LaGrange College Bulletin

M.S. in Computer Science

The M.S. in Computer Science is a 30-hour program designed to prepare students to work in computing- and technology-related fields. Courses will be eight (8) weeks in length (two sequential courses in each traditional semester) and delivered in multiple formats. The coursework will be taught using a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous online delivery, as well as in a hybrid format. While most work will be completed online, students will come to LaGrange’s campus 1 – 2 times every semester for instruction.

The MSCS is designed for recent baccalaureate graduates who wish to earn a master’s degree in preparation for industrial or government employment or for ongoing studies in computer science. The program will be promoted to those who possess a baccalaureate degree in computer science or a related field and wish to advance their studies in the field.

Students will be required to have:

A completed application for admission
A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field from an accredited institution prior to matriculation in this program, and
An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Students will follow a cohort-based model and will have two pathways through the curriculum from which to choose. All courses will occur in eight-week blocks, either in the first half or second half of a traditional semester.

Students may choose a standard pathway, in which they will only take two courses in each term (e.g., fall, spring, summer). Taken this way, the full program will take five terms to complete, i.e., two academic years and one summer in between, or approximately 21 calendar months.
Students may choose to complete this program on an accelerated schedule in only three terms, i.e., fall, spring, and summer. Students will take three (3) courses in the first term, four (4) in the second term, and three (3) in the third term. Taken together, the accelerated pathway will allow a student to complete the degree in approximately 12 calendar months.

Student learning outcomes and program objectives in MSCS are professional competencies expected for practitioners in the field. By the end of the program, students should be able to

Apply important concepts or techniques related to computer science and computer security,
Demonstrate an understanding of advanced concepts in computer science, including machine learning, scientific computing, and algorithms,
Perform critical analysis of complex computing situations and offer and evaluate solutions,
Communicate information accurately and professionally both orally and in writing, and
Demonstrate knowledge of current computing technologies and awareness of continued advances in the field.