Juston Ellis’ decision to go back to school for his Master of Science in Computer Science paid off with key new software
skills, increased earning capacity and valuable new personal connections, including professors who he remains in touch with even after graduation.
In deciding on a school, his research led him to join the generations of students and alumni who have transformed their lives and careers with a degree from Norfolk State University – and the cohort of contemporary scholars who have chosen an online program to do so.
Three key areas factored into choosing NSU Online: “Price, flexibility and quality,” Juston said. “I was able to do the coursework when I had a free moment. I was able to have access to the staff when I had a free moment. Every member of the staff at Norfolk State was dedicated to seeing me graduate through the program.”
In fact, the lengths to which faculty were willing to go to encourage him astonished Juston.
“They wanted me to succeed,” he said. “So, when I would reach out to several professors via email at 11, 12 o’clock at night, I would get a response back asking if I wanted to hop on a phone call at midnight. And I was like, ‘Are you up? Are you sure? I don’t need an answer right now.’ And they [would] say, ‘I have time.’”
Immediately Applicable Technical Skills
As part of a software-design networking team at his company, Juston found that advancing his skillset in data communications, software development and machine learning techniques helped him solve a significant networking space problem.
“The position that I took was heavy into networking, basically writing software for networking devices,” Juston said. “And it’s not something I was familiar with. The classes that I took had a lot to do with the flow of network topologies. I could directly apply that to what I was doing at that time.”
NSU Online helped Juston develop his personal network as well, including mentor-protegee relationships with some professors that have continued even after graduating in 2024.
“I still keep in touch with the faculty and some of the classmates,” he said. “And I’ve helped a couple classmates with career choices and guided them, and they’ve guided me.”
While earning his computer science M.S. online with NSU, Juston gained capabilities and credentials that boosted his career advancement and salary potential.
“I doubled my salary because I went into a technical field, and then I wanted to get more training” he said. “I attribute the success of my professional career to bettering myself and getting higher education.”
“Overall, I was ecstatic with the program,” he continued. “It enabled me to complete something that I’ve always wanted to complete, which is higher education. NSU Online allowed me to do that without making it difficult.”
Enhance Your Salary Potential With an NSU Online Master’s in Computer Science
Led by renowned tech industry veterans with practical computer science acumen, our online Master of Science in Computer Science program offers a rigorous theoretical and applied understanding of computers and data systems. This dynamic degree deepens your comprehension of software development, object-oriented programming, Big Data and software architecture to equip you for success in a fast-growing field with in-demand, high-paying jobs.
Online coursework updates your knowledge of the latest developments in programming languages, databases, algorithms, communication networks and cloud computing. Hands-on research projects strengthen your grasp of advanced computer architecture and operating systems. Plus, a valuable leadership and management capstone experience prepares you to sit for SCRUM certification.
Transform Your Career Outlook
An M.S. in computer science online from Norfolk State equips you with knowledge and skills that can lead to success in roles such as:
- Computer Programmer
- Database Administrator
- IT Consultant
- IT Manager
- Software Architect
- Software Engineer
Reasons To Consider Norfolk State for Your Online M.S. in Computer Science
Affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition: Set yourself up for success while staying on budget.
Experienced, supportive faculty: Instructors have a track record of industry success and strive to support your learning.
Hands-on application: Enhance your mastery of advanced skills with practical experience.
Job-applicable knowledge: Gain new comprehension you can begin using right away in a variety of sectors.
Military-friendly: NSU was designated a Top 10 Military Friendly® School with the Gold-level designation, ranking No. 1 in the Small Public category, by VIQTORY media, 2023-2024.