Computer Science, MS

In the general option, you get to choose your electives. You can develop a focused or broad foundation that aligns with your interests and academic goals. There are two variations of the MSCS general option:

Course-Only 

With the MSCS course-only option, you’ll take an additional elective course and a seminar that explores state-of-the-art technology advances in computer science.

The course-only option provides you with a wide range of electives to choose from, enabling you to tailor your degree plan to your professional goals and interests. This option also provides the most flexibility with entry options in June, January and March, and the ability to complete your degree in as little as five academic quarters.

Research Project

With the research project option, you complete a faculty-supervised research project spanning 2-3 academic quarters. The research projects enable you to focus on your specific areas of interest and the research interests of faculty members.

If you choose to participate in research project opportunities, you’ll have a chance to be mentored by faculty, publish your work, and present on campus or at conferences. These projects provide distinctive opportunities to gain hands-on research experience and prepare you for career advancement or for further post-graduate education at internationally recognized institutions.

MSCS Courses

MSCS Sample Plan 24-25 - General Option

The MSCS with a specialization in data science (MSCS-DS) provides you the opportunity to develop computer solutions related to data science. Our unique program is designed so that upon completion, you’ll receive both an MSCS degree and a specialization within data science.

This combination is very attractive to today's leading employers as there's growing demand for developers that have experience in data science. As a student in this specialization, you must complete the set of core courses that are part of all MSCS degrees at Seattle University, plus a set of data science courses. The program culminates in a capstone project that addresses real-world challenges in the field of data science.

The specialization can be completed in as little as five academic quarters, only if you start in the fall quarter. Due to course sequencing, if you start in the winter quarter you can complete the program in seven academic quarters, and if you start in the spring quarter you can complete the program in six academic quarters.

MSCS - Data Science Specialization Courses

MSCS Sample Plan 24-25 - Data Science Specialization

The MSCS with a specialization in software engineering (MSCS-SE) enables you to build the skill set you will need for a fulfilling career in the software industry. You'll gain hands-on experience across the software development life cycle—from requirements analysis, to architecture and design, to development and testing. The Department of Computer Science has been working with local tech companies for decades, meaning you'll benefit from close industry connections and a curriculum that is current and relevant to industry needs.

The MSCS-SE program consists of a set of core courses common to all MSCS degrees at Seattle University plus a set of software engineering courses. The program culminates in a capstone project that addresses real-world challenges in the field of software engineering.

The specialization can be completed in six academic quarters if you start in the fall quarter, five academic quarters if you start in the winter quarter and seven academic quarters if you start in spring quarter.

MSCS - Software Engineering Specialization Courses

MSCS Sample Plan 24-25 - Software Engineering Specialization

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of core areas and advanced topics in computer science.
• An ability to design, implement and evaluate computer-based solutions to meet a given set of requirements.
• An ability to effectively communicate technical concepts in written and oral form.
• An ability to make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal, ethical and social considerations.
• An ability to understand computer science literature to maintain professional currency.

Data Science Specialization Outcomes

• Demonstrate a solid foundation in core areas of data science theory and practice including data analysis methodologies, machine learning, and best practice in data visualization and presentation of analysis results and conclusions.
• Demonstrate theoretical and practical skills in the systems and software engineering needed to process large data sets.

Software Engineering Specialization Outcomes

• Demonstrate a solid foundation in core areas of software engineering theory and practice including all areas of the software development life cycle.
• An ability to function effectively on teams to establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, manage risk and produce deliverables.

This program is approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fall within the definition of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

If you are an F-1 nonimmigrant student who has completed 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training, receiving a degree in a DHS-approved STEM program means you are eligible for a 24-month OPT extension. To learn more, please speak to a Seattle University international admissions counselor.