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Master of Science  in
Computer Science

Advance Your Career in Computer Science

With its solid foundation in computer science theory and practice, the Master of Science in Computer Science program at the University at Albany is an excellent preparation for a career in computer systems design, software engineering, and applications of computers, or for pursuing a doctorate degree.

Through coursework and hands-on experience in areas such as intelligent systems, information security, software engineering, computer networks, and data mining, you will gain the necessary training to meet your professional goals in occupations that require advanced knowledge of computer theory and technology.

Program Overview

This degree requires a minimum of 31 credits, of which at least 25 must be taken from the Department of Computer Science. In a process that can take one full year, you must successfully complete:

  • Core courses in the Department of Computer Science, as well as electives in computer science, or electives outside of computer science with department approval.
  • One of three concentrations
  • A master's project, or thesis, including the design and implementation of a computer program of significant scope. The project may be in the form of a department approved internship involving employment in the private or public sector.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact the Computer Science Department at [email protected] or 518-437-4950

Concentrations

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

  • Data Mining
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine Learning


Systems

  • Operating Systems
  • Database Systems
  • Computer and Communications Networks


Theoretical Computer Science

  • Probability and Computing
  • Formal Languages and Theory of Computation
  • Advanced Programming Concepts
program-overview
Program Highlights

FACULTY: Learn from renowned professors who provide a well-rounded and critical understanding of this dynamic discipline.

RESEARCH: Exciting opportunities to participate in a robust research agenda with our actively engaged faculty. Please visit our faculty websites to learn about ongoing research.

PREPARATION: A wide variety of courses and the ability to build your program of study to meet your career goals.

COST: Save on tuition compared to that at most private universities.

LOCATION: Live in proximity to New York’s Tech Valley and take advantage of numerous internship and job opportunities available within the public and private sectors of this innovative region. The campus is a short ride to Boston and New York City.

NETWORK: Gain access to an invaluable network of leading professionals in the field of computer science.

 

 

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program-highlights
CTG Students
Career Outlook

Computer Science graduates are sought after in a wide range of industries.

Sample job titles for a computer science master's degree include:

  • Application Developer
  • Data Analyst
  • Multimedia Programmer
  • IT Consultant
  • Software Architect

The degree can also be used as a step toward earning a doctorate.

careers

“The computer science faculty at UAlbany has always encouraged and challenged me to explore the unexplored, while giving me the right skills to harness the power of technology in solving real-world issues.”

- Shivam Parikh, MS in Computer Science alum and current PhD student

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.0 GPA, you may be eligible to begin your graduate degree coursework as early as your junior year. Save time and money by applying up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, towards both degrees. By doing so, you may be able to complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

UAlbany graduate with confetti at Commencement.

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: April 1
  • Spring: October 15
  • Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • One Letter of Recommendation
Special Notes

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 Discrete Mathematics with Applications (this course can count as an elective for the program).

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 applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • Understand and analyze algorithms and data structures.
  • Implement algorithms in a manner consistent with software engineering principles.
  • Design and implement large scale software and work in teams.
  • Demonstrate competence in operating systems, databases, computability or advanced programming concepts.
  • Illustrate implementation success via demos of their projects.
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