MCS Computer Science (Big Data Systems) at Arizona State University

Programme overview

You develop the skills to design, implement and manage scalable data platforms in the online Master of Computer Science program with a concentration in big data systems, preparing you for careers in data science and engineering. This concentration program provides you with advanced training in the architecture and management of large-scale data systems.

What you will study

30 credit hours - course-based master's Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) applications (3) foundations (3) systems (3) Concentration (9 credit hours) CSE 511 Data Processing at Scale (3) CSE 575 Statistical Machine Learning (3) CSE 578 Data Visualization (3) Restricted Electives (6 credit hours) Electives (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information This is a course-based master's degree program.

Career pathways

Graduates have the expertise to architect and manage end-to-end big data platforms, giving them a competitive edge in industry roles spanning data science, data engineering, and systems development. Career examples: computer network architect, computer system analyst, computer systems engineer, data scientist or engineer, machine learning, artificial intelligence computer vision engineer, software developer, software engineer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts statement of purpose or curriculum vitae proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language with a TOEFL iBT® score of 4.5, or 90 (taken at a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026; 7 on the IELTS; or 115 on the Duolingo English test, regardless of current residency.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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