Program Overview
Department of Computing- Location: Johnson City, TN
- Length: 24 Months
- Tuition: $22,732
- Website: https://www.etsu.edu/cbat/computing/graduate_programs/mscs.php
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MML) at East Tennessee State University is a 33-credit-hour program designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a computing field. Delivered primarily in-person, with some evening and online courses, it offers flexibility for both recent graduates and working professionals.
The program includes three concentrations—Applied Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Software Engineering—allowing students to specialize in their area of interest.
Curriculum
Core courses like Software Project Management and Research Methods in Computer Science lay the groundwork for advanced study. Concentration options provide focused learning in topics such as distributed systems, AI, software design, and advanced networking.
Students complete three elective courses and finish with a capstone experience, which can be an independent computing project, a software development project, or a thesis.
Coursework includes:
CSCI 5230 – Software Project Management This advanced course focuses on the comprehensive management aspects of software development projects, covering essential project planning methodologies, monitoring and control systems, and effective leadership strategies. Students develop critical skills in team building and learn to navigate the complex process considerations that drive successful software systems development.
CSCI 5520 – Research Methods in Computer Science An introductory course that provides students with foundational knowledge of academic research practices specific to computer science disciplines. The curriculum explores various research methodologies, quality standards, publication venues, and thesis expectations while requiring students to apply for capstone sequences or propose thesis topics under faculty guidance.
CSCI 5037 – Natural Language Processing and Text Analysis This course introduces students to computational linguistics and cutting-edge natural language processing technologies. Students learn to develop systems capable of understanding and generating human language for practical applications including information extraction, machine translation, automatic summarization, and intelligent question-answering systems.
CSCI 5260 – Artificial Intelligence A comprehensive survey course that examines artificial intelligence methodologies from a graduate-level perspective using practical programming applications. The curriculum covers searching algorithms, knowledge representation, constraint propagation, natural language processing, and introductory machine learning while requiring students to develop real-world AI applications.
CSCI 5270 – Machine Learning This course provides an extensive introduction to contemporary machine learning concepts and fundamental principles. Students explore both supervised and unsupervised learning techniques while mastering machine learning best practices through hands-on programming assignments that demonstrate practical applications of these technologies.
CSCI 5620 – Analysis of Algorithms A rigorous course focusing on algorithmic complexity analysis and the design of efficient computational solutions. Students study fundamental algorithms for sorting, selection, graph theory problems, string matching, dynamic programming, and NP-complete problems while developing skills to analyze and optimize algorithmic performance.
CSCI 5900 – Independent Study A self-directed learning opportunity that allows students to explore specialized topics or conduct research under faculty supervision. This flexible course enables students to pursue individual interests or investigate emerging areas in computer science that may not be covered in traditional coursework.
CSCI 5950 – Independent Computing Project This capstone course provides students with the opportunity to collaborate with faculty advisors on real-world computing challenges while applying knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework. The course culminates in a comprehensive oral presentation where students demonstrate their problem-solving abilities and project outcomes.
CSCI 5910 – Software Development Project I The first course in a three-semester capstone sequence that requires students to synthesize their academic knowledge to address significant, practical software development challenges. This planning-focused course involves creating comprehensive project documentation including task breakdown, deadlines, configuration management protocols, and testing procedures for team-based development projects.
CSCI 5920 – Software Development Project II The implementation phase of the software development capstone sequence where students execute detailed design and development work initiated in the previous course. Students collaborate with end users and instructors in a master-apprentice relationship to build functional software solutions that address real-world problems.
CSCI 5550 – Directed Research A research-intensive course where students work closely with advisory committee chairs to investigate problems suitable for master’s thesis development. The course prepares students for thesis writing through structured research activities and concludes with an oral presentation of findings to the graduate faculty.
CSCI 5960 – Thesis in Computer and Information Sciences The culminating research experience where students conduct and document a major research project according to university and departmental thesis standards. This course represents the final academic requirement for thesis-track graduate students and demonstrates their ability to contribute original research to the field of computer science.
More curriculum information here: https://catalog.etsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=37&poid=12574&returnto=1626
Outcomes
This structure ensures students build expertise in both theoretical and practical applications, preparing them for roles like data scientist, machine learning engineer, software architect, and more.
Program Fit
The program is ideal for those with a solid computing foundation who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities.
Requirements
Admission requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and a CV highlighting relevant experience. International applicants must also meet English proficiency standards. For those without all prerequisites, provisional admission is possible, with undergraduate-level foundational coursework as needed.
Tuition
Full-time students typically complete the program in four semesters, though additional time may be needed for thesis projects or if foundation courses are required.
In-State Students: The tuition and fees are approximately $11,366 per academic year. Given that the program typically spans two years, the total tuition cost would be around $22,732.
Out-of-State Students: The tuition and fees are approximately $26,486 per academic year. Over two years, this amounts to a total tuition cost of about $52,972.
More tuition details available here: https://www.etsu.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/cost/cofa.php
Delivery Format
The program’s mix of in-person and synchronous online evening courses makes it accessible to a variety of learners. Overall, this master’s degree equips graduates with the advanced skills needed for leadership roles or doctoral study in computer science.