To serve the growing demand for highly skilled computer science professionals in California, University of the Pacific is introducing a new Master of Science degree in Computer Science.

The Master of Science degree in Computer Science will be offered in two modalities: hybrid (in-person and online) on the Stockton campus beginning in fall 2021 and fully online starting in fall 2022. 

The in-person Master of Science degree in Computer Science (MSCS) will offer options for students with and without an undergraduate computer science degree. Students must complete 30 units of graduate coursework to obtain the MSCS degree. Students without an undergraduate computer science degree from an ABET accredited institution may need to complete 16 or more additional units of core coursework to obtain the MSCS degree.

"Pacific continues to focus on new and innovative ways to offer programs that meet market demand and provide options for our students to learn," said Pacific Provost Maria Pallavicini. "We are confident an advanced degree in computer science created to respond to the explosive growth in related careers will provide our graduates with a professional advantage and set them up for accelerated success in their careers.”

According to data from Payscale, computer science professionals with a master’s degree, specifically, see an average salary of $101,000, compared to $86,000 for those with a bachelor’s degree.

In California, there is high demand for computer science professionals. Burning Glass Labor and Insight market analysis showed a 46% increase in computer science related job postings within the state from 2017 to 2018. The Bureau of Labor statistics indicated there were 556,731 job postings in California for master's level computer science professionals in 2019, overshadowing demand in all other states.

"With the soaring demand for computer scientists in the state last year, it is clear there is a need for additional computer science professionals," said Steven Howell, dean of Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. “Our talented faculty will prepare students for professional success and use Pacific's vast network to connect them with top employers in this burgeoning job market.”

Visit Pacific’s new Master of Science degree in Computer Science program to learn more.