Students can soon take their computer science career to a higher level with our master’s degree in computer science, coming in fall 2024. The new program will combine innovative coursework with research and capstone project opportunities to give you a competitive edge when applying for upper-level and management positions, or for a PhD in computer science.
About the Program
The MS in computer science program can be completed in one-and-a-half to 2 years with courses offered on campus in the fall and spring semesters; based on student need, some courses may be offered during the summer term. You select a thesis option, capstone option, or the course-based option, as well as one or two area(s) of specialization in data science and cybersecurity.
The curriculum is designed to prepare you for the following careers:
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Computer Network/Security Architect
- Software Development Engineer
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Network Security Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Data Manager
- Program begins fall 2024
- 30 credits
- 100% on campus
- STEM Designated
- Courses offered in fall and spring semesters
- Thesis, capstone, or coursework option
- Fast-track 4 + 1 option for current undergrads
Questions? Email gradstudy@hartford.edu
About the Accelerated Program
In our accelerated 4+1 option, you can earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in computer science in one program. You can complete both degrees in five years - four years for the bachelor's degree and one year for the master's degree. Fast-track students can follow the thesis-based, capstone-based, or course-based option, and bring two graduate courses (6 credits) from MS in CS curriculum, taken during their UHart undergraduate studies, toward the MS as approved by the graduate program director.
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in computer science is projected to grow 21 percent from 2021-31, much faster than the average for all occupations, and the median pay is more than $131,400.
According to Forbes, “From 2013 to 2021, the number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs grew by 350%, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, a researcher and publisher that covers the global cyber economy. By 2025, Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that there will be 3.5 million open cybersecurity jobs globally.”
Degree Requirements
The required 30-credits include a thesis-based option with 24 credits of coursework and 6 credits of thesis, while the capstone-based option includes 24 credits of coursework and 6 credits of capstone project. Students can also choose the entirely course-based option by taking 30 credits of coursework.
Required Courses
Computer Networks
Choose at least one of the following:
- Principles of Database Systems
- High Performance Computing
Check back to see a complete list of emphasis requirements in the Course Catalog.
Focus Electives
At least four courses are required for each specialization. You may replace one focus elective with a core course.
Data Science Specialization
- Data Mining
- Application of Deep Learning
- Applied Engineering Statistics
- Machine Learning
Cybersecurity Specialization
- Information Assurance and Cryptography
- Intrusion Detection and Security
- Internet of Things: Fundamentals, Technology, Application
- Penetration Testing and Vulnerability
Breadth Electives
Two courses are required. You may replace breadth-elective courses with core or focus courses approved by the graduate program coordinator or thesis committee. Examples include:
- Introduction to Robotics
- Machine Vision and Robotics
- Business Data Mining
- Predictive Modeling
Check back to see a complete listing of electives in the Course Catalog.
Thesis-Based Option
Take 6 credits of thesis courses under the supervision of a faculty advisor over a course of two semesters. You select a thesis committee consisting of a faculty advisor and two other faculty members at the beginning of the thesis work. One of the committee members must be from a department other than computing sciences.
- Master’s Thesis I
- Master’s Thesis II
Capstone-Based Option
Complete 6 credits of capstone courses under the supervision of a faculty advisor over the course of two semesters. You select a capstone advisor at the beginning of the capstone project.
- Master’s Capstone I
- Master’s Capstone II
Course-Based Option
Complete six additional credits from core and/or focus elective courses.
Application Requirements
The following are requirements to apply to the MS in Computer Science program:
- An online application
- Official transcripts for all collegiate level coursework
- Although an undergraduate degree in computer science or a closely related field is recommended, those without a computer science undergraduate degree may apply and must provide evidence of coursework or certificates (for example Coursera, Edx, and Udemy) in programming language, data structures, and algorithm analysis. Applicants must also have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00-point scale. UHart students in the accelerated 4+1 program must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be admitted to the master’s program.
- A letter of intent as specified in the online application
- Submit a resume/CV
- Submission of letters of recommendation(s) are optional
- Submission of GRE test scores is optional
Additional requirements for international students:
- English proficiency test scores for direct entry are as follows – PTE 51, IELTS 6.0 overall, TOEFL 79, or Duolingo 100 combined
- An English-proficiency waiver is available for applicants from a country where English is the first language OR for applicants who have completed a bachelors/master's degree within the United States
- A course-by-course transcript evaluation by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member agency is required.
For more information about requirements and deadlines, visit Graduate Admission.
Meet Your Success Counselor
Hawk Alumni Scholarship
UHart alumni who have completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Hartford are eligible for a 25% tuition discount through the Hawk Alumni Scholarship for the Master of Science in Computer Science program. The scholarship will automatically renew until students complete their program of study and maintain satisfactory academic standing.
Want to Learn More?
Reach out to us at any time! We are available via email and phone. If video chat works best, we would be happy to set up a Zoom meeting. Please see the scheduler below:
- Set up Zoom meeting
- You may also connect with us on WhatsApp.