Program Overview
Introduction to the Computer Sciences, MS Program
The Department of Computer Sciences at the University of WisconsinMadison offers a dynamic environment for study, research, and professional growth. As one of the oldest and most respected computer science departments in the United States, it has a long history of innovation, with the first PhD in computer science graduating from the department in 1965.
Program Overview
Today, the Department of Computer Sciences is recognized for its leading innovative research groups in areas such as computer architecture, database systems, distributed and grid computing, and nonlinear optimization, among others. The department is part of the new School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS), which creates more interdisciplinary research opportunities, expands course offerings, and leads the computing revolution. The program is firmly rooted in The Wisconsin Idea, which emphasizes the university's responsibility to use education for the public good, benefiting not just the UW-Madison community but also the entire state of Wisconsin, the country, and the world.
Program Options
The Department of Computer Sciences offers several programs, including:
- Computer Sciences Master's Program (MS Computer Sciences: Computer Sciences): A research-oriented masters degree that prepares students for careers in industry research or for PhD level education in Computer Sciences.
- Professional Master's Program (MS Computer Sciences: Professional Program): Designed for students who are primarily interested in a professional career as a computer scientist in a variety of industries.
- Data Engineering MS: A masters program focused on the principles and practices of managing large data sets.
Admissions
Students apply to the Master of Science in Computer Sciences through one of the named options:
- Computer Sciences
- Professional Program
Funding
Graduate School Resources
The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.
Program Resources
Funding is usually in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships. Because computer science skills are in demand, students who are admitted without funding are often able to find graduate assistantships on campus.
Requirements
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Curricular Requirements
- Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
- Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
- Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
- Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
- Other Grade Requirements: No other grade requirements.
- Assessments and Examinations: None.
- Language Requirements: No language requirements.
Required Courses
Select a Named Option for courses required.
Named Options
A named option is a formally documented sub-major within an academic major program. Named options appear on the transcript with degree conferral. Students pursuing the Master of Science in Computer Sciences must select one of the following named options:
- Computer Sciences: Computer Sciences, MS
- Computer Sciences: Professional Program, MS
Policies
Students should refer to one of the named options for policy information:
- Computer Sciences
- Professional Program
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Program Resources
The Department of Computer Sciences hosts many professional development opportunities, including job fairs, workshops, seminars, talks, employer information sessions, mentoring, and student socials.
Learning Outcomes
- Articulates, critiques, or elaborates the theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry or schools of practice in the field of study.
- Identifies sources and assembles evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of study.
- Applies design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.
- Applies foundational principles in practical applications.
- Independently acquires, synthesizes and applies required information pertaining to challenges in computer science.
- Communicates clearly in ways appropriate to the field of study.