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Fall (September) 2025 application deadline has been extended to July 7, 2025.

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Advance your career in the dynamic field of computer science with the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science (MSACS) at Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver. This program is tailored for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in areas such as software engineering, database administration, and systems analysis. Located in the heart of Vancouver, FDU Vancouver program offers hands-on learning experiences and industry-relevant specializations, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking to advance in data analytics, programming, AI and the tech industry. 

Program Overview 

  • Total Credits: 30 credits 
  • Program Duration: 16 – 24 months (average full-time completion) 
  • Delivery Mode: In-person (Vancouver) 
  • Experiential Learning: Internship opportunities available 
  • Program Intakes: January, May and September 
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligible (see details) 

Program Highlights 

  • MSACS program at the Vancouver campus follows FDU’s Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering’s mission of preparing competent computer professionals and responsible global citizens. 
  • Expert Faculty & Small Class Sizes – Learn from industry professionals with personalized support and learning. 
  • Students have the option to complete a thesis by taking CSCI6803 and CSCI6804 to earn a total of six credits. 
  • Students can choose four courses from either of the following  three specializations (total 12 credits) 
    • Database Administration 
    • Advanced Computer Programming 
    • Other Electives 

Career Outcomes 

The program’s comprehensive curriculum and practical experiences prepare students to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving technology sector. Graduates of the MSACS program are equipped to pursue a variety of roles in the tech industry, including: 

  • Software Engineer/Developer 
  • Data Scientist 
  • Systems Analyst 
  • Database Administrator 
  • Network and Cybersecurity Specialist 
  • Project Manager 
  • IT Consultant 

Degree Plan  

Master of Science in Applied Computer Science (MSACS) degree plan provides a recommended sequence of courses designed to ensure a logical progression through required course prerequisites. While these course sequences offer a structured path to program completion, students should note that the actual order of courses may vary depending on their start term. 

Research Foundation 

All MSACS students are required to take a non-academic research course in their first semester. 

  • EPS 5289 – Academic Writing Skills-Masters 

Foundation Courses 

Students without prior education equivalent to the following courses must complete these prerequisites: 

  • CSCI 5505 – Introduction to Computer Programming 
  • CSCI 5506 – Object Oriented Programming 
  • CSCI 5557 – Data Structures and Algorithms 
  • CSCI 5565 – Assembly Language 

Computer Science Core Courses 

  • CSCI 6603 – Computer Architecture (or) CSCI6623 Database Systems 
  • CSCI 6620 – Software Engineering 
  • CSCI 6638 – Operating Systems 
  • CSCI 6806 – Computer Science Graduate Capstone Project 
  • CSCI 6836 – Computer Algorithms 
  • CSCI 7645 – Systems Programming  

Specialization 

Choose either the first 4 courses or any 3 from the first 4 plus the internship (12 credits) 

Advanced Computer Programming Specialization  

  • CSCI 6617  –  Computer Game Programming 
  • CSCI 6809 –  Advanced Applications Development 
  • CSCI 6844 –  Programming for the Internet 
  • CSCI 7873  –  Shell Programming 
  • CSCI 8891  –  Internship/Work Experience 

Database Administration Specialization  

  • CSCI 6882 – Data Warehouse and Data Mining 
  • CSCI 7741  –  Disaster Recovery 
  • CSCI 7781  –  Advanced Database Systems 
  • CSCI 7783 –  Information Security 
  • CSCI 8891 –  Internship/Work Experience 

Other Electives Specialization (12 credits) 

Choose any 4 courses from the list below