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Arizona State University

Online Master of Computer Science

Arizona State University via Coursera

Overview

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Master’s in Computer Science from a Top-Ranked Online Graduate Engineering Program Ranked in the Top 10 for Online Graduate Engineering Programs by U.S. News and World Report

The Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree program from Arizona State University provides high-quality instruction combined with real-world experience through applied projects. You’ll gain a deep understanding of cutting-edge topics like AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and big data.

This degree is delivered 100% online, providing the flexibility for you to learn on your own schedule. Upon completion, you’ll earn the same degree as students who study on-campus.

  • Study topics from the cutting edge of computer science. You'll learn how to perform accurate computer analysis , computational processes, and information transfer systems; leverage cloud platforms to increase productivity and effectiveness; address problems in automated planning and scheduling, natural language processing, multi-agent systems, and the semantic web; design, build, and protect secure systems; improve software reliability and network security; and invent next-generation computer systems such as biomedical information systems, search engines, or package distribution systems.
  • Leverage unique opportunities from the most innovative school in the US. U.S. News and World Report named ASU the most innovative university for four consecutive years. As an ASU MCS student, you can opt to work with on-campus organizations such as the one-of-a-kind Blockchain Research Laboratory, offering a rich ecosystem of partners including private companies and government agencies. Coursework includes applied problems that are relevant to modern businesses.

  • Complete a rigorous set of assignments, projects, and exams guided by the same professors that teach on campus. Designed for students seeking to expand their knowledge of computer science or computation, this program reflects the dual nature of computer science as both a scientific and engineering discipline by placing emphasis on both theory and practical applications.

  • A Pathway into the degree. If you do not meet the GPA or prerequisite knowledge admission criteria, we have alternate options for you to demonstrate your capability.
    • Earn a MasterTrack™ Certificate in Big Data or in AI and Machine Learning
    • Learn more about our Pathway and Prerequisite Course
 

Syllabus

To meet degree requirements, all online MCS students must take one foundations course, one systems course, one applications course, and any seven additional courses from the list below. Students must also submit a project portfolio.

Foundations
CSE 551 Foundations of Algorithms
CSE 579 Knowledge Representation and Reasoning

Systems
CSE 531 Distributed & Multiprocessor OS
CSE 535 Mobile Computing
CSE 539 Applied Cryptography
CSE 543 Information Assurance and Security
CSE 545 Software Security
CSE 548 Advanced Computer Network Security
CSE 565 Software Verification, Validation, and Testing
CSE 566 Software Project, Process, and Quality Management

Applications
CSE 511 Data Processing at Scale
CSE 539 Applied Cryptography
CSE 571 Artificial Intelligence
CSE 572 Data Mining
CSE 575 Statistical Machine Learning
CSE 578 Data Visualization

Electives
CSE 466 Computer Systems Security
CSE 598 Engineering Blockchain Applications
CSE 598 Intro to Deep Learning in Visual Computing
CSE 598 Advanced Software Analysis and Design

Concentrations

Master of Computer Science in Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity concentration is designed to provide students the knowledge, skills and the advanced development capability in science and engineering for cybersecurity, including computer and network security, software security, data and information security, applied cryptography and computer forensics. Students who pursue the Cybersecurity concentration will be required to take a certain number of their credit hours from a list of courses focused on or relating to cybersecurity.
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Master of Computer Science in Big Data

The Big Data concentration is designed to provide students with the analytical expertise to generate insights from data and inform decision-making for organizations. Through project-based learning, students will learn to build scalable systems for capturing, processing, and interpreting large and complex data sets. Students who pursue the Big Data concentration will be required to take a certain number of their credit hours from a list of courses focused on or relating to big data.
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