Graduate - Master of Computer Science

Computer Science (Big Data Systems), MCS

Study locally. Graduate globally. Start your degree at your home university and continue your academic journey at Arizona State University through the Cintana Alliance.

Degree pathways

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Start at your local university
Transfer up to 3 courses (an estimated 9 credits)
ASU Online
1-1.5 years
Length
21 Credits
Credits
$11,000–$14,000
Tuition
OR
On Campus
1-1.5 years
Length
21 Credits
Credits
Tuition
Same degree from ASU
OPT eligibility
NA
Tuition cost and Credit Transfer

Tuition estimates are based on ASU's published 2026–2027 tuition and fee rates and are subject to change. The number of credits that transfer and the length of the one-year timeline may vary by student and by home institution.

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Where to study

This degree is available at

AUT
Uzbekistan
InnoTech
Kazakhstan
Program description

Computer Science (Big Data Systems), MCS

As organizations generate ever-larger volumes of data, the ability to build and manage systems that can handle it at scale has become essential. This online program gives students the practical skills to design, build, and oversee scalable data platforms, preparing them for careers in data science and engineering. The Master of Computer Science in Big Data Systems offers advanced, practice-oriented training in architecting and managing large-scale data infrastructure. Students learn to build parallel, distributed, and real-time systems capable of processing massive, varied datasets, and to apply analytical tools and select the right frameworks for working with both structured and unstructured data across a range of industries.
Curriculum

Featured courses

Data Processing at Scale

Delves into new frameworks for generating, processing and managing large-scale data-sets. More specifically, covers the following topics: core database concepts, distributed and parallel data systems, deploying and operating data systems in the cloud, NoSQL database systems, and big data tools.

Statistical Machine Learning

Spectral clustering, regression, classification, semi-supervised learning, feature reduction, manifold learning, ranking, kernel learning and multitask learning.

Data Visualization

Amidst the information flood in which we are currently immersed, visualizations can be a well-placed treetop. The rise of big data has the potential to inform decisions, and visual representations can play a crucial intermediate role in our daily information consumption. Covers techniques and algorithms for creating effective visualizations based on principles from graphic design, visual art, perceptual psychology and cognitive science to enhance the understanding of complex data.

Admissions

Admission requirements

Program requirements

For admission requirements, refer to the academic unit program page. Some programs have additional requirements — check with your local Enrollment Advisor for details.

Computer Science (Big Data Systems), MCS, MS →
Transfer applicants

International graduate and undergraduate transfer applicants should review ASU's international transfer guidance before applying.

https://admission.asu.edu/apply/international/transfer →

Key admission dates & deadlines

Program start
Campus Immersion Online Campus Immersion Online
Application deadline
Classes start
Outcomes

Career opportunities & applicable roles

Graduates have the expertise to architect and manage end-to-end big data platforms, giving them a competitive edge in industry roles spanning data science, data engineering, and systems development.

Career examples include
Computer Network Architect Computer System Analyst Computer Systems Engineer Data Scientist or Engineer Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision Engineer Software Developer Software Engineer
The school

Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering

The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is the largest and most comprehensive engineering program in the United States, with students from 150 countries and all 50 states. It offers 28 undergraduate and more than 55 graduate programs across eight schools. Faculty lead high-impact research, including EPIXC, a $70 million clean energy institute funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and the $39.8 million SWAP Hub supported by the CHIPS and Science Act. The college is also home to five Science and Technology Centers. U.S. News & World Report ranks its graduate engineering programs No. 23 among public universities (2025–2026), and its faculty have received more than 130 U.S. patents and launched 13 startups.

Ready to take the next step in your career?

Complete the Request Information form and connect with an International Enrollment Advisor to explore your options.

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