Program Overview

Master of Science in Computer Science – Vancouver

The Master of Science in Computer Science program in the School of ENCS offers both thesis and non-thesis options.

Degree Description

The thesis program requires a significant research project as well as 30 total credit hours, including 21 hours of graded coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree plus 9 credits of thesis research (CS 700).

The non-thesis option requires 31 total credit hours, including 27 hours of graded coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree plus 4 credits of independent research (CS 702). The final exam consists of a portfolio of representational projects from the student’s Master’s coursework, a resume/CV, a LinkedIn profile, and a ~5 page report.

The program offers critical technologies that span core areas of Computer Science. The coursework and research are in the general areas of computing theory, big data and data science, artificial intelligence, security, and systems and networks. Sophisticated facilities are available for instruction and research, including a high-performance computing cluster with dedicated high-bandwidth network facilities.

Teaching and research assistantships are available for qualified students pursuing the thesis option.

Admission Requirements

Before undertaking graduate study in computer science, the student should have completed a baccalaureate degree substantially similar to the BSCS degree described in our BSCS schedule of studies. Students from other academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, however such students will be required to take or have taken the equivalent of the following courses: CS 317, CS 360, and CS 450, including all prerequisites for these courses. An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 is a minimum for admission to the MS program.

Admission to the graduate program is a joint decision between the WSU Graduate School and the School of Engineering and Computer Science at WSU Vancouver.

• To apply, students must:
  • Complete and submit the online application form specific to their interests in the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
  • Complete and submit the online application for the WSU Graduate School.
• Qualified students applying to the thesis program are eligible to be considered for a graduate assistantship.
• Students applying to the non-thesis program are not eligible for a graduate assistantship.

Application Requirements

• Transcripts: required from all non-WSU colleges or universities previously attended.
• English Proficiency scores (international students).
• References: 3 references are required for an application to be considered complete.
  • Thesis Program Applications: letters of recommendation, along with a Likert rating scale, will be requested on-line from references.
  • Non-Thesis Program Applications: a Likert rating scale will be requested on-line from references; letters of recommendation are not required.
• Resume.
• Statement of Purpose.

Additional Information

• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are not required for admission to the MS in Computer Science program at WSU Vancouver.
• The WSU Vancouver MS in Computer Science is designed and administered separately from the MS program in Pullman. If you designate the WSU Pullman program as your main objective, you will not be automatically considered by the Vancouver program.

Program Details

• Total Graduate Faculty in Program: 7
• Graduate Students in Program: 16
• Students Receiving Assistantships: 2
• Priority Deadlines:
  • Fall: January 10
  • Spring: July 1
• Campus: Vancouver
• International Student English Proficiency Exams:
  • 540 TOEFL (PBT) Minimum score
  • 75 TOEFL (iBT) Minimum score
  • 6.5 IELTS Minimum score
  • 105 Duolingo Minimum score