Program Overview

M.S. in Computer Science

The M.S. in Computer Science offers students with a bachelor's degree the opportunity to improve their training with advanced study in computer science.

Program Overview

We cater to students with basic analytic skills and a strong aptitude for mathematics, programming, and logical reasoning. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in computer science specifically for the program, but a technical undergraduate background will set you up for success.

Our program isn’t based on a fixed set of courses. Instead, you’ll construct your own course of study, in consultation with your advisor. The program requires only coursework; research is optional, though approximately a third of our students have some research involvement during the course of their studies, and there is a thesis option.

Program Duration

Most students will complete the program in three semesters, but if you’re switching to computer science from another field, you may need an additional semester to fill gaps in your undergraduate training. The M.S. program is distinct from the Ph.D. program in computer science, and master's students will not usually continue into the Ph.D. program and will not receive preferential treatment if they apply.

Program Requirements

You must complete six broad requirements:

1. Pass 96-108 units in qualifying master’s courses from the curriculum list in the MSCS Handbook. This is typically eight courses.
2. Pass up to 12 MSCS elective units.
3. Pass one course from the available Systems courses.
4. Pass one course from the available Theoretical Foundations courses.
5. Pass one course from the available Artificial Intelligence courses.
6. Maintain a 3.0 QPA.

Some students may need to take additional courses that do not satisfy any program requirement, in order to satisfy pre-requisites for other courses. For example, most students will be expected to take 15-213/513 (Introduction to Computer Systems).

You can see a detailed description of the program's requirements and curriculum in our MSCS Handbook.

Program Structure

• The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to construct their own course of study.
• Research is optional, but approximately a third of students have some research involvement during their studies.
• A thesis option is available for students who wish to pursue original research.

Curriculum

• The program requires students to complete 96-108 units in qualifying master’s courses.
• Students must also pass up to 12 MSCS elective units.
• The curriculum includes courses in Systems, Theoretical Foundations, and Artificial Intelligence.

Assessment

• Students must maintain a 3.0 QPA to remain in good standing.
• Passing is considered receiving a letter grade of C or higher.