Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences Nova Southeastern University

Educational Programs of Distinction at Nova Southeastern University's GSCIS

The Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences (GSCIS) at Nova Southeastern University prepares students to serve significant roles in the information technology world of tomorrow. Cutting-edge curriculum, vibrant coursework, and adaptable campus-based and online programs make NSU's GSCIS an excellent choice for both working professionals and full-time students.



GSCIS offers 6 Masters of Science (MS) and 4 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs in addition to graduate certificate programs in business intelligence analytics, information security management, and information systems security.

The MS Degree Program at Nova Southeastern University

GSCIS offers masters degrees in 6 different disciplines: "Computer Information Systems," "Computer Science," "Information Security," "Information Technology," "Information Technology in Education," and "Management Information Systems." Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with at least a 2.5 GPA (and a 3.0 in their major). The program consists of 36 hours of coursework during which each student is expected to identify important concepts in the field, analyze problems, evaluate solutions, and effectively communicate ideas. A thesis is optional.

National Security Agency (NSA) Recognized Graduate Certificate Programs

NSU's graduate certificate programs in information security management and information system security are recognized by the NSA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Each program consists of 5 courses concentrating on problems facing modern system managers. The programs are all available online and on-campus can be completed in 12 months.

A Unique Approach to the PhD

Nova Southeastern University's GSCIS offers a distinctive PhD program format, that includes a mix of on-campus and online activities. Students do most work online, coming together with faculty members and other students for 2 or 4 extended weekends to participate in dissertation discussion, classes, and symposiums. The rest of the program, such as course assignments, research, and discussion is accessed online at the student's convenience. The PhD degree is offered in the areas of computer science, computer information systems, computing technology in education, and information systems.

From Historic Firsts to Innovation Today

Nova Southeastern University's GSCIS was among the first schools to offer online classes and invented the first Electronic Classroom back in 1985. Today, the innovative spirit continues with programs such as "doctoral" format schedules and state-of-the-art online classrooms and tutorials. Currently, Princeton Review ranks Nova Southeastern University as among the "Best distance learning graduate schools" in the nation.

Distinguished Faculty in Computer and Information Sciences

The faculty members at Nova Southeastern University's GSCIS have an eclectic mix of practical real world experience and research achievement. For instance, Professor Laurie P. Dringus created the world's first online master's degree program. A noted expert in the fields of human-computer interaction, group support systems, usability engineering, online learning environments, learning theory, and distance learning, Dr. Dringus serves as Editor in Chief of The Internet and Higher Education, the 3rd-highest ranking computer educational periodical.



Professor James D. Cannady is an expert in information security and artificial intelligence, studying subjects such as network intrusion prevention detection, and response, network assurance, complexity theory and complex adaptive systems, and machine learning. Professor Cannady is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Association for Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).



Professor Gertrude W. Abramson is GSCIS's Professor of the Year. Dr. Abramson is Executive Editor of the Journal of Applied Learning Technology and the Journal of Instruction Delivery Systems. Author of 5 books, Dr. Abramson is a popular speaker at academic conferences and has served as keynote speaker at numerous events such as the 1st Internet-based Teachers Conference in Tel Aviv and the NASA Advances in Learning Technology Conference. Dr. Abramson research specializes in assistive technologies, distance learning programs and communications, online teaching and learning, instructional systems design, development, delivery, and evaluation.

A Modern, Diverse Campus

The 300-acre main campus of Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida boasts contemporary architecture, excellent walking trails, and lush South Florida plant life. A shuttle service connects not only all parts of the Davie campus, but also allows easy access to the other NSU branch campuses in Dania Beach and North Miami Beach.



The US Department of Education has ranked Nova Southeastern University as the most diverse university in the nation. The school awards more PhDs to minority students than any other seat of higher education in the United States.

• Program in Computer Information Systems
• Program in Computing Technology in Education
• Program in Information Security
• Program in Information Systems
• Program in Management Information Systems

• Degrees Offered
• Major Degree Levels Offered
• Management Information Systems Master of Science (MS)
• Information Security Master of Science (MS)
• Information Technology Master of Science (MS)
• Information Technology In Education Master of Science (MS)
• Information Systems Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Computer Science Master of Science (MS)
  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Computing Technology In Education Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Computer Information Systems Master of Science (MS)
  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• Degrees Awarded
• Master's Degrees 155
• Doctoral Degrees 48
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees 7
• * Shows the number of degrees awarded for the last academic year that data was reported.

• Earning Your Degree
• Part-time study available? Yes
• Evening/weekend programs available? Yes
• Distance learning programs available? Yes
• Terminal master's degree available? Yes

• Degree Requirements
• Master's Degrees Optional
• Doctoral Degrees Required
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported

• Acceptance Rate
• Applied332
• Accepted228
• Acceptance Rate68%
• EnrolledNot Reported
• Applying
• Application Fee - Domestic $50
• Application Fee - International $50
• Electronic applications accepted? Yes
• Applications processed on a rolling basis? Yes
• Application Deadlines
• Type Domestic International Priority Date
• Fall deadline Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
• Winter deadline Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
• Spring deadline Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
• Entrance Requirements
• Master's Degreesminimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5; 3.0 in major
• Doctoral's Degreesmaster's degree, minimum graduate GPA of 3.25
• First-Professional's DegreesNot Reported
• Other Advanced DegreesNot Reported
• International Degrees TOEFL iBT, IELTS paper based

• Tuition & Fees
• In-state tuition *Not Reported
• Out-of-state tuition *Not Reported
• International student tuitionNot Reported
• * Tuition for full-time graduate student per academic year
• Fees
• Per-academic year feesNot Reported
• Per-term feesNot Reported
• One-time feeNot Reported
• * Fees for full-time graduate students
• Financial Support
• Financial award applicants must submitNot Reported
• Application deadlines for financial awardsMay 1
• Types of financial support availableNot Reported

• Gender
• Total Graduate Students952
• Female Percentage29%
• Male Percentage71%
• Participation
• Total Graduate Students952
• Part-time Percentage91%
• Full-time Percentage9%
• Ethnicity
• Hispanic / Latino16%
• Black / African American22%
• White / Caucasian45%
• American Indian / Alaskan Native1%
• Asian7%
• Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander0%
• Two or more races1%
• Unknown8%

• Faculty Breakout
• Total Faculty44
• Full-time Percentage45%
• Part-time Percentage55%
• Female Percentage20%
• Male Percentage80%

• Existing Research
• Focus of faculty researchArtificial intelligence, database management, human-computer interaction, distance education, information security
• Externally sponsored research expenditures last yearNot Reported