Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Computer Programming
Majors Overview July 12, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in computer programming and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Computer Programming
Those seeking management positions would benefit from enrolling in master’s programs in computer programming in the form of a Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.) or Master of Science in Computer Science (M.S.C.S.). Students enrolled in master’s programs in computer science are provided with the applied skills and theoretical concepts aimed at developing operating systems.
The MCS is a professional program that emphasizes applied training. A heavier research focus is in the MSCS, and a thesis is a requirement for graduation. The degrees share a lot of coursework.
Program graduates can seek programming leader positions in information technology careers. Program graduates become adept at working on large and small projects, and in replicating code and creating custom scripts.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree and to meet an undergraduate GPA standard. Applicants with bachelor’s degrees in non-related fields may have to complete prerequisite courses in computation theory, programming, data structures and algorithms. Some schools may also require the submission of GRE scores.
Coursework
Coursework comprises courses in computer architecture, computer software, theory, and programming. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Models of computation
•Computer system organization
•Algorithms
•Distributed systems
•Operating systems
•Programming languages
•Software development
•Computer Logic
Career Choices
Program graduates currently employed as computer programmers may use the graduate degree to advance to higher-level development or design roles, including:
•Systems designer
•Business-to-business consultant
•Software Engineer
•Computer security consultant
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates can volunteer for professional certification to showcase their skills in the use of programming languages and software. Corporations producing the software products are among those who offer such programs. Career advancement opportunities are usually available to programmers who keep abreast of technological advances.
