Computer Science

Masters In Computer Science

Masters in Computer Science Course Information

The Master of Science in Computer Science at Orion Technical College provides students with a comprehensive understanding of computer systems, programming languages, algorithms, software development, and various aspects of computing technology. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, develop, analyze, and implement software applications and systems. Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in the rapidly evolving field of computer science and related industries.

IA 500: Concepts of Intelligent Systems and Business Analytics

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the foundational principles of intelligent systems, artificial
intelligence (AI), and business analytics. By integrating concepts from AI, computer science, and business
analytics, this course prepares students to design, develop, and implement intelligent systems that solve
complex business problems. Students will explore key ideas and techniques underlying the design of intelligent
computer systems, focusing on modern AI applications such as machine learning, knowledge representation,
decision-making, and optimization. The course also covers the study and application of business analytics,
offering students the opportunity to learn how data can be used effectively within organizations to enhance
decision-making, optimize operations, and maintain a competitive edge. Topics include descriptive analytics,
predictive analytics, software engineering principles, and the ethical considerations of deploying AI and
analytics in real-world environments. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical application,
students will gain the skills necessary to leverage AI and business analytics in various professional settings.

IA 510: Data Management Systems

This course is focused on Systems, Applications and Products (SAP) functional and technical modules.
Students learn how to use SAP software to manage multiple aspects of a business, including finances,
operations, facilities and human resources. Students will learn how to use the SAP functional modules to
provide standard functionality to simulate actual business activity. SAP technical modules enable
professionals to troubleshoot performance issues, schedule tasks, develop applications, download and install
updates and manage and execute migrations.

IA 520: Integrated Business Processes

CS 530: Developing Object-Oriented Systems with Java

Object oriented programming is an essential skill for those students wishing to work with application
development and maintenance. This course focuses on the use of Java as the most popular object based
languages in use today. Students are presented with the fundamental design principles of modularity and
abstraction as applied to current programming practices in computer science. Students will work with object
oriented components and characteristics as they write, debug, execute and test Java applets and applications.
Topics include data types, classes, inheritance, arrays, overloading and exception processing. A variety of Java
development environments will be considered.

CS 540: Information Security Planning and Policy

This course examines the fundamental issues and first principles of security and information assurance. Security
policies, models and mechanisms related to confidentiality, integrity, authentication, identification, and
availability issues related to information and information systems. Cryptography (key management and digital
signatures), network security (PKI, IPsec), intrusion detection and prevention, risk management, security
assurance and secure design principles are topics addressed in this course. Additional topics include
organizational security policy, legal and ethical issues in security, standards and methodologies for security
evaluation and certification.

CS 550: Software Testing and Quality Assurance

This course provides a hands-on approach to various types of functional testing including unit, integration and
user acceptance testing as well as non-functional testing including load, performance, and security testing.

CS 560: Integrated Business Process

This course is focused on Systems, Applications and Products (SAP) functional and technical modules.
Students learn how to use SAP software to manage multiple aspects of a business, including finances,
operations, facilities and human resources. Students will learn how to use the SAP functional modules to
provide standard functionality to simulate actual business activity. SAP technical modules enable professionals
to troubleshoot performance issues, schedule tasks, develop applications, download and install updates and
manage and execute migrations.

CS 570: PEGA Systems

This course focuses on the automation of business processes using the Pega platform. Review the value of
using the Pega platform and describe Pega’s industry-specific applications. Defines case life cycle management
application design and explains how Pega Express build functional applications.

CS 580: Research Methodologies

In this course, we understand an in-depth study of the current state-of-the-art and master the research
methodology used in Software Engineering. Selected topics will be from areas such as Software Engineering
Methodologies, evidence-based best practice strategies, software maintenance, software testing, model-driven
engineering, human factors in software engineering, emerging technology, and applications, applying
optimization techniques in software engineering, and empirical software engineering.

CS 590: Masters Capstone Project

This course requires a report, analysis, or project designed to demonstrate the attainment of the knowledge,
skills, and abilities commensurate with study in a graduate level program. The course requires students to
identify a problem related to their field of study, summarize the problem into a project statement, identify data
requirements, apply research and analytic tools and personal judgment learned from the coursework and real
world experience, use modeling and analysis techniques to draw conclusions form the data, evaluate the
multiple solutions and complete the project by creating a written document that presents the research
conclusions and recommendations. Students must present and demonstrate their findings in a written report
and class presentation. Prerequisite CS 580.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about the Master of Science in Computer Science program, including admissions requirements, program structure, and career opportunities. This section is designed to help you make informed decisions and understand what to expect as a prospective graduate student at Orion Technical College.

What are the Admissions Requirements?

- Completed Graduate Admissions Application and Application Fee of $100.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university in the United States or degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree (outside U.S.) i.e., bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Electronics & Communications, Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Communications Engineering, Data Science, Computer Applications, or Computer Engineering. If the prospective student has a degree other than those listed, the College will consider admissions to the program based on the degree earned and relevant information technology work experience.
- Official transcripts are required. The Prospective student must arrange to have an evaluation of the foreign transcript by American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)’s International Education Services, a member of Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE),or National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The cost for foreign transcript evaluation is the responsibility of the student.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo Score Report).
  - Non-native English speakers who did not complete post-secondary education exclusively in the English language must provide proof of English language proficiency
- Professional Resume
- GRE optional.

Why MS in Computer Science?

What’s the Career Impact of Earning an MS in CS (Master of Science in Computer Science)?

The Master of Science in Computer Science program is designed to produce graduates who are highly qualified and Analyze the architectures of current and emerging computer technologies. An MS in CS degree balances the theory and practice of computer science to prepare students for either professional industry or academic research paths.

Successful completion of the MS-CS Program will enable students to:

Demonstrate a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts of computer science, including algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and software engineering.

Develop and implement complex software systems using a variety of programming languages and tools.

Analyze and evaluate the performance of software systems and algorithms.

Design and develop secure and scalable software systems that meet the needs of users and organizations.

Apply computer science principles to solve real-world problems in a variety of domains, including business, healthcare, education, and entertainment.

Write clear, well-documented, and work collaboratively on projects of significance, managing a common codebase; prepare and deliver professional-quality presentations; work effectively on a project in a team

As a Computer Science professional with vision, you want to broaden your impact—and brighten your future. Trust Orion Technical College to help you achieve it.

What type of careers can I pursue?

A Master of Computer Science degree can academically prepare you to pursue career options such as:

Principal Software Engineer
Full Stack Developer
Software Development Manager
Data Engineer
Cloud Engineer

A Master of Computer Science degree can academically prepare you to work in settings such as:

Technology Company
Entertainment Services
Software Company
Social Media company
Banking and Securities

The graduates from Computer Science can find employment in virtually every organization and industry sector, as every organization uses the technologies created by computer scientists.

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this program.

What is the duration and credit requirement for the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program?

The program requires 30 semester credits and is designed to be completed in 20 months with continuous enrollment and no interruption to studies.

What degree will I receive upon graduation?

Graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Computer Science.

What types of courses are included in the program?

The curriculum covers programming languages, algorithms, software development, computer systems, and various aspects of computing technology.

What are the technology requirements for participation?

Students must complete a technology check to ensure they have the minimum required computer and internet resources before enrollment.

How do I apply to the program?

Prospective students must complete a Professional College Advisory Session (PCAS) with an Admissions Representative and then submit the Graduate Admissions Application and supporting documents.

Orion Technical College, formerly known as Hamilton Technical College, has been proud to provide the Quad Cities area quality technical training and medical assisting instruction for over 50 years.

Computer Science