The faculty behind an online master’s program shape the learning experience, from the structure of the coursework to the ways learners are supported throughout research projects, career transitions, and technical skill development.
In Ball State University’s online Master of Science in Computer Science, offered on Coursera, learners are taught by faculty with experience across computer science education, research, algorithm design, cybersecurity, programming, and interdisciplinary STEM fields.
To give you a closer look, faculty members Dr. Jay Bagga and Dr. Jen Coy share their perspectives on what makes this program distinct for working professionals and career-changers.
Mentorship that drives real outcomes
Professor Dr. Jay Bagga represents the academic rigor at the heart of the Ball State program. For online learners, his impact is most felt in his hands-on approach to mentorship. He clarifies that this isn’t a hands-off process, detailing the direct, one-on-one engagement involved in every student’s research journey:
“Most of the classes I teach require learners to complete research projects in topics related to the class,” Dr. Bagga explains. “I engage with each student throughout the term as we work with several activities related to the research project development and completion: Selection of topic for the research project, development and approval of the research proposal, conducting the research … and completion of a high-quality final report akin to that of writing a professional paper for publication.”
In some cases, those experiences can extend beyond the classroom. Dr. Bagga shared that one Ball State/Coursera student’s research resulted in a conference presentation and a published paper through the Consortium for Computing Sciences and Colleges (CCSC).
These opportunities reflect the program’s emphasis on helping learners apply technical knowledge in ways that support long-term academic and professional growth.
Designed for flexibility and accessibility
As the current Chair of the Department of Computer Science and an Associate Professor, Dr. Jen Coy views the program’s greatest strength in its student-centric philosophy, designed to accommodate diverse backgrounds and life circumstances:
“I love the design of the Ball State MS in computer science because it meets learners where they are, and elevates them to the place they want to be!”
A key part of this approach is the program’s performance-based admission. This model allows learners to demonstrate their readiness by successfully completing a course from the degree curriculum before being formally admitted, creating a pathway for those without a traditional CS background. Dr. Bagga highlights this as a cornerstone of the program’s vision for accessibility:
“The performance-based admission to the Program is an attractive option that provides opportunities to a growing number of learners to achieve their goals of becoming IT experts and professionals.”
Beyond admission, the program is built for the realities of a working professional’s life. Dr. Coy details how this flexibility is embedded in the courses to accommodate busy schedules:
“Each class is also structured with very flexible due dates, so learners can work through the course as quickly or as consistently as works for them,” Dr. Coy says. “Vacations, sick kids, and work travel are not a problem.”
Direct access to faculty
One of the defining features of the program is that learners interact directly with Ball State faculty. This principle of faculty oversight extends to all aspects of learning and evaluation. While some assignments leverage faculty-designed auto-grading for immediate feedback, Dr. Coy clarifies that the core academic and personal support comes directly from the professors themselves:
“We do not employ graduate students—all instruction, grading, office hours, and responses over email come directly from a Ball State computer science professor.”
This blended approach provides learners with the efficiency of instant feedback on foundational work, while ensuring that more complex projects and research receive personal, expert evaluation from the faculty who designed the course.
A computer science program designed for your goals
For many learners, choosing an online master’s program means balancing academic quality, flexibility, and meaningful support. Ball State University’s online MS in Computer Science is designed to bring those elements together through applied learning opportunities, accessible program design, and direct faculty engagement.
Whether learners are preparing for advanced academic study, pursuing career growth, or transitioning into computer science from another field, the program supports a range of professional goals while maintaining close faculty connection throughout the online learning experience.
Learn more about the Ball State University Master of Science in Computer Science on Coursera.
