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M.S. - Computer Science

Franklin University M.S. in Computer Science program banner Program OverviewProgram DetailsWhy Choose Franklin

Architect the software futures of Fortune 500 companies

If there’s one certainty in business, it’s this: business depends on technology. Which explains why the demand for computer science jobs is at an all-time high. In fact, job growth in the field is projected to increase by an astounding 21% through 2020.1

Fortune 500 companies, in particular, need computer science graduates to help them meet their large-scale software needs. That’s because getting their systems architecture right is often the difference between success and failure. These powerhouse organizations rely on qualified practitioners to deliver robust software architecture that increases scalability and reduces turnaround time, all while maximizing reuse and minimizing rework.

Deepen your skills in software architecture with hands-on coursework

Franklin’s M.S. - Computer Science (MSCS) Program will teach you to interface with organizational stakeholders and translate an evolving set of needs into high-level systems requirements. You’ll learn how to integrate new systems within the broader hardware and software environment, too, as well as set software development standards.  

Through our practical, hands-on coursework you’ll gain experience with leading architectural tools, such as UML and Patterns. And you’ll be introduced to other critically needed skills, such as algorithm analysis, distributed systems, acceptance testing, and database design using Oracle and SQL Server.

Tailor your degree around your areas of interest

Franklin lets you further increase the relevance to your job or career path with program electives in your area of interest. Enrich your studies with such electives as artificial intelligence, project management, parallel computation, human computer interaction, and systems security.

Our MSCS curriculum is regularly reviewed by an advisory board strongly represented by Fortune 500 firms, including Herb Berger, Director, Enterprise Architecture for Cardinal Health. That means what you learn at Franklin is relevant to the needs of the industry now—and stays relevant over time.

Complete our award-winning MSCS program in as few as 20 months

With Franklin’s MSCS Program, you’ll get the expertise you need to take on the technology challenges facing business. Whether you’re looking to advance your career to a senior level or work with a larger organization with more sophisticated needs, Franklin’s reputation will prepare you for your next move. Our online MSCS Program was top ranked in 2011 by GetEducated.com as a Best Value among regionally accredited online computer science programs.

With no GMAT requirement if you meet certain requirements, you may qualify to start immediately. Finish faster, too, by taking just two classes over five, 12-week terms. Most students are able to complete Franklin’s MSCS Program in as few as 20 months.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Regionally accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Faculty with industry expertise means you gain relevant knowledge to apply directly to your current or future career, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family, and life. Get started on your future today!

1Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)

Gain The Skills Employers Desire

  • Systems Architecture
    • Translate business needs into high-level system requirements based on constraints, such as cost and schedule
    • Expand and adapt architecture in support of growing user base and increasing application functionality
    • Use best practice software development methodologies to ensure technical solutions development and implementation within specified timelines
    • Set development, interface, and coding standards
    • Evangelize software development methodologies through training, role modeling, and influencing product teams
    • Oversee design, implementation, administration, and support of systems architecture, and infrastructure products and services to ensure security, availability, reliability, and scalability
    • Create systems architecture design using state-of-the-art, rules-based architecture, object-oriented component analysis, and development and technologies, such as OOA, OOD, UML, and COBRA
    • Propose necessary hardware and operating system cost savings, platform needs, communication protocols, middleware, interfaces, and algorithms
    • Design software to maximize efficiency of current and planned hardware architectures
    • Develop, maintain, and govern enterprise architecture (EA), including defining architecture review processes and integrating processes with related business methodologies and strategies
    • Develop, enhance, and maintain platforms infrastructure, including distributed systems, search platforms, SOA, and Cloud
  • Algorithm Analysis
    • Evaluate algorithm efficiency and determine the most elegant program logic for problems of varying complexity
    • Establish algorithm requirements in support of software development roadmaps
    • Assist in the development of advanced algorithms for next-generation functions
    • Prototype, design, develop, unit test, and release software-utilizing algorithms in support of goals, strategies, technologies, and concepts
  • Distributed Systems
    • Build and maintain high-performance distributed systems to meet organizational needs
    • Create efficient data structures and innovative distributed algorithms to enable scalable applications
    • Develop scalable, robust, distributed data architecture to support data analytics in real time
    • Solve technical challenges and issues around distributed systems
    • Process large amounts of data, and tackle challenging technical problems
  • Acceptance Testing
    • Create detailed test cases, test plans, and test scripts to debug applications
    • Use breakpoints, watches, and stepping in a debugger to identify logic and syntax errors
    • Perform functional, unit, and integration tests
    • Conduct end-to-end testing, including developing, documenting, executing, and improving test plans and scripts, and tracking and resolving issues
    • Ensure software meets design specifications and performance standards
    • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in the development of testing scenarios
    • Review requirements specifications to ensure testability and compliance with quality control standards
    • Define and track quality assurance metrics, such as defects, defect counts, test results and test status, collecting and analyzing data for evaluation, resolution, and improvement
  • Database Design & Administration
    • Develop dynamic, data-driven applications through mastery of relational database design, complex SQL queries, and transaction processing
    • Write SQL database queries of medium to high complexity in support of data analysis and technical programming
    • Apply relational database design best practices to efficiently build data models
    • Review business requests for data and data usage, and research data sources for new and better data feeds
    • Develop and administer policies and procedures, ensuring security and integrity of organizational databases
    • Implement data models, database designs, data access, and table maintenance codes
    • Resolve distributed database performance, capacity, and replication issues
    • Design, develop, enhance, and maintain database solutions within software applications by authoring proof of concept functionality and prototype applications, and assisting with critical support issues
    • Create data mobilization job streams, incorporating data hygiene, merge/purge, and data transformation processes
    • Develop and implement database standards and naming conventions, ensuring compliance with database design standards, and appropriate data access and reuse methodologies
    • Analyze large collections of data in order to inform and apply association rules and other techniques, such as genetic encoding, classification hierarchies, and regression analysis to decision making

Career Opportunities

  • Software Architect

    Software Architects collaborate in the creation and evolution of computer programs by providing software developers with platform, coding, and technical requirements.

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  • Data Analyst

    Data Analysts collect and analyze information from database queries to provide clients with statistical results.

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  • Data Modeler

    Data Modelers translate data requirements into a physical data model that organizes the data into tables and accounts for access, performance, and storage.

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  • Software Engineer

    Software Engineers determine user needs and functionality requirements in order to design, develop, test, and deploy software systems.

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  • Quality Assurance Lead

    Quality Assurance Leads ensure that products are error-free and meet quality control standards.

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Employment Outlook

From 2010-2020 jobs in Computer Science are expected to increase by 21%.

In 2010 there were 157,717 job openings related to Computer Science. That same year, 15,399 students completed programs in Computer Science. 

In 2010 there were 157,717 job openings related to Computer Science. That same year, 15,399 students completed programs in Computer Science.
Occupations Job Openings (2010) Expected Growth
(2010-2020)
Software Developers, Systems Software 23,753 32.7%
Computer Support Specialists 38,005 18%
Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects 19,185 24.1%
Computer Occupations, All Other 7,424 5.1%

Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)

Our Recipe For Your Success

Academic & Industry Experts

Classes are taught and designed by credentialed professionals with real-world experience.
 

  • Programs are designed by combining the insight of industry leaders with the academic expertise of our faculty, ensuring what you learn translates into on-the-job success.

  • Academic concepts and theories are brought to life through our teaching faculty’s professional expertise, and can be immediately applied in your career.

  • Faculty with industry experience teach our courses, not graduate students or life-time academics, so you learn not only the theories behind the practice but also how to apply them in real-world situations.

Relevant & Consistent Curriculum

What you learn is a reflection of the program you choose, not the format in which it’s applied.
 

  • All programs are designed for learning outcomes to flow from the program level into actual coursework.

  • This top-down approach allows credentialed professionals to customize assignments based on trending industry topics without deviating from a program’s core outcomes.

  • Regardless of your professor or the format of your class, you receive the same quality education.

Hands-On Learning Experience

Franklin's coursework teaches not only theories and concepts, but also how they apply to practical situations.

 

  • Professional course designers ensure that class activities such as learning simulations, case studies, interactive videos, and group exercises are relevant and appropriate.

  • A curriculum development team is dedicated to making sure all courses are intuitively designed so content is taught in a logical manner that facilitates your success in the classroom and beyond.

Continuously Evolving Programs

Consistent program reviews ensure our programs stay at the forefront of industry trends.
 

  • Survey results and feedback from student and faculty assessments are reviewed regularly so that our programs are always improving and up-to-date.

  • A structured review process helps identify industry gaps that guide curriculum enhancements allowing our academic and industry experts to regularly implement new industry trends.

  • Regular assessment provides hard data that is used to improve student learning and teaching methods.

Get the details

Read course descriptions, learn about degree options, and meet program faculty.

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