The computer science job market includes millions of jobs for computing professionals. Opportunities abound at all skill and training levels. So you may wonder: Do I need a master’s in computer science? The answer is that it depends.
Computer science is a fast-growing, quickly evolving and enormously complex field. Today’s highly marketable skills can quickly become tomorrow’s proverbial horse-and-buggy whips. To keep pace with progress and advance to roles in which you can drive policy, conduct research, and lead innovation, you need a firm understanding of computing’s foundational principles, a deep skill set and the capacity for lifelong learning. A Master of Science in Computer Science, like the online MSCS at the University of Tennessee, enables students to develop all these essential attributes. It trains future computer science leaders.
If you have computer science or related experience, you could be a good fit for the online MSCS at UT. The program’s flexible, 100 percent online format is designed to accommodate working professionals; you can continue to work full-time while you complete your degree. Through regular interactions with peers and faculty, you’ll also be able to expand your professional network—another valuable benefit of earning a master’s degree.
The first step towards earning your MSCS is to submit a program application. That’s never a fun process, but fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone. An enrollment advisor is available to answer your questions and guide you in putting your best foot forward in your application. Read on to learn more.
What is an Enrollment Advisor?
An enrollment advisor (EA) is a graduate admissions expert who can provide prospective students with a seamless admissions experience from application through enrollment. They help you determine whether a particular program meets your career goals. They also offer one-on-one guidance on strengthening your application, expediting enrollment, and preparing for your first semester as an online student. They help you navigate the application process, providing informed guidance every step of the way.
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Explore the Benefits of One-on-One Application Support
Staring at a blank application on your computer screen can be stressful. Where do you start? How do you know whether you fulfill requirements? An EA offers direct support throughout the application and enrollment process. They can answer any questions you have and even provide step-by-step guidance. Below, we discuss several ways an EA eases the application experience.
Individualized Guidance
An EA can help you find a program that aligns with your learning objectives. Computer science master’s programs offer many varied concentrations to focus your learning or your career goals. The online MSCS at University of Tennessee offers three concentrations:
- Cybersecurity, to enhance your ability to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats online
- Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, to master the advanced methodologies, models, and tools behind high-performance computing and artificial intelligence
- Software Engineering, to strengthen the technical and problem-solving skills needed to design and maintain everything from computer games to control systems
An EA can provide detailed information on each option so you can make an informed decision. They also can offer insight into the coursework for each specialization, answer all your questions about the online learning experience, and direct you to financial aid resources.
Comprehensive Application Support
Application requirements vary from school to school and from program to program. Requirements for UT’s online MSCS include both prerequisites for admission as well as required application materials. The prerequisites are:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 (international students need a 3.3)
- Two semesters of calculus (though one may count if all other criteria are met)
- Two semesters of college math
- Coursework and/or extensive professional experience in Python, C, C++
- Systems programming coursework or experience
- Data structures and algorithms coursework or experience
Application materials required:
- 2–3 page statement of purpose
- An optional statement providing additional context if you have a GPA below 3.0
- Transcripts
- Updated and current resume
- Optional letters of recommendation
An EA will help you determine whether you meet admissions requirements and help ensure that your application is correctly completed.
Time Management Assistance
Deadlines can creep up on you, especially when your plate is full with additional obligations like work and family. An EA can help you create a schedule that will deliver your application ahead of time. If you are accepted to the program, your EA can also help you manage the enrollment process and prepare for your first semester.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Expertise
Most online Master of Science in Computer Science students at UT qualify for some form of financial aid through loans, grants, or scholarships. An EA can help you identify a variety of financial aid options.
Take the Next Step: Schedule an Application Walkthrough
A Master of Science in Computer Science can help you develop the skills and expertise required for computer science leadership roles. The online MSCS curriculum at UT covers the bases with courses in artificial intelligence, cryptography, data mining, databases, machine learning, natural language processing, networks and operating systems, and many other subjects. The availability of three concentration areas enables you to customize your degree, which you can complete in 24 months without ever visiting campus—program delivery is 100 percent online.
If that sounds appealing, the next step is to start your application. An enrollment advisor is waiting to answer your questions and provide assistance. If you’re ready to begin your journey, schedule an appointment today.
