Computer Science (M.S.)
The Department of Computer Science offers a program of study leading to the degree of Master of Science. The program is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of two kinds of students: those who have recently completed an undergraduate degree in computer science and want to further their education, and those practicing professionals who want to acquire specific academic experience relevant to their work.
Graduate Curriculum Options
The department offers both thesis and non-thesis options in the master’s program.
Non-Thesis Option
Students that want to acquire employment in a specialized IT/Computer Science field may want to consider a non-thesis master’s degree. Students completing the master's degree without a thesis are required to give a satisfactory performance in a comprehensive examination covering course work. Thirty-six semester hours are required, no more than 12 of which may be at the 5000 level. Up to nine hours may be taken in approved graduate courses outside of Computer Science upon prior approval by the department.
Thesis Option
Students interested in academic research (and perhaps continuing on to acquire a Doctorate) are encouraged to pursue a master’s degree via the thesis-included curriculum. Students completing the master's degree with a thesis are required to submit an acceptable thesis and give a satisfactory defense of the thesis. Thirty semester hours are required, no more than six of which may be thesis credit. No more than nine hours may be at the 5000 level. Up to six hours may be taken in graduate courses outside of Computer Science upon prior approval by the department. Students choosing Cyber Security as their concentration must select the thesis option.
Areas of Study
To meet breadth, depth, and background requirements, graduate students will take courses from different areas of study. A mapping between courses and their areas of study is available to help students choose courses for credits towards their degree.
