The newly approved emphases, recently confirmed by the Graduate Council and the Provost’s Office, will take effect beginning Fall 2026. | Photo courtesy of University Communications
MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois University will expand its Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science program beginning in the Fall 2026 semester with the addition of two new emphases: Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.
Students enrolled in the M.S. in Computer Science will now have three emphases to choose from, including the newly introduced Artificial Intelligence Emphasis and Cybersecurity Emphasis, in addition to existing program options.
The Artificial Intelligence emphasis will include coursework in CS 460G Artificial Intelligence Methods, CS 548 Advanced Artificial Intelligence and CS 549 Topics in Artificial Intelligence. These courses have been highly popular among graduate students in recent years and reflect growing demand for advanced study in AI-related fields.
The Cybersecurity Emphasis will include CS 505 Computer and Information Security and the new CS 508 Computer Forensics course. Additional related offerings include CS 507 Topics in Cybersecurity, CSEC 482G Wireless LANs and Security and IS 455G Information Assurance, providing students with a broad foundation in modern cybersecurity practices.
Across all emphases in the M.S. in Computer Science program, students will complete coursework spanning software development, artificial intelligence, operating systems and computer architecture and cybersecurity and computer networks, ensuring a comprehensive graduate-level preparation in the field.
University officials noted that prospective students frequently inquire about specialized study options in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The newly approved emphases, recently confirmed by the Graduate Council and the Provost’s Office, are designed to meet that demand and will take effect beginning Fall 2026.
For more information on WIU’s Computer Science programs, visit wiu.edu/cbt/computer_science.