Master of Computer Science

• Program Description
• Degree Requirements
• Delivery Format
• Program Faculty
• Admission Information
• Course Enrollment

Program Description

The Master of Computer Science (MCS) is designed for students interested in pursuing advanced education on topics such as theory of computation and algorithms, numerical algorithms, parallel and distributed computing, languages and compilers, operating systems, databases, graphics and visualization, human-computer interaction, data mining, artificial intelligence, vision and robotics, computer architecture and networks, computer-aided design, software engineering, distributed systems, information sciences and computer security. In addition, students may choose a course of study that combines a portion of one of these major areas with an entirely different field. The MCS degree is a coursework only degree. Most applicants to this degree are interested in expanding their skills but are not interested in the research aspects of computer science.

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Degree Requirements

The master’s degree is primarily for persons who feel they need more study in their chosen fields or a formal introduction to the design process to prepare for specific work. This degree is considered a terminal degree, and only in exceptional circumstances will students be permitted to transfer from this program to a master of science program or continue on to a Ph.D. program. The M.C.S. is a coursework-only degree. It requires 31 credits of graduate work, with the following conditions:

1. at least 18 of the credits must be from CSCI courses;
2. students must fulfill a breadth requirement of three courses in three different areas: Theory, Systems and Applications;
3. at least 6 credits must be from related fields outside the department;
4. at least 6 credits must be from CSCI 8XXX courses; and
5. students must complete 1 credit of CSCI colloquium, which cannot be counted toward any of the other requirements.

This information is subject to change. Please consult the Computer Science website for complete and current information at www.cs.umn.edu.

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Delivery Format

Students may complete all degree requirements in Rochester by combining courses taught by Institute of Technology (IT) faculty in person (face to face), or via streaming video using the UNITE (University-Industry Television for Education) Instructional television system. Students are able to watch class live via the internet or pick up class on a special server at a later time. Refer to the UNITE website for more information as to how this delivery works.

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Admission Information

Prerequisite for Admission - a degree in any major with a substantial background in computer science is required; a computer science major is preferred. Applications with an inadequate background must resolve any deficiences before applying to the program.

Special Application Requirements - the program requires that all applicants complete the department online application as well as the Graduate School online application. The names and emails of three recommenders are required and they will be requested to upload their letters of recommendation to the CSE online application only.

For an online application or for more information about Graduate School admissions, visit the Graduate School website.

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Course Enrollment

Both degree seeking and non-degree seeking students may register for individual classes by filling out the appropriate registration form. Please refer to Credit Course Registration for specific information about each type of registration.

For UNITE registration, students fill out and submit the appropriate form. UMR will confirm receipt of registration and procedures for attending class with each student via email.

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