The master's program statisfies a number of different needs.
Many students enter the master's program to round out their educational objectives.
At the end of the program they intend to seek employment in the computer field or some other related field. In this case, the M.S. degree represents a terminal point in their formal studies. A master's degree program of this type is referred to as a terminal master's program. Other students plan on continuing their studies at the Ph.D. level. The master's degree in this case represents a preparatory period designed to give the necessary tools and background needed to carry out the more individualized and self-directed research involved in Ph.D. studies.