Marshall University has been recognized by Fortune for offering the Best Online Master’s in Computer Science program in the nation for 2024.
Fortune noted that business leaders need the best they can find, with the increasing use of AI, large-scale data analysis and cloud computing. In ranking university programs, it looked at factors such as the program’s selectivity, success rate and demand, said Dr. Paulus Wahjudi, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Sciences and Electrical Engineering.
“Our faculty have always been focused on the students,” Wahjudi said. “We are happy to see that our dedication is recognized by a respected entity such as Fortune. We will continue to focus on our students’ success, especially since the technology is rapidly growing and there is a big demand to be filled.”
Fortune also gave Marshall a third-place ranking nationally for its in-person master’s degree in Computer Science. In 2023, Fortune gave a second-place ranking to Marshall’s online master’s degree program in Cybersecurity.
“It’s a testament to the people in the Computer Sciences and Electrical Engineering department doing a great job,” said David Dampier, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences.
“These rankings are evidence why our online programs are growing. We had a 71% increase in graduate enrollment from the fall of 2022 to the fall of 2023 in the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences.”
The master’s degree program at Marshall covers topics such as data mining, big data systems, cyber risk, and advanced web technology.
Marshall’s online M.S. Computer Science program had a 40% acceptance rate in 2023-24, and its students have had an average 3.55 grade point average. In 2022-23, the program had a 92% one-year retention rate and 93% graduation rate. Four months post-graduation, Marshall’s alumni earn $99,870 in median annual salary.
The program’s annual tuition is $8,010, and application deadline for Fall 2024 is Aug. 1. Marshall’s program does not require standardized testing to apply or letters of recommendation. International students must turn in a proof of English proficiency.
There are several ways in which Marshall strives to offer students the best, Wahjudi said.
“The online degree program is offered in asynchronous format and is taught by faculty members in their field of expertise who are active in research projects with several million dollars in research expenditures,” he said, adding that students also benefit from adjunct faculty with years of experience in the field.
“Even though the program is asynchronous, the faculty are also available to meet virtually with students,” he said. “Every instructor is Quality Matters (QM)-certified, and each course is reviewed by the Marshall University design center to ensure that it delivers the class materials effectively for the students.”
For more information about Marshall’s M.S. in Computer Science program, visit https://www.marshall.edu/cecs/mscs/. To see the Fortune report, visit here.