Computing Sciences
The Graduate Programs of the Department of Computing Sciences prepare students for careers and further study and research in Computer Science or Software Engineering. Both programs build on undergraduate preparation, continue study in fundamental concepts and extend into advanced topics suited to the specialization. The Graduate Certificate in AI and Machine Learning is designed to give students the knowledge to specialize in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) as a career or to continue with advanced study in the field.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS—COMPUTER SCIENCE (MSCS)
The program requires thirty (30) credits. Students must complete five required courses and five electives. One elective course can be the Grand Challenges course, which provides an opportunity to carry out an independent research project. For a more in-depth exploration, a thesis option is available as an elective. In both cases, a faculty sponsor and the approval of the program director are required. Depending on the undergraduate background, one or two of the foundations courses may be waived and substituted with electives.
Under MSCS, with permission, a required course from the MSSE program may be taken as an elective. Students may petition for other courses in the allied fields of Computer Engineering and Mathematics to be counted as electives. However, at least eight of the courses (24 of 30 credits) in every student’s program must be from Computer Science (“CSC” prefix) proper. In addition, CSC 9010 (special topics in Computer Science) may be retaken for credit, provided a different topic is being taught. An optional practicum track requires students to obtain related work experience. This track has the same requirements as the regular M.S. degree but adds CSC 8990.
All required and elective courses are three (3) credits each except CSC 8990, which is one (1) credit. All continuation courses are zero (0) credits.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS—SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (MSSE)
The program requires thirty (30) credits. Students must complete six required courses and four electives. One elective course can be the Grand Challenge course, which provides an opportunity to carry out an independent research project. For a more in-depth exploration, a thesis option is available as an elective. In both cases, a faculty sponsor and the approval of the program director are required. Depending on the undergraduate background, one or two of the foundations courses may be waived and substituted with electives.
Under MSSE, with permission, a required course from the MSCS program may be taken as an elective. Students may petition for other courses in the allied fields of Computer Engineering and Mathematics to be counted as electives. However, at least eight of the courses (24 of 30 credits) in every student’s program must be from Computer Science (“CSC” prefix) proper. In addition, CSC 9010 (special topics in Computer Science) may be retaken for credit, provided a different topic is being taught. An optional practicum track requires students to obtain related work experience. This track has the same requirements as the regular M.S. degree but adds CSC 8990.
All required and elective courses are three (3) credits each except CSC 8990, which is one (1) credit. All continuation courses are zero (0) credits.
CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS—AI/ML
The certificate requires completion of fifteen (15) credits, consisting of four required courses and one elective. With the approval of the program director, Special Topics, Grand Challenges, and Guided Study can be used as electives. Students may petition for other courses in the allied fields of Computer Engineering and Mathematics to be counted as electives.