Work with life-changing technologies in jobs in computer science
Master of Science - Computer Science (30 credits)
Gain the specialized skills you’ll need to solve tomorrow’s problems in a variety of jobs in computer science with the master of science in computer science from °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û. You’ll advance through the computer science program in Davenport’s College of Technology, designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Davenport is one of only a select number of Michigan schools to achieve both designations.
Recognized in industry and in computer science research, Davenport’s expert faculty will engage you in meaningful learning across multiple platforms and with small class sizes for one-on-one attention. So regardless of the industry or organization you pursue, you will be well prepared. To ease your progression through the computer science program, Davenport offers the master of computer science online through our Global Campus, as well as in person at our W.A. Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids.
Focus on what aligns with your goals with one of two concentrations in the Davenport computer science master’s degree program: customary computer science content or a deeper dive into security applications. You can complete a research thesis as part of your capstone to prepare for a Ph.D. or choose a significant project relevant to your desired career path if you plan to apply for in-demand jobs in computer science following your graduation.
What is a master of science in computer science?
A computer science master’s degree grows knowledge and skills beyond the undergraduate degree with advanced classes and hands-on experiences in one or more technology areas. A graduate from a master’s-level computer science program can enter the fast-growing computer science field in positions such as technology specialist, researcher and leader, which often require a graduate degree.
Davenport’s master of computer science online or in-person will qualify you for some of the most in-demand, highest-paying jobs in computer science. Work with the latest technologies in innovative areas such as machine learning, computer forensics, information security analysis, computer network architecture and computer programming.
Explore classes for Davenport’s computer science master’s degree
Refine your master of computer science online or in-person with one of two concentrations: customary computer science or security. Classes in the computer science concentration include artificial intelligence as well as pattern recognition and machine learning, while security concentration classes include reverse engineering malware and advanced computer forensics.
Graduate coursework in the computer science program includes a two-semester master project class that will develop your analytic, research and data presentation abilities to solve a specific problem using computer science. Choose the two-semester master research thesis if you plan to pursue a Ph.D. after graduating with your master of science in computer science.
Whether you take computer science program classes on campus or as part of the MS in computer science online, all courses align with Quality Matters (QM) and undergo evaluation through Instructional Design to ensure the highest instructional quality.
Which class should I take? When should I take it?
See our Recommended Program Sequences:
Why pursue a Davenport master of science in computer science?
Distinguish yourself from other applicants for the highest salary, most competitive jobs in computer science with your on-campus or online MS in computer science from Davenport. Our College of Technology is designated by the NSA and DHS as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education — one of only a select number of Michigan schools to achieve this recognition.
In addition to the two computer science program concentrations of computer science and security, Davenport further focuses your on-campus or online MS in computer science with one of three emerging specialties: artificial intelligence, computer architecture and algorithms, and gaming and simulation. You’ll gain the specialized skills to qualify for some of the most exciting, highest paying jobs in computer science.
Getting involved beyond the classroom is easy at Davenport through student clubs such as the Association for Computing Machinery, the Cyber Defense Organization and Women in Technology.
Experience the Davenport difference:
![]() |
Three specialtiesFocus your computer science master’s degree on artificial intelligence, computer architecture and algorithms or gaming and simulation to prepare for your preferred jobs in computer science. |
![]() |
Hands-on practiceDesign a project where you’ll analyze, research and present a problem, then solve it with your knowledge and skills in the computer science program’s two-semester master’s capstone. |
![]() |
Graduate scholarshipsQualify for scholarships specific to your master of science in computer science with Davenport funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. |
![]() |
State-of-the-art computer science labsWork with the latest technology in Davenport computer labs as you explore subjects in your computer science program specialty, such as artificial intelligence, computer algorithms and gaming. |
![]() |
Credit for your certificationsReceive transfer credit in Davenport’s computer science program for qualifying classes you’ve taken or certifications you hold from Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, CompTIA, Oracle, EC Council and more. |
![]() |
CAE CDE designationEarn your in-person or online MS in computer science from a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, one of only a select number of schools in Michigan to achieve this designation. |
Get started on your master of computer science online or in-person
Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward your Davenport in-person or online MS in computer science.
Talk to an admissions advisor
Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.
Apply now or request more information
Start on the road to being in high demand for top jobs in computer science. or .
Programs related to the computer science master’s degree
About °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û
![Davenport Campus](/sites/default/files/2018-08/campuses.jpg)
Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.
Offering over 80 degree and certificate programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û.*
Additional resources
Students without a BS in Computer Science may need to complete the following courses
• CSCI531 Introduction to Programming
• CSCI534 Object Oriented Programming with C#
• CSCI545 Data Structures and Algorithms
• MATH515 Calculus I
Davenport offers course credit for specific certifications you may hold. Obtaining a certificate demonstrates your knowledge in a specific technology area. In addition, it also indicates your dedication and motivation to professional development. For these reasons, certification exams are highly recommended after completing certificate related courses in Davenport's technology programs.
Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses
Sources:
U.S. Dept. of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics
°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û, 2023/2024 Catalog
National Security Agency (NSA) & Department of Homeland Security (DHS)