Students in the Master of Computer Science program acquire a thorough understanding of the essential principles of modern computing, which provides a foundation for new discoveries in the field. Building on this foundation, students develop cutting-edge technical skills, strong problem analysis abilities, and project experiences that prepare them for careers in growing industries such as artificial intelligence, DevOps, big data, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and financial services. The program employs a project-oriented curriculum and provides pathways for students with or without a computer science background.
Personalized curriculum.
No requirements to come to campus.
Low cost yet high-quality educational opportunity.
The MS in Computer Science program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a 30-credit program. Students with non-Computer Science background will need to take additional prerequisite courses as specified in the admission requirements.
Core Courses:
Select 6 credits out of the following:
Select General or Cybersecurity Enginering Emphasis (15-18 credits)
Select 0-3 credits of COMPSCI courses numbered 700 or above
Capstone: Select 3-6 credits from:
Note that students pursuing the MS Computer Science degree program may declare either the applied research project option or the thesis option to fulfill their capstone requirement for graduation. Students who choose the thesis option must earn at least 3 credits of COMPSCI 799. Students who choose the applied research project option must earn at least 3 credits of COMPSCI 789.
More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.
Students with all backgrounds are welcome to apply. To ensure a high quality graduate student group, all MS in Computer Science students must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution and meet graduate admission criteria, in addition to the MS in Computer Science admission criteria provided below.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
Additional requirements for admission to the MS Computer Science program:
These items can be uploaded during the application process.
Applicants must also complete the following undergraduate courses or their equivalents before starting the Master's degree:
Students may be admitted to the program with deficiencies (prerequisites not yet completed). Identified deficiency items must be removed prior to enrollment in any graduate coursework. Courses taken to remove deficiencies may be at the undergraduate or graduate level. Credits earned to remove deficiencies will not count toward the degree requirements for the MS in Computer Science.
Online graduate programs at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at $678 USD per credit for the 2023-24 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or international student.
If you compare our graduate tuition to other schools who offer online classes, you will find that this per-credit price is quite reasonable.
What creates this value?
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
UW-Whitewater students may apply for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed.
The MS in Computer Science prepares students for leadership roles in the planning, development, testing, validation, and maintenance of software systems in a range of applied areas. Students in the program acquire a thorough understanding of the essential principles of modern computing, which provide a foundation for new discoveries in the field.
Building on this foundation, students develop cutting-edge technical skills, strong problem analysis abilities, and project experiences that prepare them for careers in growing industries such as cloud computing, big data, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.
Courses for the General emphasis include:
Students can complete a 30 credit MS in Computer Science with an with the General emphasis in as little as a year and a half.
The Master of Science degree in Computer Science prepares students for leadership roles in the planning, development, testing, validation, and maintenance of software systems in a range of applied areas. Students in the program acquire a thorough understanding of the essential principles of modern computing, which provide a foundation for new discoveries in the field.
Building on this foundation, students develop cutting-edge technical skills, strong problem analysis abilities, and project experiences that prepare them for careers in growing industries such as cloud computing, big data, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.
Courses for the Cybersecurity Engineering emphasis include:
Select 6 credits from the following list:
Select 6 credits from the following list:
Select 3-6 credits from the following list:
Students can complete a 30 credit MS in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity Engineering in as little as a year and a half.