M.S. in Computer Science
The Master's Program in Computer Science provides advanced study of fundamental concepts in computer science, including algorithm design and analysis, the theory of computation, and applications of computing. The degree plan is flexible, allowing students to use electives to focus on specific areas of interest within computer science, such as security, artificial intelligence, data sciences, software development, or systems. Students interested in conducting research have the opportunity to work individually with faculty members on a thesis or project.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have earned a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university. Students apply through the Graduate School by submitting an application and the following supporting materials:
- Official transcripts of all previous academic work.
- Applicants from countries where English is not the first language are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Please consult the graduate school website for required scores.
- Personal Statement of Purpose.
- Minimum of two letters of recommendation.
- A CV/resume with evidence of other relevant experience.
Depending on qualifications for study, students may need to complete leveling coursework at the undergraduate level. These courses are not applied towards the program. Applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge of programming in a high-level language such as Java or C++, including knowledge of data structures and algorithms. This can be demonstrated by completing CS 2302 Data Structures with a B or better, or by completing equivalent coursework or certifications as approved by the program committee. Additional leveling courses may be required as prerequisites for specific graduate courses, or on a case-by-case basis depending on the qualifications of the student.
Degree Requirements
Students may select either the thesis or non-thesis track for this degree. Students enrolled in the thesis track must take 27 credit hours of course work plus six (6) additional credit hours of
CS 5398 Master's Thesis I and CS 5399 Master's Thesis. Students in the non-thesis track must complete 36 credit hours, which may optionally include up to six (6) hours of CS 5396 Graduate Projects and CS 5397 Graduate Projects No more than nine (9) total credit hours of Master's Thesis, Graduate Projects, Graduate Research, or Independent Study courses may be counted towards the degree in either track. All courses must be taken at the 5000 level or above, unless specifically approved by the graduate advisor.
Cybersecurity Certificate
The department also offers a certificate in cybersecurity that can be obtained in combination with the MS degree if the student selects the necessary courses as electives. See the description of the certificate program for the detailed requirements.
Degree Plan
Required Credits: 33 (thesis track) or 36 (non-thesis track)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Courses: | ||
Core Courses (6) credit hours (All courses require a B or better): | ||
CS 5350 | Advanced Algorithms | 3 |
CS 5315 | Theory of Computation | 3 |
Breadth Courses (12) credit hours (All courses require a B or better): | ||
Select at least one course in four of the five areas listed. |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Area 1: Systems | ||
CS 5340 | Advanced Operating Systems | 3 |
CS 5341 | Advanced Computer Architecture | 3 |
CS 5313 | Computer Networks | 3 |
Area 2: Security | ||
CS 5352 | Computer Security | 3 |
CS 5375 | Software Reverse Engineering | 3 |
CS 5376 | Comp. Dec Making & Risk Anal | 3 |
CS 5377 | Cyber-Sec for Critical Op Tech | 3 |
Area 3: Software Development | ||
CS 5382 | Model-Based Software Devlpmnt | 3 |
CS 5385 | Software Requirements Engr | 3 |
CS 5386 | Software Architecture & Design | 3 |
CS 5387 | Software Integration and V&V | 3 |
Area 4: Intelligent and Interactive Systems | ||
CS 5314 | Decision Making | 3 |
CS 5317 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
CS 5303 | Logical Foundations of CS | 3 |
Area 5: Data Management and Analytics | ||
CS 5342 | Database Management | 3 |
CS 5361 | Machine Learning | 3 |
CS 5362 | Data Mining | 3 |
Non-thesis Track (18) credit hours (All courses require a C or better) | ||
Students must complete six elective courses in CS at the 5000-level or above. These may include project courses CS 5396 Graduate Projects/CS 5397 Graduate Projects. | ||
Thesis Track (15) credit hours (All courses require a C or better) | ||
All students must complete at least three hours of CS 5398 and three hours of 5399 Master's Thesis courses, and nine (9) additional credit hours of elective courses in computer science at the 5000-level or above. | ||
Total Hours | 33-36 |
Graduate CS Courses
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Logical Foundations of CS | ||
Computer Networks | ||
Decision Making | ||
Theory of Computation | ||
Human-Computer Interaction | ||
Topics in Language Processing | ||
Parallel & Concurrent Program | ||
Secure Web-Based Systems | ||
Advanced Operating Systems | ||
Advanced Computer Architecture | ||
Database Management | ||
Advanced Algorithms | ||
Interval Computations | ||
Computer Security | ||
Topics/Intelligent Computing | ||
Software Safety & Risk Anlysis | ||
Spec. & Desgn of Real-Time Sys | ||
Graduate Student Internship | ||
Software Construction | ||
Software Reverse Engineering | ||
Comp. Dec Making & Risk Anal | ||
Cyber-Sec for Critical Op Tech | ||
Topics in Software Engineering | ||
Model-Based Software Devlpmnt | ||
Software Architecture & Design | ||
Software Integration and V&V | ||
Software Project Management | ||
Software Engineering Practicum | ||
Special Topic Computer Science | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Graduate Research Methods | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Master's Thesis | ||
Master's Thesis | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Doctoral Research | ||
Doctoral Research | ||
Logical Foundations of CS | ||
Theory of Computation | ||
Adv Computer Architecture | ||
Advanced Algorithms | ||
Special Topics | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Graduate Research Methods | ||
Doctoral Research |