Students should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Students with a bachelor’s degree in other areas will be considered, but will require to complete MCIS 5023 Computer Science Fundamentals: Concepts and MCIS 5033 Computer Science Fundamentals: Programming prerequisite courses. No credit is awarded towards the MCIS degree for the completion of these prerequisite courses.
Some English-speaking countries are exempted from this requirement.
Minimum English Requirements (must meet one of the following)
A score of 550 or higher on the written TOEFL
A score of 210 or higher on the computerized TOEFL
A score of 79 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL
A score of Band 6.0 (overall) on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Completion of Level 112 at an ELS Language Center or its equivalent
Completion of EF Level 5
Completion of level 5 SAU ESL program
If your English scores are below the required minimum for admissions, you may consider:
Retaking your English proficiency exam
Contacting SAU ESL Department to take the ESL exit exam
Enrolling in SAU’s ESL course
The Master of Science in Computer and Information Science (MCIS) program at the Southern Arkansas University is one of the largest, most affordable and highly attractive computer science graduate programs in the USA. The program offers a wide spectrum of online and onsite courses that are carefully designed to train the students in both theories and applications. The curriculum is constantly reviewed and updated to reflect the ongoing changes in the computer science field. The faculty members are highly qualified — many with extensive industry experience.
Students in the MCIS program can either study general topics in computer science or, based on their background and interest, pursue one of the following focus areas:
Information Technology
Data Science
Cyber Security & Privacy
The Information Technology option primarily focuses on web technologies and software engineering. Although any student can choose this option, it is particularly suitable for the students who want to switch to computer science career from a different background. Key career options include: programmer, web developer, database developer, information systems project manager, software engineer, or pursuing doctoral studies.
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Each candidate for the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science degree must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework that includes 12 hours of core courses and minimum 18 hours of electives.
12 hours of core courses (mandatory):
Advanced Programming Concepts
Data Base Management Systems
Computer Networking
Information & Networking Security
18 hours of electives to be selected from the following:
Survey of Information Tech with Applications1
UNIX Operating System
Web Technology1
Web Programming1
Decision Support Systems2
User Interface Implementation
Software Engineering1
Special Topics
Special Topics Seminar
Applied Cryptography
Data structures and Algorithms
Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment3
Traceable systems and Computer Forensics3
Wireless and Mobile Security3
Privacy Compliant Systems Design3
Big Data2
Data Mining2
Machine Learning2
Internship in Computer and Information Science
1Required for Information Technology option. 2Required for Data Science option. 3Required for Cyber Security and Privacy option
Information Technology
Data Science
Cyber Security & Privacy
International Student Insurance: $1320 per year
