Computer Science Master of Science Degree Program

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)

1. Core Courses (required of all students) -

• Csi 503 – Algorithms and Data Structures (3)
• Csi 518 – Software Engineering (4) 

2. Concentration Core Course Requirement - Select one of three concentrations and take the three courses within the concentration:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:

• Csi 531 Data Mining (3)
• Csi 535 Artificial Intelligence (3)
• Csi 536 Machine Learning (3)

Systems:

• Csi 500: Operating Systems (3)
• Csi 508 Database Systems (3)
• Csi 516: Computer and Communications Networks (3)

Theoretical Computer Science:

• Csi 519: Advanced Programming Concepts (3)
• Csi 529: Probability and Computing (3) (N)
• Csi 609: Formal Languages and Theory of Computation (3)

3. Electives - 12 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.

Breadth Requirement - Graduate students are required to demonstrate a broad understanding of computer science by selecting elective courses from core concentration areas other than their chosen specialization. Each student must complete at least one 3-credit course from each of the unselected concentration areas.

Master's students cannot count the following courses towards MS degree requirements: Csi 600, Csi 696, Csi 697, Csi 720, Csi 890, and Csi 899.

4. Culminating Experience Requirement - Select one of the following course options:

• Csi 68X Master's Project (3)
• Csi 698 Internship (3)
• Csi 699 Master's Thesis (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.