Indian born Malya Juvvadi’s passion for computer science is palpable. Her ambition to pursue an advanced degree in the field wasn’t merely about being a hot commodity in the job market or the lucrative career opportunities that could follow. Instead, the driving force blossomed out of passion.
“During my undergraduate degree, I started developing applications all by myself, attended multiple workshops and hackathons in India like Yappon, Grace Hopper Hackathons,” she shares.
Attending these events entailed travelling to cities that were hours away from where she was, alone, and by bus. She completed her Bachelor of Technology in IT at Hyderabad before enrolling for Oklahoma Christian University’s (OC) Master of Science in Computer Science program.
Springboard for career success
Computers are changing the world and our lives. As technological innovations grow at breakneck speed, so does the need for professionals with expertise in areas such as cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence.
OC’s reputation for its hands-on learning from world-class instructors is a major allure for many professionals who want an advanced qualification in the field. This allows professionals to use their newfound knowledge and skills to address real-world problems.
At the OC, students will learn alongside masterful teachers and world-class experts who also happen to be Oxford-trained theologians, industry leaders and best-selling authors. “Our students learn and experience skills that they immediately use in their job. Hands-on lab experience sets our graduates apart,” says David North, director of computer science.
OC’s Master of Science in Computer Science program provides opportunities for postgraduate students to develop and demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in basic and specialised topics in computing. This program offers four areas of specialisation: Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity; Data Science; and Software Engineering.
Master of Science in Computer Science electives include Artificial Intelligence; Big Data Management; Computer Graphics; Computer Networks; Computer Simulation; Human Computer Interaction; Cryptography; Intelligent Systems; Machine Learning; Mobile Application Development; and Software and Network Engineering.
An unparalleled learning experience
At OC, learning is designed to be flexible, allowing busy professionals to seamlessly integrate the course into their busy lives. You can take classes one- or two-nights a week, with each class being eight weeks, with six start times throughout the year. This means you can complete the program in as little as 12 months or up to two years to fit your schedule.
Guided by world-class instructors with industry experience, OC students explore case studies and team projects in the classroom. They gain an advanced understanding of the discipline that they can immediately apply in labs by using and developing software systems.
Juvvadi recalls her first week at the university: “I was so scared to step in the classroom. However, after orientation and speaking to the faculty and international student advisors, I immediately felt at home.” Students are also taught by faculty members who care, forging genuine student-faculty bonds.
When asked about her most memorable classes and faculty members, she cited David North, Robert Nix and Nicolas Grounds. “Nicolas Grounds allows students to create a UX design for an app and makes everyone choose their own programming language to develop end-to-end apps in Human Computer Interaction,” she says.
The program starts with the Foundations of Technology Ethics and Values module, where students will learn Ethical theory from a Christian viewpoint, followed by Algorithm Analysis; Software Engineering; Advanced Database and electives like Human Computer Interaction; Mobile App Development; Machine Learning; before culminating with team project classes where you put into practice the principles, knowledge and skills form the CS focus area you have selected.
OC also ensures its students are well-equipped to land their dream job. This includes offering polished materials to helping students with their interview skills. Similarly, Juvvadi was not left to fend for herself. Instead, she received assistance every step of the way and from the career advice team, who helped review her resume and share tips and comments where necessary.
A world-class education aside, OC students enjoy the benefits of a major metropolitan area in a safe and comfortable suburban atmosphere. Oklahoma City is both cultured and quaint. With pro sporting events, numerous outdoor activities and a solid local scene for brunch and shopping, students are never bored.
There are plenty of outdoor activities too — from the Myriad Botanical Gardens to Wichita Mountains and the Boathouse District, options abound to hike, explore and swim. Ultimately, OC has everything you’ll need — a quality education, an unbeatable location and a friendly and affordable learning environment.
Click here to find out more about their Master of Science in Computer Science program.