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M.S. in Computer Science
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Computer Science at USD focuses on the fundamental ideas behind information and computation and how they can be applied. The program typically requires 30 credit hours and offers both a thesis and a non-thesis track, allowing students to tailor their academic path to their specific career goals and interests. Students can specialize in various cutting-edge areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, or Informatics, which emphasizes high-performance computing and big data analysis. The program is known for its small student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentoring from experienced professors.
STEM-designated: Yes, the M.S. in Computer Science program at the University of South Dakota, particularly with its specialization in Artificial Intelligence, is STEM-designated. This designation is beneficial for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, providing more opportunities for work experience in their field.
Curriculum: The curriculum provides in-depth study of current technological developments. Core areas of study often include algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, pattern recognition, data science, information retrieval, Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and big data. For the Artificial Intelligence specialization, coursework delves into the development of AI-driven tools for various purposes, including machine vision/robotics and machine learning for big data. The Informatics specialization focuses on high-performance computing, data mining, and bioinformatics. Students gain practical experience applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Research Focus: The Department of Computer Science at USD has a strong research focus, with faculty actively engaged in emerging topics. Research interests include software engineering, medical image processing, parallel processing, applied computing, GIS, computer security, cluster computing, and computer networks. The department houses an AI Research Lab and has access to high-performance computing centers, providing students with state-of-the-art resources for their research. Faculty frequently receive external funding from agencies like the NSF and DOD, offering numerous research opportunities for students to contribute to groundbreaking projects, particularly in interdisciplinary areas like biomedical computation. The department also hosts an annual IEEE-sponsored USD AI Symposium and a monthly Brownbag Research Talk Series, fostering a vibrant research environment.
Industry Engagement: USD's Computer Science program emphasizes practical, real-world experience and maintains connections with various industries. Students have opportunities for internships at influential companies, gaining valuable professional experience and establishing credibility in the workplace. The university's IT department also hires computer science students for various roles, including campus networking. The department has collaborative initiatives like the South Dakota Biomedical Computation Collaborative, which involves partnerships with other universities and aims to drive medical innovation through computation and AI, often involving external funding and real-world problem-solving. This strong industry alignment ensures graduates are well-prepared for immediate contributions in their careers.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Computer Science at USD inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal challenges and opportunities in technology. Computer science is a field that transcends geographical boundaries, and the program's focus on areas like AI, big data, and cybersecurity are globally relevant. The program attracts a diverse student body, and faculty members with international backgrounds and collaborations bring a global understanding to the classroom. Furthermore, the emphasis on developing solutions for complex problems in various facets of society, including healthcare and risk management, prepares graduates to work in an interconnected world where technological solutions have far-reaching global impacts. The annual international symposia on artificial intelligence and data harnessing also provide exposure to global experts and perspectives.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
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.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science from the University of South Dakota (USD) offers graduates a robust and in-demand skillset, positioning them for success in a technology-driven world. This advanced degree goes beyond foundational knowledge, delving into cutting-edge areas like Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, making graduates highly competitive in a job market that continues to see significant growth in computer and information technology occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average growth for these fields, with many thousands of openings anticipated annually over the next decade. A master's degree in Computer Science often leads to specialized roles and can significantly enhance career progression and earning potential.
Software Developer/Engineer (Senior/Specialized): Graduates can excel in designing, developing, and maintaining complex software applications, systems, and solutions. With an M.S., they are well-prepared for senior roles, focusing on specialized areas like enterprise software, cloud computing, or mobile applications.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) Engineer: Leveraging the program's specialization, these engineers design, build, and deploy AI models and machine learning algorithms to solve complex problems, develop intelligent systems, and enable data-driven predictions in various industries.
Data Scientist: These professionals analyze vast datasets to extract meaningful insights, build predictive models, and use advanced statistical and computational methods to inform strategic decisions for businesses and organizations.
Computer and Information Research Scientist: Often requiring a master's degree, this role involves designing innovative uses for new and existing computing technology. They conduct research to develop new computing languages, software systems, and theoretical foundations for computing.
Cybersecurity Specialist/Information Security Analyst: With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, these experts are crucial for planning and executing security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and responding to incidents.
Cloud Engineer/Architect: As cloud computing becomes pervasive, these professionals design, implement, and manage cloud infrastructure and solutions (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), ensuring scalability, security, and efficiency for organizations.
Big Data Engineer: Specializing in large-scale data, these engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines and systems that collect, store, process, and make accessible vast amounts of data for analysis and business intelligence.
Database Administrator/Architect: These roles involve creating, organizing, and managing systems to store and secure critical organizational data. Architects design the database structures, while administrators ensure their efficient and secure operation.
Computer Systems Analyst: These analysts study an organization's current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency, integrate new technologies, and ensure that IT infrastructure aligns with business needs.
Robotics Engineer: For those with an interest in intelligent automation, an M.S. in Computer Science, especially with AI/ML focus, can lead to roles in designing, developing, and programming robots for various applications, from manufacturing to healthcare.
