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.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/08/2024
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
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.
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.
Learn moreWill 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 of Algorithms
Knowledge Representation and Reasoning
Advanced Computer and Network Security
Distributed & Multiprocessor Operating Systems
Information Assurance and Security
Mobile Computing
Software Project, Process and Quality Management
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.
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
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