As jobs in technology and related industries have grown over the years, a masters degree in computer science can be a great way to have an edge in the job market. A masters in computer science can help you pursue technology-oriented jobs, software writing, research and even PC development and sales. Like any masters program, the amount of time it takes to complete the degree depends on the school you are attending, your availability and school schedule and what requirements you have previously satisfied. It could take roughly two years to finish a masters program in this field, depending on your unique situation.
Before You Begin A Masters Program
Depending on what prerequisites and requirements you satisfy before entering a masters program in computer science, you may take more or less time to finish. Different masters programs require different levels of math to be taken in advance of beginning coursework, which may add to your course load. Other schools may have only a standardized test for entrance that can satisfy these types of math requirements--sometimes even eliminating lower level requirements if you test well enough.
Required Classes
While the number differs from school to school based on each school's type of masters program in computer science, about nine classes are required to get your degree. Some schools have a program that is more heavily weighted in theory and prepares you more for research and development jobs. Other programs deal more in math and technical aspects and prepare you for computer engineering jobs.
Some classes you may take in a given computer science masters program include advanced mathematics like calculus, programming concepts, data structure concepts, programming languages and software engineering.
Online Masters Degrees in Computer Science
You can also choose to pursue your degree online if geography or a tight work schedule limit your ability to get to a campus and take classes. This option might also determine the amount of time it takes you to complete a masters program. Some online masters degree programs are geared toward juggling work with your studies and may require more time than the average, full-time degree. Others, like the University of Illinois' online program for the masters in computer science, are much like typical campus programs: The requirements are exactly the same, and you will complete the program in the same amount of time. Sometimes online degrees require a mandatory number of hours of work to be completed, perhaps 45 to 60 per semester, to qualify for the degree.
Satisfactory Completion
Many masters programs not only require you to take a designated number of classes in a given subject, you also have to have completed them to the standards stipulated by that masters program. For example, masters students might have to finish a course with a B or better and do well on a final exam. This stipulation can potentially add to the amount of time required to acquire a masters degree, if you are unable to meet these more difficult requirements.
Masters Thesis
Most masters programs in any subject, including computer science, require completion of a masters thesis or project. This thesis is usually on a subject of your choice in your field of study. The thesis generally proves and exhibits what you have learned, and it requires development and approval from a faculty advisor. When completed, the thesis or project has to be judged to show you have mastered the subject in which you are pursuing a degree. This is a time-consuming process that may require revisions along the way. The amount of time it takes you to successfully complete your masters thesis or project will determine how quickly you are able to acquire your degree.
Tags: amount time, computer science, masters program, amount time takes, masters degree, masters programs