The number of computer and information technology positions is projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for other occupations. The Master of Applied Computer Science (MACS) degree is designed to provide a strong, interdisciplinary foundation in computer science for working professionals who come from non-mathematical or non-engineering disciplines and who want to enter the field of computing.
CAPS also offers an Advanced Certificate in Applied Computer Science: a two-part bridge program for those seeking an introduction to computer science without committing to a master's degree.
Offered in collaboration between the McKelvey School of Engineering's Sever Institute and WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS), these flexible online programs help working professionals acquire the skills they need to advance in the field of computer science.
The program focuses on in-demand, practical, and hands-on computational skills including databases, networks, web development, security, systems administration, and software development. Online course delivery provides a flexible educational experience for working adults.
Contact Info
| Contact: | CAPS |
| Phone: | 314-935-6700 |
| Email: | caps@wustl.edu |
| Website: | https://caps.washu.edu/programs/graduate-programs/master-of-applied-computer-science/ |
Courses for this new program will be developed and listed soon. Visit the CAPS website for up-to-date program course listings.
CAPS-CS 5000 Foundations of Computer Science and Programming
An introduction to software concepts and implementation, emphasizing problem solving through abstraction and decomposition using a contemporary programming language. Introduces processes and algorithms, procedural abstraction, data abstraction, encapsulation, and object-oriented programming. Recursion, iteration, and simple data structures are covered. Concepts and skills are mastered through programming projects, many of which employ graphics to enhance conceptual understanding.
Credit 3 units.
Typical periods offered: Summer 3, Spring, Fall, Summer
CAPS-CS 5001 Foundations of Discrete Math and Structures
Introduces elements of logic and discrete mathematics that allow reasoning about computational structures and processes. Generally, the areas of discrete structures, probability, and computational models are covered. Topics include propositional and predicate logic; sets, relations, functions and graphs; finite state machines and regular languages; and introduction to discrete probability, expected value, and variance. Concepts will be reinforced and applied through a contemporary programming language assignments.
Credit 3 units.
Typical periods offered: Summer 3, Spring, Fall, Summer
CAPS-CS 5005 Foundations of Object-Oriented Programming
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Through a combination of theory and hands-on exercises, students will gain a strong foundation in OOP concepts such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Students will learn how to design and implement object-oriented programs, create classes and objects, and employ advanced features such as constructors, methods, and inheritance hierarchies.
Credit 3 units.
Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring
CAPS-CS 5006 Introduction to Cloud Computing
This course provides an in-depth introduction to cloud computing, one of the most rapidly evolving fields in technology today. Students will learn about the key concepts and components of cloud computing, including virtualization, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). Students will also explore the benefits and challenges of cloud computing, such as scalability, flexibility, security, and cost efficiency. Throughout the course, students will work on practical exercises and projects that will enable them to apply their knowledge of cloud computing in real-world scenarios.
Credit 3 units.
Typical periods offered: Fall, Summer 3, Spring
CAPS-CS 5020 Full-Stack Software Development
This course teaches students the necessary skills needed to build database-backed APIs and web applications. Students will be able to design and build databases for software applications, create and deploy database-backed web APIs, and secure and manage user authentication and access control for an application backend. Students will also learn how to deploy a web application to the cloud using containerization.
Credit 3 units.
Typical periods offered: Fall, Summer 3, Spring
CAPS-CS 5025 Database Programming and Development
This course explores analysis of data stored in relational and non-relational database systems to power strategic decision-making. Students will learn to determine, create, and execute SQL and NoSQL queries that manipulate and dissect large scale datasets. Students will learn SQL commands, functions, and data cleaning methodologies to join, aggregate, and clean tables, as well as complete performance tune analysis to provide strategic business recommendations.
Credit 3 units.
Typical periods offered: Fall, Summer 3, Spring
CAPS-CS 5035 Data Engineering Foundations
This course provides an overview of the discipline of data engineering. It introduces software and systems for data analytics & applications and software development as required in the design of data-intensive applications. Students learn about algorithms, data structures, and technologies for storing and processing data. Students gain experience with open-source software, text editors, integrated development environments, and cloud systems. Students employ best practices in software development, utilizing tools for syntax checking, testing, debugging, and version control. The course also introduces formal models for algorithm and system performance.
Credit 3 units.
Typical periods offered: Summer 3, Spring, Fall, Summer