{"id":18192,"date":"2026-09-03T14:56:42","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T19:56:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/?post_type=program&#038;p=18192"},"modified":"2026-09-09T09:27:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T14:27:21","slug":"master-of-science-in-computer-and-information-science","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-science-in-computer-and-information-science\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Science in Computer and Information Science &#8211; Artificial Intelligence Option"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <strong>Master of Science in Computer and Information Science (MCIS) with an Artificial Intelligence<\/strong> at Southern Arkansas University is a specialized graduate program that prepares students to design, develop, evaluate, and deploy intelligent computing systems.<br \/>\nThe program combines a strong foundation in programming, modern database systems, with advanced coursework in machine learning, artificial intelligence principles, generative AI, and agentic AI.<br \/>\nStudents learn to apply artificial intelligence across fields such as healthcare, business, engineering, education, the life sciences, and the social sciences. The option is designed for computer science graduates seeking advanced AI expertise and for professionals who want to integrate AI and data-driven technologies into their disciplines and organizations.<\/p>\n<h3>Program Format &amp; Flexibility<\/h3>\n<p>The MCIS program offers a flexible, student-centered learning environment designed for full-time students and working professionals.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Online<\/strong>: Complete your degree from anywhere in the United States with 100% virtual coursework.<\/li>\n<li><strong>On-Campus<\/strong>: Engage in hands-on labs and face-to-face collaboration in Magnolia.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hybrid<\/strong>: Utilize a 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>: Typically completed in 18\u201324 months.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start Dates<\/strong>: Rolling admissions with intakes available for 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>: High-achieving SAU undergraduates can begin earning AI credits during their senior year, shortening the path to graduation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Why Choose the Artificial Intelligence Option at SAU?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Advanced and Emerging AI Curriculum<\/strong>: The curriculum progresses from established machine-learning methods to rapidly developing areas such as generative AI and autonomous, agent-based systems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strong Computing Foundation<\/strong>: Students develop the programming, database, networking, and information-security knowledge required to build reliable and secure AI applications.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Applied, Project-Based Learning<\/strong>: Coursework emphasizes implementation, experimentation, research, and the application of AI techniques to realistic organizational and societal problems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cross-Disciplinary Applications<\/strong>: Students can connect AI with professional or academic interests in business, healthcare, engineering, education, science, and the social sciences.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Responsible AI Development<\/strong>: The program addresses privacy, security, ethical, governance, bias, transparency, and reliability considerations involved in deploying intelligent systems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flexible and Affordable Graduate Education<\/strong>: SAU offers online, hybrid, and on-campus study options at a competitive graduate tuition rate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>STEM-Focused Preparation<\/strong>: The MCIS program provides advanced technical preparation for domestic and international students. Eligibility for any immigration or practical-training benefit remains subject to current federal rules and the student\u2019s individual circumstances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Skills You Will Gain<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Develop, train, test, and evaluate machine-learning models.<\/li>\n<li>Apply foundational artificial intelligence principles to real-world computing problems.<\/li>\n<li>Design applications that use large language models (LLM) and other generative AI technologies.<\/li>\n<li>Develop AI agents that can plan, reason, use tools, and complete multistep tasks.<\/li>\n<li>Integrate AI capabilities with databases, networks, cloud platforms, and enterprise applications.<\/li>\n<li>Evaluate model performance, reliability, security, privacy, bias, and ethical implications.<\/li>\n<li>Communicate AI methods, results, limitations, and recommendations to technical and nontechnical audiences.<\/li>\n<li>Apply and deploy intelligent computing methods within specialized professional and academic domains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Faculty and Digital Learning Environment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Research-Active Faculty<\/strong>: Students learn from faculty with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software development, and related areas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Modern Computing Environment<\/strong>: Students use virtualized computing environments, software platforms, and laboratory resources that support AI development and experimentation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Projects and Professional Experience<\/strong>: Courses incorporate implementation assignments, applied projects, and research activities. Internship and independent-study opportunities may allow students to explore AI applications relevant to their career goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Master of Science in Computer and Information Science (MCIS) with an Artificial Intelligence at Southern Arkansas University is a specialized graduate program that prepares students to design, develop, evaluate, and deploy intelligent computing systems. The program combines a strong foundation in programming, modern database systems, with advanced coursework in machine learning, artificial intelligence principles,&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-science-in-computer-and-information-science\/\"> Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":18200,"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-18192","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":"","department_college":"<a href=\"http:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/science_and_technology\/mathematics_and_computer_science\/\">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, and Summer)","duration":"18-24 months","Degree Plans":"<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.saumag.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=11&amp;poid=2756&amp;returnto=407\">2026-2027<\/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\nor MCIS 5363 - Generative AI and Language Models\n<h4>Artificial Intelligence Courses (12 hours)<\/h4>\nMCIS 5333 - AI Principles and Applications\nMCIS 5353 - Deep Learning\nMCIS 6273 - Data Mining\nMCIS 6283 - Machine Learning\n<h4>Elective Courses (6 hours)<\/h4>\n<strong>Select 6 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 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 6173 - Information and Networking Security\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 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\n<h4>Total Hours - 30<\/h4>","minor_requirements":"","Admission Requirements or Deadlines":"<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Online Application<\/strong>: Submit your <a href=\"https:\/\/apply.saumag.edu\">Graduate Studies Application<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Transcripts<\/strong>: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>GPA Requirement<\/strong>: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is generally required. Conditional admission may be available to applicants with a GPA of at least 2.2, subject to Graduate Studies and program requirements.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Prerequisites:<\/h3>\r\nA bachelor\u2019s degree in computer science, information technology, data science, mathematics, engineering, or a related field is preferred.\r\n\r\nApplicants with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines are encouraged to apply. Depending on academic preparation, students may be required to complete foundational bridge courses in programming and computer science concepts before beginning advanced coursework.\r\n\r\nPrevious coursework in artificial intelligence or machine learning is not required. Students should have, or be prepared to develop, competency in programming, quantitative reasoning, and fundamental computing concepts.","careers":"Graduates will be prepared for technical, analytical, research, and leadership positions involving artificial intelligence and intelligent software systems.\r\n\r\nAI expertise is increasingly relevant across technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, government, retail, logistics, scientific research, and other sectors. Graduates are prepared for:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Artificial Intelligence Engineer<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Generative AI Developer<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Agentic AI Developer<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Intelligent Systems Developer<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Natural Language Processing Specialist<\/li>\r\n \t<li>AI Product or Technical Consultant<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Data and Analytics Specialist<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Machine Learning Engineer<\/li>\r\n \t<li>AI Application Developer<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Data Scientist<\/li>\r\n \t<li>AI Solutions Architect<\/li>\r\n \t<li>AI Automation Specialist<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Applied AI Researcher<\/li>\r\n \t<li>AI-Enabled Software Developer<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Employment outlook<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of data scientists to grow 34 percent from 2024 to 2034. Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 20 percent during the same period.","faq":[{"faq_question":"Do I need an undergraduate degree in computer science?","faq_answer":"No. A computer science or related degree is preferred, but applicants from other academic and professional backgrounds may be admitted. Students without sufficient computing preparation may need to complete foundational bridge coursework."},{"faq_question":"Do I need previous experience in artificial intelligence?","faq_answer":"No previous AI coursework is required. The curriculum begins with core computing preparation and machine-learning foundations before progressing to generative and agentic AI."},{"faq_question":"What is the difference between the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science options?","faq_answer":"The Data Science Option emphasizes data preparation, statistical analysis, visualization, predictive modeling, and extracting insights from complex datasets. The Artificial Intelligence Option places greater emphasis on designing intelligent systems, machine learning, generative models, large language model applications, and autonomous AI agents. The two areas overlap, but their advanced course sequences and primary objectives differ."},{"faq_question":"Can I complete the program online?","faq_answer":"The current MCIS program is presented by SAU with online, on-campus, and hybrid delivery. Course availability and delivery requirements may vary by semester and student status."},{"faq_question":"Will I gain practical experience?","faq_answer":"Yes. Courses emphasize programming assignments, model development, experimentation, applied projects, and research. Students may also pursue an internship, thesis, special topic, or independent study when approved."},{"faq_question":"Does the program address responsible AI?","faq_answer":"Yes. Privacy, information security, ethical decision-making, model reliability, bias, transparency, and responsible deployment are incorporated throughout the program."},{"faq_question":"What is agentic AI?","faq_answer":"Agentic AI refers to intelligent systems that can pursue goals through multistep reasoning, planning, tool use, interaction with external systems, and autonomous or semi-autonomous action. The Agentic AI course examines the design, implementation, evaluation, and responsible deployment of these systems."}],"Accreditations":"","Testimonials":"","student_information":"","Advisors":"","rankings":"","keywords":"","custom_tab_title":"","custom_tab_text":"","rfi_shortcode":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/18192","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":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/18192\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18197,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/18192\/revisions\/18197"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18200"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18192"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"college_department","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/college_department?post=18192"},{"taxonomy":"delivery","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/delivery?post=18192"},{"taxonomy":"types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types?post=18192"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}