Computer Science Degree Programs in Mississippi

Although largely known for its laid back atmosphere, lush scenery and southern cuisine, it is the accredited computer science degree programs in Mississippi that help the state’s colleges and universities foster an academic environment of technical innovation and excellence. The Mississippi economy mainly consists of agriculture, manufacturing and service industries all of which benefit greatly from advancements in the technology sector. Since leaders in both academia and industry realize that the national economy is heavily dependent on the development of experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Mississippi’s computer science degree programs are steps in the right direction toward success for the community and the individuals participating in the degree programs.

Jackson State University

College of Science, Engineering, and Technology

Jackson State University (JSU) College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) provides leading edge STEM degree programs designed to prepare tomorrow’s scientists and mathematicians for the challenges within their chosen fields. There are nine departments within the CSET include Aerospace Science, Biology, Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistical Science, Physics and Technology. Each department offers degree programs that align with the JSU CSET mission to offer students innovative undergraduate and graduate level curricula that are based on continuous research and that result in professional excellence as determined by high academic standards.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science degree program at JSU helps students develop the technical and problem solving skills that are highly valued in today’s marketplace. This undergraduate degree program provides a framework for aspiring computing professionals to identify business problems or opportunities for improvement that require technical solutions and apply their knowledge and skills appropriately. The program exposes students to the realities of the dynamic field of computer science and encourages students to develop the attitude of a lifelong learner to remain competitive in their professions. During the B.S. Computer Science program, students have both individual and team projects to prepare them for real world situations where collaborative work environments are the norm. The degree’s comprehensive course work helps strengthen students’ critical thinking and analytical skills by allowing them to determine the most efficient design solutions when faced with technical problems that can be resolved in multiple ways.

Accreditations

• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Contact
P.O. Box 18750
Jackson, MS 39217
(601) 979-2105
francois.p.modave@jsums.edu
http://www.jsums.edu/compscience/degree-programs-offered-undergraduate-program/

Master of Science in Computer Science

The JSU Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science degree builds on the computing knowledge and skills that students have already cultivated during their undergraduate degree programs. This rigorous program lays a solid foundation in computer science for students who may have majored in a STEM degree other than computer science during their undergraduate studies, and it provides students who are well versed in this career field advanced knowledge of the subject that is needed to move into career positions of additional responsibility. The program is also ideal for students who aspire to faculty positions within university computer science departments and who must prepare for doctoral studies. In addition to the study of advanced computer science concepts, the faculty responsible for administering the M.S. in Computer Science degree program at JSU encourage graduate students to participate in research projects that challenge them to creatively apply computer science skills to new industry problems. The type of research conducted during the course of this degree program inspires the desired innovation that helps stimulate economic growth.

Accreditations

• SACSCOC

Contact
P.O. Box 18750
Jackson, MS 39217
(601) 979-2225
evette.j.stewart@jsums.edu
http://www.jsums.edu/compscience/degree-programs-offered-graduate-program/

Mississippi State University

Bagley College of Engineering

Mississippi State University (MSU) Bagley College of Engineering (BCE) consists of highly ranked programs in aerospace engineering, biological engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, industrial engineering and mechanical engineering. Both its undergraduate and graduate degree programs consistently rank in the top 100 in the nation, and BCE ranks 51st in the nation for engineering programs. The college recognizes the need to support diversity within its academic programs and is trying to close the gap between minority groups and others in enrollment in STEM degree programs. Enrollment and graduation rates of minority engineering students have risen at BCE because of diversity mentoring initiatives.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The MSU B.S. in Computer Science degree program provides students with a rich mix of theory and practical application of computational constructs. During this program, students examine common data frameworks and associated algorithms used in data processing activities. Knowledgeable faculty members guide students on an exploration of software design principles and methodologies that give them the tools to generate solutions for a variety of technical challenges. The degree curriculum exposes students to elements of hardware and software architecture through hands on projects so that they are fully cognizant of common system integration issues. Each assignment and project during this course focuses on improving students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills which are the key traits needed for modern programmers, system administrators and system analysts. Students who already know their chosen career path have the option to pursue specialized coursework in areas like operations research, artificial intelligence or become proficient in one or more programming languages.

Accreditations

• ABET
• SACSCOC

Contact
Butler Hall
Box 9637
Mississippi State University, MS 39762
(662) 325-2756
office@cse.msstate.edu
http://www.cse.msstate.edu/academics/understud/compscience.php

Minor in Computer Science

MSU students who major in subjects other than computer science still opt to study the subject as part of an official minor in Computer Science. There are several reasons why students choose this option of study. The study of computer science goes beyond mere computer operations and delves into details about how a computer system and its associated network operates. Since computing technology is used extensively in businesses regardless of industry, students who aspire to make tangible contributions to the organizations in which they work seek the development of solid technical skills gained through a minor in Computer Science. This type of minor program is especially beneficial to business majors who want to gain technical skills; it is also an effective way for students taking a technical major like mathematics or physics to practice applying their technical knowledge to practical computing requirements. MSU students who participate in this program take courses on introductory and intermediate computer science, a data structures analysis and discrete structures.

Accreditations

• ABET
• SACSCOC

Contact
Butler Hall
Box 9637
Mississippi State University, MS 39762
(662) 325-2756
office@cse.msstate.edu
http://www.cse.msstate.edu/academics/understud/minors.php

Master of Science in Computer Science

A graduate level degree in computer science from MSU opens the door to plenty of employment opportunities in both academia and industry. The Master’s in Computer Science degree’s curriculum is one of the reasons why the college is known for its high job placement. The program includes advanced computer technology topics as well as research projects that are designed to push the boundaries of traditional computing technology solutions. The goal of this type of graduate level computer science course is to develop technically competent information technology professionals who are prepared to work in collaborative project teams or university sponsored research teams. The M.S. in Computer Science coursework also adequately prepares students to pursue doctor of philosophy degree programs that often lead to positions within academia or government. While rigorous, the M.S. in Computer Science degree program offers flexible formats designed to meet students’ interests and schedule constraints. For example, students may opt to fulfill program requirements by completing a thesis or special project that reflects a real world business scenario that requires a technical solution.

Accreditations

• SACSCOC

Contact
Butler Hall
Box 9637
Mississippi State University, MS 39762
(662) 325-2756
office@cse.msstate.edu
http://www.cse.msstate.edu/academics/gradstud/

PhD in Computer Science

The MSU doctoral program in computer science falls under the Department of Computer Science and Engineering graduate studies, and it features faculty guided research projects on a variety of subjects. Some of the current research projects are on topics like artificial intelligence, computational science and human centered computing. Potential projects include subjects such as computer security, computer science education and virtualization technology. Students participating in the PhD in Computer Science at MSU look forward to working with accomplished faculty, industry leaders and top private and public research entities. Students with an undergraduate degree, appropriate aptitude test scores and certain mathematics and science prerequisite courses can apply for entrance into this degree program. Examples of coursework taken during the program are parallel and sequential algorithms, computer networks and computer graphics.

Accreditations

• SACSCOC

Contact
Bagley College of Engineering
479-2 Hardy Road, 250 McCain Hall
PO Box 9544
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-2270
office@cse.msstate.edu
http://www.cse.msstate.edu/prospective/grad/phdguidelines.php

Mississippi Valley State University

College of Arts and Sciences

Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) College of Arts and Sciences helps prepare students for inspiring careers in a variety of liberal arts, fine arts and science fields through its undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Founded in 1999, the college is led by knowledgeable faculty who put heavy emphasis on academic excellence, innovative research and service to their students and communities. The departments represented within the College of Arts and Sciences are English and Foreign Languages, Fine Arts, Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences, Natural Sciences and Environmental Health and Social Sciences. Additionally, the MVSU College of Arts and Sciences offers students degree programs in pre-professional study areas like medical, dental and law.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The MVSU B.S. in Computer Science is a comprehensive degree program that allows students to choose between two academic tracks that include computer science and information science. During the Computer Science degree program, students must complete general studies coursework in addition to foundational computer science courses. Some of these general courses include liberal arts classes like language arts, calculus, music and art; these classes are included within the program in hopes of cultivating the communication and interpersonal skills that students need to function within most jobs. Coursework within the MVSU B.S. in Computer Science gets progressively challenging and include topics like database systems, computer architecture and operating systems. The rigorous program consists of 124 credit hours of coursework designed to prepare students for careers in computer science as well as advanced degree programs.

Accreditations

• ABET
• SACSCOC

Contact
14000 Highway 82 West
Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400
(662) 254-3422
cgbland@mvsu.edu
http://www.mvsu.edu/academics/colleges/arts_sciences/departments/mathematics_computer_information_sciences/undergraduate/bs_computer_science/requirements.php

Minor in Computer Science

According to labor statistics projections, many career opportunities exist for those with skills in computer science and information technology. For this reason, even students who choose a non-technical major often decide to pursue a minor in computer science when such programs exist. At MVSU, students can take a minor in computer science that requires 21 credit hours of study in topics like data processing, computer architecture, geographic information systems, calculus and several popular programming languages. These courses expose students to subjects that are in high demand by employers. Some students choose a minor in computer science because the subject aligns with their career goals and academic majors. For example, business or health care science majors who want to work in the information technology departments in their chosen career fields will often take a minor in computer science.

Accreditations

• ABET
• SACSCOC

Contact
14000 Highway 82 West
Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400
(662) 254-3422
cgbland@mvsu.edu
http://www.mvsu.edu/academics/colleges/arts_sciences/departments/mathematics_computer_information_sciences/minors/computer_science/courses.php

The University of Mississippi

College of Liberal Arts

The University of Mississippi College of Liberal Arts aims to produce students who are well-rounded, culturally astute global citizens who are trained to think critically when faced with the tough challenges in their communities that often require solutions that extend beyond technology. The departments and programs represented within the College of Liberal Arts school are Cinema, African American Studies, Environmental Studies, Neuroscience, Women’s Studies, Southern Studies and International Studies. The College of Liberal Arts believes that good global citizenship begins close to home which is why the faculty and staff is committed to making the world a better place through community service. Both students and faculty participate in current service projects as well as initiate new ones on a regular basis.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

Most people do not associate a computer science degree with a university’s liberal arts college, but the University of Mississippi’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science fits right in with the college’s mission and goals. This degree program combines technical instruction with coursework in fine arts, social science, history, English, physical science, mathematics and foreign languages. The dynamic degree program consists of 124 credit hours of study that adds a rich academic tapestry as a background for a challenging technical degree program. Students who participate in degree programs like this one are likely to use their technical skills in careers that promote the social good of their communities. The core STEM courses included in the program are on topics like computer assembly language, ethics and social responsibility in computing, data structures analysis, statistics, physics and geological engineering.

Accreditations

• SACSCOC

Contact
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677
662-915-7177
libarts@olemiss.edu
http://cs.olemiss.edu/academics/badegree

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S.) degree program takes a more traditional approach to undergraduate computer science training than does the B.A. degree in computer science. During this program, students still take a selection of liberal arts courses, but the main focus of the curriculum is on the development of solid technical skills. For example, all but 18 credit hours of coursework is dedicated to STEM related classes, and the program that falls under the School of Engineering at the University of Mississippi includes foundational courses in electrical engineering like digital systems theory and laboratory classes. Besides those classes, students participating in the B.S.C.S. degree program can expect to take challenging courses in software design, data structure analysis, statistical methods, calculus and physics. Many industry professionals recognize the technical talent of computer scientists, but they understand that communication skills are needed by these computer professionals for them to convey ideas and solutions to various stakeholders. As a result, the University of Mississippi’s B.S.C.S. degree program includes courses in public speaking, business communication and English composition.

Accreditations

• ABET
• SACSCOC

Contact
227 Brevard Hall
University of Mississippi, MS 38677
(662) 915-7407
acheng@olemiss.edu
http://cs.olemiss.edu/academics/bsdegree

Master of Science in Engineering Science (Computer Science)

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Engineering Science with a concentration in Computer Science is a degree program that combines advanced STEM related coursework with challenging research opportunities. Students in this program complete courses in algorithm analysis, computer architecture, software design, computer networks and popular programming languages used within industry. The degree program’s research activity is a critical part of the program where students choose to complete either a project or a thesis. Students document the analysis and results of their 30 credit hours of approved graduate research as well as prepare for oral examination of their work for both thesis and project formats. The ambitious degree program is not for everyone, and prospective students must be recommended by the Department of Computer and Information Science to gain admittance. Besides the key department recommendation, students must submit grades of “B” or better in their undergraduate coursework, satisfactory aptitude test scores and evidence of completion of prerequisite coursework to qualify for full standing admission status.

Accreditations

• SACSCOC

Contact
217 Weir Hall
University of Mississippi, MS 38677
(662) 915-5355
bjang@cs.olemiss.edu
http://cs.olemiss.edu/academics/msdegree

PhD in Computer Science

The University of Mississippi’s doctoral degree program in computer science is a research based academic program that encourages computer scientists to seek innovative solutions to new challenges arising within the computing technology industry or related fields. Besides a recommendation from the computer science department, students must have an undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science with grades of “B” or better to gain admittance to the PhD program. Since the program has a heavy research focus, instructors expect students to have taken coursework in research methods, and those deficient in this area must successfully complete a graduate level course in the subject with a grade of “B” or better. The research conducted during the PhD in Computer Science program culminates in a dissertation and a comprehensive examination. The program is led by talented faculty who are capable of guiding research subject choices in the field of computer science because they have cultivated a lifelong learning attitude which is demonstrated by their own continuous research projects on related subjects.

Accreditations

• SACSCOC

Contact
217 Weir Hall
University of Mississippi, MS 38677
(662) 915-5355
bjang@cs.olemiss.edu
http://www.cs.olemiss.edu/academics/phddegree

The University of Southern Mississippi

School of Computing

The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) School of Computing offers students comprehensive STEM coursework at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree levels. Specifically, USM’s School of Computing offers degree programs in computer science, computer engineering, computational science and electronics engineering. Realizing that today’s businesses operate and remain competitive through the effective use of information, the faculty at USM’s School of Computing set out to create a learning environment for their students that allow them to discover new ways to apply their computational skills to real world problems. The school is supported by leading edge computer laboratories, experienced faculty and well funded research programs.

Computer Science – B.S.

The USM Computer Science B.S. is a rigorous degree program that includes the traditional undergraduate computer science coursework as well as courses to meet specialization requirements. Students participating in this program choose between concentrations in software engineering and web centric computing depending on their academic interests and career goals. This degree program is designed for students to gain immediate entry into computer science positions where they can fully use their newly developed skills. The program requires students to take a minimum of 124 credit hours of coursework to graduate, and opportunities to minor in computer science are available to those committed to other academic majors. A unique feature of the USM Computer Science B.S is the possibility for teachers who participate in the program to earn a special license in computer science education that qualifies them to teach the subject at the primary and secondary school levels.

Accreditations

• ABET
• SACSCOC

Contact
Bobby Chain Technology Building (TEC), 214
118 College Drive, #5106
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
(601) 266-4949
Sherry.Smith@usm.edu
http://www.usm.edu/undergraduate/computer-science-bs

M.S. Computer Science

USM’s M.S. in Computer Science combines rigorous coursework, innovative research and a comprehensive examination to help prepare students for technical leadership positions in the workplace and competitive faculty research careers in academia. The program consists of 33 credit hours of graduate level courses, and students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to successfully complete the degree. The program’s coursework and instruction that consist of conceptual and practically applied theory are designed to inspire research projects that become the heart of the graduate level computer science degree program.

Accreditations

• SACSCOC

Contact
Bobby Chain Technology Building (TEC), 214
118 College Drive, #5106
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
(601) 266-4949
Sherry.Smith@usm.edu
http://www.usm.edu/computing/ms-computer-science

While Mississippi usually brings to mind warm southern hospitality and cool mint juleps, it is also a state that is serious about helping the nation achieve its goals to improve the quantity and quality of those graduating with STEM degrees. The state’s accredited computer science degree programs put participating students on the right track toward satisfying STEM careers.