Computer Science (Big Data Systems), MCS
Help meet the growing need for data scientists and engineers who can architect, implement and manage large data systems. You'll be well positioned to pursue leadership roles in data and technology.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Computer Science (Big Data Systems), MS description
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. Designed for professionals seeking expertise through hands-on experience, the program prepares you to meet the growing demand for data scientists and engineers who can build and optimize data-driven solutions.
You gain the knowledge and skills to design scalable systems --- parallel, distributed and real-time --- that acquire, store, process and access massive heterogeneous datasets. You also learn to apply analytical tools to extract insights and deploy the right data management, processing and analysis frameworks for structured and unstructured data across diverse domains.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours - course-based master's
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Restricted Electives (6 credit hours) Electives (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Coursework selected as part of the area core may not be used as elective coursework on the same plan of study. Students should check with their academic advisor to ensure that the total number of credit hours of their plan of study is equal to 30. The concentration coursework cannot be used as part of the area core on the same plan of study. Students must complete concentration course requirements as listed and complete different coursework for each of the core areas in applications, foundations and systems. At least 24 of these hours must be CSE 5XX credits at ASU. A maximum of four CSE 598 courses may be allowed as elective coursework. Up to six credit hours of 400-level courses may be applied to the plan of study. All 30 credit hours must be from formal coursework. CSE 590 is not allowed as part of the MCS program plan of study.
applications (3)
foundations (3)
systems (3)
CSE 511 Data Processing at Scale (3)
CSE 575 Statistical Machine Learning (3)
CSE 578 Data Visualization (3)
This is a course-based master's degree program. Students should see the academic unit for the list of courses approved for electives and each core area in applications, foundations and systems.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
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: Additional Application Information Before applying to the MCS program, students are required to have completed two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher. It is recommended that students complete a discrete math course before admission. Students assigned any additional admission requirements courses upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher within two semesters of admission to the program. Additional admission requirements courses include: CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
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.
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 330 Operating Systems
CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/23 | Priority* |
| Session B | Online | 09/16 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 12/14 | Priority* |
| Session B | Online | 02/15 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/19 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
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 recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this big data systems concentration prepares you for
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 include:
- computer network architect
- computer system analyst
- computer systems engineer
- data scientist or engineer
- machine learning, artificial intelligence computer vision engineer
- software developer
- software engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
CTRPT 105
On Campus: SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
ASU Online: mcsonline@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
