Computer science needs critical thinkers with deep technical knowledge and leadership skills to make informed decisions in the fast-paced world of technology. Is your bachelor’s degree in computer science enough to succeed in this dynamic and constantly changing field? Would specialized instruction help you advance in your career?
A master’s degree in computer science may help you get where you need to be.
Students in the online Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of Tennessee choose among three cutting-edge concentrations that can help them drive innovation and expand the boundaries of technology. Distinguish yourself among your peers with an MSCS offering in-demand specializations—cybersecurity, software engineering, and data mining and intelligent systems—and gain the topic mastery you need to move your career forward.
Meet three current students who are doing just that. Lisa Walker, Wes Tebo, and Nilesh Sarkate are building next-level skills immediately relevant to their current positions and will position them as technical specialists in their concentrations.
Specialize and Advance In Computer Science
Grow Your Career with an MSCS from UT
Earn a Focused Degree for a Specialized Career
“The school has a great reputation with experienced professors.”
—Lisa Walker
For Lisa Walker ’24, the decision to attend UT for her MSCS was easy. The software quality engineer at Red Hat found immediate value in the program, which “allows me the flexibility to continue to work full-time.”
By working and earning her MSCS simultaneously, Walker can immediately transfer skills from the classroom to her job. She says, “I have been able to apply my new skills in advanced technologies and to better organize group projects by having continuous conversations.” After graduation, Walker will “continue to advance my career to more senior or leadership positions in software engineering.”
Wes Tebo ’24 chose UT for its affordability and the ability to specialize.
“UT was one of the few schools that offered a concentration in software engineering at a price that didn’t break the budget.”
—Wes Tebo
Like Walker, Tebo benefits from the flexible work/school balance: “As the director of software development, I can easily implement things I have learned [to ensure] we are producing the product our customers want instead of what we think they need.” Tebo plans to continue working for Advanced Micro Solutions after he earns his degree.
Nilesh Sarkate ’25 is a BizTalk engineer/tech lead consultant at HCA Healthcare. UTK’s research reputation and “the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in areas like artificial intelligence” attracted him to the program.
Sarkate’s professors fostered his interest in AI and encouraged him to dive deeper into the subject. He has “designed programs and modules in my project with newly learned techniques (transformers [AI], self-healing processes, C# coding). In fact, I passed my Scrum Master certification after finishing Advanced Software Engineering.” After getting his MSCS, he intends to pursue research in healthcare and intelligent systems.
With three in-demand specialties and an online program built for working professionals, UT’s MSCS degree offers students more. Thanks to the flexible program and strong student support, Sarkate, Tebo, and Walker are continuing to advance their careers while they bolster their skills and credentials.
Get a Customized Education with In-Demand Skills
These students, and many others, chose UTK because of the in-demand degree concentrations it offered. Tebo’s goal was a deep dive into software engineering: “I wanted to enhance my knowledge and learn new skills to help manage the software development life cycle and create more stable and secure software.” The skills he is learning—mapping virtual memory addresses to physical addresses, how to write device drivers for various hardware, and how compilers work to convert source code to executable binaries—have had a direct impact on his current and future career.
“The most valuable [skill I have learned] is that the user interface for an application should be dictated by how the user intends to use it and not by how the developer thinks the user should interact with it.”
—Wes Tebo
Like Tebo, Sarkate was initially interested in pursuing a software specialization. But early into the first semester, “I got a keen interest in AI and changed my program to data mining and intelligent systems!” Classes in Advanced Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning have honed his skills in this emerging technology.
Walker came to UT to learn more about machine learning and cloud computing and is discovering even more. She explains, “[In addition to] the technical skills, I have found it valuable to work in teams on long-term projects. It has taught me that everyone contributing their unique skills to a project will lead to the best results.”
Discover a Virtual Program with Personal Support
“This online program has allowed me to feel like I am part of such a wonderful community at UT even without stepping foot on campus.”
—Lisa Walker
The UT online MSCS is a 100 percent online program that doesn’t leave you feeling isolated. The faculty and support staff are ready to assist students on their entire journey—from admissions to graduation. Working students like Tebo appreciate the dedication and encouragement of CS faculty. “Professors understand that most [of us] are working adults with families, and life sometimes happens. Every professor I have had has been willing to meet individually to help explain topics or be a little flexible with assignment due dates.”
Sarkate agrees. “This program is very flexible, and faculty members are amazing and very supportive. Students need this kind of support, especially full-time working students.” Walker adds that “student support has been great in this program. We all have access to a wonderful student support coach at any time we need it.”
As an international student, Sarkate appreciates the accessibility of the support coach. “I realized the education system is completely different from India, where I am from. When I was falling behind schedule, my student coach not only provided tricks and techniques to catch up but also shared a few resources for time management. Now, my support coach keeps in touch to see the progress.”
Walker emphasizes the importance of organization and seeking help when needed. “Time management is huge with this degree, especially if you work while completing it, but it is totally worth it. Your professors and fellow students are always there if you need help. Do not be afraid to reach out.”
Find Your Future with UT’s MSCS
As you consider enhancing your professional portfolio with an MSCS, be sure to research the programs available, evaluate your current skills and career goals, and consider the advice of current UTK MSCS students who are successfully balancing work, school, and life to future-proof their careers.
“UTK is the best choice, especially for those who work full-time.”
—Nilesh Sarkate
When you are ready, reach out to an enrollment advisor to learn more about UT’s in-demand MSCS concentrations, the expert faculty, and the strong student support. They can answer any questions you may have about work/school/life balance and how to put your best foot forward on your application.
Move beyond a bachelor’s degree with the in-demand skills offered in the master’s degree in computer science at the University of Tennessee. Start your future and apply today.
