The University has launched a master’s degree in computer science to prepare graduates for work in a fast-growing field and meet a need in the technology industry.
It is designed for working professionals who want to improve their skills and marketability, as well as current undergraduates who want to earn their advanced degrees. The Master of Science degree builds on the strength on the undergraduate computer science program, said Dr. Robert Lloyd, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
“Our computer science majors and graduates have been sought by employers, both for their technical ability and for the qualities that we as a Christian university model and instill in them,” Lloyd said. “The graduate program is designed to broaden our reach and also fill a vital need for experts in computer science in the region and beyond.”
Online courses in the 30-credit hour program will begin in the fall. Courses include database systems, algorithms, cybersecurity, ethical hacking and data mining methods.
A Palm Beach County Workforce Analysis conducted in 2018 found that it is difficult to attract business intelligence, data mining and informatics talent.
Most jobs for computer and information research scientists require a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. The number of jobs is expected to grow by 5,200, or 16 percent, from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Computer scientists are likely to enjoy excellent job prospects because companies have difficulty finding highly-skilled workers, according to the bureau. The median annual wage was $118,370 in 2018.
