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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is this program different from other Masters degree programs in computer science?
2. I need to attend graduate school full-time. Can I earn the MS degree in computer science this way?
3. How long does it take to earn the degree?
4. Do I need to take the GRE?
5. What programming languages are important in this program?
6. I notice many of the 400-level undergraduate courses are cross-listed at the 500-level. What is this for?
7. Why is this degree program not "accelerated"?
8. What is the tuition for this program?

Frequently Supplied Answers

1. How is this program different from other Masters degree programs in computer science? 

The program has five aspects that make it unique in the tri-state area.

First, it is a part-time program designed for working professionals. Courses and workshops are offered in the evenings (after 6pm) and, occasionally, on weekends (Saturday morning).

Second, unlike traditional computer science degree programs at large research-oriented institutions, it does not necessarily culminate in a thesis or lead on a track to PhD-level research. (A thesis option is available, however.) Instead, its emphasis is primarily on software engineering practice. The graduate core courses provide this. Advanced Software Engineering provides a seminar-type environment for examining software development in the large; Advanced Programming Workshop provides a workshop type environment for examining software development in the small; Advanced Operating Systems gives students a chance to examine and modify a large body of existing code such as the Linux kernel; Logic and Computation gives students a chance to do formal reasoning about software systems using model analyzers such as Alloy from MIT.

Third, NKU offers small classes and close contact with faculty members, all of whom view excellence in teaching as their highest priority and have earned PhDs. Several have recent software industry experience in companies such as Intel and Microsoft.

Fourth, the MSCS program is situated in the new NKU College of Informatics, which unites computer science, business informatics (information systems), and communication (including media informatics).

Fifth, students may earn a graduate certificate in Secure Software Engineering as they work toward completing their Masters degree. [top]

2. I need to attend graduate school full-time. Can I earn the MS degree in computer science this way? 

This program is designed primarily for part-time students. It may be difficult to arrange a full-time course schedule so that all the degree requirements can be met in the typical four-semester time period. However, there is nothing to prevent you registering for a full-time course load in a given semester (9+ hours). [top]

3. How long does it take to earn the degree?

The number of credit hours required is comparable to other NKU Masters degree programs, and ranges from 30 to 42 depending on the background of the applicant. Part-time study is the norm. A time frame 2 to 3 years, at one or two courses per semester, is typical. [top]

4. Do I need to take the GRE?

If you have graduated with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0 in your computer science and mathematics courses, and you have a sufficient background in computer science and mathematics, we will waive the GRE. Otherwise, the GRE is required (although we will also consider the GMAT). [top]

5. What programming languages are important in this program?

The Java language has been used in first-year undergraduate programming courses at NKU since 1999. For reasons of expressive power and performance, however, C++ remains the preferred language of most intermediate and advanced courses. Graduate students may pick up Java in elective courses, but it is not central to the graduate curriculum. The language C# has been used in some courses. Other languages (such as Ruby or Scheme) appear in more specialized electives. [top]

6. I notice many of the 400-level undergraduate courses are cross-listed at the 500-level. What is this for?

There is a natural overlap between advanced undergraduate courses and intermediate MS-level courses. This affects both required courses and electives.

In the category of electives, it is most useful to offer MS-level variants of senior undergraduate courses. For example, a graduate student who has not taken a senior-level elective in computer graphics (CSC 480 or equivalent) while an undergraduate, can now take it as an intermediate MS-level elective (CSC 580). Although CSC 4xx and CSC 5xx meet in the same room with the same instructor, graduate students are graded on a separate curve and are typically given more challenging assignments and extra readings. [top]

7. Why is this degree program not "accelerated"?

Graduate programs in the sciences are generally never "accelerated," and computer science is no exception. In particular, there is no quick route to excellence in the craft of software construction. Our decision in designing the MSCS program was to emphasize quality, depth and relevance over quick coverage. Our students enjoy taking the time to truly master their profession. Rather than merely teaching about computer science and software engineering, our program cultivates virtuosity in actually doing these things.

A primary goal is to give our graduates the agility and intellect to compete in an environment where superficial knowledge is not valued and mere programming can be easily outsourced!. [top]

8. What is the tuition for this program?

Tution is posted on the NKU Bursar website. Note that graduate students living in the tri-state area in Ohio or Indiana pay a special "metropolitan rate" that is less than full out-of-state tuition. [top]