Online Master of Computer Science – Big Data Systems

Does harnessing the power of computing and machine learning to make sense of big data interest you? If so, Arizona State University’s online Master of Computer Science with a concentration in big data systems may be a great fit. In this program, you'll design scalable systems for capturing, processing and interpreting large and complex data sets. You'll also gain analytical expertise to generate insights from data and inform decision-making for organizations.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Computer Science – Big Data Systems (MCS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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Prepare for in-demand jobs in data science

The world has seen an explosive growth in data generation recently. This surge has created a significant need for skilled data scientists and engineers who can navigate and extract insights from large, fast-moving and diverse datasets. As a data scientist, you'll find that your analytical skills play a crucial role in transforming raw data into valuable insights and making accurate predictions. This program is designed with a focus on project-based learning, ensuring that you gain the expertise to design, implement and deploy systems capable of handling the constantly expanding volume of data.

You'll learn how to design different types of scalable big data systems, such as parallel, distributed and real-time systems. Upon graduation, you'll have the expertise needed to deploy the appropriate data management, processing or analysis system for a particular task or domain application need.

You’ll also develop a deeper understanding of data through hands-on learning in big data analysis, data processing, data mining, machine deep learning, mining algorithms, visualization techniques and more. Your big data training and skills in algorithms, modeling and engineering will give you a significant competitive advantage in the field.

The skills you’ll develop in this master’s program

 

This program provides you with a diverse skill set to acquire, store and process large-scale data sets. You’ll also gain analytical expertise to mine information from the data. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with a variety of skills needed to succeed, such as:

  • Applying data mining technology to real-world applications.
  • Creating tools that support entity, network analytics, text and media analytics.
  • Designing optimal solutions for a given set of application-driven constraints.
  • Making informed decisions about data storage, indexing, querying, retrieval and visualization.
  • Reasoning about query optimization and execution alternatives.
  • Using and developing real-time, online and scalable processing systems.

Who’s a good candidate for a big data systems master’s?

 

Ideal candidates for this program have a background in computer science and are working in computer programming or software engineering. With the urgent need for engineers and data scientists with excellent data management, system development/integration and data analysis skills, this program is suited for those looking to advance their computer science career.

Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities

As a nondegree graduate student, you can begin taking graduate-level computer science courses without being admitted to the master’s program. This provides the opportunity to establish a high graduate GPA, try out courses to decide if you’re interested in the full degree program, meet the English proficiency requirement or earn a professional certification credential.

Students who complete three courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 after the first attempt of courses will be able use this GPA when applying for the Master of Computer Science program.

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Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Build competencies in computer science with a concentration in big data.

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Featured Master of Computer Science courses

In this program, you’ll take one foundations course, one systems course and one applications course. You’ll also fulfill your big data systems concentration requirement of 15 credit hours by taking the following big data systems courses:

  • Data Mining.
  • Data Processing at Scale.
  • Data Visualization.
  • Engineering Blockchain Applications.
  • Statistical Machine Learning.

Foundations

Foundations of Algorithms


Foundations

Knowledge Representation and Reasoning


Systems

Advanced Computer and Network Security


Systems

Distributed & Multiprocessor Operating Systems


Systems

Information Assurance and Security


Systems

Mobile Computing


Systems

Software Project, Process and Quality Management


Systems

Software Security


What can you do with a master's degree concentration in big data systems?

Big data plays an instrumental role in fields including health care, media, entertainment, manufacturing, education, banking and transportation. Upon graduation, you can also find a career that suits your interests from administering databases to developing software. Potential careers include, but aren’t limited to:

Cloud support associate

Data architect

Data engineer

Data scientist

Database administrator

Software development engineer

Study with award winning faculty members in the field of computer science

Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:

  • National Academy of Engineering members.
  • National Academy of Sciences member.
  • National Academy of Inventors members.
  • National Academy of Construction members.
  • More than 42 NSF CAREER Awards for early career faculty in the last five years.

Study with award winning faculty members in the field of computer science

Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:

  • National Academy of Engineering members.
  • National Academy of Sciences member.
  • National Academy of Inventors members.
  • National Academy of Construction members.
  • More than 42 NSF CAREER Awards for early career faculty in the last five years.

How to apply

This program has a highly competitive admission process.

Application deadlines

Admission requirements

Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities

Top 25% of all accredited engineering programs in the nation

Each student is fully supported on their path to success in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. We have received peer-reviewed programmatic honors from U.S. News & World Report and provide students with a rich learning environment.

Top 5


best online master’s in electrical engineering programs.

Top 5


best online master’s in engineering management programs.

Top 35


best undergraduate engineering programs.

60+


engineering student organizations and student professional societies.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

View the most commonly asked questions

Do prerequisites need to be taken from ASU?

Is there any credit offered for work experience in IT?

Can completing professional certification coursework satisfy prerequisites?

Are letters of recommendation required for admission?

What is a statement of purpose?

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