{"id":206,"date":"2022-04-27T15:51:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-27T15:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mscs.live-casewestern.pantheonsite.io\/?p=206"},"modified":"2023-12-04T12:37:11","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T16:37:11","slug":"online-masters-computer-science-improve-your-application","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onlineprograms.case.edu\/mscs\/blog\/online-masters-computer-science-improve-your-application\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Strengthen Your Master’s in Computer Science Application"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Applying to graduate school can be intimidating, but there are numerous reasons to get a master’s degree in computer science. For starters: Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) holders may have an easier time getting jobs at top companies<\/a> that are known for paying well. In fact, 21%-36% of employees<\/a> at companies such as Amazon, Facebook and Google have master’s degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even at non-FAANG firms (prominent companies in the tech sector), the MSCS has one of the highest wage premiums<\/a> of any master’s degree. PayScale reports that computer science professionals with bachelor’s degrees earn about $86,000<\/a>, per year while those with graduate degrees earn average salaries close to $104,000<\/a> per year. Master’s degree holders also have lower unemployment rates<\/a> across fields than bachelor’s degree holders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Computer science master’s program graduates enjoy this high pay and career stability because they have advanced technical skills<\/a>, well-developed soft skills<\/a> and advantageous professional connections<\/a>. They’re also prepared to adapt to a changing employment landscape in which graduate degrees are becoming increasingly common. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 74% of employers have raised educational standards<\/a> over the last several years. The upside is that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts jobs requiring a master’s degree will grow faster<\/a> than jobs requiring bachelor’s, associate’s and other degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, applying to graduate school to earn an MSCS isn’t complicated. It’s important, however, to do everything you can to make your application as strong as possible\u2014especially when you apply to selective graduate programs like the MSCS offered 100% online<\/a> by Case Western Reserve University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>How admissions officers review applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When reviewing applications from prospective MSCS students, admissions officers typically look for individuals who are academically strong with an undergraduate degree in a STEM field. They are also seeking people who are goal-oriented, inquisitive, innovative and prepared to commit to about two years<\/a> of graduate-level work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting into an on-campus or online master’s in computer science program isn’t just a matter of having the best grades, top GRE scores or a lengthy employment history\u2014though these can certainly strengthen your MSCS application. Admissions officers also review applications for markers\u2014including relevant employment in fields like software development, machine learning or cybersecurity\u2014that indicate prospective students’ interests and goals align with those of the program. In other words, they’re looking for applicants who are a good “fit.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fit is a key consideration but also an ambiguous one. The ideal application explains to admissions officers how graduating from this particular program will help you meet your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admissions officers look at the whole picture when reviewing your application for Case School of Engineering\u2019s online master\u2019s in computer science program, including your academic history, work experience and professional goals. Making that picture a compelling one isn’t difficult but does take time and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>10 tips to make your MSCS application as strong as possible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>1. Explore your skills and goals first<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Online degree programs in computer science tend to attract experienced software developers, computing systems analysts, information systems specialists, network security engineers and other tech professionals. Successful Case School of Engineering applicants are usually working professionals who understand where they want to take their careers and how completing an MSCS program will help them get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you apply, take a thoughtful look at your education, past work experience, technical and soft skills and five- to 10-year career plan. This will give a better idea of the competencies you need to develop to excel in your computer science career<\/a>. That knowledge will help you put together a stronger application and get more out of graduate school<\/a> and, importantly, choose the right master\u2019s program for you and your skillset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Case School of Engineering’s online Master of Science in Computer Science program, for example, offers two tracks tailored to your level of technical knowledge. The pathways track addresses foundational computer science skills for professionals looking to transition into the field, whereas the advanced track coursework helps technology professionals further develop their expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>2. Find programs that align with your background and ambitions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The strongest MSCS applications demonstrate why and how a candidate for admission is a good fit for a specific program. That’s why it’s so important to look closely at not only program focus but also the curriculum, faculty and format. As you research full-time and part-time on-campus and online programs, consider the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n