The College of Arts and Sciences offers a graduate major in Computer Science, tailored to an applications-focused curriculum with a strong software engineering emphasis. This program equips students for software engineering roles across diverse sectors, including business, industry, and government.
The curriculum builds on a solid theoretical foundation, enhancing adaptability to future technological shifts and facilitating the pursuit of advanced studies or doctoral programs at other institutions.
Designed for working professionals, the program focuses on the latest in software development, system architecture, application development, and strategic resource management of software technologies. As emerging technologies transform the landscape, our curriculum adapts to include cutting-edge theories and methodologies essential for integrating complex hardware-software ecosystems. Professionals well-versed in these areas will be best positioned to capitalize on technological advancements.
Faculty research interests are broad and progressive, spanning areas such as object-oriented programming, cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data analytics, blockchain technology, robotics, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT). These research areas directly influence our dynamic course offerings, including specialized topics that address current industry challenges and innovations.
This program not only prepares graduates to advance in their careers but also to lead in the development and implementation of impactful technology solutions in an ever-evolving computing landscape.
Program Expected Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the MS in Computer Science, students will be able to:
1. Integrate concepts, tools, and theories to find technology-based solutions to problems;
2. Apply professional skills to model, analyze, and design components or systems that meet technical specification;
3. Apply concepts of software architectures for different development projects;
4. Utilize concepts to dissect and identify system limitation in terms of threats and vulnerabilities;
5. Work and communicate effectively, either independently or in a team, to solve problems using computer science principles;
6. Explain the broad social, ethical, and professional issues of contemporary computer science practice;
7. Conduct scholarly research in Computer Science.
Special Admissions Requirements
Applicants must not only satisfy the general University admission standards but also possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Furthermore, for any graduate coursework undertaken, a GPA of 3.0 or above is required. Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a GPA of 3.0 or above will be given preferential consideration in the admissions process, assuming comparable credentials.
Program Prerequisites
The graduate curriculum is based upon the completion of an undergraduate major in Computer Science that possesses a significant software engineering orientation, which will be determined by program faculty. In addition to those required for the master’s degree, students who have earned their baccalaureate degrees in other areas will be required to take CPSC 5000: Computer Science Workshop (3 credits) as an elective bridge course to the Computer Science program in the first semester of enrollment.
Master’s Final Project Option
As part of this degree program, students may choose between the graduate seminar option or the graduate thesis option.
In the graduate seminar option, students participate in a seminar class, developing a capstone project under the guidance of the seminar faculty member. The seminar project will provide evidence of the ability and efforts to carry out a major application of theory or advanced methods in computer science. The seminar project is appropriate for students seeking to broaden their practical experience in a setting similar to one encountered in the computer and information technology workplace.
In the thesis option, students develop a master’s project proposal, conduct extensive research in the proposed area, implement the project under the guidance of a faculty member, and prepare a final thesis. This option allows students to broaden their practical experience, strengthen research capabilities and to gain more depth in a particular area of computer science.
Admission to Candidacy
After admission as a degree-seeking student, a student also must be admitted to candidacy. To qualify for degree candidacy, a student must:
- complete all of the courses listed under Required Course below with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher; and
- complete an approved proposal for a thesis topic or a master’s project.
More detailed candidacy information is available through the student’s advisor.
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