Normally, students are not admitted to the M.S. degree program unless they have previously taken basic computer science courses equivalent to CS 201, 231, 250, 270, and 281. Any deficiencies become required courses. CS 201 and 231 do not carry graduate credit, and thus would have to be taken in addition to the requirements listed below if equivalent courses were not taken previously. Each student's program of studies is subject to approval by the DGS.

The Department offers two options for the M.S. Degree.

Thesis Option

• Coursework - minimum of 24 hours
  1. Four CS courses numbered 300 or above, excluding CS369 and 390, for at least 12 credit hours
     
  2. Four additional courses approved by the DGS or advisor carrying graduate credit in CS or another department, at most one of which (3 credits) may be CS 390, and excluding 369, for at least 12 credit hours
     
• Thesis - CS369 Arrangements should be made with the DGS to have at least one final, signed, and bound or electronic copy of the M.S. Thesis left with the Department.

Non-Thesis Option

• Coursework - 30 hours or more
  
  1. Four CS courses numbered 300 or above, excluding 369 and 390 , for at least 12 credit hours
     
  2. Two additional CS courses carrying graduate credit, excluding CS 250, 270, 281, 369, and 390, for at least 6 credit hours
     
  3. Four courses approved by the DGS or advisor carrying graduate credit in CS or another department, at most one of which (3 credits) may be CS 390, and excluding CS 369, for at least 12 credit hours