The purpose of the degree is to prepare students for technical leadership roles which requiring greater knowledge, skills and responsibility than would the bachelor’s degree. The program provides advanced, in-depth instruction on cutting-edge computer science areas such as machine learning, parallel computing, and computer security. It develops skills, such as the ability to perform independent research, which are essential to success in the computer technology field. The program also provides excellent preparation for those wishing to enter a Ph.D. program.
The mission of the Computer Science Department is to prepare students to become successful computer science problem solvers.
The Computer Science Department has modern, well-equipped laboratories and an active externally funded research program.
There are two options for the Master of Science in Computer Science: a thesis option and a non-thesis programming language option. For either option, the degree candidate must select a minimum of 18 credits of courses open only to graduate students.
At least one additional course numbered 520 or higher.
At least three additional courses numbered 520 or higher.
No graduate student who has an A, B, or incomplete grade in a graduate course may re-enroll for credit in the course for a second time without approval of the department chair and the department graduate coordinator.
Admission requirement and deadlines
Graduate school requirements and deadlines apply.
Graduate Independent Study
You may take Graduate Independent Study to fulfill part of your electives, which allows the student to pursue special topics beyond regular courses. It cannot cover the same topic as your project or thesis. The application must include a study plan and objectives, and needs to be approved by a supervising fulltime faculty member and the department.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are available through the department. These are awarded based upon merit and achievement to full-time students in the graduate program. GAs do not teach classes, but complete projects and tasks assigned by professors.
The GA is awarded for the first year of full-time study, with the possibility of extension through the first summer. Prospective students should apply for a graduate assistantship at the time of original application to the program, using the application form online.
For more information, contact the department chair and/or graduate coordinator at 570-422-3666.