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Master of Science
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The Benefits of an MS in Computer Science & Information Technology (MSCSIT)

The world of computer science and information technology is changing rapidly. The need for professionals with advanced skills to implement new technology, manage information systems and ensure infrastructure, systems and data are protected grows every year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Although some entry-level computer science and information technology careers don’t require a master’s degree, CS and IT professionals who pursue a graduate degree in the field earn more than their counterparts without master’s degrees. The annual expected earnings for skilled professionals working in IT and computer science are high. For instance, the median pay range for those with master’s degrees working in roles related to computing, information systems, and security is between $80,000 and $142,000.

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Why Study Computer Science & Information Technology at Sacred Heart?

Computer science and information technology courses at Sacred Heart offer you the latest in computer systems, classrooms, laboratories, and multimedia equipment, as well as the opportunity to apply for an internship with one of Sacred Heart University's many corporate connections. Student internships have included jobs ranging from Software Development and Network Security, to Instructional Technology. An internship can give you hands-on experience that employers require and a hiring advantage upon graduation.

Learn to use the latest software and technology

Study machine learning, deep learning, data communications, network security, Oracle, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and software engineering and learn to use software including .Net 2019 (C#, ASP.net, VB.net), Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere, Dreamweaver, Animate, PhotoShop, etc.), Java, C++, Python, “R” and more.

Join a Network of Professionals in WCBT

The School of Computer Science and Engineering at Sacred Heart is part of the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, one of fewer than five percent of elite business schools worldwide accredited by AACSB International. 

Earn Your MSCSIT Degree Part-Time or Full-Time

Study part time and benefit from a flexible program schedule that includes evening and Saturday morning classes. The part-time computer science and information technology master’s program allows you to earn your degree without sacrificing valuable full-time work experience in the field or internship opportunities. 

If you join our full-time cohort you can earn your degree in a little over a year. The full-time computer science and information technology master’s program allows you to earn your degree in only 15 months.

Expand Your Skill Set With a CS/IT Graduate Certificate

If you’re not ready to earn your master’s degree, you can choose to pursue a graduate certificate in:

Choose From Three Concentrations

At Sacred Heart, students who pursue the Master of Science in computer science & information technology degree choose their curriculum track based on their education and career interests — computer science (CS)information technology (IT) or data science (DS). 

The Difference Between Computer Science, Information Technology & Data Science

While the fields of computer science, IT and data science are related, you’ll gain different specific skills in each discipline. For example, information technology involves the management of information and information systems and computer science primarily includes the implementation of application, software and computer development, while data science focuses on algorithms, methods and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data.

Computer Science

The computer science (CS) track is ideal for those who wish to pursue advanced study in areas of programming, data structures and fundamental computer language design.

In the computer science concentration, students will incorporate theoretical understanding with hands-on work to learn the basics of computation and how to build the secure databases and systems that help the virtual world flourish.

The core curriculum includes courses in:

  • data structures
  • machine learning
  • software engineering
  • database and operating systems
  • programming languages
  • networking
  • cybersecurity
  • artificial intelligence
  • big data analytics (“R”)
  • advanced python

With your computer science degree, you’ll graduate prepared for leadership roles in the computer science industry, including a career as a:

  • AI Specialist
  • Computer programmer
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Computer systems engineer
  • Network systems administrator
  • Security engineer
  • Software applications developer
  • Software architect
  • Software engineer

Information Technology

The information technology (IT) track is designed specifically to accommodate the dynamic demands of the contemporary marketplace. With the exponential growth of the Internet and the wide-ranging ramifications of the accompanying technologies, the IT track will prepare individuals for careers that utilize, or are affected by, the latest technological advances and methods of modern business and industry.

The IT program provides a realistic balance between foundational theory and applied hands-on technical courses. The core curriculum includes courses in:

  • Data structures
  • Database design
  • Programming languages (C#, Java, “R”)
  • .NET
  • Networking
  • Information analysis and system design
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Python

The innovative information technology concentration is designed to prepare you for today’s data- and technology-focused workplace as well as be prepared for a leadership role in the IT industry. You’ll graduate ready for a career as a:

  • AI Specialist
  • Cloud architect
  • Computer and information systems manager
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Database administrator
  • Information security analyst
  • Information technology consultant
  • Mobile application developer
  • Network and computer systems administrator
  • Software applications developer
  • Software developer
  • Web developer

Data Science

The data science (DS) track emphasizes the development and coding aspects of data science and data analytics. It applies advanced analytics and machine learning to help users predict and optimize business outcomes.

The data science core curriculum includes courses in:

  • Python
  • Programming with R
  • Data Warehousing and Statistics
  • Deep Learning
  • Data Architecture
  • Text Mining

With a data science concentration, you will graduate ready for a career as a:

  • Data scientist or analyst
  • Statistician
  • Machine learning engineer or scientist
  • Infrastructure architect
  • Business intelligence developer
  • Applications or data architect

Dual Degree Program

Students apply to the Bachelor’s-Master of Science in Computer Science & Information Technology (CSIT) 4+1 Dual Degree Program as incoming freshmen and are admitted directly into the graduate program at the same time as their admission as undergraduate students. Students in the CSIT Dual Degree Program earn a Bachelor’s and Master of Science in Computer Science & Information Technology in five years. Students complete the bachelor’s degree in the traditional four-year time frame and complete one year of graduate study in the CSIT program.

STEM Designated Program

This is a STEM-designated program, which means you will be trained in areas of technology that are in high demand with U.S. employers. This program allows international students with F1 visas to extend their OPT in the U.S. by 24 months after graduating (36 months in total).

More Information

International Graduate Admissions

Mr. Yashwanth Reddy
Associate Director of Graduate International Admissions
Mobile/WhatsApp: +1 203-913-7896
chitikalay@sacredheart.edu

Graduate Admissions

Ed Nassr
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
203-396-6877
nassre@sacredheart.edu

Schedule Your Appointment with Ed

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