Master of Science in Computer Science
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) at Saint Martin's prepares graduates to lead in today's most in-demand technology fields grounded in the Benedictine values of community, stewardship and the pursuit of knowledge in service to others. Through rigorous, application-oriented coursework in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and software engineering, students develop the advanced technical skills and ethical awareness needed to excel in a rapidly evolving industry. Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional, the MSCS program offers a learning environment that values both technical depth and the whole person, equipping you not just to build technology, but to shape how it serves the common good.
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Why Saint Martin's University?
- Classes offered in late afternoon or evening to meet the needs of working professionals
- Designed for both recent graduates and experienced engineers
- Coursework spans three high-demand areas: cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), and software engineering, including mobile development, cloud computing and secure systems
- A campus near major Pacific Northwest technology center, with opportunities to build a professional network across branches of technology and engineering
- Access to high-quality lab facilities and industry-standard tools
Priority deadlines
Students can start the program in fall, spring or summer. The following are priority deadlines for application for each of the starting terms.
| Term | Priority deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 15 |
| Spring | December 1 |
| Summer | April 15 |
Note: students are still considered for admission in the next upcoming term even after the priority deadlines
Program learning objectives
Upon completion of the MSCS program, graduates will be able to:
- Design, implement and evaluate secure software systems using current software engineering principles and practices
- Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to analyze complex problems and develop data-driven solutions
- Identify, assess and mitigate cybersecurity threats across networks, systems and applications
- Communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Evaluate emerging technologies critically and adapt professional practice to a changing technological landscape
- Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to plan, execute and deliver technology projects
Federal aid
Federal financial aid is available for graduate students who will be enrolled at least half time and are citizens, or eligible non-citizens, of the USA. Most federal aid for graduate students is in the form of direct loans.
For more details about federal aid eligibility and the different types of aid available for graduate and professional studies visit studentaid.edu.gov.
Graduate assistantships
Saint Martin’s University offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to graduate students. Contact your graduate program director for more information.
Program costs can be found on the tuition and fees page.
Master of Science in Computer Science Requirements
Minimum requirements for unconditional admission: in order to be considered for unconditional admission, applicants must meet all of the university requirements for unconditional admission plus one of the following:
- Bachelor of Science degree in computer science with:
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.80 (or equivalent) for all undergraduate work
- And a 3.00 average (or equivalent) for upper-division computer science courses
- Bachelor degree in other fields:
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.80 (or equivalent) for all undergraduate work
- Completion of the following courses:
- MTH 200: Mathematics for Computer Science or equivalent
- CSC 101: Introduction to Computer Science or equivalent
- CSC 180: Introduction to Programming or equivalent
- CSC 210: Database Fundamentals or equivalent
- CSC 340: Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
- CSC 446/546: Software Engineering Analysis and Design
- CSC 385: Operating System Architecture or equivalent
Additional undergraduate foundation classes may be required as determined by the admissions committee.
Applicants not meeting the unconditional admission requirements but who otherwise demonstrate potential to benefit from graduate education may be admitted conditionally.
Further details about application requirements and the application itself can be found on the applying to Saint Martin's page.
- For fully qualified students, the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program provides two options for completing the degree requirements: project and thesis.
- The MSCS students must satisfactorily complete 30 credit hours of approved coursework, including three credit hours of Seminar in Computer Science Research (CSC 596), and three credit hours of Advanced Design and Research Project (CSC 598) or six credit hours of Thesis Research (CSC 599). A maximum of six credit hours of directed study (CSC 597) is allowed.
- Coursework must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 ("B").
- A maximum of nine credit hours of equivalent coursework from the graduate program of other regionally-accredited institutions may be transferred into the program if approved by the Department/Graduate Committee.
The official, most up-to-date class offerings can be found by using Self-Service or the graduate academic catalog. For significant term dates refer to the academic calendar.
The thesis route requires students to pursue research supported by the Department of Computer Science. A fully qualified student may complete a Master’s thesis route by undertaking 24 credit hours of coursework as well as 6 credit hours of thesis research together with the thesis defense.
- CSC 510: Foundations of Programming Languages (3)
- CSC 515: Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis (3)
- CSC 520: Computer Organizations and Operating System Architecture (3)
-OR-
CSC 530: Data Analysis (3)
These above classes must be taken by all students in the MSCS during the first three terms that they are enrolled.
- CSC 5xx: CSC Elective (3)
- CSC 5xx: CSC Elective (3)
- CSC 5xx: CSC Elective (3)
- CSC 5xx: CSC Elective (3)
- CSC 596: Seminar in Computer Science Research (3)
- CSC 599: Thesis Research (6)
Total: 30 credit hours
A fully qualified student may complete a Master’s project route by undertaking 27 credit hours of coursework, 3 credit hours of professionally oriented project research, presentation and defense.
- CSC 510: Foundations of Programming Language (3)
- CSC 515: Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis (3)
- CSC 520: Computer Organizations and Operating System Architecture
-OR-
CSC 530: Data Analysis (3)
These above classes must be taken by all students in the MSCS during the first three terms that they are enrolled.
- CSC 5xx: CSC Elective (3)
- CSC 5xx: CSC Elective (3)
- CSC 5xx: CSC Elective (3)
- CSC 5xx: CSC Elective (3)
- CSC 5xx: CSC Elective (3)
- CSC 596: Seminar in Computer Science Research (3)
- CSC 598: Advanced Design and Research Project (3)
Total: 30 credit hours
Master of Science in Computer Science at a Glance
- Degree
- Master
- Master (4+1)
- Program Type
- 4+1 Accelerated
- Master’s Degree
- Campus
- Main (Lacey)
- Type of Instruction
- In Person
- Resources
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
