Master's of Science in Computer Science

Program Description

The Department of Computer Science offers graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science. This program is designed to extend the student’s knowledge in a broad manner beyond the baccalaureate degree major in Computer Science. It will both (1) deepen general understanding of theoretical principles and (2) provide exposure to important applications of Computer Science such as security, software engineering, database, networking, and others. This approach is especially important in Computer Science, where training in specific languages and systems and on specific machines is transitory, as these languages, systems, and machines evolve. In contrast, many of the principles will last, and generally apply to a wide variety of specializations within the field.  The breadth of subject material is important as many students will have a number of different job classifications in their working lives.

Students pursuing the Master of Science in Computer Science choose from one of two concentrations, Computer Science or Computer Networks.  The Computer Science concentration provides significant flexibility allowing the student to direct their studies towards the special interest area they find most compelling.  The Computer Networks concentration provides the opportunity to focus on topics in Computer Networking.

Our program features small classes that allow for close contact between students and faculty.  Many graduate classes are offered in the late afternoon or early evening, making it possible for working students to attend. 

Students interested in the M.S. degree program in Computer Science should contact the Computer Science Graduate Coordinator.

Admission

To apply for admission to the Master of Science program in Computer Science, a student must submit the proper forms, fees and transcripts to the university’s Office of Admissions, which initially reviews each application.  Each applicant must also submit their scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) directly to the university.  After the Office of Admissions has completed their review, applications are forwarded to the Computer Science department which makes the decision whether to accept or reject the applicant. Applications must be submitted by the deadlines specified at .

A student wishing to enter the M.S. in Computer Science program must normally have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or in a related field, must have a grade point average of 3.0 in all undergraduate work, and must have earned a “B” or better in the Computer Science and Mathematics courses listed below.

 

Computer Science Admission Requirements

Four lower-division Computer Science courses equivalent to the following Cal State Â鶹Éç courses:

  •   CS 101 Computer Science I                               
  •   CS 201 Computer Science II                                         
  •   CS 211 Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science 
  •   CS 221 Computer Organization and Assembly Programming 

Six upper division Computer Science courses equivalent to the following Cal State Â鶹Éç courses:

  •   CS 301 Data Structures and Algorithms                   
  •   CS 311 Programming Language Concepts                                 
  •   CS 321 Computer Architecture
  •   CS 411 Automata and Computation
  •   CS 413 Analysis of Algorithms                                    
  •   CS 421 Operating Systems 

 

Mathematics Requirements for Admission

  • MATH 130 Calculus I                                                      
  • MATH 131 Calculus II                                  
  • MATH 225 Numerical Algorithms and Linear Algebra for Computer Science
  • STAT 316 Statistics and Probability for Science and Engineering I

 

A student who has not completed all of the course admission requirements may be admitted to the program at the discretion of the department as a “Conditionally Classified Graduate” student, provided the student’s record clearly demonstrates the capability of completing all the course requirements after admission.  Students must complete any course deficiencies or remediation with grades of “B” or better.  Course deficiencies or remediation must be completed before enrolling in graduate Computer Science courses. Note that courses used to make up deficiencies for admission may not be applied toward the master’s degree.