Mar 28, 2024  
2023/2024 University Catalog 
    
2023/2024 University Catalog

Computer Science, M.S.


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(Major Code: 07011) (SIMS Code: 773801)

In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic requirements for the master’s degree as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees , the student must meet the following departmental requirements:

  1. Complete a minimum of 31 units of 500-, 600-, and 700-level courses selected with the approval of the adviser. One to three units of Computer Science 798 may be added to the 30 minimum units required, when used for an internship or practical training. All programs must include at least 24 units chosen from computer science and mathematics.
  2. Students must select Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Comprehensive Examinations) as described below. (Selecting Plan A is contingent upon having a minimum 3 GPA in courses applicable to the master’s degree, and upon finding a full time computer science faculty member to supervise the thesis. The number of students that can be accommodated in Plan A is limited by faculty resources.)

Advancement to Candidacy


All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees . Students must select Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Comprehensive Examinations) as described below. (Selecting Plan A is contingent upon having a minimum 3.3 GPA in courses applicable to the master’s degree and finding a full-time computer science faculty member to supervise the thesis. Faculty resources limit the number of students accommodated in Plan A.)

Elective Courses for Plan A (Thesis)


9 units of computer science elective courses from the groups CSY, ISY, and DSC listed below of which at least 6 units must be computer science 600-level courses. Three units of 600-level mathematics and statistical courses from the group MST listed below may replace one 600-level computer science course. No more than 3 units of CS 696  and CS 798  can be counted towards the 9 units of elective courses.

Thesis and Research (6 units)


Plan A students must take 3 units of CS797-Research and 3 units of CS799A-Thesis. The thesis requires report writing and defense.

Elective Courses for Plan B (Comprehensive Examinations)


15 units from groups CSY, ISY, DSC listed below with at least 12 units of which must be computer science 600-level courses. Three units of 600-level mathematics courses from group MST listed below may replace three unit 600-level computer science courses. No more than 3 units from the Special Topics Courses section will be counted towards the 12 units.

Comprehensive Examinations


Plan B students must pass the comprehensive exam covering the required courses. Students must complete the required courses before taking the exam. Further information is available on the department website.

Note


Full-time international students on Plan B who have completed all their required coursework must show progress in at least two areas of study each semester (until they have completed all but one). This can be done by either taking qualifying examinations or additional coursework, which must be preapproved by the graduate adviser.
 

Areas of Study


Students can take their elective courses from one or more areas listed below. The grouping of courses under the three areas is intended for students who want to specialize in one area. Six units must be Computer Sciences 600-level courses (for Plan A students). 12 Twelve units must be Computer Science 600-level courses (for Plan B students).

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