Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)

Grade Requirements: An MSCS student must complete all program courses, including electives, with a grade of “B-” or higher. In addition, the overall program GPA must be 3.0 or higher.

Credit Hour Requirements: The program requires a minimum of 31 semester hours beyond a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Program Code: 8023MS
CIPC: 110701

Once enrolled, a student must register for at least one MSCS course each semester, excepting summers, until graduation. Students who fail to do so must petition for readmission into the program.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for admission into the Master of Science in Computer Science program must possess a bachelor’s degree or be in the final stage of completing the degree. An overall GPA of 3.25 is required from the undergraduate program in which the bachelor’s degree is earned.

Applicants will submit:

Completed application
Current resume
Official transcripts from every institution of higher education attended
Scores from the GRE. NOTE: Individuals who have already completed a graduate-level program and are well into established careers in a related field may be admitted without the GRE requirement, based on admission committee approval.
Contact information for three references, at least one from a professional context and one from an academic context

Additional Admission Requirements for International Students

All international students and any applicant educated outside the U.S. must demonstrate proficiency in English. Those whose native language is not English, or whose language of instruction for their undergraduate degree was not English, will be required to submit a score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International Language Testing System (IELTS) which is not more than two years old. Applicants are required to have an internet-based TOEFL score of 79-80 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.0.

Application

The application for admission to the Master of Science in Computer Science program must be submitted online. Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended and all test scores must be sent directly to the WSU School of Computing.

Deadlines for application are the first Friday in November for students enrolling in spring semester and the first Friday in May for students enrolling in fall semester. Completed applications are considered by the Admissions Committee after each application deadline

Advisement

For questions concerning academic advisement, the primary source of contact is the program director. Students should meet with the director at least once a year while enrolled. For issues regarding registration and scheduling, students should contact the Administrative Specialist for the School of Computing.

Leveling Courses

As determined on a case-by-case basis, students with non-computer science degrees may be required to take leveling courses in technology-related areas that will adequately prepare them for the MS core courses. The minimum leveling courses for non-computer science degrees are the following:

CS 2420 - Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms Credits: (4)
CS 2810 - Computer Architecture/Organization Credits: (4)
CS 3100 - Operating Systems Credits: (4)
MATH 3410 - Probability and Statistics I Credits: (3)
MATH 1210 - Calculus I Credits: (4)

Course Requirements for MSCS

Required Core MSCS courses (10 credits):

CS 6420 - Advanced Algorithms Credits: (3)
CS 6610 - Computer Architecture Credits: (3)
CS 6820 - Compiler Design Credits: (4)

Required Capstone Design Project or Thesis Research (6 credits):

CS 6010 - Design Project Credits: (2-6) or
CS 6011 - Thesis Research Credits: (2-6)

Note:

MSCS Students are required to complete either a substantial project (CS 6010 ) or original research resulting in a thesis (CS 6011 ). The student must declare to the department their intent to do a project or thesis. It is presumed that students will do a research thesis unless the program director is otherwise notified.

Generally, CS 6010 is taken for students with an industry-minded perspective.

Alternatively, CS 6011 is taken for students who are interested in being introduced to research and development and are considering the possibility of pursuing their doctorate (Ph.D.).

A total of 6 or more credits is required. This is usually broken up among two semesters.

Elective MSCS Courses in CS (9-10 credits):

CS 6100 - Distributed Operating Systems Credits: (3)
CS 6500 - Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks Credits: (4)
CS 6600 - Machine Learning Credits: (3)
CS 6740 - Computer Systems Security Credits: (3)
CS 6830 - Special Topics in Computer Science Credits: (3)
CS 6840 - Formal System Design Credits: (3)
CS 6850 - Parallel Programming and Architecture Credits: (3)

Elective Graduate Courses (6-7 credits):

CS 6100 - Distributed Operating Systems Credits: (3)
CS 6500 - Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks Credits: (4)
CS 6600 - Machine Learning Credits: (3)
CS 6740 - Computer Systems Security Credits: (3)
CS 6830 - Special Topics in Computer Science Credits: (3)
CS 6840 - Formal System Design Credits: (3)
CS 6850 - Parallel Programming and Architecture Credits: (3)
ECE 6110 - Digital VLSI Design Credits: (3)
ECE 6120 - Advanced VLSI Design Credits: (3)
ECE 6130 - Advanced Semiconductor Devices Credits: (3)
ECE 6210 - Digital Signal Processing Credits: (3)
ECE 6220 - Image Processing Credits: (3)
ECE 6410 - Communication Circuits and Systems Credits: (3)
ECE 6420 - Digital Communication Credits: (3)
ECE 6710 - Real-Time Embedded Systems Credits: (4)
MBA 6160 - Applications of Decision Models Credits: (3)
MBA 6310 - Information Technology in the Enterprise Credits: (3)
MBA 6530 - E-Business Credits: (3)
MBA 6630 - Networking & Information Systems Credits: (3)
MBA 6640 - Information Assurance in the Enterprise Credits: (3)