Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences
The Citadel’s Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences is designed to offer professionals an opportunity to attain an advanced degree in the computer science field while upgrading their skills and knowledge. The computer science program is a joint program with the College of Charleston, and classes are held in person at both campuses.
Students in this program can choose from the following specializations: Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or Computer Science.
Program Specializations
Computer Science: Providing a traditional master’s degree program that offers a balance between theory and application, the Computer Science specialization prepares students to pursue further coursework that leads to a Ph.D. and preparation for work in software development roles that include elements of architecture and design.
Cybersecurity: Founded on the academic requirements set forth by the National Security Agency, the Cybersecurity specialization provides students the technical skills and knowledge needed to successfully protect organizational data, investigate data breaches, and develop strategies to prevent data from being compromised.
Information Systems: With an emphasis on analyzing business problems that lend themselves to software solutions, the Information Systems specialization prepares students for positions that involve analysis, design, and management of information processing systems.
Software Engineering: Using methodologies for designing and testing medium and large-scale software systems, the Software Engineering specialization prepares students for software engineering positions that require proficiency in specific areas of the software-development lifecycle: requirements gathering/definition, software quality assurance, and software testing and maintenance.
Admission Requirements
Application Process
To apply for The Citadel’s Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences program, applicants must complete the following:
- Submit the online graduate application along with the non-refundable application fee.
- Send all admission materials to The Citadel Graduate College.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria to be admitted into the program. Additionally, all students must satisfy the prerequisite knowledge areas listed below before enrolling in any graduate CSCI/CSIS course.
- Complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.
- Complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher. Complete six credit hours of graduate CSCI/CSIS coursework as a non-degree-seeking student with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.
- For students in a combined/accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher for all CSIS/CSCI graduate courses to continue as a full-time graduate student.
- Complete a graduate certificate from the joint College of Charleston/Citadel programs in Computer and Information Sciences, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.
Statement of Purpose
Submit a statement of purpose with admission materials (700-1000 words).
Prerequisite Knowledge Area Requirements
Prospective students of The Citadel’s Computer and Information Sciences Master’s Degree must demonstrate competency in basic computer architecture, object-oriented programming, discrete mathematics, and data structures before enrolling in any graduate CSCI/CSIS course. These prerequisite areas may be covered by undergraduate coursework from any regionally accredited college or university. Coverage of areas by courses is at the discretion of the graduate program director. Grades of B or higher are required for courses taken outside of a baccalaureate program. Some courses may have additional prerequisites depending on where they are offered.
Click here to read more details on the four prerequisite knowledge areas.
Relevant work experience may be acceptable in demonstrating competency if mapped to typical learning outcomes for courses normally accepted. With prior approval from the graduate program directors, certain certified, online, university-style, MOOC courses (e.g. Coursera, edX, etc.) may be acceptable for demonstrating competency in some prerequisite areas.
TOEFL Requirement
Prospective students whose native language of citizenship is not English will be required to additionally submit TOEFL scores. he minimum acceptable scores are:
- 213 (computer-based)
- 550 (paper-based)
- 79-80 (internet-based)
Registration Requirement
All admitted students must have approval from the Program Director or Department Head before registering for any courses in the Computer Science curriculum.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences degree is conferred upon those candidates who successfully complete an approved program of study consisting of a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate credit (of which no more than nine may be transfer credit) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. At least four courses must be taken at each institution to meet the residency requirement for joint programs.
Please click here to reference current program requirements and information in the Citadel Catalog.
All degree candidates must:
- Complete four core courses for a total of 12 hours.
- Declare an area of specialization/emphasis from among cybersecurity, software engineering, information systems, or computer science, and complete three courses (9 hours).
- Complete one of the following three options (12 hours).
- CSCI 699 Research Thesis (6 hours) plus two electives (6 hours).
- CSCI 698 Project Thesis (3 hours) plus three electives (9 hours).
- Four electives (12 hours).
Contact Us
For more information about the program or admission requirements, contact Dr. Michael Verdicchio, Graduate Program Director (phone: 843-953-5039, e-mail: mv@citadel.edu)