Computer Science MS

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 Master of Science 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.

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.

Through Saint Joseph's 4+1 program, current undergraduate students can start earning credits toward their Computer Science MS degree during their senior year. This unique option allows you to graduate with two degrees — a bachelor's and master's — in just five years, saving you time and money. Students from all majors are welcome to apply, but students majoring in areas outside of computer science may be required to complete prerequisite coursework. 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.

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What Sets Our Program Apart

  • The 30-credit MS 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 MS program.

  • Computer science professionals are among the highest-paid in their companies, often with the highest job satisfaction. Computing is a field ripe for innovation and 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. 

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a computer and information research scientist is $131,490 per year. Additionally, 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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • 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. In addition to personal attention from faculty, our program offers opportunities for meaningful interactions with your peers.

  • We’ve designed our computer science program for the working professional. Flexibility and choice are built-in so you can balance work, family and all the other commitments of a busy life.

What Can I Do with a Master's in Computer Science?

With a computer science master’s degree from Saint Joseph's University, you will have the skills and experience needed to adapt and evolve in complex technological environments, regardless of 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. 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. 

Graduates with a master’s degree in computer science from Saint Joseph’s often go on to roles such as:

  • Cybersecurity specialist
  • Software developer
  • Web developer
  • Technology analyst
  • Software quality assurance engineer
  • Information systems developer
  • Computer scientist

Program Details

  • View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Affordable tuition options start at $1,057 per credit.*

    *This rate applies to all students accepted by Saint Joseph's University after June 1, 2023. Tuition and fee rates for students accepted prior to June 1, 2023 differ. Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page or contact us for more information.

    Financial aid may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.


    Discount Eligibility

    Have you completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.

    Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.

    Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs. 

    Note: discounts cannot be combined.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Why Pursue a Computer Science MS in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is one of the major corporate centers in the U.S. and headquarters for more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies. One of the only programs of its kind in Philadelphia, the computer science MS is built from stackable certificates that provide a custom experience. 

Admission Information

  • 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.

    • Apply online.
    • Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
    • Submit a personal statement.
    • Submit resume.
    • Submit two letters of recommendation.

    Visit our Graduate Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.

  • Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall and spring semesters. 

    Start terms: 

    • Fall: August
    • Spring: January

     

  • If you’re applying as an international student, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency and Certification of Finances along with your application. Check the Graduate Admission page for more information about the application process and additional requirements for international students.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Graduates of the computer science MS program will gain valuable skills, including:

    • Design, build, test, debug and analyze medium-size software systems 
    • Creating and evolving software products
    • Integrate computer hardware into a functional system

  • Graduates of the computer science program can find job placement opportunities in leading companies, such as:

    • Apple
    • Microsoft
    • Google 
    • Meta (Facebook)
       

Related Programs

Cybersecurity MS

Saint Joseph's University's cybersecurity MS program prepares students to understand cybersecurity issues affecting organizations.

Cybersecurity Certificate

Demand for cybersecurity experts is higher than ever. The cybersecurity certificate, which can stack into the Cybersecurity MS and Computer Science MS programs, will prepare you to understand and face the cybersecurity challenges of today and anticipate the threats of tomorrow.

Software Development Certificate

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 certificate is completed in five courses or 15 credits.

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