Masters Program for Non-Majors

Computing Master’s Degree for Non-Majors – No Background Required

Computing is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States with the demand for qualified computing professionals remaining high. Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 682,800 new jobs over the decade[1].

Computing is an attractive field for everyone. People with diverse educational and professional backgrounds are enrolling in graduate computing programs. Even with no background in computing, earning a Master’s degree (as opposed to a second undergraduate degree) can prepare you for jobs that are often more interesting, command higher salaries, and usually offer a better career advancement path. Time and cost commitments are comparable to a second undergraduate degree.

The School of Computing Master’s program provides students the opportunity to select between a specialization in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Information Systems. The MS degrees In Computer and Information Sciences degree program prepares students for careers in a variety of computing fields including:

Computer Science : Robotics, Programmer, Game Developer, Software Engineer, Informatics Security Professional, Animator
Cybersecurity : Information Security Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Digital Forensics Analyst
Information Systems : Software Developer

The MS program in the School of Computing does not require applicants to have a background in computing. Pre-requisite courses are used to provide the knowledge required to be successful in our programs.

Students applying for the professional Information Systems software focused degree program are not required to take any prerequisite courses. The necessary material is built into the coursework for this program.

Requirements for Applicants with non-Computing Undergraduate Degrees:

Apply for Admission into Master’s of Science Program

Students select between applying for the School of Computing Computer Science, Cybersecurity or and Information Systems programs.

Requires GRE Scores (General Exam, with writing section)
Official Transcripts from all Higher Education Institutions
Written Statement of Purpose
International Students are required to take TOEFL or IELTS exams

Pre-Requisite Courses
Computer Science Specialization

CSC 120 – Problem Solving and Programming Concepts
CSC 231 – Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
CSC 332 – Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
CSC 311 – Networking and Communications
CSC 322 – Operating Systems
CSC 333 – Programming Languages and Theory
MA 125 – Calculus I
MA 126 – Calculus II or MA 267 – Discrete Mathematical Structures

Cybersecurity Specialization

CIS 115 – Beginning Programming
ITE 285 – Intermediate Programming
CIS 321 – Data Communications and Networking
ITE 272 – Systems Architecture

Information Systems Specialization

No Prerequisites Required

The prerequisite courses are required for most students who do not have a formal computing background. However, every applicant is different and has different skills, so it may be possible and appropriate in some cases to modify these requirements.

Degree Requirements – The Computer Science and Cybersecurity program requires thirty-six (36) graduate credit hours, including required courses and concentration areas. The Information Systems program requires thirty (30) graduate credit hours, including core and required courses.

For more information, or if you have questions, please contact:

Dr. Debra Chapman, Director of Graduate Studies

Email: dchapman@southalabama.edu