The M.S. in Computer Science offers students with a bachelor's degree the opportunity to improve their training with advanced study in computer science. We cater to students with basic analytic skills and a strong aptitude for mathematics, programming, and logical reasoning. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in computer science specifically for the program, but a technical undergraduate background will set you up for success.
Our program isn’t based on a fixed set of courses. Instead, you’ll construct your own course of study, in consultation with your advisor. The program consists entirely of coursework, and there is generally no research component.
Most students will complete the program in three semesters, but if you’re switching to computer science from another field, you may need an additional semester to fill gaps in your undergraduate training. The M.S. program is distinct from the Ph.D. program in computer science, and master's students will not usually continue into the Ph.D. program and will not receive preferential treatment if they apply.
Additional information about M.S. in Computer Science, as well as the other Master's Programs in the School of Computer Science, can be found in the statistics & program fact booklet we have compiled in a short, downloadable PDF.
Our M.S. program in computer science isn’t based on a fixed set of courses. Instead, you’ll construct your own course of study, in consultation with your advisor. The program consists entirely of coursework, and there is generally no research component. You must complete six broad requirements:
Pass* 96 units in qualifying master’s courses from the curriculum list in the M.S. Handbook. This is typically eight courses.
Pass 12 free-elective units.
Pass one course from the available Systems courses. (May be used a qualifying course.)
Pass one course from the available Theoretical Foundations courses. (May be used a qualifying course.)
Pass one course from the available Artificial Intelligence courses. (May be used a qualifying course.)
Maintain a 3.0 QPA.