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    1. UNG
    2. Academics
    3. Degrees & Programs
    4. Graduate Programs

    Computer Science (MSCS)

    The Master of Science in Computer Science, also referred as the MSCS, will help students become an expert in theoretical and practical knowledge of computer science. This program will prepare students for a variety of fields in computer science including cybersecurity, machine learning, networking, software engineering, operating systems, computer architecture, programming, and research methodologies for publications.

    Along with developing a strong foundation in computer science, our program provides a unique opportunity for those interested in moving into management roles to gain knowledge and skills focused on technology leadership.

    Request Information Apply Attend a Virtual Information Session

    Quick Facts

    • Full-time students can complete the program in one year
      • Fall, spring, and summer semester: students can start in any semester
    • A minimum of 30 credit hours is required to complete the program
    • Concentrations in cyber operations and machine learning
    • Classes are primarily face-to-face on the Dahlonega campus, with some offered in online or hybrid modalities
    • A thesis option is available with a faculty advisor for students with an interest in academic research
    • Courses offered on the Dahlonega campus
    • The program is face-to-face; however, some online or hybrid courses may be offered
    • Students can use courses that are part of this Master of Science in Computer Science program to complete graduate certificates in cybersecurity and/or technology leadership

    Program Application Deadlines

    All application materials are to be received prior to the deadline. If program capacity is met prior to established admission deadlines, we will stop accepting applications for admission and cancel remaining incomplete applicants. We encourage you to apply early.

    International Students seeking F1 Visa:

    Spring application deadline - November 1
    Fall application deadline - May 1

    Fall Deadline

    • Priority - June 1
    • Regular - August 10

    Spring Deadline

    • Priority - October 15
    • Regular - December 1

    Summer Deadline

    • Priority - March 15
    • Regular - May 1

    How to Apply to UNG's MSCS

    • Degree Seeking Regular

      Requirements

      • Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) in computer science or a related degree with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
        • Students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than computer science may be required to complete remedial course work prior to starting the Computer Science (M.S.) degree. Prerequisites for students with a non-computer science undergraduate degree include computer programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ and/or evidence of two years of related industry experience. Applicants who have computer science-related experience or programming coursework (in programming languages including Python, Java, or C++) may not need to take any remedial courses.
      • Conditional Acceptance:
        • Students who are in the last semester of their baccalaureate study, can apply, and if they meet all the other requirements will be accepted pending that they finish their undergraduate degree successfully with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale).
      • Required Supplemental Documentation:
        • A 400-500 word personal statement describing your specific interest in the MSCS degree and any background in computer science.
        • Two professional or academic letters of recommendation.
        • A current resume (or curriculum vitae).

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Official Transcripts
      • Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.
      • Step 4Graduate Assistants
      • Step 5Persons Aged 62 or Over

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
      • Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

      Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

      • Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.
      • Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
      • Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
      • Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
      • International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
      • Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.

      Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

      Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

      Learn More

      Interested in applying for a graduate assistant position at UNG? 

      • Visit UNG's Job Site and select Grad Assistant to view available positions. 
      • When prompted on the Graduate Admissions application, select "Yes" to be added to our email communications about upcoming positions. 
      • Graduate assistants are required to have health insurance. For additional information, visit USG Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

      Submit a birth certificate or Georgia driver’s license to enable UNG to determine eligibility.
      • Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.
      • May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.

      Learn More

    • Non-Degree

      The Computer Science (M.S.) does not permit non-degree students.

    • Transient

      The Computer Science (M.S.) does not permit transient students.

    • All International

      An international student is someone who has not been granted or does not have U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency. In order for these students to study in the United States, they must obtain an F-1 visa. International applicants must enroll for at least nine hours per semester, excluding summer semester, and may only enroll in up to three hours of online (distance education) coursework per semester.  International applicants must be accepted as degree-seeking. International students are not admissible for the summer term.

      Requirements

      • Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) in computer science or a related degree with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
        • Students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than computer science may be required to complete remedial course work prior to starting the Computer Science (M.S.) degree. Prerequisites for students with a non-computer science undergraduate degree include computer programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ and/or evidence of two years of related industry experience. Applicants who have computer science-related experience or programming coursework (in programming languages including Python, Java, or C++) may not need to take any remedial courses.
      • Required Supplemental Documentation:
        • A 400-500 word personal statement describing your specific interest in the MSCS degree and any background in computer science.
        • Two professional or academic letters of recommendation.
        • A current resume (or curriculum vitae).

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Official Transcripts
      • Step 3Proof of English Proficiency
      • Step 4Immunization Form
      • Step 5Additional International Student Requirements

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
      • Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

      Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

      • Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions.
      • Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
      • Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
      • Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
      • International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES)or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
      • Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.
      • If you completed your undergraduate degree at UNG and then attended another institution, request official transcripts only from schools attended after graduating from UNG.

      English proficiency is required

      Proficiency can be proven as follows:

      • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores if applicant's native language is not English.
      • Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted.
      • TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two calendar years from the test date.
      • UNG accepts MyBest™ scores for the TOEFL iBT® test, in addition to TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date.
      • Required minimum scores:
        • TOEFL internet based - 79
        • IELTS - 6.5

      -or-

      • An official evaluation by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) member indicating proof of a degree at the secondary or collegiate level either outside or inside the U.S. where English is the official language of academic instruction. If the NACES evaluation does not indicate English as the official language of academic instruction, request an official letter from the institution to be sent directly to UNG with this information, or direct this office to where it is stated on the institution's website.

      -or-

      • Proof of completion of the equivalent of English 1101 and/or 1102 with a grade of C or better in one or both courses, at a regionally accredited U.S. institution. 

      -or-

      • Other approved exams and recommended standards as stated by the USG English Proficiency Requirements.
        • Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted.

      • UNG requires immunizations of all students attending courses on any UNG campus or campus managed facility.
      • Download the UNG certificate of immunization and have it completed by a health care provider.
      • Titer test is available through your physician or local health department and may be submitted to confirm the required immunities.
      • Exemptions may apply on religious or medical grounds.

      The following are required if accepted, or if applying within five months of the start of the term.

      • Financial Affidavit

        It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate that sufficient funding is available to meet all university and living expenses for the course of study.

        • Download and complete the Financial Affidavit. You may email the completed form to grads@ung.edu.
        • Sources of financial support in the form of a bank issued letter or bank statement verifying that the applicant has a sum of at least $48,500 USD for the first academic year, exclusive of travel expenses, are required. You may email an original bank issued letter or bank statement to grads@ung.edu. 
        • Sources of financial support should equal what is reported in your Financial Affidavit.
        • All banking information must be in English. Certified bank letters are preferred. If submitting a bank statement, only official bank statements will be accepted. We are unable to accept a printout of online banking transaction history, online account summaries or online statements.
        • Check exchange rates.
      • Visa Documents

        All international applicants, please submit copies of:

        • Complete the Application for Visa Certificate (PDF) and email to grads@ung.edu
        • Passport if available

        If you are currently residing in the United States, please submit copies of:

        • Visa/I-94 (front and back)
        • I-20
        • Passport
      • Student Health Insurance

        International students are required to have health insurance. Visit the Center for Global Engagement's (CGE) website for additional information.

    • Appeal of Graduate Admission

      A candidate whose application is denied has the right to appeal the decision. A written letter of appeal must include strong evidence to support the basis for your appeal. The appeal should consist of information beyond what was previously submitted in your admissions file and detail your ability to be successful in graduate studies.

      • Students whose appeals are granted will be admitted as provisional students.
      • Students are not eligible for financial aid while taking courses under a provisional admission status.
      • Students may not appeal for regular admission.

      Email your letter of appeal as a pdf attachment to grads@ung.edu.

    Start Your Application Learn More About Graduate Admissions

    Learn More About Our Program

    The program may be completed in one year for full-time students. Interested students may elect to complete graduate certificates in cybersecurity and/or technology leadership by using some courses that are part of this Master of Science in Computer Science program, which can be very useful in preparing to the workforce.

    The Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation provides three specialized labs for use in teaching some classes in this program giving you hand-on experiences for student research projects. The labs are: Cyber Range, Cyber and Forensics Lab, and Hardware and Networking Lab.

    You will have the option to complete a thesis while conducting research with a faculty advisor. This research focus will prepare students both for jobs in the industry and to enter a Ph.D. program. You may also choose to do a project related to your focus in the field.

    • Add a concentration in cyber operations or machine learning if you choose to
    • Work in three specialized labs designed for collaborative work on student research projects
    • Engage in faculty-designed coursework to help the students develop their communication, leadership, negotiation, and team management abilities
    • Work with industry employees on projects that will make you more competitive in the job market

    About the MSCS Curriculum

    Core Requirements

    • CSCI 6100 - Operating Systems and Systems Architecture

      The course focuses on advanced OS concepts such as: memory and process management for high-performance computing and architectures, advanced threading/concurrency, and distributed architectures, performance enhancing techniques, memory hierarchy (including cache memory), pipelining, multiprocessor architectures, and implications to operating system design. The course emphasizes performance modeling with simulation and reading papers on the various advanced topics of operating systems. Discussion of grid computing and cloud computing, virtualization and hypervisors, scheduling for real-time, symmetric multiprocessing and hardware multithreading, effects and control of hardware caches.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • CSCI 6350 - Advanced Computer Forensics

      This course is an advanced computer forensics, focusing on Windows systems. The course focuses on advanced file system analysis, web and email, registry, as well as a comprehensive final case involving a moot court exercise. It will utilize existing open source tools.

      Prerequisite/Corequisite:
      Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • CSCI 6450 - Software Development Security

      This course sits the intersection of computer security and software engineering. It provides students with a foundation of secure software development by applying security principles to software engineering lifecycle. Students will learn practical secure software developing and testing skills.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • CSCI 6650 - Advanced Network Security

      This course will provide a survey and in-depth discussion on selective topics of network security. It will bring together thoroughly updated coverage of all basic concepts, terminology, and issues, along with the practical skills essential to network security. Core topics include up-to-date discussion of encryption fundamentals, digital signature and certificate, network/wireless network/virtual private network security and applications, practical applications of firewalls, security policies and security standards.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • CSCI 6840 - Machine Learning

      This course covers the-state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. Focuses will be put on deep learning, kernel methods and ensemble learning. Students will learn applying advanced machine learning techniques to solve challenging problems, especially big data problems. The class will cover topics in regression, classification, mixture models, neural networks, introduction of deep learning, ensemble methods and reinforcement learning.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • CSCI 6850 - Deep Learning

      This course is an introduction to deep learning, a branch of machine learning concerned with the development and application of modern neural networks. Deep learning algorithms extract layered high-level representations of data in a way that maximizes performance on a given task such as facial recognition, speech recognition, and self-driven cars.  Deep learning enables advanced AI applications. Range of topics will be presented in this course from basic neural networks, convolutional and recurrent network structures, deep unsupervised and reinforcement learning, and applications to problem domains like speech recognition and computer vision.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • CSCI 6870 - Business Intelligence

      This course provides advanced concepts of business intelligence (BI) as components and functionality of information systems. It explores how business problems can be solved effectively by using operational data to create data warehouses, and then applying data mining tools and analytics to gain new insights into organizational operations. Detailed discussion of the analysis, design and implementation of systems for BI, including: the differences between types of reporting and analytics, enterprise data warehousing, data management systems, decision support systems, knowledge management systems, big data and data/text mining.  Case studies are used to explore the use of application software, web tools, success and limitations of BI as well as technical and social issues.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • CSCI 7250 - Advanced Reverse Engineering

      This course provides an insight into the art and science of software reverse-engineering. It covers topics on how to approach complex problems of analyzing malicious code for the purpose of understanding its internals. By learning the techniques of reverse-engineering, students will observe how a seemingly insurmountable problem of malware binary analysis gradually breaks down into tractable components that can be easily studied, interpreted, and documented. The anatomy, behavior and manifestation of malware will be discussed. Students will receive hands-on experience with techniques analyzing, disassembling, debugging and monitoring malware in a controlled environment.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    Electives

    • CSCI 6010 - Cybersecurity Foundations

      This course is designed to help students understand the critical role of cybersecurity in business and society today. The technical content of the course provides a broad overview of essential concepts and methods for assessing and assuring security in information systems and networks. In addition, the course examines the importance of security policy and management, information security as it relates to business risk and compliance, social issues such as individual privacy, and the role of public policy and international law.

      Hours:
      1

      View Course in Catalog

    • CSCI 6250 - Advanced Computer Security

      This is a graduate-level course in applied computer security and cryptography. Topics include software vulnerability analysis, defense, and exploitation, reverse engineering, and applied cryptography. Students will also learn to develop security policy and design secure critical systems.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • CIS 6660 - Enterprise Project Management

      Project management is a preferred methodology to plan and execute IT projects. This course covers principles to manage projects at the individual level, but more so on building and maintaining project infrastructure at the aggregate level. Learning objectives are germane to leadership of information technology departments or divisions.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • CIS 6670 - Strategy and Structure of Technology Operations

      This course emphasizes strategic and structural aspects of technology-related operations. It emphasizes the CIO-level perspective and enables students to comprehend the complexity of data-driven enterprises. It prepares students to navigate complex systems and environments and effectively develop capabilities for achieving competitive digital advantage.

      Hours:
      4

      View Course in Catalog

    • CSCI 7900 - Master's Thesis in Computer Science

      Students interested in academic research (and perhaps continuing to acquire a Doctorate) are encouraged to pursue the degree via the thesis option curriculum.  Students are required to complete experimental and/or theoretical investigation of a relevant topic in computer science that can lead to a quality publication. A written thesis must be defended and approved by the assigned research faculty members.

      Hours:
      6

      View Course in Catalog

    • Mike Cottrell College of Business
    • Catalog
    • Costs

    Add On a Graduate Certificate

    You may elect to apply and complete a graduate certificate in cybersecurity and/or technology leadership using these courses as electives in the Master of Science in Computer Science program.

    Compliance & Ethics Graduate Certificate

    Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate

    Entrepreneurship & Innovation Graduate Certificate

    Technology Leadership Graduate Certificate

    Questions?

    For questions about the program, contact
    Mike Cottrell College of Business Graduate Programs

    For questions about the application process, contact:
    Graduate Admissions
    grads@ung.edu 
    706-864-1543
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