Online Masters

The online Master of Science in Applied Computing program equips you with the skills to solve complex problems and drive innovation across tech fields. Upon graduation, you will be able to:

• Design and implement algorithms that extract valuable insights from text to support informed decision-making.
• Work with real-world data through acquisition, cleaning, tagging, indexing, searching, classification, clustering, topic modeling, and entity resolution.
• Apply advanced machine learning methods, including decision trees, neural networks, Bayesian and reinforcement learning, relational learning, feature selection, and kernel techniques.
• Develop expertise in cybersecurity, including cryptography, access control, secure coding, operating system and network security, and legal and ethical considerations.
• Understand core AI concepts such as search algorithms, knowledge representation, heuristics, and automated problem-solving.
• Use algorithm design strategies like divide and conquer, greedy methods, and dynamic programming to solve computational challenges.
• Design and implement algorithms across a range of models—deterministic and randomized, serial and parallel, centralized and decentralized, software-based and hardware-based.

This program is a fully online program designed to be completed over five semesters. It offers a flexible, engaging structure that fits the needs of working professionals.

Program features include:

• Courses ranging from 8 to 16 weeks in length

• A combination of asynchronous learning and live online class sessions

• Eleven courses totaling 33 credit hours

• A balanced curriculum that integrates both advanced theoretical and applied computer science concepts

Some course topics include:

• Algorithm Analysis

• Database Management Systems

• Text Analytics

• Software Engineering Processes

• Network Science

• Data Mining

• Machine Learning

• Computer Security

• Parallel, Distributed, and Network Programming

• Artificial Intelligence

• Independent Study (as needed)

To apply, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, IT, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent). A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required. Your academic background in mathematics and computer science will be reviewed to assess readiness for graduate-level coursework.

We recommend speaking with an enrollment counselor to discuss any required prerequisites.

Application Requirements

• Complete the online application at gograd.ou.edu/apply

• Submit a current resume

• Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions

• Submit a personal statement

• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency

Required Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants must have completed the following courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA (B average). Coursework must be officially transcripted from an accredited academic institution. Work experience or certificates cannot substitute for these academic requirements.

• Calculus I and II

• Linear Algebra

• Applied Engineering Statistical Methods

• Ordinary Differential Equations or Numerical Analysis

• Data Structures

• Computer Organization

• Discrete Computing Structures (or Discrete Mathematics)

• Introduction to Operating Systems

• Theory of Computation or Automata

Additional Information

The GRE is not required. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and admissions decisions are made on an ongoing basis throughout the year.