Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Ball State University has partnered with Coursera, one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, to bring you an online master of science in computer science. The curriculum is designed by Ball State University, courses are taught by our accomplished faculty, and content is delivered through the Coursera platform.

Whether you come from a computer science or non-technical background, our performance-based admissions simplify the road toward your career goals.

About the Master's in Computer Science

Ball State’s online master’s in computer science emphasizes applications and specializations with hands-on learning experience in state-of-the-art areas such as machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, and software engineering. You will also be offered opportunities to engage in research through a selection of courses that include student-led research projects.

You can also enhance your student experience in more specialized areas with electives such as AI, web development, and data visualization. The curriculum will incorporate industry content to enhance career outcomes, preparing graduates for roles in software development, network and systems engineering, and more.

Who Should Enroll

The short answer is anyone! This program is built for learners of all educational backgrounds and career experiences. Whether you’re working in an entry-level position and want to advance your career, or you want to change careers entirely, we’ll help you achieve your goals.

Performance-Based Admissions

You can gain acceptance into the master’s of computer science through our performance-based admissions. No tests, application fees, or transcripts required. You will complete three 3-credit courses, and if you earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better, then you will be fully admitted into the program.

Career Outcomes

Earning your master’s in computer science will open career opportunities in any sector: business, government, technology, and more. Growth projections in computer science employment are expected to increase by nearly 12.5 percent nationwide within the next eight years (Source: Lightcast™ – lightcast.io).

You will be ready for the following jobs after graduation.

• Software developer
• Network and systems engineer
• Back-end developer
• Front-end developer
• Information security analyst
• Database developer
• Quality assurance engineer
• And more

Why Coursera?

Ball State is intentional about the organizations we work with. Our priority is always our students. Coursera shares the same commitment to bringing flexible, affordable, job-relevant online learning to individuals and organizations worldwide. Since its inception, Coursera partners with other accredited and well-known public institutions to offer credit-bearing courses and degree programs that involve rigorous study and proven outcomes for graduates of these programs.

The 100 percent online master’s in computer science curriculum is built and owned entirely by Ball State and you will still earn a reputable Ball State degree.

The degree is designed with the adult learner and working professional in mind. You will complete your course work through the Coursera online learning platform. Courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them at a pace that fits into your daily routine without worrying about being late to class. Many students take one or two courses at a time to balance work, classes, and other responsibilities.

Curriculum Overview

Pathway Courses (9 credits)

Even if you have no prior background in computer science, you’ll be able to cover essential topics in these pathway courses.

• CS 601 Computer Programming and Data Structures (3 credits)
  or CS 617 Introduction to Programming (3 credits) — Offered Fall 2023
• CS 602 Discrete Structures and Algorithms (3 credits)
• DSCI 605 Data Visualization (3 credits) — Offered Fall 2023

Core Courses (12 credits)

In these courses, you’ll learn data analysis, cybersecurity, software engineering, and networking skills. This core knowledge will be important as you take on any future specialization.

• CS 621 Data Analytics (3 credits)
• CS 636 Modern Database Systems with Applications (3 credits)
• CS 647 Cybersecurity and Secure Software Design (3 credits)
• CS 690 Software Engineering (3 credits)

Research Courses (6 credits)

You’ll develop an applied research project in the courses shown here. At least two of these courses are required (additional courses from this list may count as electives).

• CS 626 Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
• CS 639 Seminar in Computer Science (up to 6 credits)
• CS 668 Graphs, Algorithms and Applications (3 credits)
• CS 681 Applications of Computability (3 credits)

Elective Courses (9 credits, choose three courses)

With advanced elective courses for your specialization, you’ll build knowledge and skills in a chosen area. Nine additional elective credit hours will be required from these courses.

• CS 618 Full Stack Web Development (3 credits)
• CS 619 Advanced Operating Systems and Networking (3 credits)
• CS 626 Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
• CS 639 Seminar in Computer Science (up to 6 credits)
• CS 654 Machine Learning and Data Mining (3 credits)
• CS 668 Graphs, Algorithms and Applications (3 credits)
• CS 681 Applications of Computability (3 credits)
• DSCI 604 Data Storage and Management (3 credits)
• DSCI 606 Intro to Cloud Computing (3 credits)