Master in Computer Science
University of San Francisco - College of Arts & Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 24,160 / per year
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) full-time & part-time programs provides students with a broad background in software development and other core disciplines of computer science, ranging from systems, networking, and distributed programming to algorithms and theory.
Program Highlights
- Real-World Experience – By completing an internship at a technology company, working on a faculty research project, or contributing to an open-source project, the practicum course helps students gain real-world experience.
- San Francisco Advantage – We're located in the heart of San Francisco and close to Silicon Valley, which boasts more tech companies than any other region in the U.S.
- Faculty – Comprised of distinguished researchers and accomplished experts from the Bay Area’s tech companies, our faculty brings real world computing experience into the classroom.
- Small Classes – Close interaction with full-time faculty is a hallmark of the program. Our cohort model enhances the experience during our students’ first year, allowing them to take core courses at the same time.
- International Students – They may be eligible to work for 36 months in the U.S. after completion of the MSCS program via the OPT program and STEM extension.
Admissions
Curriculum
Full-Time Program
The program requires two years (four semesters) of full-time study and follows a cohort model during the first year in which all students take the same set of core courses. During the second year, students may choose from a rotating selection of graduate electives based on their interests and goals. Students develop several large software projects throughout their degree, including a substantial capstone project during their second year.
Part-Time Program
The 36-unit program takes most part-time students two and a half to three years to complete. The program provides students with a solid foundation in development, algorithms, and distributed computing. Students can then create their own specialization through electives, directed research with faculty, and industry experience through the practicum.
Master's Project
Students are given the opportunity to work on real-world projects with tech companies in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, or with an academic organization on a research project. The master's project is similar to an internship, but with the added bonus of academic guidance and access to the department’s resources. It’s a great way for students to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting, and to make contacts in the industry as graduation nears.
At the beginning of the fall semester, potential sponsors pitch projects. Students form teams and begin the software development process. Guided by both faculty and the industry sponsors, students work on their master's project 12-20 hours a week for 15 weeks. Students often express how much they learn in this intense course, and some obtain jobs with the company they work with or from contacts they make. For example, our students have been hired as engineers following their projects with SnapLogic.
Program Outcome
The MS in Computer Science degree provides a broad background in software development and other core disciplines of computer science. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for both positions in industry or to continue their studies through a PhD program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of advanced topics in computer science including software engineering, algorithms, artificial intelligence, programming languages, parallel computing, networking, and low-level systems
- Ability to design, implement, and debug large-scale software application
- Ability to evaluate and understand advanced research from computer science literature
- Effective communication and team participation skills with respect to software development
Scholarships and Funding
MSCS Specific Financial Aid
Scholarships
The MSCS program offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to incoming and current graduate students, both domestic and international, on a competitive basis.
- MSCS Scholarship for Excellence: Awarded to incoming MSCS applicants with exceptional applications. All aspects of the application are considered, including GPA, GRE test scores, TOEFL/ITS scores (if applicable), letters of recommendation, and the essay/statement of purpose. Up to two awards are made every year, with an approximate award ranging from $20–40k over two to four semesters.
- MSCS Scholarship for Diversity: Awarded to incoming MSCS applicants with outstanding applications who are either women and/or belong to a minority group underrepresented in the field of Computer Science. Approximate awards range from $5–10k over one to two semesters.
- MSCS Merit Scholarship: Awarded to incoming MSCS applicants with outstanding applications from all backgrounds, or current MSCS graduate students who demonstrate outstanding skills and leadership. Approximate awards range from $5–10k over one to two semesters.
Applications should be submitted by February 1st for priority scholarship consideration. Scholarships require students to maintain a 3.3 GPA or higher. No application is required for these scholarships — we automatically consider all graduate students (domestic and international).
Employment
There are several employment opportunities for domestic and international students to offset the cost of living in the area.
- Assistantships: There are a limited number of teacher assistant or research assistant positions available to current graduate students every semester. These on-campus positions usually require approximately 10 hours per week and pay an hourly wage. They do not provide tuition remission, and positions are not promised as part of the admission process.
- Internships: Our prime location in the San Francisco Bay Area and proximity to Silicon Valley means there are many off-campus internships available for current graduate students that pay a competitive wage. MSCS students (including most international students) can get credit towards their degree for these positions via the practicum option.
Career Opportunities
Careers and Employment
In the heart of the world's hub of technology and innovation, USF gives you the knowledge, the skills, and the critical thinking you need to succeed in the fast-growing and ever-changing world of computer science.
Employment Offers
USF MSCS graduates thrive in the workplace. In fact, 85 percent of them land a full-time job within three months of graduation. Many start out at small companies and startups, but five years after graduation our students are often found at larger companies such as Google, Apple, Amazon, and Uber.
- 85% of alumni employed within three months of graduation
- Mean annual salary for computer science graduates in the San Francisco Bay Area is $140,660
- Most common job titles are Software Engineer and Software Developer
English Language Requirements
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