Overview
Computing and computer technology are part of just about everything that touches our lives – from the cars we drive, to the products we consume, to the way we communicate with others. The M.S. in computer science at Saint Joseph’s University offers innovation and flexibility to prepare you to make a difference in any one of those industries. The curriculum addresses contemporary issues related to the evolving discipline of computer science and is uniquely composed of stackable certificates. The stackable certificates provide students with specialized knowledge in relevant technologies that address the current and future needs of the industry.
What is the Computer Science M.S.?
Saint Joseph’s University’s Master of Science in computer science is a 30-credit program built from combining a core curriculum — the software development certificate — with specialized certificates that provide pathways to concentrations. Add a stackable certificate in artificial intelligence, web and database technologies or cybersecurity to earn a customized master’s degree.
With a computer science online master’s degree, you will have the skills and experience needed to adapt and evolve in complex technological environments no matter your industry. Graduates of the program are careful, precise, mature thinkers who take the knowledge they gain in their courses and apply it to their career. Your courses will teach you how to solve problems and implement solutions in computational environments. You will be able to identify, formulate and solve problems encountered when constructing solutions in computer science and related fields.
100% Online, No prior computer science background required
The Computer Science M.S. is offered entirely online. Saint Joseph’s online master’s degrees provide personal attention from faculty as well as opportunities for meaningful interactions with your peers. Our computer science online courses use the same rigorous curriculum and expert faculty as our on-campus programs. Work at your own pace by choosing one, two or three courses per term.
Additionally, almost 25% of our 2020 graduates earned their computer science degree without any prior computer science background. No prerequisite course is required for those who don't have a computer science background.
Upskill Your Specialized Master's Degree with Stackable Certificates
The 30-credit M.S. in computer science is built from two certificates. You have the flexibility to complete each of the five-course certificates in any order to earn your degree. Combine the core software development certificate with one of the following certificates to gain specialized skills:
Students who start with the software development certificate first can also stack the cybersecurity certificate as part of the Computer Science M.S. program.
What Can I Do with a Master of Science in Computer Science?
Graduates with a master’s degree in computer science from Saint Joseph’s often go onto roles such as:
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Software developer
- Web developer
- Technology analyst
- Software quality assurance engineer
- Information systems developer
- Computer scientist
Computer science professionals are among the highest-paid in their companies, often with the highest job satisfaction. Computing is a field ripe for innovation; the possibilities for future developments in the field of computer science are expected to be even greater in the years to come. Companies need more employees with advanced degrees in computer science to meet this demand and remain competitive.
Why Computer Science?
Today, there are more computer science jobs than qualified people to fill them in the United States:
- 13% growth projected for employment of systems developers
- 17% growth projected for employment of software developers
- 19% growth projected for employment of application developers
- 27% growth projected for employment of web developers
*between 2014-2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
How Will Saint Joseph's University Enhance My Career in Computer Science?
The computer science program at Saint Joseph’s prepares students to be precise thinkers with the intellectual preparation they need to apply what they have learned, lead projects and teams and continue to be lifelong learners. One of the only programs of its kind built from stackable certificates to provide a custom experience, Saint Joseph’s computer science master's degree is taught by faculty experts who are on the cutting edge of the computer science industry. In the program, you will hone your skills, learn from top industry leaders and obtain real-world experience and specialized skills for a successful career.
The computer science master’s program at Saint Joseph's gives you the added benefit of being in Philadelphia, one of the major corporate centers in the U.S. and headquarters for more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies.
4+1 B.S./M.S. Program in Computer Science
Through Saint Joseph's 4+1 program, current undergraduate students majoring in computer science can start earning credits toward their Computer Science M.S. degree during their senior year. This unique option allows you to graduate with two degrees — a bachelor's and master's in computer science — in just five years, saving you time and money. Students interested in this program should apply to the graduate program in their junior year and be conditionally accepted before they complete their bachelor's degree.
Program Director
At-a-Glance
| Length | Average: 24 months. |
| Full-Time | 9 credits per semester. |
| Part-Time | 6 credits or less per semester. |
| Credits & Concentrations |
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| Start Terms | Fall and spring |
Format | Online (on-campus options available for international students) |
| Tuition for 2021-2022 | $1,011 per credit, $50 fee per course. Learn more about our tuition & fees. |
Average Work Experience of Computer M.S. Student | Work experience varies. A background in computer science is not required to apply, though prerequisites may be needed. |
| Potential Career Paths | The Computer Science M.S. helps prepare graduates for jobs such as:
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| Admission Requirements | A bachelor’s degree in a related area is not required. If you do not have adequate programming background, you will be required to take CSC 503 Java Programming, which will count toward one of the three electives courses. |
| Application Information | To learn more about the admission process and required materials, Graduate Admission can provide more information and answer any questions. |
| Financial Aid and Scholarships | Scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and other types of financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Our Office of Financial Aid can help you understand your options. |
| Graduate Assistantships | The department offers a limited number of teaching assistantships to qualifying students beyond their first semester. For more information, please contact the Department of Computer Science at csci@sju.edu or 610-660-1567. |
Discount Eligibility |
Note - discounts cannot be combined. |
Veterans | Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits. |
Related Programs
Demand for cybersecurity experts is higher than ever. The cybersecurity certificate, which can stack into the Cybersecurity M.S. and Computer Science M.S. programs, will prepare you to understand and face the cybersecurity challenges of today and anticipate the threats of tomorrow.
Demand for cybersecurity experts is higher than ever. The cybersecurity program at Saint Joseph’s University will prepare you to understand and face the cybersecurity challenges of today and anticipate the threats of tomorrow, opening new opportunities for advancement in your industry.
With a certificate in software development from Saint Joseph’s University, you will grow your knowledge with a certificate to add to your resume. You can also decide to continue on to earn your Master of Science in computer science by adding an additional certificate in web and database technologies or artificial intelligence, depending on your interests and career goals. This online certificate is completed in five courses or 15 credits.