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Jan 28, 2025
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2024-2025 Graduate Catalog
Computer and Information Sciences (MS)
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After completing the MS, graduates will be able to:
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summarize the professional and ethical responsibilities related to computer and information sciences as measured by the successful completion of Responsible Conduct of Research training and the seminar component of the coursework requirements
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identify, analyze, and solve a broad range of computer and information sciences problems using appropriate tools, techniques, approaches, and algorithms as measured by the successful completion of the breadth component of the coursework requirements
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demonstrate a deeper understanding of a chosen area of computer and information sciences as measured by successful completion of the elective component of the coursework requirements
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assess the impacts of computer and information sciences on society and a chosen discipline as measured by the successful completion of the seminar component of the coursework requirements
- optionally, if they enter the thesis track, plan, conduct, present, and defend a research project as measured by the successful completion of the thesis examination
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Degree Requirements
The Master of Science Degree in Computer and Information Sciences (the MS) program is designed for students who are interested in obtaining a graduate-level understanding of computer and information sciences. The non-thesis track is intended for students who view the MS as a terminal professional degree. The thesis track is intended for students who are also interested in research in computer and information sciences and may consider pursuing a PhD. Students begin the program following the non-thesis track. Admission does not guarantee that a student can follow the thesis track. Entry to the thesis track occurs once the student’s advisory committee is approved by the Department. Students who are confident in their interest in research in computer and information sciences are encouraged to apply to the PhD program. Students who believe that they have already satisfied a degree requirement (e.g., by taking prior graduate-level coursework), may submit a degree requirements modification request. Coursework Requirements
The coursework requirement comprises three components. The breadth component ensures that students have a broad view of computer and information sciences. The elective component allows students to specialize in an area that is related to their career goals. The seminar component prepares students to successfully complete the MS and exposes them to broader issues such as professional and ethical responsibilities and the impacts of computer and information sciences on society. Breadth Component
Students must complete 12 credits of breadth classes, at least 3 credits from each of the following areas. Breadth courses must be taken using the standard grading option (i.e., letter grades). A breadth course may satisfy multiple areas. However, the same breadth course may not be used to satisfy more than one area.
Theory, Mathematical, and Formal Reasoning
System Design and Implementation
ML/AI, Interacting with Data, and Statistical Applications
Elective Component
Students must complete 18 credits of elective courses. Elective courses must be taken using the standard grading option (i.e., letter grades). Students are encouraged to use graduate-level courses in areas outside of computer and information sciences to satisfy this requirement. Students who wish to do so must submit a course substitution request. Seminar Component
Students must register for and satisfactorily participate in the Departmental seminar (CISC890) each semester. Non-Thesis Track Credits to Total a Minimum of 30
Coursework Requirements
The coursework requirement comprises four components. The breadth component ensures that students have a broad view of computer and information sciences. The elective component allows students to specialize in an area that is related to their career goals. The seminar component prepares students to successfully complete the MS and exposes them to broader issues such as professional and ethical responsibilities and the impacts of computer and information sciences on society. The thesis component ensures that students have time to devote to their research.
Breadth Component
Students must complete 12 credits of breadth classes, at least 3 credits from each of the following areas.
Breadth courses must be taken using the standard grading option (i.e., letter grades). A breadth course may satisfy multiple areas. However, the same breadth course may not be used to satisfy more than one area. Theory, Mathematical, and Formal Reasoning
System Design and Implementation
ML/AI, Interacting with Data, and Statistical Applications
Elective Component
Students must complete 12 credits of elective courses. Elective courses must be taken using the standard grading option (i.e., letter grades). Students are encouraged to use graduate-level courses in areas outside of computer and information sciences to satisfy this requirement. Students who wish to do so must submit a course substitution request. Seminar Component
Students must register for and satisfactorily participate in the Departmental seminar (CISC890) each semester. Thesis Component
Students must complete 6 credits of Master’s Thesis (CISC869). Research Requirements
The research requirements comprise one component. The thesis examination ensures that students have the ability to perform research in a chosen area of computer and information sciences.
Thesis Examination
Students must pass the thesis examination. The thesis examination ensures that students have the ability to perform research in a chosen area of computer and information sciences. Each student must establish an advisory committee. The advisory committee must be approved by the Department. Each student must author a thesis that describes the results of original research in a chosen area of computer and information sciences. Each student’s advisory committee must assess the student’s ability to conduct and report the results of basic research in both oral and written form. The assessment must include a public, oral defense of the thesis. The outcome of the thesis examination is decided by the student’s advisory committee. A majority vote in favor is needed to pass. Thesis Track Credits to Total a Minimum of 30
Last Revised for 2024-2025 Academic Year
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