Degree Programs

Master of Computer Science

Department of Computer Science

The Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.) is an advanced degree targeted at students with an undergraduate education in computing and related disciplines who can best profit from further breadth and background in computer science. The M.C.S. also affords an opportunity for students employed in industry to seek a breadth of advanced education in computer science.

The Master of Computer Science provides a professionally oriented, graduate level education in computer science. The program reflects the dual nature of computer science as both a scientific and engineering discipline by allowing emphasis on theory as well as practical applications. Students seeking the M.C.S. degree submit a project portfolio, compiling projects completed in three courses during their studies.

Within this degree, students can also concentrate their studies in information assurance.

Degree Program

Students complete 30 hours of coursework to graduate with the degree. Students will complete one course in three areas to cover a wide range of knowledge. The three areas consist of foundations, systems and applications. Foundations courses focus on algorithms, theory, programming languages and mathematical logic. System courses cover topics in architecture, networks, operating systems and software engineering. Applications courses are in the areas of artificial intelligence, multimedia, databases and graphics.

As a culminating experience in the program, students produce a project portfolio by which they summarize three projects completed within their M.C.S. coursework, with approval by their faculty advisor.

Faculty

The Department of Computer Science in the School of Computing and Informatics has faculty members covering a wide range of research areas and who teach numerous courses. Learn more about faculty members by reviewing SCI news stories, technical reports and individual faculty biographies.

Questions & Answers

What is the difference between the M.C.S. and the M.S. program offered in the School of Computing and Informatics?

The Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.) is appropriate for those with undergraduate degrees in computing or related areas. M.C.S. students will expand their knowledge of the computer science field through completion of a project portfolio. The M.S. in computer science is a degree for students with undergraduate degrees in computer science. Students take courses and conduct research in an area of interest in conjunction with a faculty advisor.

How many credits can I transfer into the M.C.S. program?

A student can transfer a maximum of six hours M.C.S. degree credit from another accredited institution as specified in the ASU Graduate Catalog. Only graduate courses with an "A" or "B" grade are eligible for transfer. A course with a grade of "pass", "credit", or "satisfactory" are not acceptable for transfer. A student who wishes to transfer credits from another institution should contact the graduate advisor in the SCI Advising Center to initiate the transfer credit process.

Can I be accepted into the M.C.S. program if I don’t have a computer science background?

The School of Computing and Informatics admits students from a variety of backgrounds in addition to computer science. Students can be admitted with undergraduate deficiencies, but are also encouraged to apply as a non-degree seeking graduate student to complete any needed deficiencies before applying to the degree program. Students are required to complete deficiency courses by the end of their first year in the program (including CSE 230, CSE 310, CSE 340, CSE 355, CSE 360 and CSE 430), if not already completed at another institution.

Can I work while completing the M.C.S. program?

Domestic students are able to attend classes part-time to complete the M.C.S. program in order to work. Most classes are offered during the day; therefore, your work schedule must be flexible. International students must attend full-time in order to maintain their visa status with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. International students should consult with ASU’s International Student Office for further information.

Master’s students have a six year time limit to complete the degree.

What funding opportunities exist for M.C.S. students?

Master’s students can be funded by a faculty member as a research assistant (RA). RA stipends start at $12,500 for the academic year and increase after one year in the master’s program. Benefits for full-time RAs include a full tuition waiver and health insurance.

RA positions are offered to the highest caliber of students. RA offers are made to admitted students by an interested faculty member. Some faculty members do not offer RA positions to newly admitted students. Occasionally faculty post RA positions online. Students can contact a specific faculty member or members in their research area of interest regarding open positions. Students will be contacted by the faculty member if they are interested in hiring you as an RA, as there is no formal application for an RA position. You are encouraged to submit a CV or resume with your application for review by the faculty in your research area of interest.

Students should also check for on-campus job opportunities and graduate assistantships at ASU’s jobs and careers resource. The Graduate College and Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering also have resources available. If you are working in industry, you should also check your company’s tuition reimbursement benefits.

Can I be admitted to the M.C.S. program and then change to the M.S. or Ph.D. program?

In order to transfer to another program, a student will be required to apply for admission to the desired program through the Graduate College admissions process. Admission to the desired program can be denied. If granted admission to the new program, only nine credits from the original program can be used in the new program. Students who withdraw from a Master’s program in order to start the Ph.D. are allowed to use 12 credits from the Master’s toward the Ph.D. degree.

How long will it take me to graduate?

The Master's degree programs can be completed in two years, but students have up to six years to complete the degree.

How can I learn more about the degree policies and procedures?

Review the degree policies and procedures.

Do you offer any online degree programs?

The Office of Global Outreach and Extended Education (formerly known as the Center for Professional Development) in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering offers online degree programs, including a Master of Engineering with areas of study in Embedded Systems and Modeling & Simulation and a Master of Science in Engineering with a Software Engineering Concentration. Many of the courses in these programs are taught by faculty in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the School of Computing and Informatics. For further information, please contact Global Outreach and Extended Education.

How do I apply to the M.C.S. program?

Students interested in applying can follow the steps below:

• Apply online using the online application.
• Submit official transcripts.
• Submit official GRE scores.
• Submit three letters of recommendation.

More detailed admissions information

Deadlines for applications are December 1st for Fall admissions and August 1st for Spring admissions. Applications can be received after the deadline, but there is no guarantee that the Admissions Committee will review the application (in this case, your application can be deferred to the next term).