Computer Science Master of Science Degree Program
Program Overview
Computer Science Master of Science Degree Program
Program Description
The Master of Science in Computer Science program (MS-CS) prepares students for professional practice in computer science and the software industry. Graduates will become leaders in designing and building high-quality, large-scale computing solutions to real-life problems in various fields, including web applications, financial services, healthcare, government contracting, embedded systems, education, and many others. The program teaches the theoretical basis and limitations of computer science and how to apply it to various areas.
Program Requirements
- Total Credits: 31 credits
- Concentrations: Students select one of three concentrations: (1) Artificial Intelligence, (2) Systems, or (3) Theoretical Computer Science.
- Core Courses: (required of all students; 7 credits)
- Csi 503 – Algorithms and Data Structures (3)
- Csi 518 – Software Engineering (4)
- Concentration Core Course Requirement: (6 credits) Select one of three concentrations and take two of the three courses within the concentration:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:
- Csi 531 Data Mining (3)
- Csi 535 Artificial Intelligence I (3)
- Csi 536 Machine Learning (3)
- Systems:
- Csi 500 Operating Systems (3)
- Csi 508 Database Systems I (3)
- Csi 516 (Ece 516) Computer Communications Networks (3)
- Theoretical Computer Science:
- Csi 509 Automata and Theory of Computation (3)
- Csi 519 Advanced Programming Concepts (3)
- Csi 529 Probability and Computing (3)
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:
- Electives: 15 credits required; Elective courses must be Computer Science courses numbered 500 or above. At most 2 courses (6 credits) from outside the CS department may be counted with approval from the department.
- Concentration Areas Breadth Requirement: Master's students are required to demonstrate a broad understanding of computer science by selecting elective courses from core concentration areas. Each student must complete at least one 3-credit course from each concentration area, including their chosen concentration.
- Culminating Experience Requirement: Select one of the following course options (3 credits):
- Csi 68X Culminating master's project course (3 credits)
- Csi 698 Internship (3)
- Csi 699 Master's Thesis (3)
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate Degree: Students are expected to have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Prerequisite Courses: Students are expected to have taken courses in object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, discrete math, programming languages, system fundamentals, software engineering, calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics.
- Discrete Mathematics Exam: A proficiency examination in Discrete Mathematics is given at the beginning of the first semester of graduate study. Students who do not pass this examination are required to pass a departmentally approved remedial program. Students can complete this requirement by taking CSI521 Discrete Mathematics with Applications (this course can count as an elective for the program).
Concentration Areas
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Csi 501 Computational Linear Algebra, Nonlinear Algebra, and Optimization (3)
- Csi 531 Data Mining (3)
- Csi 533 Theory and Practice of Multimedia Computing (3)
- Csi 535 Artificial Intelligence I (3)
- Csi 536 Machine Learning (3)
- Csi 552 (Ece 551) Robotics (3)
- Csi 571 Introduction to Computer Vision (3)
- Csi 671 Computer Vision (3)
Systems
- Csi 500 Operating Systems (3)
- Csi 504 (Ece 532) Advanced Computer Architecture (3)
- Csi 508 Database Systems I (3)
- Csi 516 (Ece 516) Computer Communications Networks (3)
- Csi 524 Computer Security (3)
- Csi 525 Mobile Wireless Networks (3)
- Csi 561 Software Testing (3)
Theoretical Computer Science
- Csi 509 Automata and Theory of Computation (3)
- Csi 519 Advanced Programming Concepts (3)
- Csi 521 Discrete Mathematics with Applications (3)
- Csi 526 Cryptography (3)
- Csi 529 Probability and Computing (3)
- Csi 538 Computational Logic (3)
- Csi 609 Formal Languages and Theory of Computation (3)
- Csi 636 Natural Language Processing (3)
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
