This M.S. program is designed to foster preparation for applied professional careers in the computing sciences. The program emphasizes concentration in a professional sub-discipline, while at the same time providing enough breadth and theory to enable the graduate to adapt to developments in the discipline as a whole. Areas of concentration currently available include artificial intelligence, computer science education, computer systems, information storage and retrieval, and software engineering. A minimum of 33 semester hours is required for completion of the M.S. program. At least eighteen hours must be earned in courses at the 200-level or above, and at least six hours must be earned in courses offered by departments other than Computer Science.
Elective courses provide breadth in appropriate areas outside the student's concentration.
Students may select a thesis or non-thesis option. Those who select the thesis option will be required to complete at least six hours of thesis research credit. For both the thesis and non-thesis options, students must pass an oral examination in defense of their final project. Bachelor's-level experience in computer science is suggested for program admission, but students from related disciplines who show outstanding promise are also encouraged to apply. Students without a bachelor's degree in computer science may be required to complete up to fourteen hours of course work in the discipline before gaining full admission to the program.