Master of Science—Computer Science

Requirements

The departmental requirements for the master’s degree are described below. All these requirements must be satisfied in addition to the University requirements outlined under the Academic Information section of this Catalog.

General Emphasis. This area is meant for students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. The core course work requirements for the general emphasis area are CS 450/550, 455/555, 600, and 665.

Computer Information Sciences Emphasis. This area, offered jointly with the Information Systems/Decision Sciences Department of the College of Business and Public Administration, is appropriate for students with either a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in information systems and a computer science minor or with a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a business administration minor. The core requirements for this emphasis are CS 551 or IT 664, CS 554 or IT 665, CS 555, and IT 672. For all emphasis areas, the student is required to take a one-credit Computer Science Colloquium and to pass a final comprehensive examination.

Options. Three options are available for candidates for master’s degrees: thesis option, non-thesis option, and courses-only option.

Thesis Option. A minimum of 31 credit hours is required, including 24 credits of course work, six credits of thesis research and one credit of colloquium. The candidate is required to write a thesis and make an oral presentation of the results.

Non-thesis Option. A minimum of 34 credit hours is required, including 30 credits of course work, three credits of project work and one credit of colloquium. The candidate is required to prepare a written report on the project and to present it orally.

Courses-only Option. A minimum of 34 credit hours is required, including 33 credits of course work and one credit of colloquium. In addition, a student choosing this option must pass the Exit Comprehensive Examination.

Exit Comprehensive Exam: A student will write a status report that includes a listing of all the courses taken, the knowledge gained from these courses, suggestions for improvements and the overall impression of the MS program experience. The student will then meet with a graduate advisory committee and orally present the report. During the meeting the student will be asked fundamental questions pertaining to the set of listed courses. The outcome of that Exam is Pass/Fail. A failed student will be advised of what to do to improve and pass the exam again.

Time Limit. All requirements for the master’s degree must be completed within six years.