Applied Computer Science, M.S.
The Master of Science in applied computer science is designed to help computing professionals expand their knowledge and opportunities for advancement in the field.
Visit the program website for more information.
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Program Overview
The applied computer science graduate program is a hybrid of computer science, cybersecurity, data science, and information systems, and incorporates topics from all four disciplines, providing flexibility in tailoring a graduate degree.
Why Study Applied Computer Science at Grand Valley?
Computing professionals who want to take their expertise or career to the next level can take advantage of Grand Valley's highly-credentialed and well-connected faculty.
- The program offers eight areas of concentration, giving students the flexibility to develop the skills necessary for career advancement.
- The program uses an applied computing curriculum and has dedicated state-of-the-art computer labs for hands-on experience. A premier data communications lab and computer architecture lab are also available.
- Graduate faculty members are experts in their field, holding doctorate degrees, as well as writing textbooks on the subject.
- Classes are flexible and convenient to accommodate working professionals.
- Students pay the same graduate tuition rate, whether they are in- or out-of-state residents.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
Classes for graduate students in this major meet downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Formats:Coursework
The M.S. in applied computer science curriculum includes content areas for depth of study, electives for breadth, and a capstone project/thesis. Specialization in content areas include:
- Biomedical informatics
- Cybersecurity
- Database management
- Distributed computing
- Info systems management
- Web and mobile computing
- Software engineering
Application Deadline
Deadline for fall semester is July 1; winter is November 1; and spring/summer is April 1. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed in the Graduate Admission section, candidates must satisfy all of the following:
- U.S. students with a GPA below 3.0 from all of their undergraduate coursework must contact the School of Computing for advising.
- Submit acceptable recommendations from at least two individuals attesting to the likelihood of the candidate's successful completion of the program.
- Submit a resume detailing work experiences and accomplishments.
- Submit a link to a video (no more than three minutes) where you briefly describe your career goals, background experiences, and previous projects, including an explanation of how this program will help you achieve educational and professional objectives. Please be sure the video is available to people without needing to log in, and for at least a 30-day period after submission of your application.
- After admission, students will take a placement test to determine prior computing knowledge. The results of the placement test will help in the creation of a plan of study.
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Computing
gvsu.edu/computing/
C-2-100
Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-2060
Program Director
Robert Adams, Ph.D.
(616) 331-3885
“I enjoy working with my students. Grand Valley gives me a chance to make a difference in my students' lives and open their minds to concepts and approaches that are new to them.”
PROFESSOR, COMPUTING
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