Computer Science, MSCS

Master of Science in Computer Science Overview

Computer science professionals are critical to ensure the continued growth of technological innovation in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. There is an increased need and demand for professionals with expertise in developing systems optimized for performance and business impact. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth rates of 12% are expected through 2029 which will drive another 550,000 positions across all industries. Computer science professionals with an advanced degree typically earn more than $100,000 per year.

There is a widening gap between employers’ needs for skilled computer science professionals and the availability to fill those roles. Demand is high for practitioners with the necessary mix of competencies - a combination of technical and leadership skills required in management and senior-level positions. Clark’s Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) distinguishes itself in the academic marketplace by equipping you with the credentials and tools to solve complex technological challenges, understand data structures, and information and the value it brings to all types of organizations - and immediately apply it to your career.

Our outcome-focused, rigorous curriculum emphasizes core computer science competencies, while also exploring areas like machine learning, data mining, human computer interaction, mobile computing, and cybersecurity. We emphasize skills-based training, coupled with the ability to “tell a story with data,” increasing your impact on the business.  

With easy access to an additional portfolio of potential electives, providing expertise in Cybersecurity, and IT Architectures and Analytics, students can construct an educational experience that is uniquely focused on their own career aspirations, including pursuing concentrations in Big Data and Human Computer Interaction (HCI).

Course of Study

The MCSC degree requires 10 courses, including 3 core academic requirements. Electives include two concentration options: Big Data and Human-Computer Interaction, as well as the option for students to define elective choices based on their target outcomes.

Core Requirements

• MSCS 3055 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms  
• MSCS 3070 - Survey of Systems and Programming Languages  
• MSCS 3050 - Software Engineering  

List of Concentrations

Big Data

Big data is a term that describes the large volume of data - both structured and unstructured - that inundates a business on a day-to-day basis. What organizations do with the data matters. Big data can be analyzed for insights that lead to better decisions and to pursue new business opportunities. The exponential growth of data and its increasing importance to all types of enterprises insures computer professionals adept in data’s acquisition, management, analysis and presentations are in high demand.

Big Data (select 3)

MSCS 3045 - Applied Data Analytics  

MSDA 3040 - Fundamentals of Data Engineering  

MSDA 3050 - Applied Machine Learning  

MSDA 3060 Data Visualization and Story Telling  

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

HCI focuses on interfaces between people and computers and how to design, evaluate, and implement interactive computer systems that satisfy the user. The biggest benefit as a company that comes from using HCI is from more user-friendly products. You are able to make computers and systems much more receptive to the needs of the user, creating a better user experience. The demand for computing professionals with these skills continues to increase as business critical applications depend on efficient collaboration and transactional effectiveness.

Human-Computer Interaction (select 3)

MSDA 3060 - Data Visualization and Story Telling  

MSCS 3021 - Human Computer Interaction  

MSCS 3025 - Usability Engineering  

MSCS 3027 - Social Informatics  

Learning Outcomes

The Master of Science in Computer Science is designed to equip students with advanced skills and knowledge in the planning, design, development implementation, testing and evaluation and deployment of computing systems. Specific areas of study include Big Data and Human Computer Interaction. These skills form necessary foundations for solving practical problems that arise in business, industrial, governmental, and other organizations, as well as for pursuing doctoral studies in computer science. Our degree and concentrations provide graduates with the skills necessary to work as professionals and take on leadership roles in their organizations. This program offers students the opportunity to develop operational competencies in 5 foundations:

1. Organizational Systems - to understand the organizational role played by modern computing technology. MSCS 3021 - Human Computer Interaction  
2. Ethics and Social Responsibility - to apply values and ethics within the public service and non-profit sectors MSCS 3027 - Social Informatics  
3. Workplace Dynamics, Communication, and Career Management - to lead, manage and engage others in an organization MSDA 3060 - Data Visualization and Story Telling  
4. Applied Research - to analyze information for effective and efficient decision-making MSCS 3098 - Directed Research   MSCS 3999 - Capstone  

Electives

Additional Electives

• MSIT 3250 - Network Architecture and Design  
• MSCS 3212 Numerical Analysis  
• MSCS 3215 Operating Systems  
• MSCS 3230 Compiler Design  
• MSCS 3262 Computer Vision  
• MSCS 3940 Internship  
• MSCS 3098 Directed Research  
• MSCS 3999 Capstone