When it comes to expanding professional fields that pay well, the technology and healthcare sectors stand out. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the eight fastest-growing occupations whose median pay is over $100,000 annually include three in healthcare (nurse practitioner, medical and health services manager, physician assistant) and four in tech (data scientist, information security analyst, software developer, computer and information research scientist).
A master’s degree in computer science can boost your prospects in all four of these tech roles in addition to many others. Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) programs teach advanced computing theory and practice to provide a broad foundation applicable across computing professions. They also instill essential teamwork and leadership skills through classroom participation and group projects.
You can earn an MSCS 100 percent online from a nationally acclaimed institution such as the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). Online programs combine synchronous and asynchronous content to promote engagement and networking while offering convenience and flexibility. For these reasons, working professionals frequently decide that online degree programs fit their needs best. Who is a good fit for—and what does it take to apply to—the online MSCS degree program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville? This article reviews the process and provides tips on optimizing your application.
Who Is a Good Fit for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Online MSCS Degree Program?
UT’s MSCS program is geared for students who have a computer science or STEM background and want to enter or advance and distinguish themselves in the field. The curriculum explores such essential technologies as deep learning, network security, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. Students will specialize in one of three concentrations: Cybersecurity, Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, or Software Engineering.
Prospective students must hold a Bachelor of Science in computer science, computer engineering, or a similar discipline. Candidates with academic backgrounds outside of computer science may still qualify if they have extensive field experience and have completed coursework in programming, data structures, algorithms, and discrete mathematics. Check with the UT enrollment team to learn more about program eligibility.
UT Online Master of Science in Computer Science Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the online MSCS degree program at UT must have successfully completed:
- Two semesters of calculus, though one is acceptable if you can meet all other criteria
- Two completed semesters of college-level math
- Coursework or extensive professional experience in Python, C, and C++
- Coursework in systems programming (computer organization and operating systems), data structures, and algorithms
Use this checklist to determine whether your coursework meets the above qualifications. An enrollment advisor can help you with this task.
If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, you must provide a statement providing additional context. Use this opportunity to outline a plan for success if you are admitted to the MSCS program. You will also benefit from submitting letters of recommendation from individuals who can vouch for your computer science acumen.
Customize Your Computer Science Skills
UT’s Online MSCS Offers Three Areas of Concentration
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Online MSCS Program Application Materials
A complete UT online MSCS program application includes:
- A two-to-three-page statement of purpose
- Transcripts from each institution you have attended, even if you did not earn a degree. Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application, but official transcripts must be submitted prior to enrolling in the program.
- An updated resume
- A $60 non-refundable application fee
Are You Submitting the Best Possible UTK MSCS Application?
As you complete your application, consider the following questions.
Are You Crafting a Compelling Statement of Purpose?
Your statement of purpose is your best opportunity to communicate to the admissions committee why you want to pursue a UT MSCS and what you hope to achieve through the program. Your statement should describe your strengths and successes, highlighting relevant professional and leadership experiences.
Make sure to edit and proofread your statement carefully for spelling, grammar, and clarity. Ask a trusted colleague to review your statement with a focus on eliminating errors and wordy or extraneous text.
Is Your Resume Well-Organized?
Arrange your resume to highlight your most relevant and impressive experiences and accomplishments. Spotlight your programming and computer science skills and training, identifying key projects and professional recognition. As with your statement of purpose, ask a colleague to copyedit and proofread your resume and provide feedback.
Are You Submitting Effective Letters of Recommendation?
The online MSCS at UT does not require letters of recommendation. You may choose to include them if you believe they will showcase a strength not demonstrated elsewhere in your application. Professional managers and professors who can attest to the quality of your work and character make the best recommenders.
Are You Paying Attention to Application Deadlines?
UT offers online MSCS candidates a priority deadline and a final submission deadline for each admissions period. Submitting your application early provides benefits such as faster responses and extra time to address requirements or resolve inquiries from the admissions team. An early submission also signals your enthusiasm for the program to the admissions committee.
Are You Consulting with a UT MSCS Enrollment Advisor?
A UT MSCS enrollment advisor (EA) can offer insight and advice on the application and enrollment processes. The EA can review your application to ensure it is complete and accurate. They can also answer your questions about what the admissions committee seeks in candidates or any other aspect of the program, including tuition and financial aid options.
Why Earn Your Online MS in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
The online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) at UT can be completed 100 percent online; students typically complete the program in 24 months, but it can be completed in as few as four or five semesters. The pace at which you complete the program is up to you.
The curriculum tracks industry trends to keep students up-to-date on emerging technologies in computer science, from machine learning and artificial intelligence to applied cryptography and network security.
UT’s online MSCS degree program distinguishes itself through its expert faculty, which includes 2021 A.M. Turing Award (the computing equivalent of the Nobel Prize) winner Professor Jack Dongarra. Other CS faculty members are White House Office of Science and Technology Policy leaders, National Science Foundation researchers, and prize-winning scientists.
Contact an enrollment advisor to learn more, or start your online application today.
