MS in Computer Science Degree Requirements

NOTE: Students entering the program before Fall 2003 can either use the old degree program or the new degree program specified below. All other students must use the new degree program.

A total of 30 graduate credits (400 or above) is required for the degree Master of Science in Computer Science. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be earned for course work approved by the program taken as a graduate student.

Projected Schedule of Courses

Required Courses (12 credits)

COMP 505	Theory of Computation
COMP 511	Design and Analysis of Algorithms
COMP 512	Advanced Operating Systems
COMP 519	Advanced Topics in Database Management Systems

Additionally, students are required to complete either a thesis or a paper according to one of the two options described below. Students who believe that they have completed a course substantially similar to one of the specific course requirements may apply to have their previous work evaluated for the purpose of exemption to that requirement. If the exemption is granted, another approved course shall be taken in place of that required course. The remaining 18 credits must be completed according to one of the following options:

1. Thesis Option (18 credits)
   Research into a specific computer science problem, development of a scholarly written paper, and an oral defense. This option requires:
   • 6 credits of COMP 600
   • 3 additional credits from approved 500 level electives in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and information systems courses
   • 9 credits from approved 400 and 500 level electives in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and information systems courses. A list of 400 level courses that can be used for graduate credit can be found here.

2. Paper Option (18 credits)
   In-depth study of a specific computer science problem, development of a written paper or project, and an oral defense. This option requires:
   • 3 credits of COMP 594
   • 9 credits from approved 500 level electives in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and information systems courses
   • 6 credits from approved 400 and 500 level electives in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and information systems courses. A list of 400 level courses that can be used for graduate credit can be found here.

500-level Courses from Other Programs

• INFSY 556
• INFSY 566
• EE 556

Students who plan to apply one of these courses toward the M.S. degree must obtain pre-approval from the Computer Science graduate program coordinator.