The Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers the degrees of Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) and Master of Science in Computer Engineering (MSCP), with thesis and non-thesis options in both. The two options are distinguished on the basis of the relative breadth and depth of the programs. The thesis option requires students to pursue a more concentrated range of topics. The non-thesis option offers students some experience in many areas of computer science and/or engineering.
The great breadth of subjects which are part of computer science and computer engineering together with the immense diversity of its applications, make it imperative that students in the Master's program maintain close contact with the Graduate Program Director, and after the first semester, with their major professor in order to achieve a coherent plan of study directed towards a specific goal. In particular, election of courses should only be made with prior consultation and approval of the major professor or the Graduate Program Director.
REQUIRED COURSES
All students in the Masters program are required to take Principles of Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, and Theory of Algorithms.
| EEL 6764 |
Principles of Computer Architecture |
| COP 6611 |
Operating Systems |
| COT 6405 |
Theory of Algorithms |
Both the thesis option and the non-thesis option require a minimum of 30 credits.
The thesis option requires completion of a thesis for six of the credits. A supervisory committee directs the student's thesis work. All committee members must read and approve the thesis. The thesis work must then be presented at a public session and pass an oral examination before the final acceptance. The major professor and at least one committee member must be from Computer Science and Engineering.
For the non-thesis option, a grade of "B" or higher MUST be achieved in ALL CORE COURSES to earn the non-thesis option degree.
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SUMMARY
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| - |
Thesis Option
|
Non-Thesis Option
|
| Thesis |
6
|
N/A
|
| Core |
9
|
9
|
| Electives* |
15
|
21
|
| Degree |
30
|
30
|
| - |
MSCS or MSCP
|
MSCS or MSCP
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| * Maximum of 3 hours of Independent Study allowed towards degree. |
Upon admission, the Graduate Program Director will provide general guidance and direction in the student's first semester. After completing the first semester, the student should select a major professor (thesis option) in a research area of interest, and together develop a Plan of Work for approval by the Graduate Program Director. The student will not be allowed to take more than twelve credits in the master's program unless the Plan of Work is approved. In the Plan of Work the student will state his/her major and the choice of thesis or non-thesis option.
Graduate students must maintain a minimum overall 3.0 grade point average. Failure to do so for one semester places the student on academic probation. Failure to do so for two semesters may result in the student's dismissal from the graduate program.
MASTER'S COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
Prior to clearance for the degree, M.S. candidates need to demonstrate competency in the major area by either successful defense of M.S. thesis or by achieving "B" or higher in core courses.
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