Explore the Curriculum

The M.S. program in computer science prepares you for a career in software development, Web development, networking, and related technologies, with high advancement potential. Courses concentrate on practical, applied computing, built on a strong theoretical foundation.

The master's degree is awarded upon completion of 10 700-level courses. (Independent study or a thesis option may be substituted for one to two courses.) The sequence includes six required courses and four electives. If you desire, three of the electives may be grouped into a specific concentration (also referred to as a track) which appears on your diploma. Concentrations include Web development, networking, and software engineering.

If you have an existing bachelor's degree in computing or a related field, you can complete the program over two years, following a curriculum like this example:

Suggested Course Sequence (Computer Science)

• First Fall - CS712, CS724
• First Spring - CS712, CS724
• First Summer - Elective, Elective
• Second Fall - CS770, Elective
• Second Spring - CS730, Elective

You may hold a bachelor's degree in any field to gain admission to the graduate program. You may be required to take up to three 600-level preparatory courses, and it may be suggested that you also take one or two 700-level courses to strengthen your skills in programming and analysis. If you take all such courses, your first year might look like this, with your second and third years as above:

Suggested Full Preparatory Sequence

• First Fall - CS610, CS630
• First Spring - CS631, CS730
• First Summer - CS700

The program is geared toward students working in industry full time. It is common for students to take one or two courses in any given semester, completing the program at a pace amenable to their individual situations. Some students take three courses - recommended if your workplace accommodates it or if you intend to enroll full time.