Computer Science: The UDC Edge

Located in the heart of the nation’s capitol, the University of the District of Columbia is the only urban land-grant university in the U.S. to offer a master’s degree program in computer science. UDC also features one of the largest computer science and information technology departments of any university in the D.C. area.

UDC is an affordable and high quality educational option, attentive to your needs and committed to your success. The STEM Center for Research and Development is a valuable resource for civil engineering students and other students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The center offers courses and enrichment activities designed to boost competency, provide research opportunities and increase graduation rates.

Master’s Degree (MS) in Computer Science

Technology is changing at a rapid pace, particularly online.  There is a constant stream of new software applications and websites helping us live more informed, connected lives. But even the greatest success stories among them were born simply of an idea and the skill to see it through. With a master’s degree in computer science from the University of the District of Columbia, your idea could be the next big thing.

With an emphasis on research and an appreciation for entrepreneurial thinking, we will teach you how to design software that efficiently meets a range of user needs while adhering to best practices. We offer courses in network security, database applications, algorithm design, artificial intelligence and digital image processing, among other relevant subjects.

Whether you’re a traditional student or a working professional, the master’s degree in computer science from UDC will help you advance in your career—whether that means seeking employment at top companies and government agencies or starting your own business.

Related:

Curriculum and Requirements in the UDC Computer Science Graduate Program

You must complete 30 credit hours of course work (earning a grade of B or better in each course) with an optional thesis in order to earn the master’s degree in computer science.

Qualified students with little or no undergraduate training in computer science can be accepted into the program at the faculty’s discretion upon completing a sequence of background courses with a grade of B or better.

Download curriculum requirements for computer science graduate students [PDF]

Download the complete graduate course listing [PDF]

In June 2011, thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology received certification from the National Security Agency to issue CNSS certifications for information systems security professionals and senior system managers. To receive the certificate along with your degree, you must complete ten required courses.

Student Organizations and Activities in the UDC Computer Science Graduate Program

Every February, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences hosts a week of special events to inspire current and future engineers at UDC. Engineers Week includes lab visits, project presentations, networking opportunities and other events sponsored by student groups and affiliated organizations.

Student groups for computer science students at UDC include:

Faculty Spotlight: UDC Computer Science Graduate Program

Dr. Lily Liang, Ph.D., is chair of the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia.

Career Pathways and Prospects

Computer science professionals are in high demand, and a computer science master’s degree from UDC will prepare you for career opportunities in both the private and public sector. According to a 2008 survey by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 85 percent of UDC computer science graduates secured a job or received acceptance into graduate school within one semester of graduation.

You can find UDC School of Engineering and Applied Sciences alumni working at Google, the D.C. Metropolitan Transit Authority, the U.S. Patent Office, NASA, Xerox, Motorola, Northwest Airlines, Cisco, AT&T and the National Institutes of Health, to name a few. You may also choose to pursue doctoral study at institutions such as Howard University, George Washington University and the University of Maryland.

Contact info:

Dr. Lily Liang, Department Chair

E: lliang@udc.edu | T: 202.274.5086