Online Master of Computer Science – Big Data Systems

Does harnessing the power of computing and machine learning to make sense of big data interest you? If so, Arizona State University’s online Master of Computer Science with a concentration in big data systems may be a great fit. In this program, you'll design scalable systems for capturing, processing and interpreting large and complex data sets. You'll also gain analytical expertise to generate insights from data and inform decision-making for organizations.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/08/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

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What is big data?

Big data describes the massive amount and variety of data being generated to support our knowledge economy. While some data is “at rest,” real-time processing of “data in motion” is vital for many applications. These include fraud detection systems, financial services, mobile/location-aware services, credit card authentication and health care.

Such vast, fast and complex data are difficult to store, manage, analyze and draw insights from. This necessitates the engineering of new data architectures and tools with lots of processing power. These can match the scale of the data and support split-second decision-making through data fusion and integration, analysis, visualization and forecasting algorithms.

New data systems help make decisions, support research discovery and generate value. Thus, there's an urgent need for engineers and data scientists with excellent data management, system development/integration and data analysis skills.

Why earn a master’s degree with a concentration in big data systems?

 

There’s a high demand for a new crop of data scientists and engineers with the ability to distill high volume, high velocity and high variety data sets. They need the analytical skills to turn data into meaningful insights and make accurate predictions based on the data. Through project-based learning, the online Master of Computer Science with a concentration in big data systems prepares you to architect, implement and deploy systems to manage this ever-growing amount of data.

You'll learn how to design different types of scalable big data systems. These include parallel, distributed and real-time systems. As a graduate with a computer science degree, you'll have the expertise needed to deploy the appropriate data management, processing or analysis system for a particular task or domain application need.

You’ll also gain the skills needed to obtain a deeper understanding of data through project-based learning in big data analysis, data processing, data mining, machine deep learning, mining algorithms, visualization techniques and more. Your big data training and skills in algorithms, modeling and engineering will give you a significant competitive advantage in the field.

What skills will I learn in this master’s in computer science program?

 

A master’s degree in computer science with a concentration in big data systems will provide you with a diverse skill set to acquire, store and process large-scale data sets. You’ll also gain analytical expertise to mine information from the data. The following skills acquired in the program may help you secure employment as a data architect, engineer or scientist.

  • Applying data mining technology to real-world applications.
  • Creating tools that support entity, network analytics, text, and media analytics.
  • Designing optimal solutions for a given set of application-driven constraints.
  • Making informed decisions about data storage, indexing, querying, retrieval and visualization.
  • Reasoning about query optimization and execution alternatives.
  • Using and developing real-time, online and scalable processing systems.

Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities

As a nondegree graduate student, you can begin taking graduate-level computer science courses without being admitted to the master’s program. This provides the opportunity to establish a high graduate GPA, try out courses to decide if you’re interested in the full degree program, meet the English proficiency requirement or earn a professional certification credential.

Students who complete three courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 after the first attempt of courses will be able use this GPA when applying for the Master of Computer Science program.

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Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Featured Master of Computer Science courses

Master of Computer Science – big data systems students must take one foundations course, one systems course and one applications course. Students must also complete a concentration requirement of 15 credit hours by taking big data systems courses, such as:

  • Engineering Blockchain Applications.
  • Data Mining.
  • Data Processing at Scale.
  • Data Visualization.
  • Statistical Machine Learning.

Foundations

Foundations of Algorithms


Foundations

Knowledge Representation and Reasoning


Systems

Advanced Computer and Network Security


Systems

Distributed & Multiprocessor Operating Systems


Systems

Information Assurance and Security


Systems

Mobile Computing


Systems

Software Project, Process and Quality Management


Systems

Software Security


What can you do with a master's degree concentration in big data systems?

Big data plays an instrumental role in many fields. These include health care, media, entertainment, manufacturing, education, banking and transportation. You can also find a career that suits your unique interests, from administering databases to developing software. Potential careers include, but are not limited to:

Cloud support associate

Data architect

Data engineer

Data scientist

Database administrator

Software development engineer

Study with award winning faculty members in the field of computer science

Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:

  • National Academy of Engineering members.
  • National Academy of Sciences member.
  • National Academy of Inventors members.
  • National Academy of Construction members.
  • More than 42 NSF CAREER Awards for early career faculty in the last five years.

Study with award winning faculty members in the field of computer science

Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:

  • National Academy of Engineering members.
  • National Academy of Sciences member.
  • National Academy of Inventors members.
  • National Academy of Construction members.
  • More than 42 NSF CAREER Awards for early career faculty in the last five years.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Admission requirements

Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities

Top 25% of all accredited engineering programs in the nation

Each student is fully supported on their path to success in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. We have received peer-reviewed programmatic honors from U.S. News & World Report and provide students with a rich learning environment.

#2


best online master’s in electrical engineering programs.

#3


best online master’s in engineering management programs.

Top 35


best undergraduate engineering programs.

60+


engineering student organizations and student professional societies.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

View the most commonly asked questions

Do prerequisites need to be taken from ASU?

Is there any credit offered for work experience in IT?

What is the total cost of the degree program?

Do I have to pay for the entire degree upfront?

Can completing professional certification coursework satisfy prerequisites?

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