Program Description and Goals
The UNG Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) prepares graduates for advanced positions in industry or research-focused doctoral programs. Through core courses covering general topics, such as cybersecurity, operating systems, computer applications, networking, and specialized electives, students gain both breadth of knowledge and depth of knowledge while engaging in experiential learning using state-of-the-art software and equipment. Students complete concentrations in machine learning and cyber operations. Additionally, based on the electives selected, students can also complete certificates in technology management and cybersecurity as part of their degree program. Students choosing the thesis path will work on research projects with their advisor. The program is face-to-face; however, some online, or hybrid courses may be offered. The program is available to both full-time and part-time students.
Accreditation
For specific information on program accreditation, refer to the Accreditations and Compliance section.
Method of Delivery
Dahlonega; face-to-face with some online or hybrid courses offered
Time to Completion
30 hours
Admission Procedures
Regular Admission
Requirements
- Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) in computer science or a related degree with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
- Students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than computer science may be required to complete remedial course work prior to starting the Computer Science (M.S.) degree. Prerequisites for students with a non-computer science undergraduate degree include computer programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ and/or evidence of two years of related industry experience. Applicants who have computer science-related experience or programming coursework (in programming languages including Python, Java, or C++) may not need to take any remedial courses.
- Conditional Admission
- Students who are in the last semester of their baccalaureate study, can apply, and if they meet all the other requirements will be accepted pending that they finish their undergraduate degree successfully with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale).
Supplemental Documents
- A 400-500 word personal statement describing your specific interest in the MSCS degree and any background in computer science.
- Two professional or academic letters of recommendation.
- A current resume (or curriculum vitae).
Non-Degree Admission
The Computer Science (M.S.) does not permit non-degree students.
Transient Student Admission
The Computer Science (M.S.) does not permit transient students.
Appeal of Graduate Admission
An applicant whose admission is denied may appeal the decision, regardless of the basis for denial. To submit an appeal, email a signed letter of appeal as a PDF attachment to the Office of Graduate Admissions at grads@ung.edu.
Your letter must present substantial evidence supporting the basis of your appeal. The information provided should go beyond what was previously submitted in your application and clearly demonstrate your potential for success in graduate-level study.
Graduate programs at the University of North Georgia grant appeals for provisional admission status only. If admitted under provisional status, your academic record will be reviewed post enrollment to determine eligibility for regular status. Timelines and requirements vary by program. While enrolled provisionally, you may register only for the maximum number of credit hours permitted for provisional students in your program and must maintain the GPA required by your program each term to continue enrollment. Students admitted under provisional status are not eligible for federal financial aid. Additional program-specific restrictions can be applied.
If your appeal is approved, the Graduate Admissions Office will notify you of your admission status.
MSCS 4+1 Program
The University of North Georgia’s Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) 4+1 program allows UNG undergraduate BS Computer Science and BS Cybersecurity majors to seamlessly transition between their undergraduate and graduate degrees. In most cases, students can complete both their master’s and bachelor’s degrees in just five years.
If a student is a UNG BS Computer Science or Cybersecurity major, they can apply for conditional acceptance into the 4+1 program after completing a minimum of 75 credit hours. If admitted into the program, students will have access to up to 9 hours of graduate-level coursework at the end of their junior year and throughout their senior year to fulfill free electives in their undergraduate degree program. Students formally be reviewed to verify if they are still qualified to the program. This will enable the students to complete the program in as little as 21 additional credit hours of graduate coursework.
Requirements and Procedures
- Students can apply after completing a minimum of 75 credit hours; 3.25 GPA required.
- In the 4+1 BS/MS program, complete three of the following four courses (9 credits) with a grade of B or higher:
- CSCI 4100/CSCI 6100
- CSCI 4260/CSCI 6260
- CSCI 4450/CSCI 6450
- CSCI 4650/CSCI 6650
- Graduate with your BS in Computer Science or Cybersecurity with a GPA of at least 3.0 to continue to the MSCS program and complete the remaining graduate coursework.
Academic Information and Policies
Transfer Residency Requirement
To be awarded the MSCS degree, students are expected to take all course work as part of the MSCS cohort and must earn a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate degree requirements in the program. The CSIS department head must approve all transfer credit. Transfer credit will be evaluated for use only in meeting elective credit in the MSCS program at the 6000-level. Transfer credit will not be given for any course in which a grade of less than a B was earned. All credits presented for the MSCS degree must have been earned within six years of the date of graduation from the MSCS program.
Academic and Professional Integrity
Code of Conduct
The University of North Georgia recognizes honesty and integrity as being necessary to the academic functioning of the university. UNG graduate students are expected to uphold the university regulations addressed in the Student Code of Conduct, Article 3, Rule 2.
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