Graduate Programs
The graduate programs supported by the Department of Computing Sciences are described below. Currently, there are approximately 30 full-time and 160 part-time students in the graduate program. The majority are working in high-tech fields near Villanova, though there is a wide range of backgrounds because many students enroll for the purpose of changing fields.
MS in Computer Science
This program leads to a Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science. It provides expertise in applied and basic computing through its course offerings in computer systems, theory, languages, and algorithms. It is designed to prepare students for a career as a computing professional, though some students go on to pursue a Ph.D. degree at another university.
New in 2007 - MS in Software Engineering
This program leads to a Master of Science (MS) degree in Software Engineering. It prepares students for either a career in software engineering or for advanced study in the field. In addition to providing the practical knowledge and experience needed to specify, design, develop, and maintain today's software systems, the program includes the theoretical knowledge that informs the practice.
Graduate Certificates
We offer four graduate certificates, which are independent of the master's degree program. That is, students may be enrolled in a certificate program, or in the MS degree program, or both. However, students who are pursuing a certificate without the degree must still meet the general prerequisites for all courses in that certificate program.
Certificates may be earned in the following topic areas:
- Knowledge-Based Systems
- Networks
- Systems Programming
- Web Technologies
BS/MS Integrated Programs
While still pursuing their undergraduate work at Villanova, qualified students can enroll in the BS/MS Integrated programs, which allows a Computer Science major to earn a Master of Science (MS) degree in either Computer Science or in Software Engineering with only one additional year of study.
BIS/MS Integrated Program
Part time students who are working on a BIS (Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies) in Information Systems can extend their studies to earn a Masters in Software Engineering.
