Master of Business Administration - Accounting
The MBA program at the University of the Potomac typically consists of 12 courses, tota...
M.S. in Computer Science
Washington, D.C., Virginia
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Program Overview
The MSCS program at the University of the Potomac is a 36-credit-hour curriculum, typically completed over two years. It consists of eight core courses (24 credits) that build a foundational understanding of computer science principles, alongside four selective courses (12 credits) chosen from various concentrations. This flexible structure allows students to specialize their learning according to their career aspirations. The program is available in both on-campus and online formats, offering accessibility and flexibility for a wide range of students, including working professionals and international learners.
STEM-designated: Yes, the University of the Potomac's Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension in the United States, allowing for an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond the initial 12-month OPT period, providing up to three years of valuable professional experience in the U.S. This designation underscores the program's rigorous focus on computational and technological aspects of computer science.
Curriculum: The 36-credit MSCS curriculum is divided into core requirements and concentration electives. Core courses cover fundamental concepts such as Foundations of Algorithms and Data Structures, Cloud Computing from the Ground Up, Executive Leadership, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Enterprise Data Management and Administration, Linguistics of Programming Languages, Computer Systems Architecture, and Cyber Crime and Homeland Security. Students can then specialize by choosing a concentration from options like Artificial Intelligence (including Methods of AI and Machine Learning, Python for AI, and AI and GPT Engineering), Cybersecurity, Big Data Science, Database Organization, Geospatial Intelligence, and Information Technology Management. This comprehensive curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Research Focus: The MSCS program at the University of the Potomac emphasizes an applied research focus. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of "key research issues in specialized areas of computer science" and techniques for the design, implementation, and evaluation of IT solutions. While it's not a purely theoretical research degree, the curriculum encourages students to apply mathematical and algorithmic principles to design computer systems, analyze complex problems, and synthesize scholarly literature. The concentrations, especially in areas like Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Science, inherently involve engaging with current research and developing innovative solutions to real-world computational challenges.
Industry Engagement: The University of the Potomac's MSCS program is strongly geared towards industry readiness. The curriculum is designed to provide "marketable leadership skills" and prepare graduates for direct entry into various roles within the tech sector. The program emphasizes the use of modern software development tools, software systems, and computing platforms. The concentrations offered are directly aligned with high-demand areas in the current job market, such as AI, cybersecurity, and data science. The university's locations, particularly in Washington D.C., provide proximity to numerous government agencies, tech companies, and businesses, fostering opportunities for networking and real-world application. The program also highlights that its faculty members are often professionals with industry experience, bridging the gap between academia and practice.
Global Perspective: The University of the Potomac fosters a global perspective within its MSCS program through its diverse student body and a curriculum that addresses the universal challenges and opportunities in computer science. The program's focus on international applications of computer science concepts, along with skills in multi-cultural communication and teamwork, prepares graduates for roles in a globally interconnected tech industry. The flexibility of online learning options further allows the program to attract and serve students from around the world, creating a rich and diverse learning environment where different viewpoints and approaches to computing problems are shared.
Location
Washington, D.C., Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22250
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 59 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of the Potomac is dedicated to making education affordable and accessible for international students by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, helping reduce the overall cost of education for deserving students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students demonstrating strong academic performance may qualify for merit-based scholarships. These awards reward high GPA, outstanding achievements, and exceptional contributions in previous educational settings. Merit scholarships can significantly lower tuition fees and encourage students to maintain high academic standards throughout their studies.
Need-Based Scholarships: The university also offers need-based scholarships designed to assist international students facing financial challenges. Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed financial information during the admissions process to be considered for these scholarships, which aim to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the student’s financial resources.
Special Program Scholarships: Certain academic programs at the University of the Potomac provide dedicated scholarships for international students, especially in fields such as business administration, information technology, and cybersecurity. These program-specific awards support students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science (MSCS) from the University of the Potomac is a STEM-designated program that provides a comprehensive and career-oriented education.
Software Developer/Engineer: This fundamental role involves designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications, operating systems, or platforms. Graduates can specialize in areas like web development (front-end, back-end, full-stack), mobile app development, or enterprise software, utilizing their strong programming and algorithmic skills.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning Engineer: With specific concentrations in AI, graduates are well-prepared to develop, implement, and optimize AI and machine learning models for diverse applications, including predictive analytics, natural language processing, and automated systems. This is a high-demand field across industries.
Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer: Given the program's emphasis on cybersecurity, including courses like "Cyber Crime and Homeland Security," graduates can work to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. They identify vulnerabilities, implement security measures, and respond to security incidents for organizations.
Data Scientist/Big Data Scientist: Leveraging coursework in data analytics and a "Big Data Science" concentration, graduates are equipped to collect, process, analyze, and interpret large and complex datasets. They extract actionable insights to drive data-driven decision-making, build predictive models, and optimize business strategies.
Cloud Solutions Architect/Engineer: With courses like "Cloud Computing from the Ground Up" and an AWS concentration, graduates can design, implement, and manage cloud-based infrastructures and applications. They help organizations leverage cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for scalability, flexibility, and efficiency.
IT Project Manager: The curriculum's focus on "Executive Leadership" and project management techniques prepares graduates to lead and oversee complex IT projects. They manage resources, budgets, timelines, and stakeholder communication, ensuring successful project delivery that aligns with organizational goals.
Database Administrator/Developer: Graduates with expertise in "Enterprise Data Management and Administration" and "Database Organization" can design, implement, maintain, and secure robust database systems, ensuring data integrity, availability, and performance for businesses and other entities.
Computer Systems Analyst: These professionals analyze an organization's computer systems and procedures, designing and proposing solutions to improve efficiency and meet specific business or technical requirements. They act as a crucial link between technical teams and business stakeholders.
DevOps Engineer: Graduates with an understanding of software development and system architecture can work as DevOps engineers, streamlining the software development lifecycle. They focus on automation, continuous integration, and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines to enhance software reliability and release frequency.
Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (with Computer Science focus): For those opting for the Geospatial Intelligence concentration within the MSCS, this role involves applying computer science principles to analyze spatial data, develop geospatial algorithms, and create applications that leverage location-based information for defense, urban planning, environmental monitoring, or business intelligence.
