M.S. in Kinesiology - Sport Administration concentration
The M.S. in Kinesiology with a Sport Administration concentration at Montclair State Un...
M.S. in Computer Science
Montclair, New Jersey
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science at Montclair State University is a robust 30-credit graduate program designed for students interested in advancing their theoretical and practical knowledge in the field. Offered through the School of Computing, this program emphasizes the foundational concepts of computer science while also introducing students to newly developing areas. It prepares graduates for leadership positions in software system design and implementation, database systems, operating systems, artificial intelligence, expert systems, graphics, simulation, and algorithms, catering to the needs of business, industry, and government sectors. The program is flexible, welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds, though some may require prerequisite coursework to build a strong foundation.
STEM Designated: The M.S. in Computer Science program at Montclair State University is officially a STEM-designated degree program. This classification is particularly beneficial for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the United States after graduation. This provides up to three years of work authorization, significantly enhancing opportunities for real-world experience and career development in the demanding tech industry. The STEM designation also reflects the program's strong focus on scientific and technical rigor.
Curriculum (M.S. in Computer Science): The curriculum for the M.S. in Computer Science is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of advanced computer science concepts rather than merely routine programming skills. It covers essential areas such as software engineering, computer architecture, advanced algorithms, and analysis, and research methods in computing. Students can explore various specialized topics through electives, including principles of secure programming, parallel and distributed computing, robotics, human-computer interaction (HCI), web development, computer networks, operating systems, scalable distributed systems, and big data analytics. The program structure ensures students develop strong analytical, design, and implementation skills crucial for tackling complex computational problems.
Research Focus: Montclair State's M.S. in Computer Science program fosters an active research environment, encouraging students to engage with faculty on cutting-edge projects. Faculty research interests within the School of Computing are diverse and include areas such as intelligent machines (multimodal human-machine interaction, machine perception, interactive autonomous systems), multimedia computing (extended reality, 3D visualization), reinforcement learning, classification and data mining, mathematical modeling, and software security. The university houses dedicated research labs, including Bioinformatics, Collaborative Robotics and Smart Systems (CRoSS), Computational Science, Image Processing and Systems, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Network Science, providing students with opportunities to contribute to advancements in these fields.
Industry Engagement: Montclair State University's advantageous location, just 12 miles from New York City, provides significant opportunities for industry engagement for Computer Science students. The School of Computing actively prepares students for professional work in various sectors, emphasizing skills sought by leading tech companies. This includes internships, co-ops, and full-time employment opportunities with a wide range of organizations. The curriculum is industry-aligned, incorporating practical applications and fostering communication and teamwork skills essential for success in the workforce. Students benefit from access to modern infrastructure and computing equipment, further enhancing their readiness for industry roles.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Computer Science program inherently integrates a global perspective by preparing students for a globalized tech industry. The principles and applications of computer science are universal, and graduates are equipped to work in diverse international teams and with global technologies. The university's broader commitment to internationalization, including a diverse international student body and support services, fosters an inclusive environment that prepares students to understand different cultural contexts in technology development and deployment. The program's focus on areas like big data and distributed systems also addresses challenges and opportunities that often have global implications.
Location
Montclair, New Jersey
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19916
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Montclair State University offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Presidential Scholarships: The university’s prestigious Presidential Scholarships are awarded to top-performing international students demonstrating exceptional academic records and leadership skills. These scholarships provide substantial financial support and are highly competitive.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate international students have access to departmental scholarships and graduate assistantships. Assistantships may include tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities, offering both financial aid and valuable professional experience.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science at Montclair State University is a robust 30-credit, STEM-designated graduate program designed to provide students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge. Offered through the School of Computing, the curriculum delves into fundamental concepts and emerging areas like software system design, database systems, operating systems, artificial intelligence, and advanced algorithms.
Software Engineer/Developer: This is a core career path. Graduates design, develop, test, and maintain software applications and systems for various platforms, including web, mobile, and enterprise solutions. They work across diverse industries, creating the digital tools we use daily.
Data Scientist/Analyst: Leveraging advanced statistical and machine learning techniques, these professionals analyze large, complex datasets to extract actionable insights. They help organizations make data-driven decisions, predict trends, and solve business problems.
Machine Learning Engineer/AI Engineer: Specializing in artificial intelligence, these engineers design, build, and deploy machine learning models and AI systems. Their work drives innovations in areas like natural language processing, computer vision, and autonomous systems.
Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer: With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, these experts are crucial for protecting an organization's computer networks, systems, and data from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security incidents. They implement security measures, monitor for threats, and respond to incidents.
Cloud Architect/Engineer: As businesses migrate to cloud platforms, these professionals design, implement, and manage cloud computing infrastructure and solutions (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). They ensure scalability, security, and efficiency of cloud-based systems.
Computer and Information Research Scientist: Often requiring a master's degree, these scientists conduct research into fundamental computer science problems, develop new computing technologies, and find innovative uses for existing ones. They work in academia, corporate R&D labs, or government research institutions.
Database Administrator/Architect: These professionals design, implement, maintain, and secure an organization's databases. They ensure data integrity, performance, and availability, which is critical for businesses relying on large volumes of information.
Computer Network Architect: These specialists design and build complex data communication networks, from local area networks (LANs) to wide area networks (WANs), ensuring efficient and secure data flow within an organization.
DevOps Engineer: Bridging the gap between software development and IT operations, DevOps engineers work to streamline the software development lifecycle. They implement automation tools, manage deployment pipelines, and foster collaboration between teams.
IT Project Manager: With strong technical understanding and leadership skills, graduates can manage complex IT projects, overseeing teams, budgets, and timelines from conception to completion. This role requires excellent communication and organizational abilities.
