M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.S. in Computing & Information Science
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Computing & Information Science through its College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. This program is designed to provide students with advanced study, laboratory work, and research opportunities in the broad and rapidly evolving field of computing. It aims to add both breadth and depth to a student's undergraduate background, preparing them for advanced professional opportunities in industry or for further academic pursuits at the doctoral level. The program offers flexibility with a thesis or non-thesis option and provides four distinct concentrations: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Information Science. Each concentration is a 30-credit hour program for the thesis option and 36 credit hours for the non-thesis option, requiring an undergraduate degree in the chosen area for eligibility.
STEM-designated: Yes, the M.S. in Computing & Information Science at UNF, across all its concentrations, is STEM-designated. This is a significant benefit, particularly for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period after graduation in the U.S., providing more opportunities for work experience in these high-demand technical fields.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Computing & Information Science at UNF is structured to provide a comprehensive and specialized education within computing. For the thesis option, students complete 24 credit hours of coursework and at least 6 credit hours of thesis, totaling a minimum of 30 credits. The non-thesis option requires 36 credit hours of coursework. All concentrations (Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Information Science) share a common core that typically includes courses in research methods in computing, information assurance, and a computing practicum. Beyond the core, each concentration has specific required and elective courses. For instance, the Computer Science concentration delves into advanced areas like computer networks, operating systems, algorithms, and databases. The Data Science concentration focuses on topics relevant to big data analysis and machine learning. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, with a strong focus on problem-solving and critical thinking.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Computing & Information Science at UNF has a strong research focus, particularly for students pursuing the thesis option. The program aims to enable students to "conduct independent research designed to extend the body of knowledge encompassing computing." This includes developing skills in empirical problem-solving, utilizing powerful data analysis software, and extracting actionable insights from large datasets. Faculty in the School of Computing have diverse research interests, including areas such as Artificial Intelligence (computer vision, machine learning, natural language understanding), Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, and Database Systems. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects under faculty mentorship, culminating in a master's thesis or a significant research experience that prepares them for publishing and presenting their findings.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Computing & Information Science at UNF maintains strong industry engagement, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in technology sectors. The program's curriculum is continually updated to align with the evolving needs of the computing industry, ensuring that graduates possess the cutting-edge skills sought by employers. Opportunities for industry engagement often arise through the computing practicum, which provides hands-on, applied experience. While formal program-wide internship requirements may vary by concentration, the robust professional networks of the faculty, coupled with UNF's location in a growing business hub like Jacksonville, can facilitate connections for internships and employment opportunities. The program's design, which aims to "enhance professional opportunities in industry," directly reflects this commitment to preparing students for the workforce.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Computing & Information Science at UNF inherently incorporates a global perspective due to the universal nature of computing and information technology. The challenges and innovations in areas like cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence have global implications and transcend national borders. The curriculum fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are applicable in international contexts. Students engage with globally recognized computing standards and practices. While specific courses on international computing may not be explicitly listed, the foundational knowledge and advanced skills acquired prepare graduates to work effectively in multinational corporations, collaborate on international projects, and address computing challenges in an interconnected global digital landscape.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
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 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 292 required.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Computing & Information Science from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a STEM-designated graduate program offered through the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. This program provides advanced study, hands-on laboratory work, and research opportunities across various rapidly evolving areas within computing. Designed to deepen a student's undergraduate foundation, it prepares them for high-level professional roles in industry or for further doctoral studies.
Software Engineer/Developer: (Computer Science concentration) Designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications and systems across various platforms, from mobile apps and web platforms to enterprise software.
Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer: (Cybersecurity concentration) Specializes in protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. This involves identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, responding to incidents, and conducting penetration testing.
Data Scientist: (Data Science concentration) Collects, cleans, analyzes, and interprets large, complex datasets to identify patterns, build predictive models, and extract actionable insights that drive business decisions in diverse industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Information Systems Manager/IT Manager: (Information Science concentration) Plans, coordinates, and directs computer-related activities within an organization. This role bridges technical expertise with business needs, often overseeing IT departments, infrastructure, and strategic technology initiatives.
Machine Learning Engineer/AI Engineer: (Data Science/Computer Science concentration) Designs, develops, and implements machine learning models and AI systems. They work on algorithms that enable computers to learn from data, often in areas like image recognition, natural language processing, and automated decision-making.
Cloud Engineer/Architect: (Computer Science/Cybersecurity concentration) Designs, deploys, and maintains cloud computing infrastructures and applications. They manage cloud services, optimize storage, ensure data security in cloud environments, and facilitate seamless computing resources for organizations.
Database Administrator/Engineer: (Computer Science/Information Science concentration) Manages and maintains an organization's databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility. This includes designing database structures, optimizing queries, and handling backups.
IT Consultant: (Information Science/all concentrations) Advises businesses on how to best use information technology to achieve their business objectives. They assess technology needs, recommend solutions, and oversee the implementation of software and systems.
Network Architect/Engineer: (Computer Science/Cybersecurity concentration) Designs, builds, and maintains data communication networks, ensuring their efficiency, security, and scalability for organizations of all sizes.
Research Scientist (Computing): (All concentrations, particularly with Thesis option) Conducts advanced research to extend the body of knowledge in specific areas of computing, such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, or theoretical computer science, often in academic or corporate research labs.
