Master of Science in Computer Science (CISC)
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The M.S. in Computer Science is a 36 credit-hour program. It is designed to give students advanced knowledge of the field and to provide an enduring foundation for future professional growth. The program blends theory and practice into a learning experience that develops skills applicable to complex real-world problems.
Its formats offer full-time students the opportunity to earn the master’s degree in 12 months and working professionals the opportunity to earn the degree in 16–24 months.
Graduates are able to (1) communicate computer science concepts, designs, and solutions effectively and professionally; (2) apply knowledge of computing to produce effective designs and solutions for specific problems; (3) identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly literature relating to the field of computer science; and (4) use software development tools, software systems, and modern computing platforms.
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
This program is designed for students with undergraduate majors in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics and who have completed courses or have equivalent experience in data structures and algorithms, assembly language, computer architecture, programming in a modern high-level language, systems software (compilers or operating systems), calculus (differential and integral calculus), and discrete mathematics.
Click here for detailed application information.
Applicants who do not have adequate backgrounds may be required to take one or more of the following 500-level graduate courses during the first two terms of the student’s program
These are in addition to the required 36 credit hours of courses at the 600 level. Courses at the 500 level, when required, must be completed prior to taking courses at the 600 level; however, some exceptions may be permitted by the program director. All 500-level courses must be completed with a grade of ‘B’ or higher to continue in the program. MCIS 501 is a prerequisite to MCIS 503.
Option for Early Admission into the Ph.D. Program
This option provides the opportunity for master’s students in computer science to earn the Ph.D. in computer science or computer information systems in a shorter time. In addition to the requirements specified in the section Early Admission into the Ph.D. Program, the student must have completed CISC 610 Programming Languages, CISC 615 Design and Analysis of Algorithms, CISC 630 Compilers, CISC 631 Theory of Computation, CISC 640 Operating Systems, and CISC 680 Software Engineering.
Curriculum for the M.S. in Computer Science (curriculum for students beginning before fall 2012)
The M.S. in Computer Science is offered with six concentrations. Student must complete four core courses (twelve credits), one concentration (nine credits), and fifteen elective credits. Core courses, concentrations, and electives are listed below. If the thesis option is elected, students take nine credits of elective and six credits of thesis. Plans for the thesis option must be made with and approved by the program office.
Theory Concentration, Curriculum Courses (three credits each)
Software Engineering Concentration, Curriculum Courses (three credits each)
Either or
Computer Systems Concentration, Curriculum Courses (three credits each)
Database Concentration, Curriculum Courses (three credits each)
Security Concentration, Curriculum Courses (three credits each) choose three:
Real-World Computing Concentration, Curriculum Courses (three credits each)
Elective Courses (three credits each)
Any course in the concentrations described above is also an elective course in the program. Additionally, any offerings of CISC 690, Special Topics in Computer Science, will count as electives.
