Master’s in Computer Science Bridge Program

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Degree Level

Bridge

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Science

Program

Bridge - MS in Computer Science

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

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.

MS in Computer Science

Bridge (Master of Science in Computer Science)

Offered By

College of Engineering and Technology

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 28

Online: 7 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

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.

Coursework

Course Topics for the CS Bridge

An online MS computer bridge program can prepare you to apply for entry into master’s-level computer science programs. This program is mainly for interested candidates who do not have a bachelor's degree in the technology field related to computer science.

It is possible that some of the related courses in your bachelor's degree can replace one or many of the required courses in the bridge program. To learn more about this option, fill out the form on this page to get in contact with a university counselor.

While you’re in the online CS bridge program, you will work to develop competence in the following areas:

Science and engineering calculus

Linear algebra

Computer programming

Data structure and algorithms

Concepts of operations systems

Applying discrete mathematics

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

How long is a master’s in computer science bridge program?

Is it worth it to complete a MS in Computer Science bridge program?

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.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Additionally, computer and information technology occupations had an annual median wage of $97,430 in May 2021, according to the BLS.^{(See disclaimer 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.

Do you need to be good at math for a master’s in computer science bridge program?

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 is 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.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major28 credits

Degree Requirements28 credits

Core Courses

MAT-252

4 Total Credits

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.

MAT-253

4 Total Credits

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.

MAT-345

4 Total Credits

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

CST-105

4 Total Credits

CST-201

4 Total Credits

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.

MAT-215

4 Total Credits

CST-221

4 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
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

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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.
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.