Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Computer Science Program

The Master of Science degree in Computer Science prepares students for the challenges faced by professionals in the rapidly changing field of computer science, as well as for those planning to pursue advanced graduate study in the field of computing. The program provides students with foundations in computer science, along with state-of-the-art skills needed for its two areas of concentration, namely, Software Development and Network and Information Security.

Application Deadline

The program has rolling admissions.

Departmental Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements of the Office of Graduate Admissions, all applicants must also submit the following documents:

• A one-page statement indicating the candidate's academic background, area of interest, and their career plans.
• Three letters of recommendation.

International applicants should refer to the Admission of International Students subsection of the Application and Admissions section for additional application requirements.

Candidate Requirements

Candidates seeking admission are expected to have a bachelor's degree in any area of study with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 4.0). Additionally, it is expected that all graduate candidates have the knowledge and skills of programming in a high-level language (e.g., Java, C++) through the topic of data structures. For those lacking this prerequisite, a 4-credit accelerated programming course (CSC 505: Computer Programming & Data Structures) is offered by the department on a regular basis.

Transfer Credits

No more than 9 credits of graduate-level Computer Science related courses may be transferred from other institutions.

Program Sequence - 36 Credits

The Master of Science degree in Computer Science is a 36-credit program in which all students must complete 30 credits of coursework in addition to a 6-credit capstone requirement.

Required Core Requirements (12 credits)

• CSC 540 Database Systems (3 credits)
• CSC 543 Web Programming (3 credits)
• CSC 563 Multithreaded Distributed Programming (3 credits)
• CSC 565 Computer Networks (3 credits)

Concentration Requirements (12 credits)

All students must select one of the two areas of concentration offered by the department and complete all four courses in the selected area. The two areas of concentration are:

Software Development

This concentration focuses on software engineering techniques, advanced database systems, mobile software development, along with an emphasis on strategies, methods, and techniques to measure and improve software quality. Courses include:

• CSC 535 Software Engineering (3 credits)
• CSC 545 Advanced Database Systems (3 credits)
• CSC 550 Fundamentals of Mobile Application Development (3 credits)
• CSC 560 Software Quality (3 credits)

Network and Information Security

This cybersecurity concentration prepares students with a solid foundation in information assurance strategies and best practices, along with the skills necessary to utilize various security tools to monitor networks and systems for security breaches, respond to cyberattacks, and gather data and evidence to be used in prosecuting cybercrime. Students will also gain experience in the cybersecurity tools and techniques used by hackers. Courses include:

• CSC 555 Principles of Information Security (3 credits)
• CSC 558 Network Security (3 credits)
• CSC 568 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing (3 credits)
• CSC 578 Secure Systems (3 credits)

Breadth Requirements (6 credits)

All students are required to complete a total of two additional non-core courses outside of their area of concentration to broaden their knowledge. These courses must be in Computer Science and must be at the 520 level or higher.

Capstone Requirements (6 credits)

Students select one of two capstone options toward the end of their coursework, namely: the Master's Thesis (CSC 590/591) or a Special Project (CSC 595/CSC 595) (3-credits each). A description of each of these capstone requirements can be found in the "Master's Degree Requirements" description within the Academic Standards and Regulations section.