Computer Science

Master's Program

Our MS degree program in Computer Science is driven by three distinct needs that are fueled by the growth in training needed for technological companies, research labs, and civil service. These needs include:

• Opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in advanced studies and research before entering the workforce,
• Opportunities for personnel from surrounding industries to upgrade their professional skills, and
• A strong academic program that prepares graduates to pursue a terminal (PhD) degree in Computer Science.

To meet the needs listed above, we have established the following program objectives and learning outcomes for our MS program:

Program objectives:

CS MS graduates will have the technical competence needed to engage in successful careers in industry, research, and public service.
CS MS graduates will have the skills needed for effective technical communication.
CS MS graduates will have the ability pursue independent lifelong learning.
The program will maintain an appropriate minimum graduation rate by averaging at least five MS graduates per year.

Learning outcomes:

CS MS graduates will demonstrate a breadth of knowledge across the discipline of computer science including both the practice and theory of computer science.
CS MS graduates will demonstrate a depth of knowledge in their chosen area of specialization.
CS MS graduates will demonstrate knowledge of techniques, synthesis, and application of computer science research.

Admission Expectations with Non-CS Background:

An applicant for admission to the MS program offered by the Computer Science (CS) Department is generally expected to have earned a BS degree in computer science or related field from an approved program. However, for those applicants who do not have a typical computer science background, the fundamentals of computing needed to succeed in our program can be obtained through means other than the traditional path. Those fundamentals include the following:

Programming experience (e.g., C, C++, Python, Java) using data structures (e.g., stacks, queues, trees, graphs)
Solid understanding of algorithmic analysis, design, and complexity (e.g., searching, sorting, heuristics)
Discrete mathematics (e.g., Boolean logic)

An applicant can be demonstrate a sufficient background in the above areas through multiple avenues such as:

Transcript and course syllabi
Completion of online courses with certificates (e.g., Coursera)
Working developed software (e.g., personal project maintained in a public GitHub repository)

It is also expected that the applicant will provide GRE scores (for quantitative and verbal evaluation), and three letters of recommendation that support the capabilities to pursue a Master's in Computer Science.

Learn how you can earn credits towards your Master's while you are a Undergraduate student at our Fast-Track Program here.