The USF MSCS
The Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of South Florida offers
students a dynamic and research-driven environment in the heart of Florida’s thriving
tech corridor. Ranked among the top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report
and a proud member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU),
USF is a recognized leader in graduate education and innovation.
In 2025, USF launched the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity
and Computing, the first named college in the nation focused exclusively on these
converging disciplines. The college is building the future of computing, and this
degree puts students at the center of it.
About the Program
This 30-credit-hour program prepares students for impactful careers in industry or continued study. The curriculum blends core computing principles with opportunities to specialize in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-centered computing, and more. Students can choose either a thesis or non-thesis track.
- The thesis option emphasizes deep research and prepares students for doctoral studies or R&D roles.
- The non-thesis option offers greater course flexibility and broad exposure to the field.
All students benefit from hands-on learning, access faculty and opportunities to work in one of 25+ research labs, and mentorship from faculty who are shaping the future of computing.
The majority of students earned an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer
engineering. The USF Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate provides an avenue for those with other degrees to quality -- and receive priority
admission.
Labs and Research
Most graduate programs are offered in 16-week semesters. There are full time and part-time options available. View options, courses, and the official catalog. USF's AI, cybersecurity, and computing research is spread across USF, and it is marked by over 200 faculty experts who have externally funded projects, published papers, or have patents on these topics. Together, they had a substantial $47 million in related research expenditures over the past four years. Labs are clustered in the following groups:
Career Outlook
Graduates of this program are highly sought after by employers across industries. Alumni excel in roles such as:
- Software Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Systems Architect
- Research Scientist
Job market highlights (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics):
- 26% job growth projected for computer and information research scientists (2023–2033)
- $103,135 median national salary
- 2.3 jobs per graduate in Florida
Tampa Bay’s tech sector has grown 28.5% over the past five years, with companies like Apple, Lockheed Martin, Meta, Jabil, Reliaquest, and Rapid7 recruiting from USF’s talent pool.
Student Spotlight
USF’s MS in Computer Science is helping students like Maria Zapata turn big goals into real opportunities. She graduated summa cum laude and earned Colombia’s prestigious Lino de Pombo Award, recognizing the nation’s top engineering graduate. With access to hands-on research, a variety of relevant electives, and the benefit of student organizations and the college’s industry connections, all while handling a part time job and working as a TA, Maria landed an internship as a full-stack developer at Apple focused on AI.
Scholarships and Fellowships
Graduate school is expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to earn scholarships and fellowships, which don’t need to be repaid. Learn more about the kinds of awards available, if you qualify and how to apply.
There are also a limited number of teaching assistant and research assistant positions in the college. These are quite competitive.