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Master's in Computer Science

Dive into programming languages, data structures, and information systems. Students from all backgrounds can prepare for a successful career at our downtown Portland campus.

Program Snapshot

Master's

Graduate

36

12 months

Portland Center

Student using a VR headset.

Our Computer Science Graduate Degree Program

Become a well-rounded professional by gaining skills in a range of areas from software and systems to ethics and policy. Our program takes a holistic view of computing, considering not just functionality but the interaction between systems and humans. As technology continues to advance, you will also be challenged to consider questions of ethics that address present and future concerns. By focusing on the development of practical and soft skills, this program is designed to give you options.

Why choose a Master's Degree in Computer Science at Willamette University?

  • Career Advancement. Our graduate program is not a crash course. We take a thoughtful approach to provide you with information that benefits you along your career. Join a strong alumni network that can help expand your network and make the right connections.
  • Flexible Paths. Complete our program at your own pace - finish in as few as 12 months, or longer as needed. Each class meets once per week at our Portland campus in the evening, to accommodate working professionals.
  • Supportive Environment. Our instructors are also your mentors, helping you navigate through an ever-expanding field. Learn under the guidance of working experts that can offer real-time computer and information science insights.

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Alumni Stories

As CTOs, professors, and software engineers, our alumni are making a difference. They've worked at eBay, Nike, WebMD, and Netflix. They've also pursued Ph.D. programs. Learn how our alumni are turning their knowledge into action.

  • Gale Lucas Headshot

    Gale Lucas BA’05

    Advancing Human-Computer Interaction
    As a Research Assistant Professor at USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, Gale Lucas is breaking new ground in human-computer interaction. Her research at the Institute for Creative Technologies focuses on trust, rapport, and persuasion with virtual agents and social robots, driving innovation in affective computing and trust-in-automation.

  • Anna Neshyba Headshot

    Anna Neshyba BA’18

    Engineering Solutions
    As a Full Stack Software Engineer at Livongo, Anna Neshyba combines her expertise in computer science and art history to develop innovative solutions. Before Livongo, she honed her skills at Carrier and supported fellow students as a computer science tutor during her time at Willamette.

Curriculum

Understand how computer systems are tied to the human experience. Our graduate courses will vary every year to keep up with modern technology and industry changes. Our coursework is designed for collaborative cohorts, which include students who hold an undergraduate degree in computer science and those who majored in another subject. Experience the course options and resources from a large university, with the class sizes of a smaller school.

  • Cloud Application Development

    Learn cloud computing concepts and techniques through hands-on projects and collaborative learning. Engage with industry experts, refine your skills in cloud-native development, and present cloud-based applications that push the boundaries of technology.

  • Applied Machine Learning

    Explore the intersection of computer science and statistics to uncover patterns in data. Through hands-on projects, case studies, and expert-led discussions, you’ll apply machine learning to solve real-world challenges and master the skills to evaluate and interpret your results.

Why a Computer Science Master's Program at Willamette

Program Values
At Willamette, we focus on preparing our students for the evolving tech landscape. In our Computer Science Master's program, we emphasize the importance of cloud-based computing, security, and AI. Our students harness the power of modern technologies to develop innovative solutions that drive change.
Students in class listening to a lecture.

Introducing Some of Our Faculty

Our professors are up-to-date on the latest advances in technology. They will act as mentors, giving you the support and space to ask questions and pursue answers. Our highly-credentialed faculty have made contributions and connections in the local industry. Students can benefit from these valuable connections in their own career goals.

  • Haiyan Cheng

    Haiyan Cheng

    Cheng specializes in scientific computing, data science, and computational sustainability, with a focus on uncertainty quantification and hybrid numerical methods. She has published extensively on these topics and teaches courses related to data science, algorithms, and computational science.

  • Fred Agbo

    Fred Agbo

    Agbo specializes in computer science education and human-computer interaction, focusing on interactive technologies for learning. He has co-designed virtual reality mini-games and published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, aiming to advance computing education and HCI research.

  • Lucas Cordova

    Lucas Cordova

    Cordova is a software engineer and computing researcher with a Ph.D. in Software Engineering. His work spans various aspects of software engineering and computing pedagogy, including a multi-year collaborative project focused on developing tools for software testing education.

Program Details

Students must complete at least two classes from the Software and Systems category and at least one class from each of the other three categories which are Algorithms and Complexity, Ethics and Policy, and Human and Design. Students must complete a total of 9 classes and a minimum of 36 credits to earn the MS in Computer Science.

Two students looking at computer screens in class.
Admissions

Our graduate program stands out from most large state schools' programs in that it doesn't restrict admission to candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science. While some level of programming ability is required for admission, it is equivalent to our current undergraduate introductory courses. We offer a summer bridge program prior to the program's start to ensure students have the necessary skills to succeed. However, students with significant programming experience can petition to waive this requirement. 

Student looking up in class.
Financial Aid and Scholarships

Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply and will be notified of scholarship awards in their admission decision letter. Willamette does not provide full scholarships, employment through the department, housing, or health insurance to graduate students in the Master’s of Computer Science program.

Computer running a statistically modeling program.

FAQs

Willamette University

School of Computing and Information Systems