The M.S. and Ph.D. curricula are oriented toward the design and application of real computer systems and toward that portion of theory that guides and supports practice. Academic employment ranges from four-year colleges, where teaching is the primary focus, to positions at major research universities. The M.S. program prepares highly competent and broadly skilled practitioners. A majority of the master's graduates work in industry, in companies ranging from small start-up operations to government labs and large research and development corporations. Most of our approximately 130 graduate students are full time.
Students contribute to nearly every aspect of the department's operation.
In addition to taking a wide variety of courses, they have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research, to teach, to attend research group meetings, and to serve on committees that affect all aspects of life in the department. The Computer Science Students Association sponsors both professional and social events and represents the students in departmental matters. Its president is a voting member at faculty meetings. If you are interested in more information about the founding and history of the Department of Computer Science at UNC-Chapel Hill, please refer to our Department History , written by Professor Emeritus Peter Calingaert.