In Short
Obtain competitive skills and knowledge to succeed as computer scientists in the constantly developing high-technology marketplace on-campus or 100% online.
- Prepare to innovate in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry
- Apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory to real-word problems
- Learn to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program
What we're working on
2025-2026 Rankings
- #1 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Programs for 2026 by TechGuide
- #3 Most Affordable Online Master's in CS for 2025 by TechGuide
- #16 in Best Online Master's in Computer Science Programs of 2025 by Intelligent.com
The job growth outlook for computer scientists for 2018-2028 is 16%. This projected job growth is much faster than average.*
Most jobs for computer scientists require a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. Maximize your options for employment as a computer scientist -- learn more about our Master of Science in Computer Science.
Program Overview
The program specializes in hardware, software, networking and state-of-the-art knowledge. You'll have the opportunity to study a variety of topics such as object-oriented systems development, graphics, networks and database systems. Our program provides you the opportunity to develop marketable technical skills for the quickly evolving information-based society.
Concentrations are designed for computer science graduates as well as those from other disciplines.
You'll select your courses of study to build on your knowledge, skills and interests. A close collaboration between you and the faculty ensures that individual goals meet with department standards. A departmental graduate advisor is available to all students.
You can complete your master's degree on-campus or 100% online.
Dual Concentration Option
The MS in Computer Science dual concentration provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and skills across two complementary areas of computer science. By combining concentrations, students can broaden their technical expertise, integrate concepts across disciplines, and prepare for careers that increasingly require knowledge spanning multiple areas of computing. Students complete the six required MS in Computer Science core courses along with the required coursework for each of their two selected concentrations.
Students enrolled in a dual concentration must complete the six required core courses for the general MSCS program as well as the course requirements for each concentration. Each course in the program may only be counted once, i.e. If a course serves as a required course for both concentrations, it will be counted only once, and the student must take an elective to meet the total credit requirement for the dual concentrations. Students in a dual concentration will need to take a minimum of 15 courses (45 credits).
Career Opportunities
Computer Science is one of the fastest growing job fields. Every industry has computer science needs, and our graduates find work in many different sectors. They land great jobs, too. Money Magazine recently rated "Software Engineer" as the most desirable job in America.
Total Credits
33 credits
Time Frame
While you can complete the program in as few as two years, you have six years to complete the program.
*View the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Research Scientists (visited March 28, 2018).
Degrees and Other Information
- Computer Science - Program information from the University Catalog.
- Two-Year Course Rotation (PDF) On campus courses
- Two-Year Course Rotation (PDF) Online courses
Dual Concentration Option
Students in a dual concentration will need to take a minimum of 15 courses (45 credits).
Six Core Courses
- CSC 7013 - Advanced Mathematics for Computer Scientists
- CSC 7014 - The Practice of Computer Programming
- CSC 7050 - Theory of Computation
- CSC 7132 - Operating Systems and Networking
- CSC 7400 - Object Oriented Analysis and Design
- CSC 8050 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Students can choose 2 of the three concentrations
Data Science concentration required courses:
- CSC 7015 - Introduction to Data Science (3 cr.)
- CSC 8008 - Data Exploration, Analytics, and Visualization (3 cr.)
- CSC 8015 - Data Mining and Predictive Analytics (3 cr.)
- CSC 8016 - Machine Learning for Data Science (3 cr.)
Cybersecurity concentration required courses:
- CSC 7150 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 cr.)
- CSC 8027 Digital Forensics (3 cr.)
- CSC 8026 Ethical Hacking (3 cr.)
- CSC 8025 Computer & Network Security (3 cr.)
Artificial Intelligence
- CSC 7111 Introduction to Artificial intelligence
- CSC 7650 Introduction to Generative Artificial intelligence
- CSC 8016 Machine Learning
- CSC 8XXX Natural Language Processing
One 3 credit hour graduate course approved by advisor.
- Demonstrate proficiency in relevant aspects of mathematics.
- Demonstrate proficiency with logic, algorithms and data structures.
- Demonstrate proficiency with computer programming languages and different programming paradigms.
- Demonstrate proficiency in software design and development methods.
Dual Concentration Option
Upon completion of the dual concentration, students will be able to:
- Integrate advanced concepts, methods, and technologies from two areas of computer science to analyze and solve complex computing problems.
- Apply interdisciplinary technical knowledge and skills to address evolving professional challenges and opportunities in computing and information technology.
Applicants must provide:
- An official transcript of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. While no specific academic background is required for admission, preference is given to applicants with undergraduate majors in computer science, mathematics, engineering or a related field of study
- Professional resume
- Official transcripts of graduate level course work from a regionally accredited institution (if applicable)
- Graduate application and fee
International applicants must abide by special deadlines and may be required to submit additional items which can be found on the International Admissions page.
If you're an international applicant, you may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency and complete a transcript credential evaluation. For the most up-to-date information on applying and deadlines, please visit International Admissions.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
We know you're busy, so we've given you a few different options to conveniently get the answers you need. You can…
- Email an enrollment counselor gce@fitchburgstate.edu or call 978.665.3182
- Attend an information session
- Watch a webinar
Connect with us
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