Computer Science, Non-Thesis Option, M.S.

Learning Objectives

Students who complete the M.S. degree program in computer science will

• Possess a thorough and in-depth understanding of the foundational areas of computer science;
• Have the ability to apply theoretical findings; and
• Demonstrate professional skills and behavior.

Admission

Requirements for admission to the Graduate School, including English proficiency, may be found in the Admission section of this Bulletin.

Applicants to the graduate program in computer science must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in computer science or a related discipline. In addition, the following requirements must be met:

• A 3.0 undergraduate GPA,
• At least 15 hours of computer science,
• At least 15 hours of mathematics and statistics at the level of calculus and above, and
• An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Exam.

Upon the recommendation of the Graduate Dean, students who fail to meet the above requirements may be admitted conditionally, pending removal of deficiencies.

Curriculum Requirements

The non-thesis option M.S. in computer science requires a total of 30 credit hours selected with approval of the graduate program advisor. Chosen coursework must meet the following requirements:

• Either CS 6413 Compiler Construction  or CS 6333 Computer Networks  is required.
• Minimum of 18 credit hours of computer science courses at the 7000-level or above. 
• Maximum of 12 credit hours of 6000-level courses.
• Maximum of 6 hours may be courses outside of computer science, at either the 6000- or 7000-level. 
• Other courses may be selected subject to approval of the graduate program advisor.

Students who have not completed equivalent undergraduate computer science courses must complete the following courses:

• CS 1043 Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving,
• CS 2003 Fundamentals of Algorithm and Computer Applications,
• CS 2123 Data Structures,
• CS 3013 Discrete Mathematics, and
• CS 3053 Operating Systems.  

In many cases, a student with certain deficiencies can be admitted and required to take two leveling courses – CS 6103  and CS 6113  – to cover the deficiencies.

A student who has been fully admitted to the Graduate School should meet with the graduate program advisor of the computer science program to plan a program through to the completion of the degree requirements. This program is subject to change by mutual consent.