Program Overview
The Master of Science in Computer Science enables students to deepen their understanding in the Computer Sciences after completion of the Bachelor's degree, enhancing their marketability for prospective employers.
Graduates with a Master's degree in Computer Science would qualify for job opportunities in several areas:
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Computer Research Scientist
- Network Engineer
- Software Development Engineer
- Product Owner or Scrum Master
- Software Architect
- DevOps Engineer
In addition to these and other job opportunities, graduates who wish to progress to a Ph.D. in Computer Science will have a solid foundation of coursework and a good exposure to Computer Science research.
Curriculum (33 Credit Hours)
Core Courses (6 Credits)
All students in the M.S. in Computer Science program must take CSCI 5230 - Software Project Management and CSCI 5520 - Research Methods in Computer Science.
Concentration (12 Credits)
Students, when applying to the program, choose one of three options:
Applied Computer Science
This option focuses on theoretical and practical considerations in mainstream computer science. It features the following courses:
- CSCI 5150 - Topics in Distributed Systems
- CSCI 5260 - Artificial Intelligence
- CSCI 5410 - Advanced Networking Techniques
- CSCI 5620 - Analysis of Algorithms
Artificial Intelligence and
Machine Learning
This option focuses on computational aspects of AI and ML algorithm design. It features the following courses:
Software Engineering
This option provides an in-depth experience in the software development lifecycle. It features the following courses:
Electives (9 Credits)
Students may choose three additional 5xxx courses with advisor approval. No more than 3 courses in the degree’s program of study may be designated 5xx7.
Capstone Experience (6 Credits)
Students must choose one of the following capstone sequences.
Independent Computing Project
This capstone allows students to complete a project under an advisor's mentorship. It includes two required courses:
Software Development Project
This capstone immerses students in a group effort to initiate, design, develop, test, and deliver a software product. It includes two required courses:
Thesis
This capstone allows students to research a topic under an advisor's mentorship. It includes two required courses:
Additionally, thesis students are encouraged to devote an independent study to their theses.
All students must complete a presentation to their advisor and committee members at the end of their capstone sequence. Consult with the department for more information about the presentation.
Delivery Format
The M.S.C.S. is an onsite program with some online offerings. In-person and synchronous online course offerings will normally be evening courses.
Admission Criteria
In addition to admission policies established by the Graduate School, all applicants are required to submit the following:
- Undergraduate transcripts that show the equivalent of a major in a computing field with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Three letters of recommendation that evaluate the applicant’s academic ability, professional maturity, and communication skills.
- A personal essay that discusses the applicant's reason for pursuing the M.S. in Computer Science.
- A curriculum vita, detailing any IT-related work experience.
Additionally, international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency as specified by Graduate School Admission Policies.
Applicants will be evaluated for admission based on evidence of preparedness for graduate study in computer science, as attested to by academic performance and/or professional experience. As a rule, this will include a background in programming, including data structures; a background in databases and computer organization; a background in college math, including probability and statistics or calculus; and additional experience related to the concentration of choice: i.e.,
- for AI/ML, linear algebra
- for applied computer science, the equivalent of upper-division coursework in systems, database, and/or programming languages
- for software engineering, the equivalent of an undergraduate course in software engineering
Applicants without sufficient academic or professional experience may be admitted provisionally. Applicants lacking academic preparation may be required to complete (with a B- or higher in each course) undergraduate foundation courses in computer science and mathematics. Related professional experience, such as programming, systems analysis, and/or systems design, may be substituted for some foundation courses. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may be admitted provisionally and must complete their first 9 credit hours in the program of study with a grade of B or higher in each course.