The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Trial Advocacy Program continued its outstanding record of success this fall, earning top honors at two prestigious sports law competitions hosted by Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Pace Haub Law Trial Advocacy teams competed in both the Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition and the inaugural Villanova Law Hockey Negotiation Competition. These Competitions tested students’ negotiation, advocacy, and analytical skills in simulated professional sports settings.

Pace Haub Law sent two teams to participate in this year’s Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition, earning both a first place and a third place finish. Pace Haub Law’s team one finished in third place and consisted of Madeline Law (3L) and Stephen Smith (3L) and team two, finishing in first place, included Brendan McDonough (2L) and Jonathan Riina (2L). Both teams were coached by alumnus Dan Masi ’14, who has successfully coached the team for years and participated on the team as a Pace Haub Law student. Notably, the Pace Haub Law team also finished in first place at the 2024 Competition.

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Taking place over the course of two days, the Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition is a simulated exercise intended to mimic negotiations between MLB Players Association (MLBPA) player agents and MLB club executives before the salary arbitration Exchange Date between the MLB Labor Relations Department and the MLBPA as governed by Major League Baseball's Basic Agreement. “Both of our teams impressed judges who all have a connection to the baseball industry – ranging from player agents, team officials, practicing attorneys, and more,” said Coach Dan Masi ‘14. “Our advocacy teams have made a name for themselves in this competition and marks yet another significant achievement for our trial advocacy program. I am proud of all our competitors for showcasing their negotiation tactics ultimately resulting in a first and third place finish.”

This year marked the inaugural Villanova Law Hockey Negotiation Competition, also taking place over the course of two days. Representing Pace Haub Law were Madeline Law (3L), Brendan McDonough (2L), and Brian Maher-Gurniak (2L). The team finished in first place in this debut event under the guidance of Coach Marc Bisogno ’25, who played a large role in the success of the advocacy program during his time as a student at the Law School. “Since this is the first year that this Competition was held, we were not entirely sure what to expect,” shared team member Madeline Law (3L). “However, with the support and guidance of our team coach, Marc Bisogno ’25, we felt well prepared. We worked as a team over the course of the last couple of months to prepare for many competition scenarios.”

“Our team demonstrated exceptional teamwork, creativity, and professionalism in navigating complex multi-party negotiations,” said Coach Marc Bisogno ‘25. “I am proud of their dedication and ability to successfully strategize and ultimately win this inaugural competition.” During the Villanova Hockey Negotiation Competition, participants tackled a series of real-world inspired negotiation challenges that commonly occur throughout the sports industry, ranging from front office partnerships to player-focused advocacy. Participants’ oral advocacy and negotiation skills were challenged in a series of prompts that will range from host-city to stadium naming rights negotiations. Winners were selected by judges from the hockey industry, including player agents, team officials, and attorneys regularly working in the space.

“These remarkable results underscore the strength of Pace Haub Law’s advocacy curriculum and the dedication of its students and alumni coaches,” said Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice Louis Fasulo. “Through simulated real-world experiences like these, Pace Haub Law students refine their ability to think critically, communicate persuasively, and negotiate effectively, which are all skills that will serve them throughout their legal careers.”

Through simulated real-world experiences like these, Pace Haub Law students refine their ability to think critically, communicate persuasively, and negotiate effectively, which are all skills that will serve them throughout their legal careers.

—Louis Fasulo, Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice

In addition to competing throughout the year, students in the Trial Advocacy Program also take on key leadership roles within the organization. This year, Madeline Law (3L) serves as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Director for the Pace Haub Law Advocacy Program, a position previously held by her coach in the Villanova Law Hockey Negotiation Competition, Marc Bisogno ’25. As ADR Director, Madeline oversees the ADR branch of the Advocacy Program, supporting student teams as they prepare for competitions. “I feel fortunate to serve in this role,” she shared. “As Director, I regularly check in with team members to provide resources, advice, and support, ensuring that every student has the tools needed to succeed. Directors also help manage team dynamics and logistics, from registering for competitions to facilitating communication with other schools.”

Madeline notes that serving as Director has deepened her understanding of what goes into each competition. “Empowering students to serve in these executive roles,” she added, “is one of the many ways Pace Haub Law’s Trial Advocacy Program prepares its students to graduate confident, capable, and ready to practice.”

January Intersession is a quick, four-week mini–semester that lands right between fall and spring. It’s your chance to earn credits over winter break—most of it fully online and on your own schedule—so you can keep your momentum going without giving up your cozy-season vibes.

And the best part? You can use this time to explore classes you might not normally have room for. Think Digital Design, Creative Writing, American Sign Language, Psychology of Cultural Diversity, Meteorology, or even Cinema Auteurs of New York City. Want something more foundational? Try Intro to Psychology, World Civilization, or Microeconomics. Looking to get ahead in your major? There are options in Criminal Justice, Communication, Art History, and even Organizational Development and Human Learning for graduate students.

• Registration opened: October 27, 2025
• Classes begin: January 5, 2026
• In-person and hybrid courses wrap: January 17, 2026
• Fully online courses wrap: January 31, 2026

Register for January Intersession

No matter what you choose, January Intersession helps you lighten your spring load, stay on track to graduate on time (or early), and dip into subjects you’re genuinely excited about. It’s flexible, low-pressure, and built to give you a little extra breathing room—academically and in life. Cozy vibes + real progress = a win.

A master’s degree in computer science can open doors to career advancement, increased earning potential, and expertise in cutting-edge technologies. But is it the right choice for you? This article explores the top reasons to consider earning an MS in computer science, along with key factors to evaluate when deciding if it aligns with your professional goals.

What Is a Master’s Degree in Computer Science?

A master’s in computer science goes beyond coding. It’s an in-depth exploration of advanced algorithms, machine learning, data systems, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies that shape the digital world.

Where a bachelor’s provides a solid foundation, a master’s pushes you into specialized, high-impact problem solving, the kind that drives innovation and leadership.

With this degree, you’re not only staying ahead of the curve with the tech industry, you’re setting the pace. Employers look to master’s-level talent to lead projects, design complex systems, and set strategic direction in a rapidly changing field. If you want to compete and win in today’s tech sector, a master’s in computer science positions you to do exactly that.

Is a Master’s in Computer Science Worth It?

Deciding whether to pursue a master’s in computer science comes down to one question: is it worth the career and financial investment? Here’s a closer look at what a master’s in computer science can do for your salary, career growth, skills, and the programs that set you up for success.

1. Boost Your Salary

Graduates with an MS in computer science earn notably more than those with just a bachelor’s — about 17% more in career earnings. According to PayScale, higher degree earners make an average base salary of $114,000 annually, while colleagues with a bachelor’s earn around $98,000, on average.

2. Climb the Career Ladder

A master’s degree in computer science signals readiness for senior and managerial tech roles that require advanced thinking, collaboration, and strategic vision. Fields such AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, and cloud engineering increasingly favor candidates with graduate-level expertise. These positions often come with additional perks, such as more competitive salaries and benefits.

3. Stay Competitive in a Top Market

AI has had a dramatic impact on the tech job market, leading to fewer entry-level openings, more automated screening, and tools that take on junior-level work. A master’s in computer science, built around in-demand skills, keeps you competitive because big-picture thinking and deep technical expertise can’t be automated. But the degree works best when paired with certifications and real-world project experience.

4. Stack Your Skills

In fast-moving tech fields, employers want proof you can do the work, sometimes valuing AI and industry-specific skills as much as a degree. Pairing your master’s with targeted certifications, such as AI or machine learning credentials, can give you a clear advantage and open doors to high-demand roles.

5. Choose a Program that Fits

Pace’s MS in Computer Science focuses on today’s most in-demand technology, including AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, so you gain skills that matter. The program also connects you with employers and real-world opportunities, helping graduates step directly into roles where they can lead and innovate.

What Career Paths Can You Pursue with a Master’s in Computer Science?

Earning a master’s in computer science opens the door to some of the tech industry’s most in-demand roles. These jobs pay well and put you at the cutting edge of innovation. Here’s a look at top career paths for MS grads, including what you’ll do, the skills you need, and what you can earn.

Salary information was compiled from Glassdoor, reflecting the most recent data available as of 2025 for salaries in the New York Metro area.

Data Scientist

• Job Description: Analyze complex datasets to extract actionable insights and guide business decisions
• Important Skills: Proficiency in Python, R, SQL; expertise in machine learning and statistical analysis
• Average Salary Range: $125,000–$213,000

Software Engineer

• Job Description: Design, develop, and maintain software applications across various platforms
• Important Skills: Strong knowledge of programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python; problem-solving and debugging abilities
• Average Salary Range: $130,000–$211,000

AI Researcher

• Job Description: Conduct advanced research to develop new AI models and algorithms to ethically improve AI capabilities
• Important Skills: Deep understanding of machine learning, neural networks, and AI theory; proficiency in programming languages such as Python and TensorFlow
• Average Salary Range: $98,000–$180,000

Cybersecurity Analyst

• Job Description: Protect an organization's computer systems and networks from cyber threats by implementing security measures and responding to incidents in real time
• Important Skills: Knowledge of network security protocols, risk management, and familiarity with tools, including firewalls and intrusion detection
• Average Salary Range: $101,000–$176,000

Cloud Solutions Architect

• Job Description: Design and implement scalable cloud infrastructure solutions and ensure they meet the latest business needs and security standards
• Important Skills: Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud); strong architectural design and problem-solving skills
• Average Salary Range: $189,000–$309,000

Machine Learning Engineer

• Job Description: Develop and deploy machine learning models that enable systems to learn and make predictions from data
• Important Skills: Deep understanding of data processing and machine learning frameworks, such as TensorFlow and PyTorch
• Average Salary Range: $135,000–$217,000

DevOps Engineer

• Job Description: Bridge the gap between software development and IT operations, automating processes to enhance system reliability and efficiency
• Important Skills: Familiarity with automated software pipelines, scripting languages, and cloud infrastructure
• Average Salary Range: $25,000–$198,000

Blockchain Developer

• Job Description: Build and manage applications that run on blockchain networks and write programs that automatically execute agreements
• Important Skills: Proficiency in blockchain platforms, knowledge of cryptography and smart contract development
• Average Salary Range: $124,000–$201,000

Big Data Engineer

• Job Description: Design and manage large-scale data processing systems to enable organizations to analyze vast amounts of data efficiently
• Important Skills: Expertise in big data technologies and databases; strong programming skills
• Average Salary Range: $130,000–$208,000

4 Factors to Consider Before Enrolling in a Computer Science Master’s Program

Pursuing a master’s in computer science is a big decision. It’s a time, energy, and financial commitment, so you want to be sure it lines up with your personal circumstances and professional goals. Here’s what to weigh before you enroll:

1. Tuition and Financial Considerations
Master’s programs can be a significant investment. Tuition varies by school, and costs can add up quickly, but financial aid, scholarships, and employer-sponsored funding options can offset the price. Beyond cost, think about the return on investment: Graduates typically see higher earning potential and more leadership opportunities over time, which can more than justify the upfront expense.

2. Time Commitment
Most MS programs take 18 months to 3 years, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time. Juggling work, studies, and personal responsibilities is no small feat, so it’s important to plan ahead. Full-time students navigate their academic journey faster, often requiring a pause of other commitments. Part-time programs allow students to continue working but extend the timeline to graduation. Understanding your own schedule and energy levels is key to succeeding without burning out.

3. Delivery Format Options
Pace offers online, in-person, and hybrid programs, so you can choose the format that fits your learning style and career goals. Online programs let you study from anywhere, which is ideal if you’re balancing work or family. In-person programs maximize networking and hands-on collaboration, while hybrid programs give you the flexibility of online learning without missing out on face-to-face opportunities. Think about which format will keep you motivated and connected throughout your degree.

4. Alternative Career Development Paths
A master’s isn’t the only way to boost your tech career. Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Certified Ethical Hacker provide targeted skills that employers value. Short-term bootcamps in areas such as data science, cybersecurity, or software engineering can also accelerate skill-building at a lower cost and shorter timeframe. Compare the costs, outcomes, and career benefits of certifications, bootcamps, and a full MS program to find the approach that works best for your goals.

Your Next Career Move

A master’s in computer science is a strategic move for your career and your future earning potential. If you’re ready to level up, programs such as Pace University’s MS in Computer Science or PhD in Computer Science give you the skills, connections, and opportunities to get there.

Take the next step today and request information to see how Pace can help you reach your goals.

Request Information

Featuring powerful artistic responses to nuclear history and its ongoing global impact

Pace University Art Gallery is pleased to present Nuclear Injustice, a group exhibition of work by Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, Alan Nakagawa, Michael Wang, and Will Wilson that examines the lasting consequences of nuclear testing and bombings. The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, November 15, with a free public reception and walkthrough on Tuesday, November 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It will remain on view through January 31, 2026.

Through powerful artistic responses—including photography, sound installation, video poetry, and sculpture—the artists explore radioactive landscapes, Indigenous resistance to nuclear colonialism, and global movements advocating for a nuclear-free future.

Curated by Sarah Cunningham, professor of art and gallery director, and Joel Wilson ’27, the Amelia A. Gould Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Creative Arts, in collaboration with Emily Welty, PhD, chair of Peace and Justice Studies, the exhibition investigates the political, personal, and physical impacts of nuclear weaponry. It traces these effects from the poisoned soil and military sites of the Marshall Islands and the American Southwest to the soundscapes of Hiroshima and the lingering, often invisible infrastructures of energy and contamination that persist today.

“Nuclear weapons are not inevitable,” said Welty, who is also a member of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). “Like any oppressive social construction, they were created by human beings—and can be dismantled by human beings who are fueled by the courage and determination not to settle for a world with nuclear weapons.”

The artists in the exhibition powerfully draw our attention to the aftereffects of the atomic era, transforming sites of devastation into spaces for remembrance, renewal, and resistance.

Marshallese poet and activist Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner presents video poems that reflect on the destructive impact of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands and the deep interconnections between culture, memory, and place. Alan Nakagawa, a Los Angeles–based artist, uses field recordings from the Hiroshima Atomic Dome and the Wendover Hangar—from which the Enola Gay bomber departed—to create an immersive sound installation that transforms the reverberations of violence into a space for collective reflection. Will Wilson, a Diné photographer, contributes images which confront the ongoing environmental fallout of uranium mining on Indigenous lands, linking nuclear extraction to broader systems of colonial exploitation. Michael Wang, a conceptual artist based in New York, explores the scientific, moral, and ecological tensions of nuclear containment and exposure, situating these concerns within the lineage of land art.

The Nuclear Injustice exhibition is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional funding was received from the Mellon Foundation and the Center for Undergraduate Research at Pace University. The gallery is located in Lower Manhattan at 41 Park Row. All the gallery’s exhibits and events are free and open to the public.

About the Artists

Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner is a Marshallese poet, filmmaker, and climate justice advocate whose work centers on the legacy of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands. Her interdisciplinary practice brings together film-poetry, performance, and spoken word to shed light on cultural disruption, environmental injustice, and the resilience of Island communities. Her practice is informed by her ongoing community engagement through Jo-Jikum, the Marshall Islands–based nonprofit she co-founded in 2012 to support youth empowerment and environmental advocacy. In concert with her artistic and activist work, she is Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands’ Ministry of Environment, completing her Ph.D. in Pacific Studies at the Australian National University and the author of Iep Jaltok: Poems from a Marshallese Daughter (university of Arizona Press, 2017).

Alan Nakagawa is a Los Angeles-based interdisciplinary artist with archiving tendencies, primarily working with sound, often incorporating various media and working with communities and their histories. He has created a series of Invisible Architecture experiences that are mash ups of the recorded acoustics of historical sites, giving new context to historic places through a contemporary lens of sound. Nakagawa is a recipient of two Art Matters grants, City of Los Angeles Artist Fellowship, California Community Foundation Mid-Career Artist Fellowship and a Monbusho Scholar. He co-founded arts collective non-profit Collage Ensemble Inc. (1984-2011), curated experimental music weekly Ear Meal Webcast (2010-2017), produced public practice artist interviews podcast VISITINGS Radio Show (2017-2020) and administers the website Asian American Futurism (2022-Present). His first book, A.I.R.Head: Anatomy of an Artist in Residence (Writ-Large Press, 2023) maps his artistic trajectory that led to nine artist-in-residencies in six years.

Michael Wang lives and works in New York. He uses systems that operate at both a local and global scale as media for art: climate change, species distribution, resource allocation, and the global economy. Select solo exhibitions include Bienvenu Steinberg & C, New York, NY (2024), Lake Tai, Prada Rong Zhai, Shanghai (2022); Extinct in New York, LMCC Arts Center, Governors Island, NY (2019). Selected group exhibitions include Meta City Biennale, Shanghai (2023); Solastalgia, Kalmar Art Museum, Sweden (2023); The 13th Shanghai Biennale, Shanghai (2021); Elevation 1049, 'Interstices,' Gstaad, Switzerland (2023); Vulnerable Critters, La Casa Encendida, Madrid (2022); Manifesta 12: The Planetary Garden, Palermo, Italy (2018); Parcours, Art Basel, Switzerland (2016). In 2017, he was a recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters & Sculptors Grant.

Will Wilson is a Diné photographer and trans-customary artist who spent his formative years living on the Navajo Nation. His work is an allegorical investigation of the extraordinarily rapid transformation of Indigenous lifeways, the dis-ease it has caused, and strategies of response that enable cultural survival. Wilson studied photography, sculpture, and art history at the University of New Mexico (MFA) and Oberlin College (BA). Wilson has won the Native American Fine Art Fellowship from the Eiteljorg Museum (2007), the Joan Mitchell Foundation Award for Sculpture (2010), the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant for Photography (2016), the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts (2017), and the Doran Artist in Residence at the Yale University Art Gallery (2020). His work is exhibited and collected internationally. Wilson has held visiting professorships at the Institute of American Indian Arts, Oberlin College, and the University of Arizona. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Studio Art at the University of Texas at Austin.

About the Pace University Art Gallery

Founded with the conviction that art is integral to society, the Pace University Art Gallery is a creative laboratory and exhibition space that supports innovation and exploration for both artists and viewers. Open to students, staff, and faculty from across the Pace campuses and, equally, to the Lower Manhattan community and visitors from around the world, the Art Gallery encourages personal investigation and critical dialogue via thought-provoking contemporary art exhibits and public programming. Enhancing the Art Department’s Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs, the Art Gallery offers students real-world opportunities to exhibit their own art and to work directly with professional artists to install and promote exhibitions. All exhibits and events are free and open to the public.

About Dyson College of Arts and Science

Pace University’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.