The M.S. in Computing offers advanced preparation in computer science and engineering, equipping students for technical leadership roles in industry, government, or further doctoral study. Students may choose between two plans:

• Plan A (Thesis), which combines graduate coursework with a substantial scholarly project documented in a master’s thesis.
• Plan B (Coursework-Only), which is based entirely on graduate coursework and independent study without a thesis.

Both plans allow students to take approved graduate courses outside the School of Computing, with the approval of their advisory committee.

Admissions

Admission to the M.S. program in Computer Science and Engineering is determined by individual faculty members, who admit students directly into their research groups. While most successful applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, faculty may set area-specific criteria and may admit exceptional candidates with other academic backgrounds. Students from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to discuss their plans with the Director of Graduate Studies.

Application Deadline

For full consideration, applications must be received by January 1.

Testing Codes

GRE scores are required for all M.S. applicants except for students in the 5-year B.S./M.S. program, for whom they are not required. The institution code is 3915 and the department code is 0402. For TOEFL scores, the institution code is 3915, the department code is 78, and the country code is 592.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record. Two letters of recommendation are required, and these should address specific strengths and preparedness for graduate study. Applicants should have undergraduate coursework in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, programming (at least two semesters in a high-level language), operating systems, design and analysis of algorithms, computer architecture, and other advanced computing topics such as programming languages, security, machine learning/AI, theory of computing, or compilers. Students missing a small portion of these courses may be admitted on the condition that they complete the missing requirements during the degree program.

Program Requirements

Plan A (Thesis)

To complete Plan A, students must:

• Fulfill the Plan A coursework requirements.
• Obtain approval and complete the oral presentation of a thesis proposal in accordance with Graduate School policy.
• Complete and successfully defend a substantial scholarly project documented in a master’s thesis, following Graduate School policy.

While an M.S. thesis does not necessarily represent original research, it constitutes a large-scale scholarly enterprise that demonstrates technical mastery of advanced material. A thesis represents at least nine graduate credits. The specific course requirements for Plan A are detailed on the Plan of Study form.

Plan B (Coursework-Only)

To complete Plan B, students must fulfill the Plan B coursework requirements. Independent study courses may be included with faculty approval. The specific course requirements for Plan B are also described on the Plan of Study form.

Time to Completion

Students with a computing-related bachelor’s degree typically complete the M.S. in two to three semesters of full-time study. Students holding teaching or research assistantships often complete the program in four semesters or fewer.

Detailed policies, forms, and requirements—including Plan A and Plan B course guidelines and plan-of-study templates—are available on the Graduate Forms page.

M.S. students may be eligible for fellowships and assistantships. Information on available opportunities, eligibility, and application procedures is provided on the Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships page.