As popular and useful as the computer science program and Master of Business Administration (MBA) program each are individually, it’s no surprise that they’ve become a popular combination degree program. The computer science MBA is a dual-degree program chosen by students who are interested in leadership and technology but also want managerial positions in technology-based businesses. The computer science MBA offers a student many benefits and prepares them for many career options. Learn more here!
What Does the Computer Science MBA Entail?
Students enrolling in the computer science MBA program must be admitted to both a business school and a computer science school. The required units or credits may vary from one school to the next, but the required amount is generally about 129 units, which can generally be completed in nine quarters. The units the student completes must be a specific amount from the computer science department and a specific amount from the business program.
Courses in the Computer Science MBA
Students in the computer science MBA program complete a variety of courses from both the computer science school and the business school as well as any specializations they may wish to pursue.
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Course topics from the computer science department might include:
- Principles of Computer Science
- Probability
- Algorithmic Analysis
- Computer Organization and Systems
- Introduction to Computer Networking
- Computer Programming
- Operating Systems
While completing the computer science portion of the program, students can choose from various specializations.
- Computer and Network Security
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information Management and Analytics
- Systems
- Theoretical Computer Science
- Software Theory
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Biocomputation
- Software Theory Systems
Course topics from the Business department include some of the following.
- Financial Markets
- Entrepreneurship and Venture
- Microeconomic Analysis
- Econometric Methods
- Macroeconomics
- Corporate Finance Theory
- Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation
- The Startup Garage
Benefits of a Computer Science MBA
There are many advantages and benefits to pursuing a computer science MBA, but the best thing about this program is that students can simultaneously earn both a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration. In the past, if a student wanted to earn both of these degrees, they would be typically attending colleges for about two to three years for each of the programs provided they already had a bachelor’s degree.
Since the computer science MBA is a dual degree, students can earn degrees in half the day and join the workforce quickly. By earning both degrees through the computer science MBA, students obtain knowledge and skills related to both business and computer science, which makes them more credible on the job market and increases their chances of earning a higher salary.
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Careers With a Computer Science MBA
Another benefit of pursuing a computer science MBA is that it offers the possibility of many career choices. There are obviously going to be more job opportunities for graduates who hold two master’s degrees, but what makes this such a unique option is that business and computer science are two very popular fields and are also fields that offer numerous job opportunities. Here are just a few of the many jobs possible with a computer science MBA.
- Senior Project Manager, Software
- Senior Director of Operations
- Analytics Manager
- Project Manager, Information Technology
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Chief Information Officer
- Commercial & Industrial Designer
- Computer Scientist
- Information Systems Manager
- Systems Administrator
The MBA program is probably one of the most widely sought after degrees for those interested in working in the business world and, according to U.S. News & World Report, computer science is one of the rare disciplines where there are more jobs available than degrees being earned. This makes the computer science MBA a very beneficial degree that offers graduates a large number of job opportunities.
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