Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in computer science, preparing them for careers in industry, government, or academia.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer science from a regionally accredited institution. A degree in a related field is acceptable if the applicant shows evidence of a computer science background suitable for entry into the master's program as judged by the Graduate Committee.
• A 'B' average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division student in the bachelor's program.
• For applicants whose native language is not English, English proficiency exam scores of at least 550 (paper-based) or 80 (internet-based) on the TOEFL, 6.5 on the IELTS or 110 on the Duolingo.

Required Documents

The following documents are required for admission:

• Online graduate application/application fee.
• Official courses-by-course evaluation is required from a NACES member credential evaluation service for all international post-secondary (college or university) course work.
• Official TOEFL and Duolingo scores must be reported by the testing agency.
• If admitted, all foreign educated students are required to provide proof of Degree / Diploma.

Supporting Documents (Recommended)

The following documents are recommended to support the application:

• Statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume

Immigration Documents

These documents are required of international students only:

• Bank and Sponsor Letter
• Declaration and Certification of Finances
• F-1 Transfer Form (if currently residing in the U.S. on an F-1 visa)

Program Structure

The program consists of 30 credits, including:

• 9 credits of required coursework:
  • COT 5407 Introduction to Algorithms
  • Two of the following:
    • CEN 5011 Advanced Software Engineering
    • COP 5725 Principles of Database Management Systems
    • COP 5614 Operating Systems
• 21 credits of elective coursework (non-thesis option) or 15 credits of elective coursework and 6 credits of master's thesis (thesis option)

Elective Coursework

Elective courses may be selected from SCIS's graduate course offerings, with the exception of courses marked not applicable to the MS or Ph.D. in Computer Science or to SCIS degrees. A maximum of 6 credits can be chosen from courses other than those listed in Section 7.1.

Thesis Option

The thesis option requires the completion of a master's thesis (6 thesis credits) in addition to the 9 graduate courses (15 credits of required courses and 15 credits of elective courses). The thesis proposal should be submitted after the Thesis Committee has been approved.

Thesis Committee

The Thesis Committee must consist of three members with Graduate Faculty Status, at least two of which hold appointments in SCIS. The Thesis Advisor is the Chairperson of the Thesis Committee.

Thesis Proposal

The thesis proposal should explain the basic idea of the thesis topic, argue why that topic is important, state what kind of results are expected, make plausible that these results are sufficient for a master's thesis and that they are obtainable within the given time frame with available resources, and demonstrate the student's academic qualifications for doing the proposed work.

Thesis Defense

The master's thesis must be a written account of a critical and scholarly study in an area in computer science. The Thesis Committee will review it critically for both content and form.

Tuition and Fees

The estimated cost of a full-time spring or fall semester (9 credits) is $4,295.15 for Florida residents and $9,209.60 for non-Florida residents. The M.S. in Computer Science consists of 30 credits. The estimated total cost for a full-time student is $14,446.76 for Florida residents and $30,828.26 for non-Florida residents.

Deadlines

The program admits for the fall, spring, and summer terms. All international applicants must abide by the international applicant deadline.

• Domestic Applicants: June 1st (Fall), October 1st (Spring), March 1st (Summer)
• International Applicants: June 1st (Fall), October 1st (Spring), February 1st (Summer)

Florida International University

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Overview:

Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It is the only public research university in Miami and is recognized as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors. FIU is known for its diverse student body, its commitment to research, and its focus on addressing global challenges.

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Services Offered:

FIU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Libraries, tutoring services, writing centers, and career counseling.

Student Life:

Student organizations, clubs, recreational activities, and cultural events.

Campus Resources:

Housing, dining, transportation, and healthcare services.

Technology:

Access to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

FIU provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. With over 58,000 students from 142 countries, the university fosters a global and inclusive environment. Students can engage in a variety of activities, including:

Student Involvement:

Joining clubs, organizations, and honor societies.

Campus Highlights:

Attending concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances.

Arts & Culture:

Visiting museums, art galleries, and theaters.

Recreation & the Outdoors:

Participating in sports, fitness activities, and outdoor adventures.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Ranked Programs:

FIU offers over 190 degree programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.

Research Excellence:

FIU is a Carnegie Very High Research institution, conducting groundbreaking research in various fields.

Global Focus:

FIU's location in Miami provides students with unique opportunities to engage with a diverse and international community.

Diverse Student Body:

FIU's student population represents a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Campus Amenities:

FIU offers a variety of resources and amenities to support student success, including modern facilities, housing options, and recreational opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

FIU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Design

Business and Economics

Education

Hospitality Management

Humanities and Culture

Medicine and Health

Public Policy

Sciences and Engineering

Technology

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Other:

FIU has multiple campuses across South Florida, including the main Modesto A. Maidique Campus, the Biscayne Bay Campus, and several satellite locations. The university also boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals.