Master’s in Computer Science Bridge Program
Further Your Technology Education With a CS Bridge Program
Computer science can be an ideal career path for those with a passion for technology and computers, and who enjoy thinking critically, analytically and creatively to solve problems. To help individuals determine whether a career in computer science is right for them, they may ask questions such as, Am I interested in having a positive contribution to society by developing knowledge in the future of artificial intelligence? or, Do I find it fascinating how computer programs can securely build the tools for the future generation? If so, completing an online master’s in computer science bridge program can be a step to take to gain entry into advanced-level computer science studies.
Grand Canyon University’s Bridge (Master of Science in Computer Science) program is designed to be an accelerated pathway into GCU’s Master of Science in Computer Science degree. While it is required to have a bachelor’s degree for admission, you can complete this master’s in computer science with an unrelated bachelor's by gaining the basic required knowledge in computer science.
Benefits of GCU’s Online Master’s in Computer Science Bridge Program
Offered by the College of Engineering and Technology, this online bridge program introduces you to computer science and supports you while you build the foundational skills necessary to apply for entry into the graduate program. Students in the CS Bridge program can move on to deepen their understanding of the basic knowledge and understanding required to be successful in the Master of Science in Computer Science.
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Online MS in Computer Science Bridge Program FAQs
If you’re looking to complete the online master’s in computer science bridge program, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about this option to further your technology and computer science education.
The online master’s in computer science requires seven, four-credit courses, for a total of 28 credits for completion. The majority of the online classes are each seven weeks in length.
Completing an MS CS bridge can prepare you for entry into the master’s-level computer science program if you have an unrelated bachelor’s degree. Careers in computer science with a master’s degree may be worth your educational investment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for computer and information technology occupations to increase by about 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 682,800 jobs in the field.1 Additionally, computer and information technology occupations had an annual median wage of $97,430 in May 2021, according to the BLS.2
It should also be noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is completely transforming society and will affect the everyday life of humans. It will change the way all industries (medical, software development, etc.) will work, which could also present different opportunities for master’s-level computer science graduates.
Math is a necessary part of computer science. You will take several math-related courses in subjects such as algebra and calculus. Bridging into master’s-level computer science courses gives you the opportunity to sharpen and further develop your math skills. If math if not your strong suit, but you are passionate about pursuing advanced-level computer science courses, look to the academic and tutoring support your university offers for assistance and to prepare yourself for your studies.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, retrieved on Aug. 16, 2023.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Computer and Information Technology Occupations, as of May 2021, retrieved on Aug. 16, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates in computer and information technology occupations. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts and methods of elementary calculus and its application to real-world problems. Topics include a brief review of linear, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse functions; understanding and calculating limits, continuity, and derivatives as rates of change; differentiation rules including derivatives of polynomials, exponentials, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions; product and quotient rules, the chain rule, and implicit differentiation; related rates, curve sketching, maximum and minimum problems, mean value theorem, linear approximation, indeterminate forms, and L’Hospital’s rule; and applied optimization problems, antiderivatives, and approximating areas under the curve. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-250 or MAT-261.
Course Description
This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts, methods, and applications of integral calculus and is the second course in a three-course sequence. Topics include definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus, and integration rules; arc length, solids of revolution, and physical applications; techniques of integration including improper integrals and an introduction to differential equations; polar coordinates, parametric equations, infinite sequences, and series; power series and conic sections; and vector arithmetic, dot product, and projections. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-252.
Course Description
This course is intended primarily for mathematics, science, and engineering students. The goal of the course is to impart the concepts and techniques of modern linear algebra (over the real scalar field) with a significant level of rigor. Students write clearly about the concepts of linear algebra (definitions, counterexamples, simple proofs), and apply theory to examples. The course emphasizes the practical nature of solutions to linear algebra problems. Students implement some of these solutions, where appropriate, as computer programs. Prerequisite: MAT-264 or MAT-253
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and syntax of the Java programming language. The course focuses on object-oriented techniques in Java with an emphasis on problem solving and fundamental algorithms.
Course Description
This course covers classical algorithms and data structures, with an emphasis on implementation and application in solving real-world computational problems. The course focuses on algorithms for sorting, searching, string processing, and graphs. Students learn basic strategies to evaluate divide-and-conquer, recursive backtracking, and algorithm efficiency. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts and algorithm implementation techniques. Prerequisite: CST-210 or CST-239 or CST-135 or CST-250 or CST-227.
Course Description
This course examines how discrete mathematics can be applied to problem solving as well as mathematical reasoning and communication. Additionally, this course introduces how mathematics uses established methods to determine and validate new conclusions through the use of discrete mathematics. Prerequisites: MAT-252 and MAT-253.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to UNIX-derived open-source operating systems. Students explore the history and development trends in open-source OS. The course covers the file system, user commands and utilities, graphical user interfaces, editors, manual pages, and shells. Prerequisite: CST-135 or CST-239.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.