A graduate degree can open doors that an undergraduate degree can't always open. The report "Should I get a master's degree?" from the United States Department of Labor indicates professionals in computer-related fields with a master's degree earn $16,000 more than those with only a bachelor's degree. A summary commissioned by the Utah Technology Council indicated that 28% of engineering positions will be at the graduate level. This means that of the projected 11,050 computer-related jobs in the Provo-Orem metropolitan area in 2022, roughly 3,000 could be graduate-level software positions, with another 9,000 being needed across the state.

A graduate degree will expand both the depth and breadth of your knowledge. While you may currently have all the knowledge you need to solve every problem where you currently work, how about completely new problems that will occur in the future? What about the types of problems that will arise in future startup companies? Do you have any interest in being a part of that? A graduate degree can provide you with insight and broaden your skill set to allow you to solve a problem that has yet to be encountered because you'll be the one who identifies a new market space, a new product line, or a new feature.

The MCS allows professionals to continue working while completing their degree. All classes are scheduled after 4 pm. Courses are designed to be relevant and practical so that material learned in class can be taken back into the industry and applied with confidence. Required courses develop a broad base of competency on a wide range of topics. Elective courses and the graduate project/paper/thesis develop depth in an area of personal interest.

The MCS focuses on preparing students to enter the workforce rather than preparing them to conduct fundamental theoretical research. This focus will provide you with opportunities to explore emerging trends and advances in computer science that occur while completing your degree. Research-oriented projects can be done, but the MCS emphasizes applied research.

1. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
2. An undergraduate degree in a computer-related field (computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or a closely related field).
3. A C+ or better in the following UVU (or equivalent) classes:
   • CS 2300 — Discrete Structures I
   • CS 2420 — Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures
   • CS 2810 — Computer Organization and Architecture
   • CS 3060 — Operating Systems Theory
   • MATH 1210 — Calculus I
4. In some cases, the MCS committee may require a candidate to take additional CS courses beyond the minimum requirements. Such cases may include:
   • Receiving borderline grades in relevant courses.
   • Not having an undergraduate degree in a computer-related field and not currently working in the field.
   • Time away from academia or from directly using programming skills, necessitating a refreshing of fundamental computer science skills and knowledge.

Motivation and passion are what make you a good fit for the MCS. Whether you are a senior undergraduate student or already have some years in industry, if you are ready to keep learning and have a passion to explore advanced topics, then you are who we are looking for to join the MCS. One of our former directors often tells students that when he completed his undergraduate degree, he could not have met all the requirements to enter our MCS — but after two and a half years at Hewlett Packard, he wanted to learn more about computer science. He found people who believed in him and then made it happen. If you have this kind of motivation and passion for computer science, come and see the MCS advisor. Together, we will create a plan that will get you accepted into the MCS.

Visit our application page to learn more and start the process.

The MCS uses a rolling application evaluation process. This means that if you apply early, we can evaluate and accept you early into the program. Once all our available slots in the MCS are filled, the application process will be closed and no new application will be accepted. Application deadlines for fall and spring semesters are available on the home page. Domestic U.S. citizens can apply for either spring or fall entry. International students are not eligible to apply.

MCS students may study either part time or full time. The program is designed around students who are working full time. Classes are held in the evening, with multiple classes being offered both fall and spring semesters to support both first-year and second-year students. The MCS does not offer classes in the summer. If you have identified a mentor for your graduate project, you can work on this in the summer, but you would need to speak with your mentor first.

The MCS program has a total of 30 credit hours. The MCS does not use a cohort system, so the time it takes to complete the degree is up to the individual. A full-time course load for a graduate student is three classes or nine credit hours, so most MCS students work full time and attend the program part time — typically two classes per semester.

You are encouraged to find a graduate mentor and begin discussing ideas as soon as possible, but you will not enroll in Graduate Project I (CS 6600) until you have completed the bulk of your degree, typically in your second year. We want you to use new skills and explore new topics that you've learned in the MCS.

Please contact Julie Marr for more information.

This is not an online program. Classes may be simulcast/live streamed and recorded, but that is up to the individual instructor.

Currently, only Graduate Project I (CS 6600) or Graduate Project II (CS 6610) are offered in the summer, but you will need to discuss the possibility with your graduate mentor once you are ready to start your graduate project.

The MCS program is unable to admit international students at this time. This policy may change in the near future, so check back with us often.

You do not need to have a B.S. in computer science to apply, but if your undergraduate degree is in another discipline, you will need to complete the required prerequisites before applying to the master’s program. View the prerequisites on the application page. Please note that you may take the required prerequisites at UVU, at another accredited college or university, or via Pluralsight. It is also possible that you may have gained the necessary skills via your work experience. Please indicate that fact in your letter of application when you apply.

The 3.0 GPA is a UVU graduate program requirement, not an MCS requirement. If you don't have a 3.0 GPA, talk with the MCS director or the MCS advisor, Julie Marr. They can help you devise a plan to get accepted.

If you have an undergraduate degree in a computer-related field, then you are likely already prepared. However, if you are concerned about preparation, you may consider taking at least one or two upper-level computer science classes to build your skills to the level you will need to be successful in the MCS. If you have a 3.0 GPA, some upper-level computer science classes, or years of industry experience, DON'T WAIT — apply to the MCS now.

Tuition rates can be found on the UVU Tuition page. UVU offers Graduate Tuition Waiver Scholarships for both residents and non-residents. Contact Julie Marr for more information.

You can find more information about the program on the about page and program information page, and learn how to apply on the application page.

You can also contact the MCS advisor, Julie Marr for more information.