Master of Science with a Major in Applied Computer Science
11 courses | 36 credit hours
The Master of Science in Applied Computer Science degree is a professional program that provides individuals holding an undergraduate degree in any discipline the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career as a software developer.
The 100% online program is completed in 2 years on a part time basis, and admits only in the fall semester each year.
The face-to-face program on the Carrollton campus is accelerated and is completed within 16 months. The face-to-face program admits new students for fall terms.
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program sheet, which provides a required coursework sequence, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
The program offers a practical and focused curriculum that prepares graduates to enter the information technology job market as software developers upon graduation. All classes are taught by highly qualified faculty with both academic and industry experience. Course work includes web technologies, program construction, software development, database systems, advanced tools and techniques, and a final project experience designed to integrate knowledge and skills across courses with teamwork and professional practices.
Visit the Computer Science program website for additional information about the program.
Contact for Program Specific Questions:
Dr. Michael Orsega
morsega@westga.edu
678-839-6655
Career Opportunities
Link to Additional Career Information:
https://www.buzzfile.com/Major/Computer-Science
External Resource
Program Location
Carrollton Campus, Online
Method of Delivery
The program is offered in 100% fully online or face-to-face delivery formats.
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 36
Maximum Hours Transferable into program: 0*
*No credits can be transferred
Graduate students may be able to reduce their cost through prior learning, previous degrees earned at UWG, or transfer credits. We have created a tool to help students estimate their tuition costs.
This program may be earned entirely online or entirely face-to-face.
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.
Details- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Coursework
All students take courses according to a set plan of study as part of a cohort. The program can be completed in 2 years.
Downloads
General
An introduction to the design, development, and implementation of websites using client-side technologies. Students are expected to develop a dynamic website using current industry best practices for client-side development.
Introduction to the foundational concepts and techniques of machine learning, focusing on hands-on applications of machine learning algorithms in solving real-world problems, concurrently addressing the field's theoretical aspects and ethical implications.
An introduction to object-oriented design and programming using fundamental software engineering principles and concepts. Students are expected to develop an object-oriented application using current industry best practices for program development.
This course offers an overview of computer and network security. It includes components of current computing systems, addressing various security vulnerabilities, threats, and best practices. The curriculum also contains network security measures, including cyber defense tools and techniques to protect computer networks against potential cyber threats.
Fundamental concepts of database systems; hierarchical, network and relational database management systems; data definition and manipulation languages; security and integrity; and implementation considerations. Students are expected to complete a project in database administration and development.
Advanced concepts in database systems; object-oriented systems; distributed database systems; and concurrency control. Students will be introduced to current professional certification processes and standards.
This course introduces the software development process while improving programming skills. Topics include object-oriented programming, test-driven development, class design, GUI design and programming, and incremental, iterative development. The coursework assumes that the student has fundamental programming, debugging, and code-interpretation skills in an object-oriented programming language.
This course continues the introduction of the software development process begun in CS 6241. Topics include software development process models, process management, requirements specification, and software modeling.
A continuation of CS 6251: design, development, and implementation of web sites using client- and server-side technologies. Students are expected to develop a dynamic web site using current industry best practices for client- and sever-side development.
A continuation of CS 6252: design, development, and implementation of websites using client- and server-side technologies. Students are expected to develop a dynamic website using current industry best practices for client- and server-side development.
This course explores principles and practices in systems and network administration, with a focus on small-scale computing environments. The course will focus on practical aspects of designing, implementing, and managing a local area network (LAN) consisting of servers, client workstations, network devices, and associated software services and tools running on multiple operating system platforms.
A continuation of CS 6311. Students are expected to develop a moderately complex object-oriented application using current industry best practices for program development.
This course offers an overview of AI-driven security incorporating artificial intelligence techniques and technologies to enhance and automate cybersecurity measures in an increasingly dynamic and complex digital landscape. It includes defense mechanisms against evolving cyber threats by leveraging learning algorithms. It also presents the power of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other advanced technologies to proactively identify, analyze, and mitigate real-world cyber threats.
This course provides an in-depth understanding of computer networks. It includes wired and wireless networking and explores protocols and algorithms for efficient network services. The curriculum also contains the theory and practices used in computer networks that enable seamless communication, resource sharing, and collaboration among connected devices.
This course dives into the world of data analytics, focusing on techniques and tools used to analyze, interpret, and visualize data in meaningful ways. It emphasizes statistical analysis, information retrieval, and effective communication of insights derived from data.
This course explores intelligence and analytics tools for various domains, with an emphasis on practical case studies.
This course surveys recent groundbreaking techniques in generative AI (e.g., generative adversarial networks, variational autoencoders, transformer models, etc.) and strategies for utilizing natural language in prompt engineering to support data scientists.
Lewis Baumstark, Ph.D.
Professor of Computing
Michael Orsega, Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science & Graduate Program Coordinator
Anja Remshagen, Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science
Li Yang, Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science
Duane Yoder, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Computer ScienceGuidelines for Admittance
- All graduate applicants must complete the online Graduate Application. A current application fee of $40 is required. Note: The application fee will change to $55 on August 1, 2025.
See Graduate Studies Application Process International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students
Official transcripts from all schools attended are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.
Program Specific Admittance Guidelines
Admission to the MS in Applied Computer Science is handled differently for domestic and international students. Please review the appropriate listing below:
Domestic Students:
- Submit official transcripts from all schools attended. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.
- Submit a comprehensive résumé or curriculum vitae that describes in detail the applicant's educational background and professional experience.
- Submit a Personal Statement that explains the intent for pursuing the degree and lists specific reasons why you are a good fit for this particular program OR sign up and participate in a Virtual Interview. Contact the department to set up the interview, at morsega@westga.edu.
International Students:
- Submit official transcripts from all schools attended. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.
- Submit a comprehensive résumé or curriculum vitae that describes in detail the applicant's educational background and professional experience.
- Submit Proof of English proficiency if applicable. Contact global@westga.edu for more information.
- Upon review of the completed application, selected applicants will be invited to sign up and participate in a Virtual Interview.
Application Deadlines
This degree has a rolling admission process where students may apply at anytime. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Final deadlines are listed here.
Admission Process Checklist
The Graduate Studies Application Process checklist is available here.
One exception: If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site (for the 100% online program), you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
Contact
Graduate Admissions
graduate@westga.edu
678-839-1394
Computer Science Admission Coordinator
Dr. Michael Orsega
morsega@westga.edu
678-839-6655
The Computer Science program graduate page includes program information as well as other vital information.
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School deadlines page.
- Recognize and analyze social, professional, and ethical issues and responsibilities they may face as computing professionals.
- Prepare and give effective technical presentations using appropriate technologies.
- Write clear and accurate technical documents.
- Effectively function as a member of a team engaged in the process of modeling, designing, and implementing computer based systems of varied complexity utilizing multiple technologies.