Master of Science in Computer Science

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

Program Description

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is designed for students interested in pursuing research and study with faculty 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.

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Degree Requirements

The M.S. requires a minimum of 31 credits, with at least 14 of these from CSCI course (at least 3 of which must be CSCI 8XXX courses) and 6 from related fields outside the department. There is a breadth requirement of three courses in three different areas: theory, system, and applications. For Plan A, at least 10 thesis credits are required; for Plan B, the Plan B project course (3 cr) is required. Plan C requires that a student take an additional CSCI 8XXX course and also complete a minimum of 100 hours of course-based project work, a written research report, and an oral presentation within CSCI courses taken for graduate credit. Students must also complete 1 credit of CSCI colloquium, which cannot be counted toward 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 the 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. Applicants with an inadequate background must resolve any deficiencies 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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