All candidates in the M.S. program are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the fundamental areas of computer science by taking four core courses in specific areas. Both thesis (Plan A) and non-thesis (Plan B) options are available in the program leading to the Master of Science degree. A project is required of non-thesis candidates.
Core CoursesMS candidates must pass four core courses, two from each of the following two groups:
In exceptional cases, when courses needed to complete the requirement are not offered, the Core Courses MS candidates must pass four core courses, two from each of the following two groups:
In exceptional cases, when courses needed to complete the requirement are not offered, the DGS may approve other courses as equivalent replacements.
CreditsTo receive an MS, the student must finish either option A (thesis option) or optionB (non-thesis option).
Masters committeeThe student should consult with the supervising professor in choosing a committee.The committee must have at least three members; at least two must be members of graduate faculty in CSC, at least one must be a full member of the graduate faculty in CSC. All committee members must be regular faculty, not lecturers nor adjuncts. If the chair is not from CS department, they serve as co-chair with a faculty from CS department as another co-chair. Upon request, the CS Department may allow such faculty to serve as sole chair of the committee.
Schedule the defense
All master's students need to take the master's exam that is related to the thesis or the project, depending on the student's option. The student initiates the request for the master's exam, specifying the committee, the date, the time and the place through an online form at least three weeks before the intended exam date
The student should list the title of the project/dissertation in the comments section of this form. Before submitting this form, the student should present all the committee members with a clean draft of the project/thesis report and get their agreement to serve on the committee
The director of graduate studies (DGS) will verify (1) that the student has completed the CS requirements for the M.S. degree, and (2) that all the committee members are available at the specified time and believe that the student is ready to take the exam. The DGS uses an online form to approve the exam and announces the exam to the department faculty and students
A written report is required for the completion of a master's degree (whether thesis or project). The writeup must be of sufficient quality to enable committee members to determine the general nature, scope and quality of the project, and must be provided (in hard copy, if requested) to each committee member at least 10 calendar days before the scheduled examination date
The master's exam is "open," meaning that the DGS announces it and that all members of the university community are invited to attend it. It is not a party, however; the student should not provide refreshments.
Time limitsAll students are subject to general time limits set by the Graduate School. Students enrolled in a master’s program have 6 years to complete all requirements for the degree, but still have the opportunity to request extensions up to additional four years for a total of ten years.
