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  • MS Computer Science

Prospective Graduate Students

If you're considering one of our graduate programs, we have more information about becoming a graduate student.

Contact the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems

Email:
siccs-grd​@nau.edu
Call:
928-523-0101
Get application information


Computer Science, Master of Science

Computer scientists develop complex software and computer systems that are central to contemporary science, engineering, industry, and business. The MS in Computer Science enables students to either enter the computer science workforce or continue on to a doctoral program of study.
 
Individual and team-based assignments will enable students to build mastery of important computer science skills and their practical applications in areas that include computer networks, computer graphics and visualization, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, machine learning and data science, software engineering, software design and architecture, and software validation and verification. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage in critical application areas of computer science in areas that include biology, ecology, and astronomy.
 
The non-thesis option of this program allows students to complete their degree through coursework and project-based learning, while the thesis option is focused on engagement with research projects under the mentorship of a faculty member and culminating in the preparation and defense of a thesis.
 
The program is strengthened through broad collaborations with a variety of other academic programs, government agencies, and private research organizations, including the departments of Biological Sciences and Physics and Astronomy, Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, and U.S. Geological Survey.
 

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Requirements Accordion Open

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. (Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.)

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master’s degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
    Read the full policy.

     

Overview Accordion Closed

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.
Minimum Units for Completion30
Additional Admission RequirementsAdmission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
ThesisThesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Oral DefenseOral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
ResearchIndividualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Progression Plan LinkView Program of Study
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate PlanOptional

Purpose Statement

This MS in Computer Science will prepare you to either enter the computer science workforce or continue on to a doctoral program of study, building core skills that are widely applicable to many areas of science, engineering, industry, business, and research.

This degree is flexible and allows students to develop a customized program of study that is highly aligned with their professional or research interests. Available coursework allows students to study in many areas of computer science, including computer networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and software architecture and testing. While all students will be expected to contribute to a substantive computer science development or research project under the mentorship of a faculty member during the course of their study, thesis option students will have additional opportunities to engage in computer science research and scholarship and prepare a thesis.

This program is designed for students with strong preparation in programming and computer science, gained through successful completion of an undergraduate computer science program or other professional experience. The non-thesis option of the program is designed for students seeking professional preparation, while the thesis option is particularly appropriate for students for considering further graduate study in a doctoral program.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to contribute in a wide variety of core computer science areas in both academia or professional practice, including computer networks, computer graphics and visualization, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, machine learning and data science, software engineering, software design and architecture, and software validation and verification. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage in critical application areas of computer science in areas that include biology, ecology, and astronomy.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will demonstrate the following competencies and program learning outcomes:

  • Identify, explain, and synthesize fundamental concepts of computer science, including computer networking, cybersecurity, high-performance computing, and software engineering
  • Analyze and critically distill scientific literature to identify computer science theories and development and research methods appropriate to relevant science and engineering problems and research areas
  • Apply computer science theories and development and research methods to formulate, develop, and assess computer system solutions to relevant science and engineering problems and research areas
  • Compose and engage in highly effective written and oral communication in computer science areas

Details Accordion Closed

Additional Admission Requirements
  • Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
    • NAU Graduate Online application is required for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
    • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent. 
    • Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
    • Transcripts
    • For details on graduate admission policies, please visit the Graduate Admissions Policy
    • International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy 


    Individual program admission requirements include:

    • Bachelor degree in Computer Science or completion of program prerequisite courses (see department website for details)
    • Personal statement outlining the prospective student's professional goals in computer science and an indication of interest in either the thesis of non-thesis option.
    • Two letter of recommendation from recommenders who are familiar with the prospective student's computer science qualifications
Master's Requirements
  • This Master’s degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
    • Statistics and Mathematics: 3 units
    • Computer Science Coursework: 3 units
    • Select a Thesis or Non-Thesis Option: 24 units


    Take the following 30 units

    • Statistics and mathematics (3 units):
      • INF 511 or graduate-level STA or MAT prefixed course (3 units)
    • Required Computer Science Coursework (3 units)
      • INF 503 or CS 552
    • Thesis option requirements:
      • Thesis: Complete 6 units of CS 699 under the direction of a computer science research advisor
      • Computer science electives: Complete 18 units of graduate-level coursework, with at least 9 of these 18 units in CS prefixed courses
      • Thesis option students are responsible for selecting a research advisor who will act as their thesis committee chair as well as other members of their thesis committee before completing 9 units of coursework in the degree program
      • Thesis option students must successfully complete a thesis and thesis final defense and are responsible for following all applicable NAU Requirements for Theses and Dissertations (policy number 100806)
    • Non-thesis option requirements:
      • Computer science electives: Complete 24 units of graduate-level coursework, with at least 15 of these 24 units in CS prefixed courses
    Students may use a maximum of two courses, up to 6 units, of CS prefixed 400-level courses to satisfy a portion of elective requirements

    Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet all course prerequisites.
  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
     

Additional Information
  • Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program

    This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree. Departments may allow students to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by approving up to 12 units applicable toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
     

  • PROGRAM FEE INFORMATION
  • Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $450 per semester has been approved for this program.

Availability Accordion Closed

  • Flagstaff

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Eck Doerry
Professor
School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems
Eck.Doerry@nau.edu
+1 928 523-9377
School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems , room 217
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John Georgas
Senior Vice Provost for Academic Operations; Professor, School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems (SICCS)
Vice Provost for Academic Operations
John.Georgas@nau.edu
+1 928 523-9984
Babbitt Administrative Center , room 201C
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Marco Aurelio Gerosa
Professor
School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems
Marco.Gerosa@nau.edu
+1 928 523-8860
School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems , room 207
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Morgan Vigil-Hayes
Assistant Professor
School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems
Morgan.Vigil-Hayes@nau.edu
+1 928 523-4863
School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems , room 310
School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems
Location
Building 90
School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems (Building #90)
1295 S. Knoles Dr.
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Mailing Address
PO Box 5693
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Contact Form
Email
siccs@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-0101
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