UND Computer Science Masters Degree Student Working at Computer

Master's in Computer Science

Master of Science (M.S.)

Take your problem-solving skills a step further by using the theoretical and practical applications of technology to shape the future.

The fastest route from idea to application in technology today requires expertise in both abstract and practical thinking. With this graduate program, you’ll gain a well-rounded skillset that can help you lead the way in overcoming challenges and creating new computing innovations.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30

Why earn a master's degree in Computer Science?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Understanding both the abstract and practical applications of technology will help you to develop the computer science skills that are sought after in today's fast-paced world. You'll better understand underlying theoretical issues along with implementation factors, while using the latest software platforms and systems.

Through this master's degree in Computer Science, you'll take in a holistic view of the latest innovations and trends with studies in:

  • Advanced Modeling and Simulation: Dive deeper into creating complex models for predicting system behaviors.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Learn to design systems that mimic human intelligence, from machine learning to neural networks.
  • Algorithms: Enhance your ability to devise algorithms for solving complex problems efficiently.
  • Database Systems: Gain expertise in managing and structuring vast amounts of data.
  • Software Engineering and Design: Focus on developing high-quality software with user-centric design principles.
  • Advanced Computer Graphics: Explore cutting-edge techniques in visual computing and graphic representations.

This master's has non-thesis and thesis options available.

On Campus or Online Computer Science Master's

  • Advance your technology skills with a curriculum that encourages a formal, abstract, theoretical and practical approach to the study of computer science.

  • Shape the future of transportation. UND’s Transportation Technology Research Initiative is using autonomous systems to develop and maintain a modern transportation system.

  • Gain access to on campus computing power. We have two computer labs, a set of diverse servers and a high-performance computing (HPC) system.

  • UND built its supercomputer with the HPE DL360 and Apollo 6500 Gen10 systems. It's an ideal end-to-end platform to support deep learning while delivering high-performance, versatility and security for workload management.

  • UND is a leader in big data expertise. We are the lead institution in a multi-university project for digital agriculture, funded by the National Science Foundation. And we co-lead another NSF project to determine industry and academic computational needs in the Midwest.

  • Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

What can I do with a master's degree in Computer Science?

25%

Anticipated job growth for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers through 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

130K

Average salary for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A master's degree in Computer Science opens doors to advanced roles in the tech industry, enabling you to specialize and lead in areas such as:

  • Software Engineer: Design and develop software applications.
  • Systems Engineer: Architect and manage complex systems.
  • Cybersecurity Specialist: Protect systems against cyber threats.
  • Systems Integration Engineer: Combine various computing systems and software.
  • Computer Scientist: Conduct research in computer science fields.
  • Network Analyst: Analyze, test, and evaluate networks.

These roles demand a high level of expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills, placing you at the forefront of technological innovation and development.

Jobs with a Master's in Computer Science

UND Computer Science graduates have gone on to careers all over the world in all types of industries, including high-tech, defense, aviation, financial and more. Our graduates are employed by:

  • Apple
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Digi-Key
  • Fast Enterprises
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Google
  • HGST
  • Honeywell
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Microsoft
  • NAS
  • Rockwell-Collins
  • Unisys

Computer Science Master's Courses

CSCI 522. Theoretical Foundations of Computer Science. 3 Credits.

A selection of topics from theoretical computer science, possibly including formal languages, automata, other models of computation, and the theory of computability, decidability, and complexity. Prerequisite: CSCI 492.

CSCI 532. High Performance Computing and Paradigms. 3 Credits.

A study of current topics in threads, inter-process communication and synchronization, master-slave and peer designs for concurrency, client-server architectures, cluster/grid computing and massively parallel computer architectures. A considerable amount of programming will be done in one or more of these environments. F, odd years.

CSCI 565. Advanced Software Engineering. 3 Credits.

A study of current topics related to the design and implementation of large software systems. Course content may vary with instructor and student interest. Potential topics include: software testing and validation, programming environments, program metrics and complexity, design methodologies, software reliability and fault tolerance. Prerequisite: CSCI 463.

CSCI 575. Analysis of Algorithms. 3 Credits.

The time and space complexity of classical computer algorithms is analyzed. NP hard and NP complete problems are characterized and illustrated. Prerequisite: CSCI 435.

CSCI 543. Machine Learning. 3 Credits.

An introductory course in machine learning for data science. Topics include the learning algorithms of a Bayesian network, neural network, parametric/non-parametric methods, kernel machine, support-vector machine, etc. for regression, classification, clustering, dimensionality reduction, etc. Prerequisite: CSCI 365 or CSCI 384. F, odd years.

CSCI 551. Security for Cloud Computing. 3 Credits.

Cloud computing scheme aims to provide users with a shared computing infrastructure. The privacy and security concerns in cloud computing are different from the security concerns present in a dedicated data center. This course focuses on these security concerns and countermeasures for a cloud environment. This course provides an overview of cloud computing and virtualization, the critical technology underpinning cloud computing, and the major threats to the operations of cloud computing. Topics may include access control, identity management, denial of service, account and service hijacking, secure APIs, malware, forensics, regulatory compliance, trustworthy computing, and secure computing. Prerequisite: CSCI 370, CSCI 451; and one of the following: CSCI 327, CSCI 427 or CSCI 555. S, odd years.

UND Computer Science MS

Best Online Computer Science Master's

Our online master's in Computer Science ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

TOP 25 MOST AFFORDABLE ACCELERATED MASTER’S IN COMPUTER SCIENCE ONLINE FOR 2021

Online Computer Science Master's

#2

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

UND's online Computer Science master's is fully online. You never have to come to campus. Plus, it's one of the most affordable online Computer Science master's in the region. For this program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Online Computer Science Master's Courses

Every course is available in an asynchronous format. For those who prefer real-time interaction, select courses offer an optional synchronous lecture option.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture.
  • Ask questions.
  • Participate in class discussions.
  • Conduct group activities.
  • Participate in video-sharing.
  • Have chat conversations.
  • Use interactive whiteboards.
  • Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

What can I expect from UND's online Computer Science master's degree?

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

Computer Science master's degrees are typically designed to be completed in two years. However, the length can vary significantly depending on the program type.

To decide if a Computer Science graduate program is right for you, it is essential to consider whether you enjoy working with technology and are curious about algorithms and systems, as these aspects are important areas in such programs.

A Computer Science graduate program can help enhance your career by providing advanced knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, databases, web development and more. Such expertise offers opportunities in diverse fields where computing plays a crucial role.

A master's in Computer Science opens doors to various career options, spanning artificial intelligence, databases, gaming, automation, web development, robotics, data mining, computer security and mobile computing. The versatility of computing skills allows professionals to work in virtually any field.

The level of challenge in a master's degree in computer science depends on the individual. While it demands dedication, it is a field that can be mastered with consistent effort and commitment. Students from various backgrounds tend to find unique elements of the program both engaging and rewarding, making it a manageable and fulfilling pursuit for those willing to invest the necessary time and effort.

Leaders in Computer Science

As a leader of Big Data, UND's goal is to make things more efficient, more effective and safer for North Dakotans.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact
Emanuel Grant
Graduate Director
P 701.777.4133
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