Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)

Program Requirements

• Admissions Requirements

  The minimum academic requirements to apply to the Master of Science in Computer Science/Master’s in Computer Science Degree Program are:

  An applicant with a Computer Science or Information Technology Bachelor-level degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution can apply for entrance into Westcliff University and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Undergraduate degrees obtained outside of the United States will only be accepted if they have been evaluated by a member in good standing of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or another nationally recognized credentialing service. In this case, the listed U.S. degree equivalency will be used.

   

  Without a technology BS degree, the student must take TECH 100 as a pre-requsite.

• Graduation Requirements

  Students must complete thirty-six (36) prescribed credit hours with a program GPA of 3.0 or higher to meet all academic and financial requirements upon graduation and fulfillment of all graduation requirements, students will receive the degree reflecting the coursework completed Students must apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements.

• Practical Learning Experience Requirements

  Westcliff University requires all students enrolled in graduate-level degree or certificate programs in the College of Technology and Engineering to successfully complete a Practical Learning Experience (PLE) as a graduation requirement. Westcliff University degrees and certificates are designed to prepare students for the professional workforce, and the knowledge and skills learned throughout their program are directly applicable to the industries to which they are associated. Practical learning allows students to further refine the associated knowledge and skills through guidance, oversight, and feedback from industry experts and professionals while also building a stable network and gathering references to support their career needs. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded to them in practical learning and maximize their potential career placement or advancement upon graduation.

  The graduate PLE requirement is satisfied by completing a credit-bearing internship course that is assessed on a Credit/No Credit basis. During practical learning, students engage in empirical experiences, in addition to participating in assigned course activities. This practice reflects Westcliff’s commitment to a practical and relevant education and the value of applied, experiential learning. Students who have this experience demonstrate a more successful transition into a new career or career advancement. Students are encouraged to complete as many PLEs as their schedules will permit in pursuit of the completion of their program(s).

  Graduate practical learning opportunities exist on- and off-campus. Off-campus practical learning requires prior University approval, and F-1 students must have Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization to participate in off-campus practical learning. Students are responsible for developing and demonstrating the skills necessary to be successful in a PLE. In addition to contemporary and growing industry knowledge, students should also be prepared to demonstrate professionalism, effective communication (written, oral and digital), and integrity while engaged in practical learning. The faculty facilitating internship courses associated with Practical Learning Experience assess these qualities and provide valuable feedback regarding their development to students throughout each experience. Students may reach out to Career Services with any questions about practical learning at the graduate level.

Program Information

• Required Courses

  MSCS/MCS Program Required Courses - 36 Credit Hours

  Required Core Courses

  MIS 530 Business Architecture and Organizational Transformation 3 Credit Hours

  MIS 500 Managing Information Systems & Technology 3 Credit Hours

  MIS 510 Information Technology Project Management 3 Credit Hours

  MIS 520 Leading Strategic Change with Technology 3 Credit Hours

  MIS 540 Management of Information Security 3 Credit Hours

  MIS 550 Big Data Analytics and Visualization 3 Credit Hours

  CAP 690 Masters Applied Capstone 3 Credit Hours

   

• Course Concentrations

  AR/VR Mobile Game Development - The Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Mobile Game Development concentration is designed to lead students in preparation for a certification in Unity game development. Topics include simple game design concepts and structure, AI and intelligent behavior in Unity, Unity game development fundamentals, and technologies associated with augmented and virtual reality systems.

  Cybersecurity - The Cybersecurity concentration is designed to advance the professional careers of technologists and computer scientists in the field of computer systems and information technology security. The certificate program is presented in a detailed and innovative approach that examines a variety of computer systems security topics, including cybersecurity essentials and network security; communications security techniques such as cryptography, computer forensics, threats and detection; information security management, and a proactive approach to designing cybersecurity for emerging technologies. Security policies on privacy and legal issues are also presented. 

  Data Analytics (DATA) - The Data Analytics (DATA) concentration is designed to provide students with the skills necessary for business analytics. Students will be presented the basic skills with information management tools and cloud databases to store, analyze, and extract business-relevant information. Students will use data visualization to understand and communicate data analyses and report data findings effectively to diverse audiences.

  Health Informatics (HIT) - The healthcare industry relies heavily on technology and data. The concentration in Health Informatics (HIT) provides students with a foundational understanding of healthcare technologies and data management within the United States healthcare system and regulations. Topics include principles of data management, health informatics, healthcare technologies, compliance, governance and standards, telemedicine and networking.

  Software Development (DEV) - The Software Development (DEV) concentration is designed to instruct students in the programming process and focuses on best practices in web interface design and development. Topics include systems analysis and design, web application development, user interface design, and web programming.

  Web Development - The Full Stack Coding Bootcamp offered by Westcliff University is a multidimensional concentration that bridges a path for students who want to pursue careers in the growing and exciting field of web development. The program focuses on creating dynamic and interactive experiences through a rigorous full stack coding curriculum. Students pursuing this program will gain the necessary skills for front-end and back-end development, all while preparing them for success in the professional world.

• Course Catalog and Student Handbook
  Student Handbook/Catalog

Scholarship Opportunities

• Scholarship Application

  As a Westcliff student, you have access to a powerful network of support from staff, faculty, alumni, and many others who take pride in investing in you. Scholarships are made possible by generous benefactors who are passionate about supporting your success.

  Apply Now
• Scholarship Application Deadlines

  Semester	Session	Scholarship Deadline	Start Date	End Date
  FALL	Session 1	07/29/22	Start: 8/29/22	End: 10/23/22
  	Session 2		Start: 10/24/22	End: 12/18/22
  SPRING	Session 3	12/03/22	Start: 01/03/23	End: 02/26/23
  	Session 4		Start: 02/27/23	End: 04/23/23
  SUMMER	Session 5	04/01/23	Start: 05/01/23	End: 06/25/23
  	Session 6		Start: 06/26/23	End: 08/20/23