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What is Computer Science?

Get a Master's in Computer Science

The Computer Science M.S.

Gain specialized technical knowledge and hands-on experience.  

The master’s degree in computer science gives you the technical skills to excel in high-demand fields like artificial intelligence, cloud engineering, cybersecurity, data science and software development.

Sharpen your algorithmic thinking, design and test software systems and apply your skills to real-world challenges—from building intelligent systems to enhancing human-computer interaction and cybersecurity. You'll customize your studies with electives across key areas of computing.

Choose the artificial intelligence specialization to delve deeper into AI fundamentals and real-world applications, with course options in machine learning, computer vision, robotics and intelligent systems.

This flexible, in-depth training prepares you for career advancement or doctoral study.

Top 15%
Best Master's Degree Schools
College Factual
CAE-R
Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research
National Security Agency (NSA)/
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Top 5.8%
World University Ranking
The Center for World University Rankings

Why Choose Florida Tech for Computer Science?

Florida Tech offers an exceptional environment for earning your master’s in computer science. Here, you'll engage in innovative research and collaborate with internationally recognized faculty, whether you're advancing your current career, preparing for a leadership role or planning further graduate study.

At Florida Tech, professors create a collaborative environment where mentorship and hands-on learning are central. Students work closely with faculty on coursework and research, empowering them to tackle complex tech challenges and innovate solutions.

This student-centered culture extends beyond the classroom, encouraging students to apply real-world experience to discussions and projects. This combination of mentorship and practical application sharpens problem-solving skills and fosters breakthrough ideas in technology.

At Florida Tech, you'll learn from internationally recognized faculty who are not just experts but pioneers in fields like computer security, intelligent systems and computer vision. Their cutting-edge research shapes the future of technology—and you’ll have the chance to be part of it.

As a computer science graduate student, you'll collaborate on innovative projects in exciting areas such as machine learning, biologically inspired computing, cryptography, cybersecurity, data mining and speech recognition. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers, applying your skills to the latest advancements in computing.

Students are encouraged to complete and defend a thesis. Those opting not to complete a thesis must pass a final program examination.

The thesis provides an in-depth research experience, allowing you to explore a specific topic and contribute new insights to computer science. This process helps you develop expertise in a specialized area, giving you an edge in roles that prioritize deep knowledge and preparing you for potential doctoral studies. Additionally, working closely with faculty mentors offers personalized guidance and networking opportunities.

For those who choose not to pursue a thesis, the comprehensive final examination allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the discipline and readiness for professional challenges, ensuring you are well-prepared for careers in the field.

Florida Tech’s location in a high-tech corridor makes us a great place for your computer science master’s degree. Our area has one of the largest high-tech workforces in the country—and that means numerous internship and employment opportunities for our students. Our 130-acre campus is in the heart of the Space Coast; NASA and the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral are just north of us.

When it’s time to kick back and relax, you’re just minutes from 72 miles of beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean or the Indian River Lagoon, the most biodiverse estuary in North America, and a short trip away from the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks.

At Florida Tech, our campus is a hub of global connections, where students from the U.S. and around the world come together to create a rich, dynamic environment. This sense of community fosters mutual understanding and collaboration, reflecting the increasingly interconnected world we all share.

Whether you're a U.S. student seeking to broaden your horizons through interacting with peers from different countries or an international student exploring new opportunities in the U.S., Florida Tech offers a place for learning, sharing and growing in a truly global setting.

This master’s program is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science. To ensure you're prepared for the advanced coursework, you should have a background in areas such as calculus, discrete mathematics, statistics, data structures and algorithms and other advanced undergraduate computer science topics.

If your academic record is strong but you’re missing a few specific courses, the academic department may recommend steps you can take to fill in those gaps to ensure you’re fully ready to succeed in the program.

For more information about applying and admission, please see our graduate admission requirements and the catalog.

Careers in Computer Science

Graduates with a master’s degree in computer science find employment opportunities in nearly every market segment as technology expands into every aspect of life.

Computer science careers include:

  • AI specialist
  • Application developer
  • Cloud solutions architect
  • Computer and information system manager
  • Computer network architect
  • Computer support specialist
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Data scientist
  • Database administrator
  • DevOps engineer
  • Full-stack developer
  • Information security analyst
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Network administrator
  • Software engineer
  • Web developer

Our alumni find computer science careers in all sectors of the economy and have gone on to work for companies such as:

  • Electronic Arts, Inc. (EA)
  • General Electric (GE)
  • Google
  • HP Inc.
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
  • Microsoft
  • Mozilla
  • National Security Agency (NSA)
  • Zynga

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for computer science careers.

Advanced Degree Options

The computer science M.S. provides solid preparation for students who choose to pursue a doctorate. Popular areas of study for students continuing advanced study in computer science include artificial intelligence, computer vision, bioinformatics, computer graphics, data engineering, networks and information management.

Computer Science, Ph.D.

Explore the Computer Science, M.S., Curriculum

The Computer Science, M.S., Curriculum

This 30-credit program delivers a well-rounded, advanced education in core areas of computing, blending theory and hands-on experience to prepare graduates for success in the field.

Students choose electives from computer science, cybersecurity or software engineering, with the option to specialize in artificial intelligence.

The AI specialization offers a customizable track with courses in machine learning, computer vision, robotics, foundational AI theory and real-world AI applications in robotics.

Students are encouraged to complete a thesis to explore a topic of personal or professional interest in greater depth.

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Computer Science, M.S., Curriculum now!

A student works through a programming challenge at a whiteboard.

Shape the Future of Tech with Real-World Research Experience

A student works in the IoT lab

At Florida Tech, computer science students enjoy a range of research opportunities that blend theory with practical, hands-on learning.

The master’s program encourages students to dive into faculty-led research projects and tackle real-world challenges. Several special-purpose laboratories are available to students doing advanced research in cybersecurity, identity tracking, machine learning, bio-inspired computing and more.

Our interdisciplinary approach allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in research settings, gaining experience that mirrors the demands of a tech career.

Students can specialize in areas aligned with faculty expertise, such as cryptography, computer vision or data mining. Collaborative research covers diverse topics including software design, complex networks and intelligent systems.

These projects not only provide valuable insights but also prepare graduates to excel in fields like information protection, distributed negotiations and artificial intelligence.

By engaging in cutting-edge research alongside experienced professors, students gain the skills and experience to excel in today’s dynamic tech landscape.

Learn more about Computer Science at Florida Tech on the website.

Established Excellence in Computer Science

Florida Tech’s advanced research labs provide students with opportunities to work on groundbreaking technologies across various fields.

The L3Harris Institute for Assured Information (L3HIAI) serves as the university’s hub for cutting-edge cyberdefense and offense, agent simulations, identity tracking and assurance frameworks. Research also extends to behavioral analysis, human-centered design and space flight systems, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration.

At the Center for Advanced Data Analytics & Systems (CADAS), research applies AI across platforms. Expertise in AI/ML includes algorithms for computer vision and time-series data. Cloud work focuses on big data infrastructure, while edge computing research targets IoT devices running machine learning and other advanced applications.

These labs offer students hands-on experience with real-world problems in cybersecurity, AI, big data and more, positioning them at the forefront of innovation.

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