Program Overview

Master of Science Degree in Computer Science

The Emory Computer Science Department offers a Master of Science degree in Computer Science. The Emory Computer Science Master's program (CS MS) builds on strengths and recent growth in data-oriented areas of computer science. Areas of emphasis include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Data Mining, Bio/Health Informatics, High-End Computing, Theory, and Systems. Most of these specializations are available through a choice of coursework.

Program Description

Faculty projects relevant to the CS MS program include large-scale data systems and analytics, information retrieval and web search, natural language processing, privacy and security, machine learning, human computer interaction, bioinformatics, health informatics, biomedical informatics, high performance, and scientific computing. Application areas of interest to program faculty include healthcare and health sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

The Emory Computer Science MS program educates students from various disciplines in advanced computing concepts, practical problem-solving, and applications of computational methods. Courses are offered in all areas including data, theory, systems, machine learning, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and human computer interaction.

The MS is an effective gateway into CS for students with backgrounds in other disciplines (basic programming and data structures, as well as quantitative aptitude are the only requirements.) Graduates of the MS CS program most often take up jobs in industry, and a few go on to advanced PhD studies.

Program Requirements

For the MS degree, students are required to take:

• 3 core courses
• 4 concentration electives, which could be structured to focus primarily on their chosen concentration (depth), or from multiple areas (breadth)
• 9 credits to fulfill either the thesis, project, or coursework track

Students are required to complete a practicum related to their course of study.

The academic coursework for an MS is expected to be completed within 2 years. Students choosing to complete a thesis are expected to perform original research with their advisors, while the project or coursework options may be completed via a substantive project or additional courses.