Master of Science in Computer Science
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Computer Science at UNLV offers various tracks, including Thesis, Project, Integrated BS-MS, and Exam Tracks in Foundations and Theory, Cyber Security, AI and Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Data Science and Big Data, and Database and Information Retrieval. Students can specialize in areas such as algorithm analysis, database systems, computer security, and artificial intelligence. The program provides opportunities for research, original contributions, and hands-on experience in computer laboratories.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- The Master of Science in Computer Science program at UNLV provides students the opportunity to study different subject areas of computing science, conduct research in specialized areas, and make original contributions to the field.
- The graduate programs, leading to MS and PhD degrees, are designed to pursue research at the frontiers of computer science and application areas.
- The graduate program is supported by faculty who are actively participating in research and development in specialized areas such as algorithm analysis, database systems, document image processing, scheduling, computational geometry, computer security, parallel programming, programming languages, and multi-media.
- Four in-house computer laboratories support teaching and research activities.
Outline:
Thesis Track:
- Students complete 24 credits of 600- or 700-level Computer Science (CS) courses.
- Students may complete up to 3 credits outside of CS.
- Students must complete 12 credits of 700-level CS courses (excluding thesis).
- Students must submit a thesis approved by their advisor and thesis committee and pass a final oral examination covering the thesis and relevant course work.
Project Track:
- Students complete 27 credits of 600- or 700-level Computer Science (CS) courses.
- Students may complete up to 3 credits outside of CS.
- Students must complete 15 credits of 700-level CS courses (excluding the project).
- Students must complete a computer science project and a report approved by their advisor and their project committee and pass a final oral examination over the project and relevant course work.
Integrated BS-MS Track:
- Students complete the following nine credits or other courses approved by the Graduate Coordinator:
- CS 656 - Automata and Formal Languages
- CS 660 - Compiler Construction
- CS 677 - Analysis of Algorithms
- Students complete 15-21 credits of 600- or 700-level Computer Science (CS) courses.
- Students may complete up to 3 credits outside of CS.
- Students must complete 12 credits of 700-level CS courses (excluding thesis).
- Students must submit a thesis approved by their advisor and thesis committee and pass a final oral examination covering the thesis and relevant course work.
- Students may be released from up to 9 credits of classes towards completion of the M.S. degree as long as the average G.P.A for these classes taken as part of the undergraduate program is a 3.0 or above.
Exam Track - Foundations and Theory:
- Students complete a total of 9 credits from the following courses:
- CS 656 - Automata and Formal Languages
- CS 677 - Analysis of Algorithms
- CS 715 - Advanced Analysis of Algorithms
- CS 758 - Computational Geometry
- CS 789 - Topics in Advanced Computer Science
- Students complete 21 credits of 600- or 700-level Computer Science (CS) courses.
- Students may complete up to 6 credits outside of CS.
- Students must complete 18 credits of 700-level CS courses.
- Students must choose one of the specialized areas covered by CS 600/700-level courses and approved by the graduate affairs committee.
- Students take 3 courses in the chosen specialized area.
Exam Track - Cyber Security:
- Students complete a total of 9 credits from the following courses:
- CS 643 - Information Assurance
- CS 645 - Internet Security
- CS 648 - Computer Security
- CS 649 - Computer and Network Forensics
- CS 665 - Computer Networks I
- CS 789 - Topics in Advanced Computer Science
- Students complete 21 credits of 600- or 700-level Computer Science (CS) courses.
- Students may complete up to 6 credits outside of CS.
- Students must complete 18 credits of 700-level CS courses.
- Students must choose one of the specialized areas covered by CS 600/700-level courses and approved by the graduate affairs committee.
- Students take 3 courses in the chosen specialized area.
Exam Track - AI and Machine Learning:
- Students complete a total of 9 credits from the following courses:
- CS 682 - Artificial Intelligence
- CS 781 - Automated Deduction
- CS 782 - Expert System Construction
- CS 783 - Genetic Algorithms and Neural Networks
- CS 789 - Topics in Advanced Computer Science
- Students complete 21 credits of 600- or 700-level Computer Science (CS) courses.
- Students may complete up to 6 credits outside of CS.
- Students must complete 18 credits of 700-level CS courses.
- Students must choose one of the specialized areas covered by CS 600/700-level courses and approved by the graduate affairs committee.
- Students take 3 courses in the chosen specialized area.
Exam Track - Software Engineering:
- Students complete a total of 9 credits from the following courses:
- CS 620 - Human-Computer Interaction
- CS 672 - Software Product Design and Development I
- CS 682 - Artificial Intelligence
- CS 772 - Empirical Software Engineering
- CS 789 - Topics in Advanced Computer Science
- Students complete 21 credits of 600- or 700-level Computer Science (CS) courses.
- Students may complete up to 6 credits outside of CS.
- Students must complete 18 credits of 700-level CS courses.
- Students must choose one of the specialized areas covered by CS 600/700-level courses and approved by the graduate affairs committee.
- Students take 3 courses in the chosen specialized area.
Exam Track - Data Science and Big Data:
- Students complete a total of 9 credits from the following courses:
- CS 657 - Database Management Systems
- CS 658 - Introduction to Data Mining
- CS 672 - Software Product Design and Development I
- CS 682 - Artificial Intelligence
- CS 769 - Advanced Data Base Management
- CS 783 - Genetic Algorithms and Neural Networks
- Students complete 21 credits of 600- or 700-level Computer Science (CS) courses.
- Students may complete up to 6 credits outside of CS.
- Students must complete 18 credits of 700-level CS courses.
- Students must choose one of the specialized areas covered by CS 600/700-level courses and approved by the graduate affairs committee.
- Students take 3 courses in the chosen specialized area.
Exam Track - Database and Information Retrieval:
- Students complete a total of 9 credits from the following courses:
- CS 657 - Database Management Systems
- CS 658 - Introduction to Data Mining
- CS 682 - Artificial Intelligence
- CS 769 - Advanced Data Base Management
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Overview:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university located in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is known for its diverse student body, innovative academic programs, and its unique location in a vibrant and dynamic city.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNLV offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect to find a welcoming community with a strong sense of belonging. The university boasts a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, catering to various interests. UNLV also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and provides opportunities for students to connect with the local community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and Inclusive Environment:
UNLV prides itself on its diverse student body, with one-third of students being first-generation college attendees. This creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from various backgrounds.Unique Location:
Situated in Las Vegas, UNLV offers students access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities.Innovative Academics:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs, including 78 majors, 84 minors, and over 197 graduate degree and certificate programs. The university also boasts its own law, medicine, and dental medicine schools.Strong Community Engagement:
UNLV encourages students to engage with the local community and provides opportunities for service learning and volunteer work.Academic Programs:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.Education:
Teacher education, educational leadership, and special education.Engineering:
Civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.Health Sciences:
Nursing, medicine, dentistry, public health, and biomedical sciences.Hospitality:
Hospitality management, tourism management, and culinary arts.Law:
Juris Doctor (JD) degree.Fine Arts:
Music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.Other:
UNLV is a relatively young university, established in 1957. It has grown significantly over the years and is now one of the largest universities in Nevada. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as healthcare, technology, and sustainability.
Entry Requirements:
An application Official transcripts of all college level work with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Two letters of recommendation concerning the student's potential for succeeding in the graduate program. The results of the Graduate Record Examination current to within five years should be sent directly to the department. The preferred minimum score requirement is 297. The GRE requirement is waived for students participating in the Integrated BS-MS subplan. In addition, applicants must have completed courses and their prerequisites equivalent to our undergraduate Programming Languages (CS 326), Operating Systems (CS 370), Discrete Mathematics II (MATH 351), and Statistical Methods I (STAT 411) with an average grade of B or better. The Computer Science Admission Committee may elect to admit an outstanding applicant who has not satisfied all of the background requirements on a conditional basis. The student must complete these requirements before full admission to the program is granted. Students who have not completed all the following courses (or equivalent courses) as part of their bachelor's degree may be required to complete them as a condition of their admission. If taken as part of their master's degree program, these courses may count toward the 30 credits required. CS 656 Automata and Formal Languages CS 677 Analysis of Algorithms