Computer Science
MS
Master's degree in computer science
The Computer Science MS program gives graduates a broad and deep knowledge of computer science by offering a strong core program with a wide selection of elective courses.
The program maintains a balance between theory, systems, and applications—with an emphasis on software development.
You'll gain the ability and confidence to use your knowledge by working on realistic-scale, graduate-level projects. Your experience will include:
- working as a member of a team
- situations where you will be responsible for the entire project, from problem specification to solution
- independent research
- presentation of research results in oral and written forms
You will graduate with the knowledge and skills required to develop and design high-quality computer systems and application software—and the ability to follow the rapid changes in the field of computer science.
As a highly-qualified professional, you will be ready to compete for responsible positions in the computer industry, research institutions, government, or to continue your education in a PhD program.
Mean starting salary for computer science MS graduates:
$92,222
NACE AY 2022 Data Collection Graduate Alumni
Research
The MS in Computer Science prepares graduates to:
- succeed as leaders at project and enterprise levels
- pursue PhD studies
- contribute to the development of computer industry
- use computer science knowledge to contribute to the advancement of other industries
You will arrange an individual graduate program with your advisor during the first semester, subject to approval by your Graduate Committee.
All students complete 3 required computer science courses and a master’s project or thesis course. Combined thesis and project credits cannot exceed 6. Elective courses round out the student’s program.
A number of graduate teaching and research assistantships are awarded to qualified students who have been accepted for admission to a degree program and have requested financial assistance.
The research interests of faculty in the Computer & Information Science (CIS) Department are wide-ranging, and include:
- artificial intelligence
- autonomous systems
- bioinformatics
- computational biology
- decision support systems
- distributed computing
- human-computer interaction
- internet security
- mobile robotics
- machine learning
International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.
Study online
We offer the option to earn your master's degree in a 100% online program. Learn more: MS in Computer Science online