) | |
| IS 201 | Fundamentals of Computing | 5 |
| CS 330 | Network Communications * | 5 |
| CS 340 | Operating Systems * | 5 |
| IS 360 | Database Technologies * | 5 |
Pre-Entry Requirement (0 Credit)
Students must take this course in the first quarter of enrollment. Students may take another program requirement concurrently.
| CS 500 | STC MS Orientation to Master's Programs * | 0 |
Core Requirements (24 Credits)
| CS 504 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 506 | Programming for Computing | 3 |
| CS 519 | Cloud Computing Overview | 3 |
| CS 533 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CS 547 | Secure Systems and Programs | 3 |
| CS 622 | Discrete Math and Algorithms for Computing | 3 |
| DS 510 | Artificial Intelligence for Data Science | 3 |
| DS 620 | Machine Learning & Deep Learning | 3 |
Depth of Study (6 Credits)
| CS 624 | Full-Stack Development - Mobile App | 3 |
| CS 628 | Full-Stack Development - Web Application | 3 |
Electives (6 Credits)
Students may select two elective courses from any other disciplines within the School of Technology & Computing or complete the internship after taking three CS 650 seminar courses for their internship preparation if necessary for their skill advancement.
Seminar
Students can take three CS 650 seminar courses after taking 6 credit hours and before taking either CS 680 Computer Science Internship or CS 687 Computer Science Capstone. Each enrollment must be pre-approved by the Program Manager.
| CS 650A | Master's Seminar I in Special Technology * | 1 |
| CS 650B | Master's Seminar II in Special Technology * | 1 |
| CS 650C | Master's Seminar III in Special Technology * | 1 |
Internship
This course is repeatable for credit. Each enrollment must be pre-approved by the Program Manager.
| CS 680 | Computer Science Internship * | 3 |
Capstone (3 Credits)
| CS 687 | Computer Science Capstone * | 3 |