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M.S. Computer Science

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Norfolk State University
Master of Science in Computer Science

The Computer Science Program at Norfolk State University is designed to provide students with fundamental training in the theoretical and practical aspects of computer science. Coupled with the program's strong mathematical component, this training provides graduates with the necessary background for employment in a wide variety of computing fields or for smooth entry into graduate level study. 

About

The Master of Science in Computer Science provides a quality graduate education to students – especially those from underrepresented segments of the population – by strengthening analytic skills, offering valuable research experiences, and promoting professional development in computer science. 


There are four choices of study:

1. General Studies in Computer Science (also available 100% online)
2. Emphasis in Information Assurance
3. Emphasis in Machine Learning and Data Science
4. Emphasis in Communication Networks

What to Expect as a Student

Full-time students starting with a BS degree in Computer Science can expect to complete the MS in 1 1/2 to 2 years. All degree requirements must be completed within four calendar years. No more than 12 graduate credits may be transferred from other graduate schools.

There is a limited number of assistantships available for graduate students pursuing studies within the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET). In addition, the following types of graduate assistantships may be available to highly qualified candidates:

  • Research Assistant: $19,500 - $25,000
  • Teaching Assistant: $19,500 - $25,000
  • Lab Assistant: $19,500 - $25,000

Award recipients must be enrolled full-time, maintain a 3.0 or better GPA to continue receiving assistance, and must re-apply for appointments at the end of the academic year. Assistants should expect to work between 15 and 20 hours a week per semester for a total of 300 hours per term if also funded in the summer. Funding is limited to 5 semesters ( 2 academic years with one intervening summer). There may be other types of awards available, including tuition-waivers and scholarships. Students should fully understand the conditions of these awards before entering into such agreements.

Program at a Glance

The curriculum for the Masters of Science in Computer Science requires the successful completion of 30 credit hours of course work including a thesis (6 credits), or 33 graduate credit hours of course work including a project (3 credits).

All degree requirements must be completed within 4 calendar years. No more than 6 graduate credits may be transferred from other graduate schools.

Where Will My Degree Take Me?

Graduates from NSU’s CS MS program are very successful in obtaining jobs with great starting salaries in industry, government, and academia.

Some of our Students' Employers include:

  • Department of Defense (US Navy, SPAWAR)
  • NASA
  • BAE
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Google
  • SingleStone
  • Bank of America
  • Alion
  • Capital One
  • EVMS
  • Sentara
  • QVC

Contact Us

The CS Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Rasha Morsi, can be contacted via phone Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM (EST) at (757) 823-0047 or via email at rmorsi@nsu.edu.

Computer Science Graduate Curriculum

 

Core (Required) Courses
CSC 530 Data Communications
CSC 564 Operating Systems
CSC 625 Analysis of Algorithms
CSC 668 Advanced Computer Architecture
   
Information Assurance
(3 courses must be taken from this list)
CSC 535 Computer Security I (Required)
CSC 635 Computer Security II
CSC 650 Cryptography
CSC 760 Secure Software Development
CSC 765 Advanced Topics in Information Assurance
   
Communications Network
(These 3 courses must be taken)
CSC 530 Data Communications (Core-Required)
CSC 630 Computer Networks
CSC 730 Optical Networks
   
Waiver: If a student has already taken one of the above courses at the undergraduate level and earned a B+ or above, s/he may ask the Graduate Director for a waiver of that core requirement. Any waiver will not allow credit to be granted for such a course; the student will be required to take the requisite number of credits for the degree.