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Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences

Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences

Take your career in computer and information sciences to the next level.

Gain specialized knowledge, industry connections and high-demand skills to excel in the tech sector. Become a leader in the field. This comprehensive curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in computer and information sciences while offering four specializations to cater to different career goals.

This program is a partnership with The Citadel.

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Why get your M.S. in Computer and Information Sciences at the College of Charleston?

Flexible schedule: Attend evening classes once a week, allowing you to balance work and studies effectively.
Joint program with The Citadel: Our collaboration with The Citadel combines the strengths of two renowned institutions, enhancing the educational experience.
Convenient locations: Small in-person courses on location at the College of Charleston and The Citadel, some hybrid and online options available.
Efficient timeline: Complete the program in just 18-24 months, accelerating your career advancement.
Industry partnerships: Benefit from our strong ties with industry leaders in the region, resulting in abundant career opportunities for our graduates.
Paid assistantships: We offer paid assistantships to qualified students, providing financial support while gaining valuable experience.
Designed for working professionals: Our program caters to the needs of professionals seeking key roles in industry, government agencies, academia, and other institutions.
High earning potential and broad career prospects: The expertise and knowledge developed in our program prepare graduates for immediate contributions in the South Carolina Lowcountry or for career placements worldwide.

View Curriculum: Computer and Information Sciences, M.S.

Specializations & Certificates

When you pursue a graduate program in computer and information sciences, you will choose an area of specialization.

Software Engineering

Address the increasing demand for software engineering professionals.
Gain comprehensive knowledge of the latest technologies, tools and technical, managerial and behavioral aspects of software engineering.
Prepare for senior management, executive positions or entrepreneurship in software engineering firms.
Cybersecurity

Meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Explore the latest technologies, tools and behavioral and managerial aspects of cybersecurity.
Prepare for roles such as red team penetration testers, blue team information system defenders and employment in federal intelligence and national security agencies.
Information Systems

Develop the technological and managerial skills required for information system professionals.
Acquire expertise in databases, distributed systems and the latest technologies and tools.
Prepare for positions such as senior database administrators, managers, information architects or successful entrepreneurship.
Computer Science

Careers & Outcomes

This program opens doors to various career opportunities. Graduates have been hired by renowned national and regional companies and organizations, including:

Boeing
Dell
Booz Allen Hamilton
Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC)
Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR)
SRC
Capgemini

“I chose the College of Charleston because I love the faculty and the students who are a part of the Computer Science department. The department has a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and friendship. I knew that I would be comfortable and happy here.” - Husna Siddiqui ‘18

How to Apply

The entire application process is online. The documents outlined below are required components of the application. A file is not complete until all documents have been submitted and processed, so read carefully and prepare your application materials in advance of applying.

Dates & Deadlines
Fall
- Priority: February 1
- Final: July 1
Summer
- Priority: December 1
- Final: April 1
Spring
- Priority: October 1
- Final: November 30
Application Process
Applying to the Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences program at the College of Charleston is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure an effective application.
1. Online Application: Visit our website and complete the online application form.
2. Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee.
3. Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
4. Statement of Purpose: Write a 700-1000 word statement explaining your reasons for pursuing the program and your career goals.
5. Test Scores: Submit official GRE scores (optional but recommended).
6. English Language Proficiency: If English is not your native language, provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores.
If you are an undergraduate College of Charleston student in the B.S. in Computer Science program and want to apply to the Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s program (4+1), consult the entry requirements and contact the program director.
Start Application
Admission Criteria
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Competency. Demonstrated through coursework, approved work experience or a program-administered competency exam in the areas of basic computer architecture, object-oriented programming, discrete mathematics and data structures. Students who do not have a background in computer science need a grade of B or higher in prerequisite courses before being considered for admission.
2. All students must satisfy one of the following prerequisite areas options indicated below before enrolling in any graduate Computer and Information Sciences course.
  - Complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher.
  - Complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.500 or higher. Complete six credit hours of graduatecomputer and information sciences coursework as a non-degree-seeking student with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher.
  - For students in the accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program at the College of Charleston, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher for all computer and information sciences courses to continue as a full-time graduate student.
  - Complete a graduate certificate from the joint College of Charleston/Citadel programs in computer and information sciences, with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher.