The program offers a thesis option and a non-thesis option. Students in both options must take four graduate computer science (CS) core courses. Students who wish to write a thesis take four graduate CS electives and sign up for 6 thesis credits (counts as two graduate electives) whereas students in the non-thesis option must take six graduate CS electives. One of these six electives can be CSCI 599 Master's Project.
Students in the thesis option must find a thesis advisor in the department based on their interests in order to comply with the thesis submission requirements of the UDC Graduate School. Students in the non-thesis option also need to find a faculty member (project advisor) to do a special project and submit a final MS project report to the project advisor at the end.
The course of study is as follows:
30 credit hours are required for graduation: four CSCI core courses and six electives. In addition, students who are inadequately prepared in computer science but who have been admitted into the graduate program will also need to take up to 4 background courses in computer science. For taking background courses, students need to have a consultation with the MS program director.
[Thesis Option] Students enrolled in the thesis option will need to do a thesis defense. For preparing the thesis, students must follow the requirements of the Graduate School. Thesis defense needs to be announced to public at least a week prior to the thesis defense date.
[Non-Thesis Option] Students who elect to do a project must consult with their project advisor on project submission requirements.
Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. Our graduates will:
- take leadership roles in computer science careers or pursue advanced graduate studies
- grow professionally by continuously acquiring new computing skills and adapting to the latest technologies, tools, and methodologies
- practice computing responsibly and professionally by adhering to ethical standards and addressing societal needs
The Computer Science program enables students, by the time of graduation, to:
- analyze the properties of algorithms, software, and/or computing systems using the theoretical underpinnings of Computer Science.
- design a computing-based solution and software that contributes to large, multi-layered/multi-machine systems.
- analyze and design software to solve complex and/or open-ended real-world problems by employing intelligence and learning.
- develop viable solutions to solve current and emerging problems in multiple fields of Computer Science.
How do I apply for the MS in Computer Science program?
Application instruction can be found in the university catalog. Please check the website at the Graduate Admission pages.
How are the application materials reviewed, and how will admission decisions be made?
Applications will be reviewed and discussed by graduate committee members before decision of admission is made. The committee's recommendation will be forwarded to the Admission's office. Final admission's letter is issued by the Admission's office.
Do I need a TOEFL score? What is the minimum score?
International students whose native language is one other than English must take the Test A minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Paper and of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), www.TOEFL.org. This requirement will be waived upon the submission of an official college transcript evidencing the successful completion of two college-level English courses at an accredited American college or university.
Pencil Test - 550;
- Computer-Based Test - 213;
- Internet-Based Test - 79; degree earned in an accredited American college or university.
Do I need GRE? What is the minimum score?
Yes. As part of university admission requirements, you must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as well as GRE Analytical Writing Subtest as a requirement of admission. The minimal acceptable score is a 4.0. Students failing to meet the respective criterion score may be admitted conditionally. If admitted conditionally, a student must enroll in and pass (with a grade of B or better) the University's graduate writing proficiency course during their first semester of enrollment.
Can I apply before taking TOEFL and/or GRE?
Yes, you can submit your application without an official score. However, your application will not be approved until your application package is completed.
What if I do not have a BS degree in Computer Science?
You can still apply for the MS in Computer Science program. However, when you are admitted and enroll, you are required to take background courses in CS before you can take other classes.
When admitted, you must take the following background courses prior to taking any MS in Computer Science course and pass with a grade of “B” or above in each course.
- Computer Science II
- Data Structures
- Discrete Mathematics
- Linear Algebra
The background courses listed above do not count toward the program's minimum 30 credit hours. They can be waived if taken from another academic institution.
What is job placement like after graduation?
Some of our past students were working professionals at the time of enrollment. For those who were full-time students, they received job offers before or upon graduation, or continued pursuing a higher degree. The Washington, DC metro area is one of the nation's high-employment areas.
