Master of Computer Applications is a Postgraduate Academic Master Degree which is awarded for a course or program in Computer Applications. Just like B.C.A. it is also popular among today's generation. It is popularly known as M.C.A. which is an abbreviated form of Master Computer Applications. The duration of Master of Computer Applications is 3 years, divided into a number of semesters which are generally 6 in number. Generally, the 1st year course is aimed at skills development in computers using various technologies, the 2nd year is more focused providing a conceptual framework and the 3rd year provides the specialization and the project work. Master of Computer Applications is a Computer Science Degree whose curriculum is primarily based on the development of application software in diverse areas. However, Computer Science Major programme also focuses on providing the students a thorough and sound background in theoretical and application-oriented courses relevant to the latest computer software development. Masters Degree in Computer Science prepares a candidate to become a quality software professional with the advanced and updated knowledge base which is necessary to meet the needs of software industries. Master of Computer Applications can also be pursued through Correspondence or Distance Education Program. Some Institutes provide PGDCA (Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications) certificate after the successful completion of 1st year course. Some of the MCA colleges in india that offer Master of Computer Application in India are Delhi University, J. N. U., MNIT, Allahabad, Pune University, R.E.C. Trichy etc.
Eligibility
Any graduate who has passed or appearing for the final year degree examination in any discipline (Science, Commerce, Arts, Engineering or any approved University) is eligible to apply. Candidates must have mathematics as a subject in their 10+2 course or any one year of graduation. B.C.A. qualified candidates can also pursue M.C.A. Admission to this course is generally done through various MCA entrance tests. Most institutes conduct their own MCA entrance tests but there are also some centralized entrance tests for MCA. AIMCET (all India entrance of MCA) is one such MCA entrance test. The syllabus of the Master of Computer Applications (MCA) entrance exams comprises Mental Ability, English Comprehension and Mathematics of 12th standard. While most of the MCA entrance tests have objective questions, some universities follow a mixed pattern of objective, short-answer, and long-answer types of questions. Some Institutes also conduct group discussion and an interview for getting admission.
Master of Computer Applications Specialisations
- Application Software.
- Hardware Technology.
- Management Information Systems
- Internet.
- Software Development.
- Systems Management.
- Systems Development.
- Systems Engineering.
- Troubleshooting.
Master of Computer Applications Subjects
- Computer Architecture.
- Computer Networks.
- Data Structures and files using C.
- Java Programming.
- Project Visual C++.
- Software Project Management.
Who can and Who should pursue Master of Computer Applications
M.C.A. is perfectly suited for BCA graduates as they already have a foundation favourable for pursuing this degree. MCA is a course exclusively designed to meet the IT requirements of IT Trained Students for various organisations. Those who want to have advanced education in planning, designing and building of complex commercial application software and system software should pursue this degree. MCA is also meant for those graduates who want a productive career in software industry/academia.
Advantages or Benefits of Master of Computer Applications
- Master of Computer Applications provides a complete professional grooming which is essential for a successful career in the IT Industry.
- An M.C.A. graduate can work for any IT company big or small as a system developer and various other roles.
Master of Computer Applications Jobs
There is a consistent demand of Masters in Computer Science degree holders in Industries in India and abroad. In spite of the financial crisis in U.S. and it's effect on world economies, there is dearth of Software professionals all over the world. The globalization impact is more in software industry, which has achieved highest mobility of human capital in the present decade.