Master of Science in Computer Science

Get Qualified for In-Demand Tech Jobs

Upgrade your technical and professional skills for some of the best-paying and fastest-growing jobs available in areas like cybersecurity, software development and networking, and prepare for further advanced studies at the doctoral level.

The Master of Science in computer science at The University of Texas at Tyler will give you broad competence in computer science, along with the opportunity to develop a specialization. Graduate ready to enter a rapidly evolving industry with hands-on learning alongside expert faculty in research centers like the Data Analytics Lab and the Center for Consumer Cybersecurity.

Your career in computer science is waiting. Get started today.

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Computer Science at UT Tyler?

You know an opportunity when you see it. Computer science fuels today’s most exciting innovations and directly shapes the fastest-growing sectors of the job market. In thinking about your aspirations, you have your sights set on a rewarding career in software, hardware, computer networking, data analytics, game development or cybersecurity and know what you need to do to get there.

You don’t have to look far. Get the qualifications and experience you need right here in East Texas, and prepare to spur innovation on a local, national or global level. UT Tyler’s MS in computer science program combines the resources and opportunities of a larger university with the support and community of a smaller program.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Broad preparation: Grow what you know about operating systems, cybersecurity, data analytics, database systems, data communications, programming languages and networking. As you enter the workplace, you’ll understand the big picture and all of its nuances and applications.
• Strategic specialization: Choose flexibility. Take electives in in-demand areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, business analytics and digital forensics to tailor your degree to your chosen career path. Earn a Cybersecurity or Data Analytics certificate to set yourself apart in the job market.
• Hands-on learning: Get involved in real-world research and problem-solving with our faculty at the Data Analytics Lab and other labs and research centers. Or, put what you’ve recently acquired into practice in the annual UT Tyler Patriot Games Cyber Defense contest.
• Advanced facilities: Test out what you’re learning in the robotics, networking, cyber projects, digital forensics, eSports and software engineering labs in our new 140,000-square-foot facility.
• Networking opportunities: Grow your network and get ready for the job market through cooperative education, professional societies, internships and visiting speakers. As a computer science student, connect with your peers through UT Tyler’s Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) student chapter.
• Affordability: Build your professional skills without building a burden of debt. We offset our already low tuition with graduate assistantships, scholarships and other forms of financial support.

What You’ll Learn

The MS in computer science is a 30- or 36-credit-hour program you can complete in two years. The curriculum strengthens your background in computer science and gives you the tools and knowledge to pursue advanced studies or take advantage of the growing opportunities for cybersecurity, data analytics and information technology professionals.

All students begin with a core of five foundational courses, including Operating Systems, Programming Languages, Data Communications and Database Design. Following, you’ll choose from one of five specializations to customize your degree to fit your interests: Computer Security, Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, Machine Learning or Supercomputing.

From there, select from one of two formats:

• Thesis option (30 credit hours): Acquire deep expertise in a particular area while honing your research skills. Pursue your own research to prepare for doctoral studies or to expand your qualifications for the next stage in your career.
• Professional option (36 credit hours): Expand your professional opportunities with up to three non-computer science courses.

No matter which option you choose, upon graduation, you will:

• Possess an enhanced breadth of knowledge in computer science, combined with a depth of knowledge in critical core areas of computing.
• Have depth and breadth of knowledge of the theoretical foundations of computing and have strong practical application experience.
• Understand and respect the professional standards of ethics expected of a computer scientist and be knowledgeable concerning the history of the computing field.
• Possess knowledge of computer security and computer security management.
• Be able to analyze and compare the relative merits of alternative software design, algorithmic approaches and computer system organization, with respect to a variety of criteria relevant to the task (e.g., efficiency, scalability, security).
• Be able to implement algorithms in multiple programming languages, on multiple hardware platforms and in multiple operating system environments.

See All MS in Computer Science Degree Requirements

What Can You Do With an MS in Computer Science?

With an MS in computer science from UT Tyler, you’ll be equipped to access multiple in-demand career paths. Jobs in the computer and information technology field have a median salary of nearly $100,000 a year and are expected to increase by 15% in this decade — a rate much faster than average. Certain areas, like databases, software development and cybersecurity, have the potential for even stronger growth.

Find your next job in positions like:

• Application Analyst
• Computer Network Architect
• Computer Research Scientist
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Data Scientist
• Games Developer
• IT Consultant
• Multimedia Programmer
• Network Administrator
• Penetration Tester
• Software Developer

Graduates of UT Tyler’s MS in computer science program have found positions with top employers like:

• Brookshire Grocery Co.
• Carrier Corp.
• City of Tyler
• Microsoft
• NASA
• Oracle
• Trane
• UT Health East Texas
• Verizon

How to Apply

Graduate Admission Requirements

Students entering the Master of Science in computer science program must have an undergraduate major in computer science or coursework in computer science, including the content of COSC 1337, COSC 2315 and COSC 2336 or equivalent(s) and six hours of calculus.

To be considered for admission, you will also need:

• A completed online application.
• Official transcripts for all prior college- or graduate-level work, submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
• A satisfactory grade point average on all prior advanced-level (junior, senior and graduate) work taken.
• A satisfactory score on the General Test (verbal, analytical and quantitative) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (GRE Code for UT Tyler: 6850).
• A demonstrated proficiency in the use of the English language, both spoken and written.

Consideration may also be given to one or more of the following: your demonstrated commitment to your chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, status as a first-generation college graduate, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence and level of responsibility in other matters, including extracurricular activities, employment, community service and family responsibilities.

Review All Application Requirements

See General Graduate School Admissions Requirements

Tuition

Estimated tuition for full-time, in-state, on-campus enrollment is $16,560. Tuition varies by delivery method and hours taken per semester. Calculate your estimated tuition with the tuition calculator.

Important Dates

April 15

Application deadline for summer admission for domestic students. Note: International students are not eligible for summer admission.

April 30

Application deadline for fall admission for international students.

August 15

Application deadline for fall admission for domestic students.

October 1

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) opens for the upcoming academic year.

October 30

Application deadline for spring admission for international students.

December 20

Application deadline for spring admission for domestic students.