M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.S. in Computer Science
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Computer Science at Roosevelt University is a 30-credit-hour program, typically completed within two years for full-time students. It features in-person classes primarily held on the Chicago campus, with admissions available for fall and spring start dates. The full-time course delivery is structured to meet F1 visa requirements for international students. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the field, the program ensures that graduates are well-prepared for leadership positions in startups, national companies, large data warehouses, and cloud computing environments. For those new to computer science, a three-course bridge program is available to provide the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in the master's degree.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Computer Science program at Roosevelt University is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, especially for international students, as it makes them eligible for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after graduation. This allows for a longer period of post-graduation work experience in the U.S., enhancing their career opportunities and potential for long-term employment in the competitive tech sector.
Curriculum: The curriculum is forward-thinking and rigorous, requiring a minimum of 30 credit hours. It encompasses five required core courses that provide a strong foundation in essential computer science principles: "Advanced Algorithms," "Intelligent Systems," "Data Mining," "Systems Programming," and "Advanced Computer Architecture." Beyond the core, students select three 400-level Computer Science graduate electives (9 credit hours) to specialize their studies. The program culminates in a capstone requirement, where students can choose between a Master's Thesis option, a Master's Project option, or an all-courses option (which allows for additional electives or an internship). Elective courses may include topics like "Machine Learning," "Game Theory and Application," "Cloud Computing," and "Computer Forensics," allowing students to tailor their learning to specific interests like AI, data science, or cybersecurity.
Research Focus: Research is a central element of the M.S. in Computer Science program at Roosevelt University. The curriculum is designed to prepare students not only for immediate industry roles but also for continued educational training at the doctoral level, which inherently involves research. Students are encouraged to delve deeply into topics of personal interest through the required Master's Thesis or Project options. Working closely with faculty advisors who possess both industrial and research experience, students develop compelling proposals and conduct in-depth investigations. This hands-on research experience equips graduates with critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills, enabling them to tackle complex challenges and contribute to advancements in the field.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University places a strong emphasis on industry engagement within its Computer Science program. Situated in Chicago, a burgeoning tech hub, the university leverages its location to create robust connections with leading tech companies and organizations. Faculty members often bring industrial or research experience, enriching the classroom with real-world insights. The program boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates thriving in roles at major companies such as Google, Microsoft, Walmart Global Tech, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Students are provided with opportunities for internships and co-op programs, enhancing their resumes and providing invaluable real-world experience. This direct engagement ensures the curriculum remains aligned with industry demands and facilitates strong career outcomes for graduates.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University fosters a global perspective within its M.S. in Computer Science program by preparing students for a field that is inherently global in nature. The universal principles of computer science, coupled with the program's strong technical training, equip graduates to contribute to the global tech workforce. The university actively supports international students, providing resources for F1 visa requirements and creating a diverse classroom environment where students from various backgrounds can collaborate and share different perspectives on technology and its impact. This multicultural exposure, combined with a curriculum that addresses cutting-edge global trends in AI, data science, and software engineering, ensures graduates are well-prepared for opportunities in a globally interconnected industry.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 20430
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.S. in Computer Science from Roosevelt University provides graduates with the advanced technical skills and strategic thinking necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech industry. The program's rigorous curriculum, practical research opportunities, and strong connections to Chicago's tech ecosystem prepare individuals for leadership and innovation roles in software development, data science, artificial intelligence, and more.
Software Engineer/Developer: Graduates design, develop, test, and deploy software applications for various platforms, including web, mobile, and enterprise systems. This foundational role is highly sought after across all industries.
Data Scientist: Leveraging strong analytical and programming skills, data scientists collect, clean, analyze, and interpret large datasets to extract valuable insights, build predictive models, and inform business decisions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) Engineer: Specializing in intelligent systems and machine learning, graduates develop and implement AI algorithms and models for applications ranging from recommendation systems and natural language processing to autonomous vehicles.
Cloud Engineer/Architect: With the pervasive adoption of cloud computing, these professionals design, implement, and manage cloud-based infrastructure and applications, often working with platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Computer Systems Analyst/Architect: These roles involve analyzing an organization's existing computer systems and designing solutions to improve efficiency, security, and integration, often acting as a bridge between technical teams and business needs.
Database Administrator/Developer: Graduates manage and maintain large databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility. They may also design and optimize database structures for various applications.
Cybersecurity Engineer/Analyst: While Roosevelt has a separate MS in Cyber Security & Information Assurance, the MS in Computer Science with relevant electives can lead to roles in cybersecurity, focusing on secure software development, network security, and identifying system vulnerabilities.
Algorithm Developer: This specialized role involves designing and optimizing complex algorithms to solve specific computational problems, crucial for areas like search engines, financial modeling, and scientific simulations.
IT Project Manager: With a blend of technical understanding and management skills, graduates can lead software development projects, system implementations, or other IT initiatives, overseeing teams, budgets, and timelines.
Computer and Information Research Scientist: For those interested in pushing the boundaries of computing, this role involves conducting original research to invent new computing technologies, solve complex computational problems, and advance the field of computer science.
