About this Program
Old Dominion University's M.S. in Computer Science prepares students to design software systems, build AI and machine learning models, secure networks and infrastructure, and lead technical teams across industry and research. The 31-credit, non-thesis program is available online through ODUGlobal or on-campus in Norfolk, Virginia, with fall, spring, and summer start dates. Students choose from nine specialization areas including AI and machine intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, bioinformatics, and high-performance computing. Graduates work at Google, Amazon, IBM, and Red Hat.
ODU's Computer Science program is designed for students with a computer science background as well as applicants from related quantitative fields - mathematics, engineering, statistics, the sciences - who can be admitted as provisional students and complete deficiency coursework. The GRE is not required.
Program Highlights
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Complete the 31-credit, non-thesis program in less than two years. Available full-time or part-time.
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Available online through ODUGlobal or on-campus in Norfolk, Virginia, with fall, spring, and summer start dates.
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Nine specialization areas: AI and machine intelligence, bioinformatics, cybersecurity, data science, digital libraries, high performance computing, networking, software engineering, and computational foundations.
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GRE is not required. Provisional admission available for applicants from related fields who can complete deficiency coursework.
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Cutting-edge faculty research opportunities, including bioinformatics work through the Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics.
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Graduate assistantships available with tuition assistance through teaching or research positions.
Specializations
Coursework and research in machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, and intelligent systems. Featured course: CS 522 Introduction to Machine Learning. Faculty research includes applications in image analysis, biomedical informatics, and natural language processing.
Computational approaches to biological data including sequence analysis, structural bioinformatics, and biomedical data science. Connected to ODU's Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, providing students with research opportunities in interdisciplinary applications.
Network security, cryptography, software security, and security operations. Coursework can be coordinated with ODU's School of Cybersecurity for students interested in security-focused career paths.
Data analytics, statistical modeling, and large-scale data systems. Featured course: CS 620 Introduction to Data Science and Analytics (cross-listed with DASC 620). Coordination available with ODU's School of Data Science for students seeking broader analytics curriculum.
Parallel computing, distributed systems, and computational science. Coursework prepares students for careers in scientific computing, simulation, and research computing infrastructure.
Network architecture, protocols, distributed systems, and network security. Prepares students for roles in network engineering, infrastructure, and network research.
Software design, system architecture, software quality, and software project management. Prepares students for technical leadership roles in software development organizations.
Information retrieval, digital archives, metadata, and large-scale document collections. ODU has a long-standing research presence in this area, particularly in web archiving and digital preservation.
Algorithm design, theory of computation, and foundational computer science. Prepares students for advanced research or doctoral study in core CS areas.
Coursework and research in machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, and intelligent systems. Featured course: CS 522 Introduction to Machine Learning. Faculty research includes applications in image analysis, biomedical informatics, and natural language processing.
Computational approaches to biological data including sequence analysis, structural bioinformatics, and biomedical data science. Connected to ODU's Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, providing students with research opportunities in interdisciplinary applications.
Network security, cryptography, software security, and security operations. Coursework can be coordinated with ODU's School of Cybersecurity for students interested in security-focused career paths.
Data analytics, statistical modeling, and large-scale data systems. Featured course: CS 620 Introduction to Data Science and Analytics (cross-listed with DASC 620). Coordination available with ODU's School of Data Science for students seeking broader analytics curriculum.
Parallel computing, distributed systems, and computational science. Coursework prepares students for careers in scientific computing, simulation, and research computing infrastructure.
Network architecture, protocols, distributed systems, and network security. Prepares students for roles in network engineering, infrastructure, and network research.
Software design, system architecture, software quality, and software project management. Prepares students for technical leadership roles in software development organizations.
Information retrieval, digital archives, metadata, and large-scale document collections. ODU has a long-standing research presence in this area, particularly in web archiving and digital preservation.
Algorithm design, theory of computation, and foundational computer science. Prepares students for advanced research or doctoral study in core CS areas.
Featured Courses
Requirements
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- Applicants must have a strong background in computer science. Students who do not have a sufficient background in computer science may enter the graduate program as provisional students and make up for their deficiencies by taking appropriate courses.
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- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members of academic institutions
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- Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
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- Current Resume
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- Goals Essay/Statement of Purpose
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- Minimum GPA: 3.00
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- For students whose native language is not English, either a TOEFL iBLT score of 79, TOEFL PBT score of 550, or IELTS score of 6.5 is also required
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- GRE is not required.
Careers and Outcomes
Computer science is one of the most direct paths to high-demand technical careers in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% growth in software developer roles through 2033, more than three times the average across all occupations, and 32% growth in information research scientist roles, the fastest-growing technical category.
ODU graduates work at Google, Amazon, IBM, and Red Hat. Common roles include software engineer, machine learning engineer, security engineer, data engineer, systems analyst, and technical lead.
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
Alumni Careers
AI and Machine Learning in the Curriculum
Modern computer science is increasingly defined by AI and machine learning both as core technical capabilities and as integration points across software engineering, security, networks, and scientific computing. ODU's curriculum addresses this through:
- CS 522 Introduction to Machine Learning - covers supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning with applications in image analysis, text processing, and biomedical informatics.
- CS 620 Introduction to Data Science and Analytics - data science principles, software, and computing resources for processing, visualizing, and modeling complex data.
- AI and machine intelligence as a named specialization area, with elective depth available across multiple courses.
- Faculty research applying ML methods to bioinformatics, computer vision, network security, and computational science.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Amounts shown are tuition only and do not include mandatory fees, technology-delivered course fees, course-specific fees, books, housing, meal plans, or other costs. Campus-based students may take technology-delivered or online courses. Tuition is based on student classification. Fees for technology-delivered courses and other costs are listed on the ODU tuition and fees page.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Graduate Assistantships
The Department of Computer Science offers limited opportunities for graduate assistantships (with tuition assistance) through teaching or research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Applicants from related quantitative fields (mathematics, engineering, statistics, physics, or other sciences) may be admitted as provisional students. Provisional students complete deficiency coursework in foundational CS topics before progressing to the full graduate program. Contact the Department of Computer Science to discuss your specific background before applying.
No. The GRE is not required for admission to the M.S. in Computer Science.
Yes. The full M.S. in Computer Science is available online through ODUGlobal.
Most students complete the 31-credit, non-thesis program in less than two years. Full-time students can complete the program faster; part-time students typically extend across additional terms. Fall, spring, and summer start dates support flexible scheduling.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is classified as an R1 doctoral research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
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