When you major or minor in artificial intelligence, you gain an understanding of the applied use of AI, machine learning (ML) and data mining in specific courses. You will also learn tactical skills, such as Python programming. The specialized knowledge and skills in advanced analytics you obtain at Saint Joseph’s University are highly sought after by organizations in the Philadelphia area and beyond.
Computer Science MS
Computing and computer technology are part of just about everything that touches our lives – from the cars we drive, to the products we consume, to the way we communicate with others. The Master of Science in Computer Science at Saint Joseph’s University offers innovation and flexibility to prepare you to make a difference in any one of those industries. The curriculum addresses contemporary issues related to the evolving discipline of computer science and is uniquely composed of stackable certificates. The stackable certificates provide students with specialized knowledge in relevant technologies that address the current and future needs of the industry.
Saint Joseph’s University’s Master of Science in computer science is a 30-credit program built from combining a core curriculum — the software development certificate — with specialized certificates that provide pathways to concentrations. Add a stackable certificate in artificial intelligence, web and database technologies or cybersecurity to earn a customized master’s degree.
The STEM-designated program is ideal for students seeking to pursue an advanced degree in computer science from a highly regarded university in Philadelphia.
Through Saint Joseph's 4+1 program, current undergraduate students can start earning credits toward their Computer Science MS degree during their senior year. This unique option allows you to graduate with two degrees — a bachelor's and master's — in just five years, saving you time and money. Students from all majors are welcome to apply, but students majoring in areas outside of computer science may be required to complete prerequisite coursework. Students interested in this program should apply to the graduate program in their junior year and be conditionally accepted before they complete their bachelor's degree.
What Sets Our Program Apart
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Computer science professionals are among the highest-paid in their companies, often with the highest job satisfaction. Computing is a field ripe for innovation and the possibilities for future developments in the field of computer science are expected to be even greater in the years to come. Companies need more employees with advanced degrees in computer science to meet this demand and remain competitive.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a computer and information research scientist is $131,490 per year. Additionally, there are more computer science jobs than qualified people to fill them in the United States:- 13% growth projected for employment of systems developers
- 17% growth projected for employment of software developers
- 19% growth projected for employment of application developers
- 27% growth projected for employment of web developers
*between 2014-2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Saint Joseph’s computer science master's degree is taught by faculty experts who are on the cutting edge of the computer science industry. In the program, you will hone your skills, learn from top industry leaders and obtain real-world experience and specialized skills for a successful career. In addition to personal attention from faculty, our program offers opportunities for meaningful interactions with your peers.
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We’ve designed our computer science program for the working professional. Flexibility and choice are built-in so you can balance work, family and all the other commitments of a busy life.
What Can I Do with a Master's in Computer Science?
With a computer science master’s degree from Saint Joseph's University, you will have the skills and experience needed to adapt and evolve in complex technological environments, regardless of your industry. Graduates of the program are careful, precise, mature thinkers who take the knowledge they gain in their courses and apply it to their career. Your courses will teach you how to solve problems and implement solutions in computational environments. You will be able to identify, formulate and solve problems encountered when constructing solutions in computer science and related fields. The computer science program at Saint Joseph’s prepares students to be precise thinkers with the intellectual preparation they need to apply what they have learned, lead projects and teams and continue to be lifelong learners.
Graduates with a master’s degree in computer science from Saint Joseph’s often go on to roles such as:
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Software developer
- Web developer
- Technology analyst
- Software quality assurance engineer
- Information systems developer
- Computer scientist
Program Details
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View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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Affordable tuition options start at $1,100 per credit.*
*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page or contact us for more information.
Financial aid may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.
Discount EligibilityHave you completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.
Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.
Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs.
Note: discounts cannot be combined.
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The department offers a limited number of teaching assistantships to qualifying students beyond their first semester. For more information, please contact the Department of Computer Science at csci@sju.edu or 610-660-1567.
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Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits.
Why Pursue a Computer Science MS in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is one of the major corporate centers in the U.S. and headquarters for more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies. One of the only programs of its kind in Philadelphia, the computer science MS is built from stackable certificates that provide a custom experience.
Admission Information
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A bachelor’s degree in a related area is not required. If you do not have adequate programming background, you will be required to take CSC 503 Java Programming, which will count toward one of the three electives courses.
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- Apply online.
- Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
- Submit a personal statement.
- Submit resume.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
Visit our Graduate Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.
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Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall and spring semesters.
Start terms:
- Fall: August
- Spring: January
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If you’re applying as an international student, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency and Certification of Finances along with your application. Check the Graduate Admission page for more information about the application process and additional requirements for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Graduates of the computer science MS program will gain valuable skills, including:
- Design, build, test, debug and analyze medium-size software systems
- Creating and evolving software products
- Integrate computer hardware into a functional system
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Graduates of the computer science program can find job placement opportunities in leading companies, such as:
- Apple
- Microsoft
- Meta (Facebook)
Explore Other Degree Programs
The Business Intelligence & Analytics MS at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a top-ranking program that prepares students for success in data and analytics.
Saint Joseph's University's 12-credit, online cyberintelligence certificate can be completed as a standalone certificate or can build into a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. If you are currently in the fields of criminal justice, cybersecurity or intelligence fields or majored in a relevant field and seek to grow your expertise amid a rising threat of cyber attacks, this certificate will prepare you well. Offered entirely online, courses in this certificate are taught by expert scholar-practitioners in criminal justice, computer science and cybersecurity.