Online Master’s Degree in Computer Science (MSCS)
Computer Science
Program Overview
Designed for critical thinkers who want to set themselves apart with a depth of technical knowledge, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s online Master’s in Computer Science positions you for success.
From deep learning to software engineering coursework, your program will provide you with the space to create, innovate, and learn in a format that suits your lifestyle. With the full support of the faculty, an expert roster that includes:
- White House Office of Science and Technology Policy leaders
- National Science Foundation researchers
- Award-winning scientists, and more
You’ll master the theory and practice of advanced computer science concepts to maximize your earning and creative potential. Courses are offered year-round, including during the summer, providing students the option to accelerate their degree progress. In as few as 18 months, you can earn your MSCS from a top-ranked public engineering school—100% online and on your schedule.
Become a Leader in Computer Science
At its core, the online MSCS degree program is designed for students with experience in computer science or a related field. STEM professionals who want to evolve into more curious and creative problem-solvers will develop through coursework in:
- Data Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Software Security
- Cyber-Physical Systems Security
- Software Engineering
- Cloud and Web Computing
With training in advanced areas of computer science, you’ll develop an agile set of skills suited for a rapidly expanding field with significant earning potential. Top computer science roles require specialized skills you may not develop with a general degree. That’s why our online MS in Computer Science offers three concentrations designed around in-demand areas of the field. Customize your computer science education with courses grounded in Cybersecurity, Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, or Software Engineering.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate cumulative GPA
- If cumulative GPA is below 3.0 but above 2.7 the student may still qualify with an exception
- Cumulative GPA of 3.3 for international students
- Copies of official transcripts from all institutions attended undergrad and grad (official transcripts upon admission)
- Resume
- Personal statement
- $60 application fee
Preferred Qualifications
Coursework or relevant work experience in:
- Programming (Java, C, C++, and/or Python)
- Data structures and algorithms
- Computer architecture
- Systems programming
- Calculus (at least 1 semester)
- Linear algebra
- Discrete mathematics
- For relevant work experience, we request three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your CS acumen. We also request that you add your competency in each of the items above to an updated resume or CV.
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Program Concentrations
The following three concentrations provide students with the specialized skills needed to be competitive leaders in the field:
Cybersecurity
Hone your ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats.
Data Mining and Intelligent Systems
Learn the advanced methodologies, models, and tools behind high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI).
Software Engineering
Gain the technical and problem-solving skills necessary to work in front-end, back-end, and full-stack leadership roles.
Featured Courses
Theoretical and practical aspects of machine learning techniques related to pattern recognition. Statistical methods studied include Bayesian and linear classifiers, support vector machines, neural networks, and unsupervised learning. Syntactic methods include grammatical inference, string matching, and Markov chains. Ensemble methods include random forests, adaptive boosting, and classifier fusion.
Theoretical and applied aspects of artificial intelligence. Course topics include problem solving and search, knowledge representation and reasoning, decision-making under uncertainty, machine learning, and multi-agent systems.
An in-depth introduction to software security. The focus is on identifying vulnerabilities in software, exploiting vulnerabilities in software, and software development best practices for avoiding vulnerabilities during the design, implementation, testing, and deployment of software. Coursework involves hands-on experience exploiting software vulnerabilities to increase understanding, awareness, and appreciation of software vulnerabilities.
Advanced coverage of software processes and technologies that can be used on large projects to help design, manage, maintain, and test software.
