{"id":10334,"date":"2015-03-26T10:15:16","date_gmt":"2015-03-26T15:15:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/?post_type=program&#038;p=10334"},"modified":"2026-08-11T17:16:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T22:16:42","slug":"master-of-computer-and-information-science","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-computer-and-information-science\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Computer and Information Science"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <strong>Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences (MCIS)<\/strong> is a specialized STEM-certified graduate program designed to bridge the gap between computer science theory and real-world applications. Whether you choose to focus on <strong>Data Science, Cybersecurity &amp; Privacy, or Information Technology<\/strong>, our curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions for the increasingly complex digital infrastructure of the 21st century.<\/p>\n<h3>Program Format &amp; Flexibility<\/h3>\n<p>We offer a flexible learning environment tailored for both full-time students and working professionals:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Online<\/strong>: Complete your degree from anywhere in the United State with 100% virtual coursework.<\/li>\n<li><strong>On-Campus<\/strong>:\u00a0Engage in hands-on labs and face-to-face collaboration in Magnolia.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hybrid<\/strong>:\u00a0Utilize\u00a0a blend of both formats to balance your career and education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Program Duration &amp; Start Dates<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Duration<\/strong>:\u00a0Typically completed in 18\u201324 months.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start Dates<\/strong>:\u00a0Rolling admissions with entry points in Fall, Spring, and Summer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deadlines<\/strong>: * Fall: July 20 | Spring: December 1 | Summer I: April 1 | Summer II: June 1<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accelerated Master\u2019s Option<\/strong>:\u00a0Qualified SAU undergraduates can begin MCIS coursework during their senior year to fast-track their graduation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Why Choose SAU for your MCIS?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>STEM Designation<\/strong>:\u00a0As a STEM-certified program, international students are eligible for a 24-month OPT extension (36 months\u00a0total).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Diverse Specializations<\/strong>:\u00a0Tailor your degree with options in Data Science, Cybersecurity, or Information Technology.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost-Effectiveness<\/strong>:\u00a0SAU offers one of the most affordable high-quality graduate computer science programs in the region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Skills You Will Gain<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Software Engineering<\/strong>: Develop robust, scalable applications using modern programming paradigms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data Management<\/strong>: Design and optimize complex database systems and big data architectures.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Network Security<\/strong>: Implement advanced protocols to protect organizational data from cyber threats.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Machine Learning \/ AI Engineer<\/strong>: Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models and artificial intelligence solutions that enable systems to learn from data and make intelligent decisions. Work with large datasets, predictive analytics, deep learning frameworks, and AI technologies to solve complex real-world problems and automate business processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Faculty &amp; Digital Learning Environment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Research-Active Faculty<\/strong>: Learn from professors who are experts in AI, machine learning, cyber security and cloud computing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>State-of-the-Art Labs<\/strong>: Access virtualized environments and physical labs equipped with the latest hardware.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Class Projects and Internship<\/strong>: Most courses include hands-on implementation or research projects, providing practical experience with real-world challenges. Internship opportunities further enhance learning by offering valuable industry exposure and professional experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences (MCIS) is a specialized STEM-certified graduate program designed to bridge the gap between computer science theory and real-world applications. Whether you choose to focus on Data Science, Cybersecurity &amp; Privacy, or Information Technology, our curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-computer-and-information-science\/\"> Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":12853,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_genesis_title":"","_genesis_description":"","_genesis_noindex":"","_genesis_nofollow":"","_genesis_noarchive":"","_genesis_canonical_uri":"","_open_graph_title":"","_open_graph_description":"","_twitter_title":"","_twitter_description":"","_social_image_url":"","_social_image_id":"","redirect":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"college_department":[18307,18324,18306],"delivery":[28836,255,28834],"types":[28851,71780],"class_list":["post-10334","program","type-program","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","college_department-school-of-graduate-studies","college_department-mathematics-and-computer-science","college_department-college-of-science-and-engineering","delivery-hybrid","delivery-on-campus","delivery-online","types-graduate","types-masters","entry"],"acf":{"page_layout":"standard","landing_page_url":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/mcis\/","department_college":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/cs\/\">Mathematics &amp; Computer Science<\/a>\u00a0\/\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/science\/\">College of Science &amp; Engineering<\/a>","badge_text":"","Number_of_Hours":"30","tuition_instate":"","tuition_outstate":"","estimated_total_tuition":"","start_dates":"Rolling admissions (Fall, Spring, Summer)","duration":"2 years","Degree Plans":"<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.saumag.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=11&amp;poid=2696&amp;returnto=407\">2026-2027<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.saumag.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=9&amp;poid=2086&amp;returnto=346\">2025-2026<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","Program_Contact_Info":"[dirswitch contacts=\"al-shami-ahmad\"]","Catalog Entry":"<h4>Core Courses (12 hours)<\/h4>\nMCIS 5103 - Advanced Programming Concepts\nor MCIS 5163 - Python Programming\nMCIS 5133 - Data Base Management Systems\nMCIS 6163 - Computer Networking\nMCIS 6173 - Information and Networking Security\n<h4>Elective Courses (18 hours)<\/h4>\n<strong>Select 18 hours from the following:<\/strong>\nMCIS 5013 - The UNIX Operating System\nMCIS 5103 - Advanced Programming Concepts\nMCIS 5113 - Web Programming: Client Side\nMCIS 5163 - Python Programming\nMCIS 5313 - Data Structures and Algorithms\nMCIS 5333 - AI Principles and Applications\nMCIS 5353 - Deep Learning\nMCIS 5363 - Generative AI and Language Models\nMCIS 5383 - Privacy, Security, and Ethics\nMCIS 5413 - Web Programming: Server Side\nMCIS 6123 - Decision Science\nMCIS 6133 - User Interface Design\nMCIS 6153 - Software Engineering\nMCIS 6183 - Special Topics\nMCIS 6193 - Special Topics\nMCIS 6213 - Applied Cryptography\nMCIS 6223 - Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment\nMCIS 6233 - Traceable Systems and Computer Forensics\nMCIS 6243 - Wireless and Mobile Security\nMCIS 6253 - Privacy Compliant Systems Design\nMCIS 6263 - Big Data\nMCIS 6273 - Data Mining\nMCIS 6283 - Machine Learning\nMCIS 6293 - Special Topics\nMCIS 6313 - Internet of Things\nMCIS 6323 - Cloud Computing\nMCIS 6333 - Data Visualization Programming\nMCIS 6913 - Thesis\nMCIS 6983 - Internship in Computer and Information Science","minor_requirements":"","Admission Requirements or Deadlines":"<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Online Application<\/strong>:\u00a0Submit\u00a0your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/apply.saumag.edu\">Graduate Studies Application<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Transcripts<\/strong>:\u00a0Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>GPA Requirement<\/strong>: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (Conditional admission may be considered for 2.2+).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Prerequisites:<\/h3>\r\nA Bachelor\u2019s degree in Computer Science or a related field is preferred. Students with degrees in other fields may be required to complete two foundational \"bridge\" courses in programming and concepts.","careers":"The MCIS degree prepares graduates for high-demand roles in the global tech economy:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Software Developer\/Architect<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Information Security Analyst<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Data Engineer<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Database manager<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Systems Administrator<\/li>\r\n \t<li>IT Project Manager<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Machine Learning Engineer<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMarket Demand:\u00a0The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a\u00a0<strong>13% to 25% growth rate<\/strong>\u00a0for computer and information technology occupations through 2034, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.","faq":[{"faq_question":"Is the MCIS program STEM-certified? ","faq_answer":"Yes. This allows international students to apply for the STEM OPT extension. "},{"faq_question":"Do I need an undergraduate degree in Computer Science?","faq_answer":"While preferred, it is not required. You may be required to take two prerequisite foundational courses if your background is in a different field."},{"faq_question":"Can prerequisite courses be waived if I have work experience in the relevant field?","faq_answer":"If you have relevant professional experience or prior knowledge in the subject area, you may request to take a prerequisite waiver examination to demonstrate your competency. Students who successfully pass the exam may be exempt from the corresponding prerequisite course, subject to program approval."},{"faq_question":"Are the online classes self-paced?","faq_answer":"Classes are typically asynchronous with weekly deadlines, providing flexibility for working professionals while maintaining a structured academic pace."},{"faq_question":"Is this track entirely online?","faq_answer":"USA students can complete the program 100% online."},{"faq_question":"Can I transfer graduate credits?","faq_answer":"Up to 9 credit hours of relevant graduate coursework may be transferred from an accredited institution."}],"Accreditations":"","Testimonials":"","student_information":"","Advisors":"","rankings":"","keywords":"","custom_tab_title":"","custom_tab_text":"","rfi_shortcode":"[gf_embed site=\"1\" id=\"88\" prog=\"Master of Computer and Information Science\" type=\"Graduate\" comments=\"true\" notify_emails=\"aalshami@saumag.edu\"]"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/10334","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/program"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/10334\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18116,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/10334\/revisions\/18116"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12853"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10334"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"college_department","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/college_department?post=10334"},{"taxonomy":"delivery","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/delivery?post=10334"},{"taxonomy":"types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types?post=10334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}