Earn a master’s in computer and information science without any prior experience
Open the door to a whole new career in cybersecurity, computer programming, data analytics and more. The online Master of Science in Computer and Information Science from Marquette was created with a career-changer pathway in order to support students who are new to the industry as they build essential knowledge and evolve their skills to launch a successful career.
Program details
- 43 credit hours
- Complete in as few as two years
- Summer start only
- Part-time and full-time course loads available
- 1 specialization and 3 concentration options to hone your skills
I picked the Marquette CIS program...because this program offers an intro course which I think is great for beginners to get into the field smoothly.
Your new computer and information science career begins with one course
You’ll also gain hands-on experience using an interactive development environment, studying software development methodology, and testing code, basic system administration, computer networking and operating system configuration. Through your assignments and exploration you’ll be able to start building a portfolio of your computing work to show future employers.
Build the tech skills you need for the elevated career you want
You might be planning to take on an entirely new job with your computer and information science degree, and our online master’s program will equip you with all the skills you need to enter the field as a consummate IT professional. But the career-changer program might also be perfect for moving into a more technologically focused advanced role within your current department. Consider how combining IT skills with your existing experience could really allow you to level-up.
Master’s in computer and information science jobs
Master’s in computer and information science jobs
Project managers, entry-level analysts and others working in business administrations can hone their data analytics and visualization skills to become adept business analysts capable of managing large and complex projects. Business professionals can also further their analytical-thinking skills, and combined with their knowledge of business, become software developers or analysts, IT project managers, and network architects. Operations professionals could transition into executive management roles like chief technology officer or chief information officer and make an especially big impact with cybersecurity skills.
Graphic designers, copywriters and others in similar creative roles might earn their computer and information science master’s to do user experience or user interface design, front-end web development or mobile app development. Brand specialists and marketing coordinators could move into the marketing-technology (known as martech) field serving as the bridge between marketing and IT departments in managerial or executive roles. Data analytics and data visualization courses could also be helpful for individuals looking to gain higher titles in paid or digital marketing roles like SEO or web optimization, email marketing and database management.
Of course, there are dozens of career paths outside of your current field that you could choose after your master’s. In fact computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031.1 With the immense breadth of skills you’ll gain in the online information technology master’s, you could pursue a career as a cybersecurity analyst, an AI engineer, computer research scientist, computer programmer and many others.
Why enroll in a master’s program instead of a bootcamp?
When you‘re choosing Marquette, you’re choosing to have the top of the line and second you're choosing to have a whole support network that you really don't get anywhere else.
Your career goals are within reach: go after them
It might seem like a big undertaking, but you can start applying the skills you learn in class immediately to your job and then smoothly transition into an advanced role. In the meantime, get started on your application and begin working on the supplemental materials you’ll need to turn in to be considered for admission. We recommend career-changers focus on the following:
- Think about the relevant work or extracurricular experience you have that would be good to bring up in your personal statement. Have you completed any coding workshops or online tutorials? Make sure to list the topics you’ve studied previously. You’ll also want to be able to clearly state your career goals like what sorts of jobs you’re hoping to apply to after graduation or how you would ideally like to use your skills.
- Start a list of the contacts you have who might be able to write a good recommendation for you. You’ll need three letters which can be from professors, former or current supervisors or coworkers or anyone else who is familiar with your abilities, academic work or professional background. Consider even a recommendation from a professor who had you in a class where you rose to the challenge of a difficult topic.
- Consider asking your employer for tuition assistance. Nearly half of U.S.-based companies offer educational support programs to employees2 so it’s worth a try—especially if you’re hoping to develop skills for a promotion or to fill a certain gap in skills at your current organization.
At Marquette, you’ll experience a program exuding quality, integrity and support. When you could stand to earn as much as 26% more2 with your computer and information science master’s, it makes the program a clear choice for setting off toward a successful new career.
- Retrieved on August 5, 2022, from www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
- Retrieved on February 2, 2023, from www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/benefits/pages/why-more-employers-are-leveraging-tuition-assistance-to-attract-and-retain-employees.aspx
- Retrieved on February 2, 2023, from www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm, Table 4