33
Credit Hours
11
Courses

Degree

  • Master of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/computer-science.jpg

Format

  • In-Person

Graduate Computer Science at St. Mary’s

Computer Science prepares graduates to write software and work with operating systems and architecture. It is a hands-on way to learn computing skills and will prepare you to understand algorithms, software architecture, design patterns, data structures and coding techniques.

The Computer Science program at St. Mary’s prepares students to manage a software development project through analysis, design, implementation, testing and maintenance.

The program provides a deep understanding of the hardware and software components of computer systems and the following topics:

  • Data communication and databases
  • Hardware organization and operating systems
  • Software analysis and design methodologies
  • Software implementation and testing

Students learn from professors who have expertise in:

  • Artificial intelligence,
  • Game development and simulation,
  • Programming languages and
  • Computer security/Cybersecurity

  • Degree Plans


    Students take 33 credit hours of courses, including a project. This program combines studies in the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing with hands-on, practical scientific research. See the catalog for details:

    Interested in saving time and money on two degrees? The Master’s in Computer Science can be combined two ways:

    • Earn both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Computer Science in as little as five years. An intensive course of study, undergraduate students can begin graduate course work during their senior year.
    • Earn both a Master’s in Computer Science and a Juris Doctorate law degree.
  • Computer Science Courses


    Students are expected to be able to write computer programs in a high-level programming language and to understand the connection between computer hardware and software before starting the degree program.

    Two courses are taken from the Engineering Department. The Master of Science in Computer Science is sometimes offered off-campus at various locations, and some courses are offered in a hybrid or online format.

    See all course details in the catalog:

  • Careers in Computer Science


    Computer scientists are in high demand in organizations that develop or use software. Most companies have information technology (IT) departments or at least an IT expert on staff.

    CS professionals often work in jobs such as:

    • Software Development Engineer
    • Computer Programmer
    • Web Developer
  • Admission Requirements


    To be considered for admission to this master’s program, applicants should have:

    • Certain programming and mathematics classes
    • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in a bachelor’s degree
    • Written statement of purpose indicating interest and objective
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Official transcripts of all college-level work
    • Resume
    • International students: Must submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores. Students who do not meet minimum language proficiency requirements may apply to the St. Mary’s Intensive English Program (IEP) and be considered for admission upon successful completion of the IEP. See below for the score requirements for each test.

    We do not require GRE scores from applicants.

    For specific admission requirements, visit the catalog.

International Students

International students must submit the TOEFL scores and show a minimum of 80 on the Internet-based test or 213 on the computer-based test or 550 on the paper-based test.

TOEFL score 80-82 is acceptable with the provision that the student takes EN6301 during the first semester at St. Mary’s University. As an alternative to the TOEFL, the international student can take the IELTS test and show a minimum score of 6.5 or better. A score of 6.0 is acceptable with the provision that the student takes EN6301 during the first semester at St. Mary’s University. No student will be admitted with a score lower than 6.0 on the IELTS test.

The third option for an international student is a Duolingo English test score of 105 or above.

St. Mary’s University offered me a challenging curriculum, which is relevant for the IT industry today. I also wanted a place where the professors genuinely cared about my success. Armed with the lessons learned while at St Mary’s, I went on to complete my Doctor of Computer Science.

Dr. Robert Massie (M.S. ’14)

Program Highlights

The Computer Science program is known for its practical applications and real-world problem solving. Students work in groups and present information individually to an audience. Prerequisites include computer programming skills and mathematical maturity. This program offer students many advantages:

  • Flexible curriculum including internship and research options
  • 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio for extra individualized attention
  • Cooperative and collaborative learning environment


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Learn More

We’re eager to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out to learn more about St. Mary’s University.

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