Program highlights
- Corporate partnerships and internships. Our relationships with top companies lead to opportunities for meaningful internships at businesses with strong IT and software divisions. Our partners include:
- American Greetings
- Eaton
- Ernst & Young
- Marathon
- Owens Corning
- Progressive
- Nationwide
- Cutting-edge coursework. The computer science field changes rapidly, and our curriculum keeps pace with the latest trends. We offer classes in hot computer science areas, such as data science (AI and machine learning), cybersecurity and software engineering.
- Collaborative project experience. Hands-on computer science and software engineering projects give you the experience and skills you need to build a strong portfolio and become more marketable.
- Accessible, highly qualified faculty. All of our courses are small in size and taught by faculty, not grad students. Professors are active researchers. Student research is encouraged through graduation projects in a variety of fields, including cloud computing, machine learning, machine vision, bioinformatics, and in application areas like security and healthcare.
- Family atmosphere. Our computer science department is active and social. Develop strong ties with fellow students and faculty at social and professional events.
- Dual degree option. Pair a master’s in computer science with graduate work in another discipline, such as psychology or mathematics.
- Travel grants. Receive funding to participate in conferences or other educational experiences to enhance your graduate studies.
Career opportunities
BGSU has active connections to a network of regional and national companies, government agencies and nonprofits that actively recruit from our programs. Our computer science master’s graduates are in high demand.
They find rewarding jobs in industry, government or research; teach computer science courses; and gain admission into doctoral programs. Those who are already working professionals advance their careers, earning pay increases and promotions.
Career paths
- Software engineer
- Computer engineer
- Machine learning engineer
- Network security engineer
- Operations research and optimization
- High performance computing (HPC) scientist
Curriculum
To obtain a Master's of Science degree in computer science, students are required to complete 30 credit hours of coursework at the graduate level:
- Perform research, discovery and integration by applying advanced knowledge of computer science
- Critically analyze a body of current, published research in an area of computer science
- Evaluate algorithmic and/or software-based solutions to a given problem
You may choose to do a thesis or a project. All master’s students are required to give an oral presentation. Students enrolled in a specialization must complete specific courses as part of the 30 required hours.
Specialization in cybersecurity and digital forensics
This specialization provides intensive study in the fundamentals of cybersecurity and digital forensics. It focuses on traditional and mobile computing. You’ll be well prepared for technical, analysis and leadership roles
Specialization in software engineering
The software engineering specialization focuses on the development process, practices and tools that you can use to develop efficient, yet complex, software systems.
Software engineering is about solving real-world problems through effective engineering practices spanning:
- Software requirements
- Interaction design
- Architecture
- Technical design
- Implementation
- Quality assurance
- Delivery
Sample courses
- Computer and Mobile Forensics
- Network Security and Forensics
- Secure Software Engineering
- Law, Evidence and Procedures
- Database Management Systems
- Software Engineering
- Human Issues in Computing
The Master of Science in computer science program is part of the BGSU Graduate College and BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the graduate degree, students in Computer Science are expected to be able to:
- Perform research, discovery and integration by applying advanced knowledge of computer science (CS 6910/6990)
- Critically analyze a body of current, published research in an area of computer science.
- Evaluate algorithmic and/or software-based solutions to a given problem.
Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
The Computer Science program is accredited by the Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) and is in good standing.
Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.
Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Computer Science program does not lead to professional licensure.
Gainful Employment (If applicable)
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
The Computer Science program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.
Updated: 09/05/2024 01:59PM