MS Program in Computer Science
Note: The description below is for general informational purposes only. For current requirements please refer to the latest Graduate Handbook.
The MS program is designed primarily to train students with professional goals in business, industry, or government, requiring a detailed knowledge of computer science concepts and applications. The program concentrates primarily on applied computer science, emphasizing programming, software development, computer systems, and applications with appropriate theoretical background. Each student is given the experience of working on one or more projects involving analysis, design, evaluation, and/or implementation.
New: Students can now choose to complete a concentration in Data Science and Engineering as a part of their MS degree. Once the requirements for the concentration are completed, students may request the concentration to be reflected in their transript at the time of graduation. See the DSE Concentration web site for details.
Students in the M.S. degree program choose between three project options:
- Basic Project
Completion of a project-oriented course. - Advanced Project
A more involved, two-semester long project (CSE 523 + CSE 524) under the guidance of a faculty advisor. - Thesis Option
Research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor (typically two or three semesters of CSE 599), completed with the submission and defense of a dissertation.
Regardless of the chosen option, students are required fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete a minimum of 31 graduate credits in Computer Science courses, each with a grade of C or better (or S for S/U-graded courses).
- Satisfy the MS breadth requirement by taking courses covering three designated groups of courses.
- Complete a minimum number of graduate-level lecture courses, depending on the chosen project option. Students in the basic project option need 8 additional lecture courses; students in advanced project option need 7 lecture courses; and students in the thesis option need 6 lecture courses. For specifics, please refer to the latest Graduate Handbook.
