Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Computer Science (MSCS) program provides a solid and comprehensive foundation in computing, with a strong emphasis on practical applications and skills relevant to current industry demands. Students explore contemporary and emerging domains and gain hands-on software development experience in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.The MSCS program is designed for current computer science students and professionals, including career changers, seeking to deepen their expertise, strengthen their qualifications, advance their career, or transition into the field. To this end, it accommodates students with diverse academic credentials beyond computer science, providing them with the necessary knowledge to bridge any gaps. Simultaneously, core courses and electives provide an in-depth coverage of key computer science fields.The MSCS curriculum can be completed within just one year, offering an accessible, comprehensive, and expedited path for several computer science roles and positions. The primary mode of instruction is in-person, augmented by a selection of online courses for added flexibility. The applied instructional approach fosters active engagement, peer collaboration, direct faculty interaction, and hands-on learning experiences.

Students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher among all undergraduate coursework. Students with a bachelor’s degree who have a GPA below 3.0 but above 2.6 should contact the MSCS Program Director to be considered for regular admission. You will be asked to submit additional evidence of your potential for being successful in the MSCS program that is judged satisfactory by the MSCS Admission Committee. Such evidence may include previous graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, graduate work at a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or above, work experience in a computer science field, GRE or GMAT scores, up to two letters of recommendation, and/or professional certifications.Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting the exam results on either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) exam. TOEFL scores must meet a minimum standard score of 550 on the paper version, 213 of the computer-based version, or 79 on the internet based (iBT) version. Applicants submitting the IELTS must achieve a 6.5 on the general band portion. Particular graduate programs may require higher minimum scores on either of these tests or specific minimum scores on the individual sections of the TOEFL.Provisional admission may be offered to international students on a case-by-case basis with approval from the graduate program director. Please check requirements for your program of interest. Official test results should be sent to ISSS at the time of application. International students may substitute the Institutional TOEFL Exam only if it is taken at NKU through the American English Language Program (AELP) and by approval of the graduate program director. Applicants must score at least a 550.