COMPUTER SCIENCE, MS at University of Alabama At Birmingham

You may already feel like a computer expert, but in this program, you will find that you have more to learn about big data, cyber security, mobile applications, and other trending topics related to software engineering, analytical, database and other careers.

This program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, such as engineering. There are computer science and math prerequisites necessary for this degree. Once they're done, you'll have 30 hours of coursework to do, which can be finished in 18 months if you're in school full time. You'll take classes such as Database Systems, Network Security, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. We'll also ask you to choose between two plan options, depending on what your goals are for your future. If you want to do research, continue your graduate studies, or pursue a professional program, you should pick Plan I (thesis option). For those interested in transitioning to the computer science field, Plan II (non-thesis option) is better. Your coursework here will include specializations in bioinformatics, computer graphics, and distributed computing.

• The job growth rate for computer and information research scientists is at 19 percent—much faster than average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).