depaul-university

Computer Science Degree Options at DePaul University

DePaul University appears in our ranking of the Top 30 Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.

The graduate program in computer science at DePaul University is offered through the school’s College of Computing and Digital Media as a Master of Science in Computer Science. The degree program offers students classes in fundamental concepts in computer science, as well as the programmatic applications of those fundamentals that guide the industry. In addition to studying the basics of computer science, students will also have the opportunity to study advanced topics in areas like scientific computing, data mining, medical imaging, and algorithmic analysis.

Students may receive waivers for some introductory courses in the major with approval from the university after having proven appropriate professional experience or having taken previous classes. The student must also pass a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) in the course he or she wishes to waive. Introductory courses required in the program include Discrete Structures for Computer Science, Data Structures I, Data Structures II, Introduction to Programming, Systems I and Systems II. After completing the program’s introductory courses a student will continue onto foundation courses that include Distributed Systems I, Database Technologies, Object-Oriented Software Development, Concepts of Programming Languages, and Applied Algorithms & Structures.

The program also allows students to focus in one of eight areas for a concentration that includes the topics of Theory, Database Systems, Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interactions, Game & Real-Time Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Software & Systems Development. Classes available in specialized areas include Web Applications and Framework for Web Application Development within the Software & Systems Development specialization, as well as Scientific Computing and Cryptology for the Theory specialization. Further, students will have the choice of completing a research project, participating in an internship, contributing to the Research Colloquium, or writing a master thesis. The student’s intentions post-graduation will influence the choice he or she makes in the program’s culminating project.

Overall, students must complete at least 52 graduate credits, as well as introductory courses required by the program. Students must earn a grade of C- or better for the class to count toward that total and the student’s cumulative GPA at graduation must be at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Some of the industries where graduates have found work include marketing, education, insurance, healthcare, banking & financial services, and advertising. Companies where graduates have gone onto work include Allstate, Classified Ventures, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Microsoft, and Adage Technologies.

About DePaul University

DePaul University is affiliated with the Vincentians, who are part of the Catholic Church. The name of the school was taken from a French priest who lived in the 1600s. Founded in 1898 and once called St. Vincent’s College, the school places a focus on helping first-generation students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds go to college. There are two main campuses where students attend classes in Chicago. More than 15,000 graduate students attend the college and more than 7,500 graduate students also attend. The school’s official colors are scarlet and royal blue. The sports teams are nicknamed the Blue Demons, and they play in NCAA Division I games.

DePaul University Accreditation Details

Regional accrediting agency The Higher Learning Commission has accredited DePaul University. The university has also gained accreditation for many of its programs by specialized accrediting agencies and organizations. One of the specialized accreditations held by the university include is from the American Bar Association (ABA) whose Council of the Section of Legal Education & Admission to the Bar: Law (LAW) – professional schools has given authorization to the university’s law programs. The university’s chemistry and biochemistry programs have been accredited by the American Chemical Society and the American Psychological Association, Committee on Accreditation has accredited the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology. The Master of Public Health at DePaul University is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

DePaul University Application Requirements

Undergraduate admission to programs at DePaul University requires that students complete the official application, have high school transcripts sent to the university, and have a high school diploma at the time they enter a program at the university. Students may submit standardized test scores, but they’re not required for admission. Admission to the graduate programs at DePaul University requires that applicants have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for their bachelor’s degree, as well as a degree from a regionally accredited school. International students will also need to submit proof of proficiency in English. Application materials include a completed application, a $25 application fee, and official transcripts from all colleges attended. Supplemental materials that a student may wish to submit include letters of recommendation and a resume or list of industry certifications.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost of attendance at DePaul University varies and depends on the program a student enters. Students entering programs at the College of Communication, College of Education, and College of Liberal Arts & Sciences pay $39,369 a year for tuition. Students entering the School of Music pay $40,59 and students taking classes from the Richard H. Driehaus College of Business, the College of Science & Health (CSH), and the College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) pay $40,371 for the year. Graduate school tuition also varies and is paid per credit hour. Students in the College of Education or the School for New Learning pay $640 per credit while students in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences pay $700 per credit. Students in the College of Computing & Digital Media pay $850 per credit hour. Students may also pay additional money for dining plans and housing fees.

There are two types of aid available to students at DePaul University that include “gift aid” and “self-help assistance.” Gift aid options include offers like scholarships, grants, and need-based funding. Self-help assistance includes loans and work-study grants where the student must work in order to secure the funds. The university shares that they offer more than $26 million in scholarships each year to students and that more than 85 percent of students receive some type of financial aid. Students should endeavor to submit their FAFSA form as soon as they can after October 1st of the year. In December, DePaul University will send out financial aid award letters to students who have been admitted to the computer science degree program.