Master's in Computer and Information Science

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 #20 in U.S. News and World Report’s 2023 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.

33

Credit Hours*

3

Specializations

online program delivery

Part-time Options


*Based on non-thesis (Plan B). See bulletin for thesis (Plan A) credit hours

Computer science professor awarded NSF grant

Dr. Debbie Perouli has received a $2.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Specializations

The Computer and Information Science offers specializations in AI and Analytics, Information Assurance and Cyber Defense, and a general, customizable option.

  • AI and Analytics specialization features coursework related to trends in artificial intelligence and data analysis techniques used for business applications.
  • Information Assurance and Cyber Defense specialization includes courses that focus on cyber security as it relates to databases, networks, and systems.
  • Integrated Curriculum (or customizable) specialization allows the student flexibility to choose among a selection of courses based upon their professional development needs.

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

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 provides students a smooth transition from a liberal arts or science background to a career in Computer and Information Science. 

The Career Change Opportunity 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

Our M.S. in computer and information science program is a STEM-designated program, which means international students are eligible to apply for 36 months of Optional Practical Training, allowing employers to potentially hire international students for up to three years instead of only one.

 

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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.

Career Outcomes

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

Our M.S. in computer and information science program is a STEM-designated program, which means international students are eligible to apply for 36 months of Optional Practical Training, allowing employers to potentially hire international students for up to three years instead of only one.

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  • Request Information
  • Admission Requirements
  • Application Details
  • Application Deadline
  • Financial Aid & Tuition

Ready to learn more about Marquette's Computer and Information Science graduate program? Request more information now or schedule a campus visit.

Graduate Program Recruiter

Tim Carter

phone: (414) 288-7139

email: tim.carter@marquette.edu

Email the Graduate School

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To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Computing career change specialization: Applicants do not need prerequisites in programming and data structures and algorithms. However, they must enroll in COSC 6500 Foundations of Computing, a full-time boot camp-like experience during the summer months designed to satisfy the prerequisites and provide the proper introduction for a career in computer and information science.

Information asurance and cyber defense specialization: Applicants must have an educational background or equivalent work experience in computer programming in a modern computer programming language with knowledge of algorithms and data structures.

Application Requirements

Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.

  •  A completed form and fee online
  • Transcripts:
    • Submit copies of all current and previous college/universities except Marquette1
  • 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 international applicants: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.

1Upon admission, final official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities, with certified English translations if original language is not English, must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record. 

This program has rolling admission, which means you may apply and submit all application materials any time before the following dates:

  • Fall term admissions- August 1 (June 1 for international applicants)
  • Spring term admissions- December 15 (October 1 for international applicants)

Applicants who wish to be considered for merit-based financial aid (scholarships) should be aware of the merit-based financial aid deadlines by which all applicant materials must be received by the Graduate School:

  • Fall term: February 15
  • Spring term: November 15

Financial Aid

For a comprehensive listing of merit-based aid (graduate assistantships/fellowships), visit the departmental financial aid web page. Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses as well.

*To be eligible for one of the COSMIC scholarships, prospective students must be U.S. citizens, or eligible non-citizens, and demonstrate financial need by submitting a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to Marquette.

Tuition and Fees

For information on tuition and fees, please review the Graduate School Bulletin.