Online Master of Science

in Computer Science
Program Overview

Earn an advanced computer science degree while

working full time
21-24 months, 33 credits
100% online

In just over two generations, computers have gone from being a specialty tool of research and
development departments to vital infrastructure for every organization and individual. To stay
current—and to make even further leaps in computing technology—businesses and organizations
will need to hire computer science professionals with advanced training and skills. In fact, the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that occupations in computer science will grow by 12% over the
2018-2028 period, adding up to 546,200 new jobs.[1]

The University of Oklahoma's School of Computer Science at the Gallogly College of Engineering
now offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science. This new online option offers
students with a background in engineering or computer science the opportunity to learn the
latest concepts in this exciting field, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, security,
algorithms, and more. This graduate degree program teaches advanced knowledge for fast-
growing career paths in a wide range of industries, including industrial engineering, meteorology,
web development, information research and more.

OU computer science students can:

Earn an advanced degree with a university that has been conducting research in the field since
1969.
Take classes online from anywhere in the world—and while continuing to work full time.
Study with computer science and engineering experts who bring real-world insights to classes.
Prepare to join the Sooner alumni community, a global network of professional leaders.

This program also offers students the opportunity to move up to doctoral study in the field after
graduation.

[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

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Program Overview
What Students Will Learn
As a graduate of the online Master of Science in Computer Science program, students
will be able to:

Understand the design and implementation of algorithms to extract useful knowledge from
text to support decision making.
Learn to obtain data sets, understand data formats and perform data operations, including
detection of duplicates, cleaning data sets, tagging, indexing, searching, algorithm evaluation,
classification, clustering, topic modelling, and entity resolution.
Master decision trees, relational learning, neural networks, Bayesian learning, reinforcement
learning, multiple-instance learning, feature selection, learning appropriate representations,
clustering, and kernel methods.
Demonstrate a deep understanding of cryptography, access control, programming and
software security, operating system security, network security protocols, and the legal and
ethical aspects of security software.
Study methods of search, knowledge representation, heuristics, and other aspects of
automating the solution of problems requiring intelligence.
Understand and apply various algorithm design strategies to solve problems, including divide
and conquer, greedy principle and dynamic programming.
Design and deploy algorithms of various types across a range of problems - deterministic and
randomized, serial and parallel, centralized and decentralized, program-based and circuit-
based.

Program Format
The Master of Science in Computer Science is a fully online program conducted over five
semesters. It features:

Courses that range from eight to 16 weeks long.

A blend of asynchronous coursework and live online classes.
Twelve courses totalling 33 credits.
A mix of course content covering advanced theory and applied theory within computer
science.

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Program Format

Selected Courses for the Online M.S. in Computer Science

Algorithm Analysis
Database Management Systems
Text Analytics 
Software Engineering Processes
Machine Learning
Computer Security 
Independent Studies
Artificial Intelligence
PDN Programming
Independent Studies

Admissions Requirements

To apply to our online M.S. in Computer Science, students must hold a baccalaureate degree in
computer science, engineering, IT or another related discipline from a regionally accredited
college or university (or appropriate international equivalent).

Students should have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in undergraduate studies.

Students’ math and computer science background will also be assessed in order to determine
preparation for graduate- level computer science work.

Please speak with an enrollment counselor to discuss required prerequisites.

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How to Apply

1.      COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION 

Apply at the online application website.

2.     SUBMIT A CURRENT RESUME

3.     PROVIDE OFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS FROM ALL INSTITUTIONS

The Office of Graduate Admissions prefers official transcripts be submitted
electronically to gradadm@ou.edu.
If your undergraduate institution does not provide electronic transcripts, please have
official transcripts mailed to the University of Oklahoma, Office of Graduate Admissions,
731 Elm Avenue, Room 318, Norman, OK 73019.

4.     SUBMIT A PERSONAL STATEMENT

5.     DEMONSTRATE ENGLISH PROFICIENCY, IF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

Applicants are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The university
accepts applications on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed individually.

Tuition and Fees

For 2020-2021, costs include:

$32,505 (33 credit hours at $985 per credit hour) *

$350 tuition deposit due upon enrollment
Books and materials are an additional cost

Financial aid is available for students who qualify. For more information, please contact the
Department of OU Online Financial Aid at onlineaid@ou.edu.

Students can also view OU's Financial Aid Guide or visit the Federal government's financial aid
website.

*Tuition and fees are subject to change at the discretion of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

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Why Choose OU?

The University of Oklahoma has been part of the computing revolution since the late 1960s.
Through the Gallogly College of Engineering, OU equips inquisitive minds with the tools they
need to break new ground in their professional lives and as leaders in their disciplines. The online
M.S. in Computer Science offers students the opportunity to earn an OU degree from anywhere in
the world. Prepare to change the world as a Sooner.

Technology Careers Advance with OU

Learn more about the online Master of Science in Computer Science.

Accreditation Statement

The University of Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The

Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Higher Learning Commission can be reached by writing to 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite
7-500, Chicago, IL 60604 or calling 1-800-621-7440.
 
OU's Accreditation Liaison Officer for HLC is Susannah Livingood, Associate Provost and
Director of Institutional Research and Reporting: slivingood@ou.edu

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Course Descriptions

Text Analytics
This course introduces students to thought processes and methods used in the systematic study
of mediated communication. Students will learn scientific method, conceptualization,
measurement and data collection and analysis techniques. Learning research tools available to
explore professional and applied problems is a focus of the course.

The course covers the design and implementation of algorithms, including methods to obtain
data sets, understanding data formats, detecting duplicates, cleaning data sets, tagging,
indexing, search, evaluating algorithms, classification, clustering, topic modelling and entity
resolution.

Software Engineering Processes

Students will work in teams to develop, deliver, and evaluate software products, focusing on
practical application of common, modern techniques to all aspects of software project
development. Students will learn about effective processes for software requirements
specification, planning, design, documentation, development, review, defect tracking, testing,
product delivery, and product evaluation. There is some emphasis on resource tracking and
software quality.

Machine Learning
Students will learn about current techniques that enable machines to learn and adapt their
behavior over time and to new situations. Students will take a small step into creating intelligent
machines for the future by choosing and completing a team-based semester-long machine
learning project.

Students will also gain experience with teamwork and with presenting work professionally
through the project and homework. Topics include decision trees, relational learning, neural
networks, Bayesian learning, reinforcement learning, multiple-instance learning, feature
selection, learning appropriate representations, clustering, and kernel methods.

Computer Security
An introduction to computer security. Topics include applied cryptography, access control,
programming and software security, operating system security, network security protocols, and
the legal and ethical aspects of security software.

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Course Descriptions

Artificial Intelligence
Students will explore methods of search, knowledge representation, heuristics, and other aspects
of automating the solution of problems requiring intelligence.

Independent Studies
Students will undertake individual reading and research in computer science for topic of their
choice, working with a professor on a project throughout the program.

Algorithm Analysis
This course introduces various algorithm design strategies: divide and conquer, greedy principle
and dynamic programming to solve a variety of problems using algorithms of various types,
including deterministic and randomized, serial and parallel, centralized and decentralized,
program based and circuit based.

Database Management Systems

This course concentrates on the concepts and structures necessary to design and implement a
database system. It is not focused on specific commercial database packages. Rather, it is
oriented towards general principles, their applications, and the relevant theoretical foundation.

Parallel, Distributed, and Network (PDN) Programming

Parallel and distributed computer architectures, algorithms, and programming paradigms.
Topics include distributed and shared memory systems, network programming, GPU
architectures, load balancing, message passing interface (MPI), multithreaded programming, and
distributed and cloud computing. Students will learn to program using MPI, OpenMP, and CUDA.
No student may earn credit for both 4473 and 5473.

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