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Master of Science

Computer Science

Home / College of Business & Computing / Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Master of Science in Computer Science (Online)

$263 per credit hour. 2 years or less to complete. Fully online.

Earn your online Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Southwestern State University for just $263 per credit hour. Designed for working professionals nationwide, GSW’s affordable, accredited, online MSCS program prepares students for advanced roles in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software development, networking, and cloud computing. Recognized by Research.com as the nation's #1 most affordable online MSCS program, GSW's online computer science master’s degree provides a cost-effective pathway to high-demand technology careers.

Program Curriculum

Program Details

GSW's online Master of Science in Computer Science is affordable, accessible, and designed to meet your specific career goals no matter where you are! Throughout the program, you will gain the knowledge and in-demand skills that employers are searching for in today's rapidly growing tech industries, diving deep into areas such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Software Engineering

Course Snapshot

Explore a dynamic range of cutting-edge courses designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the fast-evolving field of computer science, including:

Course Course Title
CSCI 6720 Distributed Web Applications
CSCI 6420 Data Mining
CSCI 6910 Cloud Computing and Security
CSCI 6120 Mobile Security 
CSCI 6410 Advanced Database Design

Apply to GSW Request Info

Graduate Major

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Graduate Admissions & Application Process
229-931-4206
graduateadmissions@gsw.edu

MSCS Admissions Advisor
229-931-2365
jonathan.hobbs@gsw.edu

Register for Virtual Session

Code Your Future with GSW’s Online MSCS

Dr. Hobbs details GSW's MSCS program
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Intimate Setting

Receive dedicated attention with small class sizes and one-on-one communication with faculty

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24-Month Completion

Complete the entire MSCS program in two years or less with just 10 courses

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30 Credit Hours

Carefully designed and delivered in a convenient and efficient asynchronous delivery format

affordable online computer science program icon

$263 per Credit Hour

Recognized as one of the most affordable online computer science master’s programs in the nation

Graduate Admissions

Admission to the graduate program in computer science is limited to holders of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students wishing to apply to the College of Business and Computing graduate program at Georgia Southwestern State University must submit a completed admissions packet. 

Students who meet the following admission requirements and who have fulfilled the prerequisite course requirements will be admitted as a regular graduate student. Names and numbers of the prerequisite courses need to be discussed with the graduate advisor. 

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Required Materials

The completed application packet, including all supporting documentation, must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by the deadline for each term. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions with questions. Applicants may apply for admittance during any semester. The complete admissions packet is comprised of the following:

3.25 GPA or Higher

  1. Graduate application for admission with $25.00 non-refundable application fee
  2. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  3. Immunization Form or Waiver
    • Immunization Waiver (after acceptance): Students who are completely online may submit this waiver.
    • Immunization Form (after acceptance): Students who plan to use on-campus facilities must submit this form.
  4. Legal Name Verification

3.00-3.24 GPA

  1. Graduate application for admission with $25.00 non-refundable application fee
  2. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. Resume
  5. Immunization Form or Waiver
    • Immunization Waiver (after acceptance): Students who are completely online may submit this waiver.
    • Immunization Form (after acceptance): Students who plan to use on-campus facilities must submit this form.
  6. Legal Name Verification

2.7-2.99 GPA

  1. Graduate application for admission with $25.00 non-refundable application fee
  2. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. Resume
  5. GMAT/GRE Scores may be requested
  6. Immunization Form or Waiver
    • Immunization Waiver (after acceptance): Students who are completely online may submit this waiver.
    • Immunization Form (after acceptance): Students who plan to use on-campus facilities must submit this form.
  7. Legal Name Verification

Students can submit required items through the Document Portal using the same credentials used on the Admissions Application.

Prerequisite Courses

The two prerequisite classes to the MSCS program are shown below. Students who have previously earned a bachelor's degree in computer science have normally completed these prerequisites. Applicants whose academic record does not include some or all of the prerequisite courses listed below will apply as a graduate student in the online MSCS program, complete the prerequisites at the beginning of the program, and attain a GPA of at least 3.0 in the courses in order to continue. GSW will offer both courses online each semester. Students are required to have taken the following courses for admission:

  • CSCI 2510 Data Structures and Algorithms or equivalent
  • CSCI 4200 Design of Operating Systems or equivalent

Deadlines

Graduate Admission Deadlines

  • Fall Admission - June 30
  • Spring Admission - November 30
  • Summer Admission - April 30

Program FAQs

Is the MSCS program fully online?

Yes. The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is fully online.

Are MSCS courses asynchronous or do students meet live each week?

Courses are fully asynchronous, so students complete coursework on their own schedule within posted weekly deadlines.

How many credit hours are required to complete the MSCS?

The MSCS requires 30 credit hours.

How long does it take to finish the MSCS program?

Most students finish in 1–2 years depending on course load. Full-time students can finish in about 1 year, and part-time students typically finish in about 2 years.

When can students start the MSCS program?

Students can start in Fall, Spring, or Summer.

What do I need to apply to the MSCS program?

Applicants typically submit an online application, official transcripts, and a resume. Full admission requirements are listed on the MSCS program page.

Do I need prerequisites if my background is not in computer science?

Some applicants may need prerequisite coursework depending on their academic background. Prerequisite courses are offered online each semester.

How much does the online MSCS program cost?

Online tuition is $263 per credit hour. For a 30-credit program, estimated tuition is about $9,503 excluding applicable fees.

Does the MSCS have concentrations?

There are no formal concentrations, but students can tailor their program by selecting electives aligned with their interests and career goals.

Is there a thesis option?

Yes. Students may choose a regular non-thesis track or a thesis track for those pursuing research or planning for Ph.D. study.

The thesis track in Georgia Southwestern’s MSCS program is a two-semester research experience designed for students who want to deepen their expertise in a specialized area of computer science. Students must complete Thesis I and Thesis II in consecutive semesters (3 credit hours each), under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. In Thesis I, students develop a proposal, begin initial research, and often aim for a conference submission. In Thesis II, they continue their research, prepare a full paper, and complete a formal thesis defense, with the goal of submitting for publication. To begin the process, students must complete at least 12 credit hours in the program, hold a solid academic standing, and submit the MSCS Thesis Application, which includes a brief proposal and timeline. Faculty advisors are matched based on student interest and availability. Students without a background in computer science or IT are typically advised to pursue the non-thesis track.

Thesis Application

Are there restrictions for out-of-state or international students in the online MSCS?

No. There are no restrictions for out-of-state or international students in the online program.

How can I contact the MSCS program?

You can contact the program by emailing MSCS Admissions Advisor Dr. Jonathan Hobbs at jonathan.hobbs@gsw.edu or by phone at 229-931-2365. You may also complete our Request Info form or join a virtual information session from the comfort of your home.

I like the online format. I am able to focus my attention in the day on my full-time job and then when I get home, focus on course work. The professors are passionate about the topics in the courses which makes it fun for me.

George Banketas Online MSCS Student
Americus, GA