HCU’s Unique Ethical Stewardship Training
What sets HCU’s MSCIS program apart is its unique fusion of technical expertise and ethical considerations, all viewed through a Christian perspective. In a landscape where data ethics and privacy concerns are increasingly critical, our graduates emerge not only as skilled computer and information scientists but as responsible stewards of information and technology.
You’ll be prepared to tackle complex challenges, drive innovation, and make data-driven decisions that can positively impact businesses, communities, and society at large. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to specialize in this high-demand field, or a working professional seeking to pivot your career, HCU’s masters in computer science provides the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to thrive in the data-centric future.
Comprehensive, Industry-Aligned Curriculum
The MSCIS program consists of 33 credit hours of comprehensive coursework. Students must complete all courses with a grade of B or better while maintaining a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. The program culminates in either a research-focused Capstone Project or an industry-based Applied Learning Practicum.
Review degree plan
Computer and Information Sciences Courses
- Foundations of Information Technology/Information Systems: Explore essential concepts and principles forming the backbone of IT and IS, including systems architecture, development lifecycle, database management and cybersecurity principles.
- Database Management Systems: Master database design, implementation and management, covering data modeling, relational database design, normalization and SQL, along with emerging trends in NoSQL and cloud-based solutions.
- Information Systems Analysis and Design: Study methodologies for analyzing and documenting business requirements, process modeling, system design and implementation through the complete systems development lifecycle.
- Enterprise Systems and Architecture: Examine critical components of enterprise systems, including ERP, CRM and SCM, focusing on integration within organizations to support strategic decision-making.
- Data Analytics and Business Intelligence: Learn to collect, process, analyze and visualize large volumes of data using advanced tools and technologies, transforming raw information into actionable insights.
- Cloud Computing: Study cloud computing models, including IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, along with architecture, virtualization, storage and security considerations in cloud environments.
- Information Technology Governance and Compliance: Explore frameworks, policies and controls necessary for managing IT resources effectively while ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Human-Computer Interaction: Examine cognitive, social and ergonomic factors influencing technology interaction, creating intuitive and accessible user experiences.
- Big Data Technologies: Master tools and platforms for storing, processing and analyzing massive datasets, including distributed computing frameworks and real-time processing methodologies.
- Mobile and Web Application Development: Create dynamic, user-friendly applications across multiple platforms using modern development frameworks and responsive design principles.
Capstone Project and Applied Learning Practicum
Students complete their studies through either a research-focused Capstone Project or an industry-based Applied Learning Practicum. The Capstone enables deeper exploration of emerging technologies, contributing new knowledge to the field. The practicum provides hands-on experience implementing solutions in enterprise environments.
Learning Modalities
This program is offered as a fully online program or as a low-residency program. The online program takes place in dynamic, easy-to-use online learning environments, including nonsynchronous online coursework and learning projects.
The low-residency option combines online learning with on-campus experiences. Each course includes one residency weekend session (Friday-Saturday) held at the HCU campus, where you will be required to attend two-day intensive sessions for hands-on learning and collaboration.
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Degree completion in Computer Science, Information Technology (IT), Software Engineering, Information Systems, Management Information Systems, Statistics, Business Analytics, Cognitive science, Data Science Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or similar fields.
- Applicants with degrees outside of these fields may still be considered, provided they demonstrate relevant professional experience or coursework in computing, programming, or information systems.
- Conditional admission consideration for GPAs between 2.5 and 2.99
- For International Students:
- Successful completion of the English Proficiency Test
- FTE (Foreign Transcript Evaluation of Bachelor’s degree transcript)
