Master of Science in Computer Science

The ever-changing world of software and computer science has always demanded more advanced training and education.

With the University of San Francisco's prime location in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area and its proximity to Silicon Valley, USF graduate students enjoy an environment rich with the many innovations and opportunities of this world-renown region of technology. For these reasons and others, the number of students in the graduate program in Computer Science at the University of San Francisco has grown by 65% since 1999.

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) provides students with a broad background in software development and other core disciplines of computer science. This core background serves as a sound foundation for CS graduate students as they develop a substantial software project - either as a research-driven or commercially sponsored project.

Small classes and close interaction with full-time faculty are a hallmark of graduate education at USF. Along with the full-time teaching and research faculty, outside experts bring real-word computing experience to the classroom. In the Harney Science Center on the USF campus, a state-of-the-art computer and multimedia studio was constructed and endowed with a $2.5 million gift from a Computer Science alumnus. Students and faculty also maintain the W.M. Keck Computer Cluster (a Myrinet-connected network of 128 processors which provides students with on-site access to one of the most powerful computers at a liberal arts university).

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Emphasis in Entrepreneurship

The United States excels at entrepreneurship, and USF claims one of the top entrepreneurial business schools in the nation. Ranked in the Top Tier of University Entrepreneurship Programs by Entrepreneur magazine and in the Top 25 of "America's Most Entrepreneurial Campuses" by Forbes and Princeton Review - the M.S. in Computer Science Program has joined with USF's MBA Entrepreneurship Program to offer the classic M.S. in Computer Science with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship.

Students enrolled in the entrepreneurship emphasis follow a standard MSCS degree, but take their electives in the top tier Entrepreneurship Program from the business school alongside MBA students.  In addition, students will participate in the Silicon Valley Immersions program.  This program provides unique access to the Silicon Valley's entrepreneurial ecosystem through a one to four week immersion opportunity. 

Practicum Option

The computer science graduate school at USF now offers a Practicum Option that allows students to gain practical paid work experience in the Silicon Valley while going to school. Students approved for the Practicum Option typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, which makes school much easier to afford. Students take internships with companies such as BEA, Adobe, SAP, Intel, Technorati, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, and Internet Archive.