The Computer Science MS program has been updated as of Fall 2024. Students who were admitted prior to Fall 2024 can find the previous degree requirements 2023 Computer Science Master of Science Degree Program page.
The Master of Science in Computer Science program (MS-CS) prepares student for professional practice in computer science and the software industry. Graduates will become leaders in designing and building high quality, large scale, computing solutions to real life problems in a variety of fields, including web applications, financial services, healthcare, government contracting, embedded systems, education, and many others. The program teaches the theoretical basis and limitations of CS and how to apply CS to a variety of areas. The MS-CS program spans all aspects of computing, including artificial intelligence, computer systems, machine learning, networking, databases, data mining, software engineering, theoretical computer science, and others.
The MS-CS program requires 31 credits and students select one of three concentrations: (1) Artificial Intelligence, (2) Systems, or (3) Theoretical Computer Science. All students conclude their program with a master’s project, internship, or research thesis.
Requirements for Admission
Students are expected to have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field. Students are expected to have taken courses in object-oriented programing, data structures, algorithms, discrete math, programming languages, system fundamentals, software engineering, calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics.
Discrete Mathematics Exam - A proficiency examination in Discrete Mathematics is given at the beginning of the first semester of graduate study. Students who do not pass this examination are required to pass a departmentally approved remedial program. Students can complete this requirement by taking CSI521 Discrete Mathematics with Applications (this course can count as an elective for the program).
Program of Study: (31 credits required)
- Core Courses (required of all students; 7 credits) -
- Csi 503 – Algorithms and Data Structures (3)
- Csi 518 – Software Engineering (4)
- Concentration Core Course Requirement (6 credits) - Select one of three concentrations and take two of the three courses within the concentration:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:- Csi 531 Data Mining (3)
- Csi 535 Artificial Intelligence I (3)
- Csi 536 Machine Learning (3)
- Csi 500 Operating Systems (3)
- Csi 508 Database Systems I (3)
- Csi 516 (Ece 516) Computer Communications Networks (3)
- Csi 519 Advanced Programming Concepts (3)
- Csi 529 Probability and Computing (3)
- Csi 609 Formal Languages and Theory of Computation (3)
- Electives - 15 credits required; Elective courses must be Computer Science courses numbered 500 or above. At most 2 courses (6 credits) from outside the CS department may be counted with approval from the department.
- Concentration Areas Breadth Requirement - Master's students are required to demonstrate a broad understanding of computer science by selecting elective courses from core concentration areas. Each student must complete at least one 3-credit course from each concentration area, including their chosen concentration.
- Culminating Experience Requirement - Select one of the following course options (3 credits):
- Csi 68X Culminating master's project course (3 credits)
- Csi 698 Internship (3)
- Csi 699 Master's Thesis (3)
Concentration Areas
Breadth Requirement - To ensure a broad computer science background, students must take at least one course from each of the following three areas. Courses taken as part of the concentration core requirement do not count in the breadth requirement:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Csi 531 Data Mining (3)
- Csi 533 Theory and Practice of Multimedia Computing (3)
- Csi 535 Artificial Intelligence I (3)
- Csi 536 Machine Learning (3)
- Csi 552 (Ece 551) Robotics (3)
- Csi 571 Introduction to Computer Vision (3)
- Csi 671 Computer Vision (3)
Systems
- Csi 500 Operating Systems (3)
- Csi 504 (Ece 532) Advanced Computer Architecture (3)
- Csi 508 Database Systems I (3)
- Csi 516 (Ece 516) Computer Communications Networks (3)
- Csi 524 Computer Security (3)
- Csi 525 Mobile Wireless Networks (3)
Theoretical Computer Science
- Csi 519 Advanced Programming Concepts (3)
- Csi 521 Discrete Mathematics with Applications (3)
- Csi 526 Cryptography (3)
- Csi 529 Probability and Computing (3)
- Csi 538 Computational Logic (3)
- Csi 609 Formal Languages and Theory of Computation (3)
Please note: This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.