Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Core Courses:

• COMPSCI 733 - Advanced Algorithm Design and Analysis (3 credits)

Select 6 credits out of the following:

• COMPSCI 724 - Operating Systems in Practice (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 732 - Machine Learning (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 766 - Advanced Database (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 776 - Advanced Software Engineering (3 credits)

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:

• COMPSCI 789 - Capstone Project (1-6 credits)
• COMPSCI 799 - Thesis Research (1-6 credits)

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. 

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:

• Resume
• One-page personal statement describing why you want to pursue a master’s degree in computer science
• Reference letters from two (2) persons knowledgeable about your potential to do graduate work in computer science

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:

• Data structures and at least one lower-level programming course (this requirement may be waived for students with substantial job-related programming experience)
• Discrete mathematics or discrete structures
• One semester of calculus, and
• Computer organization and assembly

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.

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?

• Dedicated advising.
• Veterans' services.
• Career services.
• Research and library support.
• All faculty complete specific training for online teaching.
• Faculty lectures are recorded in a state-of-the-art media studio and included with each course.
• An external team reviews online courses.
• High levels of student/faculty interaction are standard.
• Helpdesk technical staff are dedicated to assisting master's students with online technology.

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. For more information, please reach out directly to the Financial Aid department.

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:

• COMPSCI 735 - Optimization: Techniques and Applications (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 736 - Image Processing and Computer Vision (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 738 - Algorithms in the Real World (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 739 – Matrix Methods in Data Mining and Pattern Recognition (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 750 - System and Software Security (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 755 - Cryptography and Security Protocols (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 764 - Cloud Computing (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 767 - Big Data and Data Mining (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 777 - Software Testing (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 778 - Software Specification and Verification (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 796 - Special Topics (Repeatable) (3 credits)

Students can complete a 30 credit MS in Computer Science with the General emphasis in as little as a year and a half. 

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:

• COMPSCI 733 - Advanced Algorithm Design and Analysis (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 750 - System and Software Security  (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 755 - Cryptography and Security Protocols (3 credits)
• CYBER 754 - Intrusion Prevention and Detection  (3 credits)

Select 6 credits from the following list:

• COMPSCI 724 - Operating Systems in Practice (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 732 - Machine Learning  (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 766 - Advanced Databases  (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 776 - Advanced Software Engineering  (3 credits)

Select 6 credits from the following list:

• CYBER 730 - Fundamentals of Ethical Hacking (3 credits)
• CYBER 740 - Cybersecurity and Privacy Law (3 credits)
• CYBER 742 - Computer Forensics (3 credits)
• CYBER 747 - Embedded System Security (3 credits)
• CYBER 752 - Malware Reverse Engineering (3 credits)
• CYBER 758 - Cloud Security (3 credits)
• CYBER 759 - Topics in Cybersecurity (Repeatable) (3 credits)

Select 3-6 credits from the following list:

• COMPSCI 789 - Capstone Project (1-6 credits)
• COMPSCI 799 - Thesis Research (1-6 credits)

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.