M.S. Computer Science

Home / Degrees / Master's Degrees / Computer Science

Upgrade your organizational impact with a computer science master’s

No ifs, ands or buts -- business depends on technology. Perhaps that explains the high demand for computer science leaders. With an 18 percent projected job growth rate, many organizations (including Fortune 500 companies) need qualified computer science professionals to help them meet their large-scale software needs. These powerhouse organizations rely on prepared practitioners to deliver robust software architecture to help them increase scalability, reduce turnaround time, maximize reuse and minimize rework.

Program not available in

Online

On Site

20-Month Completion

Finish your master's in computer science faster.

Leading Architectural Tools

Get hands-on experience with industry-standard technologies.

Customizable Program

Tailor your master's degree program to your interests.

Real-World Practitioners

Learn from experienced technology leaders.

100% Online Classes

Earn your degree around your schedule.

Game-Changing Skills

Play an important role in communicating emerging technologies to stakeholders.

Program Overview

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 18% through 2025.*

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 University's transfer-friendly online M.S. in 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 master's program 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, human computer interaction, and computer security.

Our Computer Science master's degree program 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 program in as few as 20 months

With Franklin's M.S. in Computer Science 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 2013 by GetEducated.com as a Best Value among regionally accredited online computer science programs.

With no GRE 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 M.S. in Computer Science program in as few as 20 months.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online or pursue available coursework at one of our Midwest locations. Regionally accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family, and life. Get started on your future today.

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

Curriculum & Course Descriptions

40 Semester Hours

First Trimester (8 hours)

COMP 620 - ANALYSIS OF ALGORITHMS (4)

This course covers various algorithm design paradigms, mathematical analysis of algorithms, empirical analysis of algorithms and NP-completeness.

COMP 660 - COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR THE TECHNICAL PROFESSIONAL (4)

This course focuses on the problems, principles and techniques of communicating technical and scientific information. Types of communication addressed include: proposals, reports and manuals. The course uses a case-study approach to give students both the theoretical foundations and hands-on practice they need to work effectively in heterogeneous corporate groups.

Second Trimester (8 hours)

COMP 630 - ISSUES IN DATABASE MANAGEMENT (4)

This course focuses on the fundamental design considerations in designing a database. Specific topics include performance analysis of design alternatives, system configuration and the administration of a popular database system. The course also offers an in-depth analysis of the algorithms and machine organizations of database systems.

COMP 645 - TOPICS IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT (4)

This course surveys current practices in software development and software design, especially in the area of object-oriented design. The course will examine and contrast current and leading edge methodologies and practices, including agile, extreme programming, test-driven design, patterns, aspect-oriented programming, model-driven architecture, Unified Modeling Language, and integrated development environments.

Third Trimester (8 hours)

COMP 650 - SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING (4)

This course covers topics in software systems engineering. Its scope is the design of the overall architecture for software systems with emphasis on distributed architectures. The issues in an architecture centered software development cycle and project management are addressed.

Computer Science Elective (4)

Fourth Trimester (8 hours)

COMP 655 - DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS (4)

This course introduces the design of distributed computing systems and distributed application programming. Major concepts of distributed systems covered include: transparency, heterogeneity, process communication, consistency, fault tolerance, and security. Students will also learn to develop a real-world distributed application as a RESTful Web-service on an application server.

COMP 665 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS (4)

This course examines various issues related to the management of information systems. Topics include: strategic planning, organizing the technology resources, means of prioritizing and selecting information technology, staffing, personnel management, and assessment.

Fifth Trimester (8 hours)

COMP 671 - VERIFICATION AND TESTING (4)

This course focuses on the issues of delivering high quality software, especially in large complex systems. Topics covered include testing strategies (black box, white box, regression, etc.), unit testing, system integration, system verification and support tools. It also will reinforce the need for requirements that are testable and traceable from the early design stages.

COMP 691 - CAPSTONE (4)

This course, the final one in the Master of Science - Computer Science program, challenges students to research a current topic of interest in Computer Science and produce an original paper and presentation on the topic. In addition to the research paper, students are introduced to the economics of software development and the tools needed to estimate the cost of a software development project for management in a corporate environment. The last topic in the course is a discussion of ethics as it relates to Information Technology. Current topics in ethics will be discussed through the use of relevant case studies.

Electives

COMP 610 - INTERNSHIP IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (1-4)

This course provides MSCS students the opportunity to further their education with relevant work experience in the field of Computer Science. This internship is an ongoing seminar between the student, faculty and the employment supervisor. It involves a Learning Contract (Curricular Practical Training [CPT] Information, or other), periodic meetings with the faculty representative, and professional experience at a level equivalent to other electives of the MSCS program. Specification of the materials to be submitted is established in the learning contract. Participation cannot be guaranteed for all applicants.

COMP 670 - APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (4)

This course focuses on the use of artificial intelligence tools and techniques in industry. Topics include cognitive psychology topics, foundation material (e.g., search algorithms, knowledge representation and AI languages) and tools (e.g., expert systems, natural language interfaces and neural networks).

COMP 672 - HUMAN FACTORS (4)

This course provides a broad overview of human-computer interaction (HCI) as a sub-area of computer science and explores user-centered design approaches in information systems. Topics include user interface and software design strategies, user experience levels, interaction styles, usability engineering and assessment models.

COMP 674 - PARALLEL/HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING (4)

This course focuses on the design, analysis and performance evaluation of parallel algorithms on different computer architectures. The course will cover a variety of parallel programming models and portable software libraries. It will familiarize students with shared-memory and data parallel models. Special emphasis will be given to distributed memory parallel programming in particular to message passing over a collection of networked workstations. Models and techniques for programming vector-type supercomputers will also be covered.

COMP 676 - COMPUTER SECURITY (4)

This course covers the fundamentals of security in the networked environment. Included are coverage of risks and vulnerabilities, threat modeling and policy formation, controls and protection methods, encryption and authentication technologies, personnel and physical security issues, as well as ethical and legal issues.

COMP 680 - SPECIAL TOPICS IN GRADUATE COMPUTER SCIENCE (4)

A variable content course in an advanced topic in the field of computer science in which students may pursue current topics or subjects not found in the regular curriculum. A complete description will be published online in the Course Schedule for the trimester the course is offered. This course counts as an elective in the graduate program.

COMP 699 - INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN GRADUATE COMPUTER SCIENCE (1-4)

Independent studies courses allow students in good academic standing to pursue learning in areas not covered by the regular curriculum or to extend study in areas presently taught. Study is under faculty supervision and graded on Pass/No Credit basis. For international students, curricular practiced training may be used as an independent study with approval of program chair. (See the "Independent Studies" section of the Academic Bulletin for more details.)

Program Details

Tuition Costs

Tuition Type	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$659

Program Outcomes

Degree Requirements

To be awarded a graduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all required curriculum courses.
Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00.
Complete the residency requirement:
1. M.S. - Computer Science students must earn in residence at Franklin University at least 28 of the 40 required credits.
Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees;
Not to be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or violation of Student Code of Conduct.

Transfer credit awarded based on experiential learning shall not count toward the residence requirement at Franklin University.

Admission Requirements

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s graduate programs, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics.

Requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Otherwise a graduate entrance exam may be required. The candidate’s work history, references, and other personal qualities and characteristics will be considered as well.

Recommended Application Deadlines

Summer 2018
April 10, 2018

Program Prerequisites

The Master of Science – Computer Science program requires the following prerequisite courses (or the equivalent from an accredited school):

Discrete Mathematics (MATH 170)
Database Management (COMP 281)
Introduction to Computer Science (COMP 111)
Object-Oriented Data Structures & Algorithms I (COMP 121)
Object-Oriented Data Structures & Algorithms II (COMP 311)
Operating Systems (COMP 203)
Computer Network Systems (COMP 204)

Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. The Program Chair will determine, on an individual basis, course prerequisite requirements upon review of the student’s completed undergraduate courses, work experience, or demonstrated competency in Computer Science.

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.*
The applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.*
The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed in the Academic Bulletin.

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

Employment Outlook

18%

From 2015-2925 jobs in Computer Science are expected to increase by 18%

All Occupations

2015	149,713 jobs
2025	176,661 jobs

Show Details >

Software Devlopers, Systems Software

2015	14,401 jobs
2025	17,275 jobs

Computer and Information Systems Managers

2015	11,651 jobs
2025	14,046 jobs

Software Developers, Applications

2015	30,127 jobs
2025	37,695 jobs

Computer and information Research Scientists

2015	836 jobs
2025	979 jobs

Computer Occupations, All Other

2015	5,084 jobs
2025	5,544 jobs

Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) - June 2016

Knowledge & Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

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

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 analyze 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 plans, cases, and scripts to test applications
Perform functional, unit, and integration tests
Ensure software meets design specifications and performance standards
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

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
Implement data models, database designs, data access, and table maintenance codes
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
Apply relational algebra to the optimization of queries using heuristics
Utilize data mining techniques to discover knowledge in large data collections
Apply refactoring techniques to modify and improve database designs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a M.S. - Computer Science degree?

Franklin's master's degree programs are specifically designed for busy, working adults -- that means you could finish your degree in as few as 20 months.

When can I start a M.S. - Computer Science degree?

Start taking the next step in your career. Begin your Franklin online master's degree program in January, April or September.

How much will my M.S. - Computer Science degree cost?

Franklin University offers a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future. Our per credit hour tuition rates (vs. per year or per term rates) enable you to get a realistic estimate of exactly how much your degree will cost. Our 2017-2018, tuition rates are $659 per credit hour. Ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs.

What is a M.S. - Computer Science degree?

Franklin University's M.S. Computer Science (MSCS) is a master's-level degree program designed to advance your skills and career path. In this program, you'll learn both the theoretical and practical application skills needed to participate in the development of emerging technologies.

What can you do with a M.S. - Computer Science degree?

As a graduate of Franklin University's M.S. Computer Science master's degree program, you'll be ready to take the next step in your career, assuming a software project leadership role that includes planning processes and products, designing software architecture, and sharing software development progress with key stakeholders.

See All >

Back to College Blog

Franklin University Founded in 1902, Franklin is an accredited nonprofit university offering flexible college degrees online and at locations in Ohio and the Midwest.

Franklin University
201 S Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215

Local: 614.797.4700
Toll Free: 1.877.341.6300
admissions@franklin.edu

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (1.800.621.7440) and authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

This institution is authorized by the Indiana Board for Proprietary Education, 101 W. Ohio St., Suite 670, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1984.

Franklin University is committed to being an inclusive community free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Upgrade your organizational impact with a computer science master’s

Program not available in

20-Month Completion

Leading Architectural Tools

Customizable Program

Real-World Practitioners

100% Online Classes

Game-Changing Skills

Program Overview

Architect the software futures of Fortune 500 companies

Deepen your skills in software architecture with hands-on coursework

Tailor your master's program around your areas of interest

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

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Curriculum & Course Descriptions

Program Details

Recommended Application Deadlines

Program Prerequisites

Entrance Exam

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Request Free Information!

Request Information

Employment Outlook

From 2015-2925 jobs in Computer Science are expected to increase by 18%

Knowledge & Skillsets

Frequently Asked Questions

Back to College Blog

I AM A:

SHORTCUTS:

Associated Sites

Upgrade your organizational impact with a computer science master’s

Program not available in

20-Month Completion

Leading Architectural Tools

Customizable Program

Real-World Practitioners

100% Online Classes

Game-Changing Skills

Architect the software futures of Fortune 500 companies

Deepen your skills in software architecture with hands-on coursework

Tailor your master's program around your areas of interest

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

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Recommended Application Deadlines

Program Prerequisites

Entrance Exam

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Request Free Information!

Request Information

We're Sorry

From 2015-2925 jobs in Computer Science are expected to increase by 18%

I AM A:

SHORTCUTS:

Associated Sites