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CSC-MS - Computer Science - M.S.

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Completion requirement

Departmental Degree Requirements


To receive a Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science (CS) the student should complete all the MS requirements specified by the University and the College of Engineering. Additionally, certain specific departmental requirements are listed on the corresponding departmental website. A student has the option of a Thesis or Non-Thesis degree program. All students will be required to complete online modules on the Principles of Computer Science Research no later than the completion of 15 credit hours of graduate coursework.

Thesis Option


The Thesis option requires 30 semester credit hours of graduate work, including 24 hours of coursework and 6 hours of graduate thesis (course). The thesis requirement includes research, the findings of which must be submitted in writing subject to the policies and satisfaction of the Graduate School and the advisory committee. In addition, each student must pass a defense of his/her research work before the advisory committee. The advisory committee shall consist of at least three members, two of which must be from the CS department, including being chaired or co-chaired by a CS faculty member.

Degree Requirements

  • Advisor Approved Electives*: 24 hours

  • Research Requirement: 6 hours

  • Total Degree Requirements: 30 hours

* Advisor Approved Electives may be selected from CSC, MATH, DS, ECE , ENGR, or EMGT 5000, 6000, 7000 level courses with a maximum of 9 hours at the 5000 level.

Project Option


The Project Option requires 30 semester credit hours of graduate work, including 24 hours of coursework and 6 hours graduate project (course) For the Project Option, each student must pass a defense of her/his project work before the advisory committee. The advisory committee shall consist of at least three members, two of which must be from the CS department, including being chaired or co-chaired by a CS faculty member.

Degree Requirement

  • Advisor Approved Electives*: 24 hours

  • Non-Thesis Project Requirement : 6 hours

  • Total Degree Requirements: 30 hours

* Advisor Approved Electives may be selected from CSC, MATH, DS, ECE , ENGR, or EMGT 5000, 6000, 7000 level courses with a maximum of 9 hours at the 5000 level.


Courses Only Option


The Courses Only Option requires 30 semester credit hours of graduate work, including 27 hours of coursework and 3 hours of directed independent study (course or course). For the Courses Only Option, each student must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the advisory committee. The advisory committee shall consist of at least three members, two of which must be from the CS department, including being chaired or co-chaired by a CS faculty member.

Degree Requirement

  • Advisor Approved Electives*: 27 hours

  • Courses Only Requirement: 3 hours

  • Total Degree Requirements: 30 hours

* Advisor Approved Electives may be selected from CSC, MATH, DS, ECE , ENGR, or EMGT 5000, 6000, 7000 level courses with a maximum of 9 hours at the 5000 level.