MCA

The Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is a master's degree in computer science, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The core courses of this program are designed to introduce students to the various areas of computer science and engineering such as computer programming, software engineering, computer networking, database management system, computer graphics and system analysis. The MCA designation originated in the India, emerging from the 20th century as the country began its journey towards becoming an IT superpower and companies sought out information technology to buisness management.
The University grants commission (UGC) India and all India council for technical education (AICTE) recognizes MCA as a three year masters degree in computer science.

Basic types of MCA programme
Three year (Full Time) MCA programs normally take place over three academic years (i.e. approximately 36 months of term time with six semesters). Students take classes during weekdays like other university students and sit for semester examination twice a year.

Accreditation in other countries
In most of the countries MCA is considered as an equivalent programme for bachelor's degree in computer engineering and/or software engineering. Similar degree in other countries would be B.Eng, BS, BE, BSE (Bachelor of Software Engineering), Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSc IT), Bachelor of Computing (BComp), Bachelor of Computer Science (BCompSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (Information Technology) (BAppSc(IT)).

Career progression after MCA
A candidate with an MCA degree can take various career paths in the information technology industry as well as ITES sector. In the corporate sector they can start their career as a Programmer, Software Engineer, System Analyst, DBMS Administrator, Systems Manager, Network Professional, Project Engineer etc. while in the public sector they can work as IT officers in banks, defence services (including armed forces), intelligence agencies, computer forensics etc. In academics MCA's can work as Lecturer, Professors and Researchers in computer science. After MCA a candidate can apply for higher studies through GATE/UGC NET examinations to obtain MTech or doctoral degrees in computer science.