Online MS in Applied Computing

Lead organizations into the future

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, I consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

At a Glance

The online Master of Science in Applied Computing from OU Online equips you with the in-demand skills that top employers seek, empowering you to make an immediate impact in your programming career and stand out in a competitive job market.

Core courses strengthen your expertise in algorithms, software engineering, and applied database technologies. Electives let you tailor your degree with advanced study in security, cloud computing, machine learning, web development, and mobile development.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

12+ Months

Credit Hours:

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring

cost

The MS in Applied Computing delivers a strong return on investment by preparing you for advanced leadership roles and higher earning potential in the tech industry.

Tuition and fees total $30,450 ($1,015 per credit hour). This cost does not include books or additional materials.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, l consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

About the Online Master of Science in Applied Computing

The tech and software industries evolve rapidly, creating strong demand for professionals with advanced programming expertise. Organizations across sectors—including government, healthcare, and finance—depend on skilled developers to drive innovation and lead digital transformation.

The OU Online master’s degree in applied computing is a 30-credit program that offers hands-on, practical training and can be completed in as little as one year. Taught by expert faculty from OU’s Gallogly College of Engineering, the program delivers intensive instruction in advanced programming languages, data structures, machine learning, cloud computing, and modern development tools designed for today’s fast-paced tech environment.

What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Applied Computing

Earning an online MS in Applied Computing from the University of Oklahoma positions you for career growth in high-demand fields that rely on advanced programming and data analysis expertise. Accelerate your path to leadership in roles such as:

System Administrator
Project Manager
Software Engineer

Web Developer
Business Analyst
Database Developer

Industry Insights

Median Pay: $96,800
Job Outlook: Employment for network and computer systems administrators is projected to decline by 3 percent by 2033
Job Openings: An estimated 16,400 openings for network and computer systems administrators are expected each year, on average, over the next decade

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Outcomes: What You’ll Learn to Excel in Applied Computing

OU’s online MS in Applied Computing program empowers graduates to:

Master high-level programming languages, development tools, and frameworks to design innovative software solutions that solve real-world challenges
Apply cutting-edge technologies to drive progress across diverse software-driven industries
Evaluate complex computing problems, analyze data, and implement optimized solutions using computational thinking and quantitative methods
Leverage advanced expertise to solve intricate computing challenges with strategic, results-driven approaches
Pursue leadership and consulting roles in business, technology, and engineering sectors
Lead innovation by using technology to accelerate organizational growth and success
Make ethical, informed decisions and adapt confidently to the evolving tech landscape

Course Details

The Applied Computing master’s degree delivers a comprehensive foundation in essential programming principles and mathematical concepts for computer science. You’ll explore advanced topics in software engineering, development, data structures, security, and more—building the technical depth and versatility needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced tech landscape.

Course Structure

You’ll earn 30 credit hours across 10 courses. You’ll take two 8-week courses at a time in each module (four courses each semester). Each course features live sessions one per week every other week on a weeknight from 7 to 8:30 pm CT.

Programming Principles

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of structured and object-oriented programming and provides a comprehensive introduction to programming for computer science and technology majors. Topics include software development methodology, data types, control structures, functions, arrays, classes, methods, object-oriented programming concepts, sorting and searching, and the mechanics of running, testing, and debugging.

Practical Data Structures and Algorithms

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers fundamental concepts and the application of data structures and algorithms. Topics include abstract data types, dynamic arrays, iterators, linked lists, generics, stacks, queues, binary search trees, collections, hashing, graphs, and sorting.

Applied Database System Technologies

Credit Hours: 3

This course concentrates on the concepts and structures necessary to design, implement, and use a database system. It is oriented towards the general principles, their applications, and the relevant theoretical foundation. This course will give you skills to design, develop, manage, and administer cutting-edge database systems. You will learn about relational database systems with SQL and databases.

Mobile Devices Software Development

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces the concepts, practices, and technologies to design, develop, and manage cross-platform websites and applications running on modern mobile devices. The students will gain plenty of experience from hands-on exercises. The course also provides a higher-level survey of technologies, principles, strategies, and frameworks for mobile device software development. The class will focus on UI design and programming.

Machine Learning Practice

Credit Hours: 3

Machine learning is the data-driven process of constructing mathematical models that can be predictive of data observed in the future. In this course, we will study the use of a range of supervised, semi-supervised and unsupervised methods to solve both classification and regression problems.

Mathematics for Computer Science

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers widely applicable mathematical tools for computer science, including topics from logic, set theory, combinatorics, linear algebra, number theory, probability theory, and graph theory. It includes practice in reasoning formally and proving theorems.

Introduction to Software Engineering

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a team project course focused on the practical application of common, modern techniques to all aspects of software project development. Students will learn about effective processes for software requirements specification, planning, design, documentation, development, review, defect tracking, testing, product delivery, and product evaluation. There is some emphasis on resource tracking and software quality.

Data Security, Networks and Network Security

Credit Hours: 3

This course will begin by introducing Data Security and Information Security. Discussions about Risk Management, its principles, methods, and types will be included in the course. This course will explain the different ways of securing and protecting data on both hardware and software platforms. Network Security will cover various security issues and vulnerabilities in various network layers.

Software Development for World Wide Web

Credit Hours: 3

This course will introduce concepts in programming web application servers. At the conclusion of this course, you will understand the fundamental concepts of software engineering as it is applied to web application design and programming, know the modern tools used to program web application servers, and be able to produce substantial web applications as part of a team.

Introduction to Cloud Computing

Credit Hours: 3

This course gives students an overview of the field of Cloud Computing, its enabling technologies, main building blocks, and hands-on experience through projects utilizing public cloud infrastructures. Cloud computing services are being adopted widely across a variety of organizations and in many domains.

Why Earning Your Master’s in Applied Computing at OU Online Sets You Apart

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible, fully online format—backed by the reputation of a top-tier public research institution. Gain the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in the fast-moving world of computing technology.

Faculty Expertise

The MS in Applied Computing combines the expertise of world-class University of Oklahoma faculty with seasoned professors of practice who bring real-world industry experience into the classroom. By connecting students with leading professionals, OU Online delivers a cutting-edge curriculum that prepares graduates for long-term career success in today’s evolving tech landscape.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your technical skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of applied computing professionals to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in organizations across the world, helping you expand your applied computing career.

Flexible Format

The MS in Applied Computing is offered in a fully online, flexible format designed for working professionals around the world. Earn your degree in as little as 12 months while managing full-time work and personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain specialized knowledge in applied computing that advances your career on your schedule.

Tailored Experience

Move through the program with a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for applied computing. Engage in dynamic online discussions with expert faculty and peers while building a strong professional network and developing the skills to thrive in the computing technology industry.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your MS in Applied Computing is a powerful investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Tuition for the program is $30,450 ($1,015 per credit hour). This cost does not include books or additional materials.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Our dedicated financial services team will guide you through every step of the funding process—so you can stay focused on your education and career goals.

For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.

A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester’s tuition.

* Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Transfer Credit

You can transfer up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level coursework per Graduate College policy and with approval of the department.

Take the Next Step

To apply to the online Master of Science in Applied Computing program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have completed Calculus I or higher and to demonstrate fluency in a high-level programming language such as Java or C++.

Application Process

Complete the online graduate application: https://gograd.ou.edu/apply/
Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions
Current professional resume that includes past education and work experience
Written personal statement
TOEFL or IELTS scores for applicants whose first language is not English

Application Timeline

The admissions committee operates under a rolling admissions process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before the start of classes. However, some programs may have an earlier application deadline. The committee strives to respond to all applicants within two weeks from the time a completed application is submitted. A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester's tuition.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide supplemental materials, including a resume, personal statement, and undergraduate transcripts.