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Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering

Students in the master's degree program in computer science and engineering can choose from two degree options:

• Plan A: This program gives students the opportunity to focus on a specific area within computer science and engineering, perform preliminary research within that topic and write a thesis.
• Plan B:  This option, which doesn't require a thesis, allows students to study several different subjects within the discipline without necessarily specializing on any of them. Instead of writing a thesis, students must complete a graduate-level capstone course that integrates work across previous courses and demonstrates general mastery.

Regardless of your course of study, the master's degree program offers an integrated course of study covering the theory, implementation and design of information processing systems as well as the design of computing and communication hardware systems.

You don't need to decide whether you want to pursue Plan A or Plan B immediately, but you are encouraged to meet with your graduate advisor to discuss your coursework and plan for graduate school.

Research strengths

Our graduate students are given the opportunity to focus in a specific area by taking advanced courses and becoming significantly involved in many aspects of original research and advancing scientific knowledge.

Students who opt for Plan A, the thesis option, can focus their research in one of four broad areas:

1. Intelligent systems
2. Games and simulations
3. Software systems
4. Computer and network systems

Within these broad areas of focus, faculty in the department have expertise in artificial intelligence, computer vision, pattern recognition, robotics, agent modeling, motion planning, evolutionary computing, digital interactive games, software engineering, computer graphics, human-computer interactions, distributed computing, virtual reality, embedded systems, computer networks, and network measurement and security.

Faculty research and laboratories have been well supported by various federal research and infrastructure grants.

Related Computer Science and Engineering Degrees and Programs

• Minor in Computer Science and Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering