Master's in Computer and Information Science
Preparing the computing leaders of tomorrow
The nationally ranked and recognized master’s in Computer and Information Science program at Marquette prepares students to be leaders in the field and offers an option for students without a background in computer science.
Students have the choice of either on campus or fully online program delivery. The on-campus program includes flexibility for students with evening and blended options and features the identical curriculum and faculty as our online delivery format which was ranked #14 in U.S. News and World & Report’s 2022 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Programs.
Marquette is recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency.
Part-time Options
Specializations
The Computer and Information Science program offers a customizable curriculum option or a cybersecurity focus through the Information Assurance and Cyber Defense specialization.
For students without a background in computer science, the program offers a career-changer pathway through the Computing Career Change Opportunity (COSMIC) specialization.
Details on the required courses for these specializations are published in the Graduate School Bulletin.
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Information Assurance and Cyber Defense
The reliance on digital information in the enterprise has increased the criticality of the computing infrastructure. The news of successful attacks on the infrastructure has increased the awareness security. As a result, there is an growing need to provide the knowledge for careers in security and information assurance. Our specialization includes courses that focus on Cyber Security and it guides you through courses in databases, networks, and systems that have been designed to treat the security concerns in each of these fundamental areas of computing. The result is knowledge to understand and defend against attacks in each of the fundamental areas of the infrastructure. This option requires practical experience gained through a practicum.
Research Interests
- Network protocol design and analysis
- Network topology modeling
- Security of the Internet routing protocols
- Security of physical-cyber systems
- Security, privacy and trust for mobile and ubiquitous computing
- Ethics and Privacy
- Secure storage
Computing Career Change Opportunity
Your new career starts now with a Computing Career Change Opportunity (COSMIC)
Learn the skills needed to make a career change into the thriving digital economy. The Master of Science in Computer and Information Science program with the Computing Career Change Opportunity (COSMIC) provides students a smooth transition from a liberal arts or science background to a career in Computer and Information Science.
COSMIC begins with a study of the Foundations of Computing to prepare you for our MS in Computer and Information Science program. Students in this program must enroll in 35 additional credits after the Foundations course and meet all of the graduation requirements to complete the program.
In addition to the Foundations of Computing, students have the option to or add a specialization in cyber security through information assurance and cyber defense or to customize their curriculum.
Career Opportunities
- Application Developer/Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Cyber Security Specialist
- Systems Analyst
- Enterprise/Solutions Architect
- Big Data Analytics
- Business Intelligence Engineer
*Based on thesis (Plan A). See bulletin for non-thesis (Plan B) credit hours
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Flexible Class Options, Learning Outcomes
Computer and Information Science is a broad-based family of disciplines that includes computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems and information technology. The Computer and Information Science master's program allows the student to pursue studies in any combination of these disciplines. Students may pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time basis with many courses offered in the evenings and online.
The flexibility of the MS in Computer and Information Science program allows you to shape a course of study that matches your career interests and goals. You choose courses from any graduate program on campus that relates to Computer and Information Science and your career goals. This includes the departments found in Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Management, Health, and Nursing, to name a few.
Within the program we believe you ought to have a primary and secondary emphasis in mind that reflects your interests. Your primary career focus should include at least 12 semester hours of work and the secondary career interest should be at least 6 semester hours.
While the MS in Computer and Information Science program offers specializations, we do not require one. Unless you choose one of the specializations, we do not prescribe a set of courses that you must choose. We do offer some suggestions that align well with current career positions.
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Database Analysis/Administration/Architecture
- Information Security
- Mobile Computing
- System/Enterprise Architecture
- Software Development/Software Engineering
- Healthcare Information Technology
- Build Your Own
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Financial Aid & Tuition
Application Deadline
This program has rolling admission, which means you may apply any time before the following dates:
- Fall term admissions- August 1 (June 1 for international applicants)
- Spring term admissions- December 15 (October 15 for international applicants)
These are the dates your application must be complete and all required documentation must be received in the Graduate School by these dates.
However, applicants who wish to be considered for merit-based financial aid (graduate assistantships/fellowships) should be aware of the merit-based financial aid deadlines by which all applicant materials must be received by the Graduate School:
- Fall (August) Term: February 15
- Spring (January) Term: November 15
- Summer (May) Term: April 15
Application Requirements
Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.
- A completed form and fee online
- Copies of all current and previous colleges/universities except Marquette.*
- A statement of purpose outlining relevant work experience or education, career goals, possible areas of interest, and reasons for seeking admission to this program
- Three letters of reference from professors or professionals familiar with the applicant's abilities, academic work and/or professional background
- For students applying for merit-based financial aid: GRE scores (General test only)
- For international applicants: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.
