Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science degree provides students with added depth and technical expertise beyond that of an undergraduate degree, with specializations in digital forensics and cybersecurity as well as software engineering.

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Advance your career

This program is ideal for students seeking advanced career opportunities in computing related fields. Students can take a variety of courses or focus on a specialization like software engineering or cybersecurity and digital forensics.

Many graduates also pursue careers in research and teaching.

The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $84,580 in May 2017. -U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Curriculum

To obtain a Master's of Science degree in computer science, students are required to complete 33 credit hours of coursework at the graduate level. This includes fifteen (15) hours of computer science coursework at or above the 6000 level, fifteen (15) additional hours of regular computer science coursework at or above the 5000 level including CS 5050: Research Methods in Computer Science and CS 5120: Design and Analysis of Algorithms, and a project or thesis course. Students enrolled in a specialization must complete specific courses (listed below) as part of the 33 required hours.

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Small Class Sizes
Late Afternoon & Evening Options
Flexible Curriculum
Internship/Assistantship Opportunities

The median annual wage for software application developers was $101,790 in May 2017. -U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Specialization in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

This specialization is designed for students who want a focused study in cybersecurity and digital forensics. The program provides intensive studies in the fundamentals of both cybersecurity and digital forensics with a focus on traditional and mobile computing. The prerequisites for this program are the same as for the general computer science program but also require a background in computer security.

COURSE Requirements

Computer and Mobile Forensics
Network Security and Forensics

Computer System Security

Secure Software Engineering

Law, Evidence & Procedures

Specialization in Software Engineering

This specialization is designed for students who want a focused study of software engineering. The program provides intensive studies in software development methodologies, software design, and quality assurance and management. The prerequisites for this program are the same as for the general computer science program.

COURSE Requirements

Software Engineering Project
Database Management Systems
Software Architecture and Design
Software Testing and Quality Assurance

3 of the following

Reliable Computing
Secure Software Engineering
Software Engineering
Human Issues in Computing

Application Requirements

The program strongly recommends that applicants have a minimum of a 3.0/4.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA). Applicants are required to submit scanned copies of official or unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended. Upon admission, final official or notarized copies of transcripts from all institutions where degrees were earned and diplomas from international institutions must be submitted. Applicants are also required to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Official Graduate Record Examination scores with a minimum combined score of 300 (preferred 150 or better quantitative).

All applicants must have relevant work experience or taken course prerequisites in fundamental and intermediate programming, data structures and algorithms, computer organization, operating systems, networks, software engineering, calculus, and discrete mathematics. A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation are required.

More Information

The Master of Computer Science program is part of the BGSU Graduate College and BGSU College of Arts & Sciences

* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graduate degree, students in Computer Science are expected to be able to:

Perform research, discovery and integration by applying advanced knowledge of computer science (CS 6910/6990)
Critically analyze a body of current, published research in an area of computer science.
Evaluate algorithmic and/or software-based solutions to a given problem.

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Computer Science program is accredited by the Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) and is in good standing.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Computer Science program does not lead to professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Computer Science program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

Updated: 08/08/2023 10:28AM