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2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Applied Computer Science

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Computing section of this catalog.

Degrees Offered

The Master of Science degree in applied computer science is offered in the College of Computing.

The primary purpose of the program is to provide a solid foundation of knowledge in applied computer science, ensuring that graduates have the skills currently in-demand by industry.

The program consists of 11 three-credit courses (33 credit hours), consisting of an area of specialization, electives, and either a Capstone course, a project course, or a thesis option. Classes are offered fully online, in a hybrid format, or in-person in the late afternoon or evening in downtown Grand Rapids.

Mission

The mission of the College of Computing is to provide the GVSU student community with the intellectual foundations and experiences necessary to use information technology effectively in their chosen careers.

To enable students to attain this goal, computing faculty members have two primary responsibilities. First, provide a solid conceptual foundation required for a career in information technology. Second, provide direct, experiential knowledge of technology is necessary to be a productive user/producer of information technology.

To achieve these goals, we

  • work continuously to keep our curriculum relevant to our mission;
  • ensure that work-relevant experience is part of every class;
  • establish and nurture industrial contacts;
  • establish an integrated, supported co-op experience for computing majors; and
  • provide all students, regardless of their major interests, fundamental knowledge of computers and information processing.

Admission Requirements

In addition to Grand Valley's admission requirements, all students seeking the MS degree in Applied Computer Science must also meet the following requirements:

  • Earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or the equivalent of this degree from another country.
  • Preference is given to students with a background in computer science, information technology, information systems, or cyber security. Applicants who lack an appropriate computing background must complete the Laker Ready courses (below).
  • Grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from all undergraduate coursework.
  • International applicants should submit an acceptable score in either TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. An acceptable TOEFL score is >= 90. An acceptable IELTS score is >= 6.5. An acceptable Duolingo score is >= 115.
  • Resume detailing work experiences and accomplishments.
  • A link to a video explaining career goals and background experiences, including an explanation of how this program will help achieve educational and professional objectives.
  • Recommendations from two professional or academic references received online, addressing the candidate's potential for graduate study completion. You will provide the emails of two references in your account at gvsu.edu/gradapply and they will be sent a link to fill out for their online recommendation.

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Deadline for fall semester is May 1, international; and July 1, domestic. Deadline for winter semester is September 1, international; and November 1, domestic.

Selection process

  • Selection to the program focuses on the "whole person concept," which emphasizes academic achievement, work experience, and courses and training while employed in industry or government.
  • Students with undergraduate degrees in non-computing fields may need to demonstrate proficiency in programming, computer networks, and databases to qualify for admission. They must complete the Laker Ready courses before taking any other courses in the program.
  • Unconditionally accepted students are not required to take the Laker Ready courses. However, the Laker Ready courses provide a foundation for the master's program, and all students are encouraged to take the courses as refreshers. Students can further discuss the Laker Ready courses with the graduate program director.

Laker Ready Courses

Students whose undergraduate preparation or employment experience does not satisfy the prerequisites for the Applied Computer Science program may make up for deficiencies through additional study. Laker Ready coursework, designed to close gaps in a student's preparation, must be completed before enrolling in the program as advised by the graduate program director. Generally, formal acceptance into the program is deferred until the applicant has completed this additional preparation.

If completed through academic study, Laker Ready courses must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better. Courses with lower grades must be repeated. Laker Ready courses are not counted toward the 33 credit hours required for the master's degree.

As an alternative, the following Laker Ready courses can be taken on UCertify:

    1. Python Fundamentals
    2. CIW: Network Technology Associate
    3. CIW: Database Design Specialist

Students must submit the certificates of completion of the Laker Ready courses to be admitted to the Applied Computer Science MS program.

Study Plan

Before starting the program, students must have a study plan approved by the graduate program director. Students are responsible for keeping the plan of study current before the beginning of each semester and getting the advisor's approval for any changes to the plan.

Program Location

Classes are offered fully online, in a hybrid format, or in-person in the late afternoon or evening in downtown Grand Rapids.

Available Programs

The following programs are available:


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