M.S. in Criminal Justice
The M.S. in Criminal Justice at UTC is structured to provide students with advanced kno...
M.S. in Computer Science
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Computer Science at UTC is structured to provide an in-depth understanding of advanced computer science topics, with flexibility for students to explore their chosen areas of interest. The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, with a variety of core courses that prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills to succeed in this growing field. Students can choose between a thesis option (33 semester hours) or a project option (36 semester hours), allowing them to tailor their academic experience to their career aspirations, whether in research or applied industry roles. The program generally takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete for full-time students.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Computer Science at UTC is a STEM-designated program. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it allows them to be eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, which provides up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's rigorous scientific and technical curriculum and its alignment with critical national priorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Computer Science typically includes 15 semester hours of required core courses that cover fundamental advanced computer science concepts such as programming languages, algorithm analysis, computer networks, and operating systems. Beyond the core, students have the flexibility to select elective courses that align with their specific interests or choose from specialized concentrations like Cybersecurity or Data Science. The program ensures students gain proficiency in advanced programming, systems analysis, data management, and other essential areas, preparing them to meet the demands of the modern tech landscape. Students who need to bridge gaps in their undergraduate computer science background may be required to complete foundational courses before beginning graduate-level coursework.
Research Focus: The UTC M.S. in Computer Science places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging students to engage in meaningful exploration of computer science topics alongside faculty members. Students choosing the thesis option undertake original research, contributing to the body of knowledge in their chosen area. Faculty research interests are broad and dynamic, encompassing areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence (including in healthcare, computer vision, and NLP), cybersecurity (including cloud/edge computing and AI applications in security), data analytics, bioinformatics, quantum computing and quantum data processing, formal models of computationalism, and interconnections between logic, mind, and AI. This diverse research landscape provides ample opportunities for students to engage with cutting-edge technologies and solve real-world problems.
Industry Engagement: The program is committed to preparing students for successful careers in the tech industry. It emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application, ensuring that graduates possess the skills highly valued by employers. Students have opportunities for internships and co-op experiences, allowing them to gain real-world professional experience. The department maintains connections with various companies, and its graduates are employed by Fortune 500 companies, as well as local, state, and federal government agencies. The focus on industry trends and emerging areas within the curriculum, such as cybersecurity and data science, further enhances graduates' competitiveness in the job market.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Computer Science program at UTC inherently fosters a global perspective by providing students with a universal skill set applicable to the international technology landscape. Computer science is a globally interconnected field, with advancements and challenges transcending national borders. The program's rigorous curriculum, diverse research areas, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies prepare graduates to work in multinational companies, contribute to international research collaborations, and adapt to technological innovations originating from various parts of the world. The diverse student body, which often includes international students, also enriches the learning environment with varied cultural and technological perspectives.
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26852
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 100.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.
Graduates holding an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) are exceptionally well-positioned to thrive in a diverse and rapidly expanding technology landscape. Their advanced technical skills, combined with a strong foundation in theoretical computer science and practical research experience, make them highly sought after by leading companies and organizations.
Software Engineer/Developer (Senior/Lead): With an M.S. degree, graduates often transition into more senior roles in software development, designing complex software systems, developing sophisticated applications, and leading development teams in various industries, including tech, finance, and healthcare.
Data Scientist: Leveraging strong analytical and programming skills, graduates can excel in data science, extracting insights from large datasets, building predictive models, and informing strategic decisions for businesses across sectors like e-commerce, marketing, and scientific research.
Cybersecurity Engineer/Analyst: Given the program's strong focus on cybersecurity, graduates are well-prepared to design, implement, and maintain secure computer systems and networks. They identify vulnerabilities, develop defense mechanisms, and respond to cyber threats for corporations, government agencies, and defense contractors.
Machine Learning Engineer/AI Developer: These roles involve designing, building, and deploying artificial intelligence and machine learning models. Graduates apply advanced algorithms to create intelligent systems for areas like natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive analytics.
Cloud Solutions Architect/Engineer: As cloud computing becomes pervasive, graduates can design and implement cloud infrastructure, migrate applications to the cloud, and ensure the scalability, security, and efficiency of cloud-based systems for various organizations.
Computer and Information Research Scientist: For those inclined towards innovation and discovery, this role involves conducting fundamental and applied research to invent new computing technologies, improve existing ones, and find novel applications for computer science principles. This can be in academia, corporate R&D labs, or government research institutions.
Database Administrator/Architect: Graduates can specialize in designing, implementing, and managing robust database systems. They ensure data integrity, security, and accessibility, which is crucial for organizations that rely heavily on large data repositories.
DevOps Engineer: This role bridges software development and IT operations. Graduates work to automate software delivery and infrastructure changes, ensuring faster, more reliable deployments and efficient operation of large-scale systems.
Network Engineer/Architect: These professionals design, implement, and troubleshoot complex computer networks, ensuring seamless and secure data communication for organizations. This can involve anything from local area networks to wide area networks and cloud connectivity.
Quantitative Developer/Analyst: In the financial sector, graduates with strong algorithmic and programming skills can develop trading strategies, build financial models, and analyze market data. Their computational expertise is highly valued in investment banks, hedge funds, and financial technology firms.
