Degree Programs

Master of Science in Computer Science

Department of Computer Science

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science is a research-oriented degree targeted toward students with undergraduate education in the science of computation. It provides instruction in advanced course work and emphasizes research by the student.

The M.S. degree provides numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary study. Within this degree, students can concentrate their studies in Arts, Media and Engineering, biomedical informatics and information assurance

Degree Program

Students complete thirty hours of coursework, including six hours of thesis 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. Systems courses cover topics in architecture, networks, operating systems and software engineering. Applications courses are in the areas of artificial intelligence, multimedia, databases and graphics.

The remainder of a student’s coursework focuses on the research area of interest, conducted with the guidance of a faculty advisor. With a wide variety of research areas, including artificial intelligence, embedded systems and information assurance/security, students have many options to conduct cutting-edge research.

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.S. and the M.C.S. program offered in the School of Computing and Informatics?

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. 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.

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

A student can transfer a maximum of six hours of M.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.

I’m not sure which area I want to do my research in. Can I still be accepted into the M.S. degree program?

Students are encouraged to review faculty biography pages and research areas to discover what research areas interest them the most. In the first semester, students are encouraged to take courses and meet faculty to develop relationships and collaborations. By the end of the first semester, the student should choose a faculty advisor in the main area of interest. If the student is having difficulties finding a faculty advisor, the student can meet with SCI’s Associate Director of Academics for assistance in finding a faculty advisor.

Can I be accepted into the M.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 may gain admissions 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.S. program?

Domestic students are able to attend classes part-time to complete the M.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.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.S. program and then change to the M.C.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, students may use only nine credits from the original program in the new program. Students who withdraw from a Master’s program in order to start the Ph.D. may 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. The faculty in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the School of Computing and Informatics teach many of the courses in these programs. For further information, please contact Global Outreach and Extended Education.

How do I apply to the M.S. in Computer Science program?

Students interested in applying can follow the steps below:

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