To explore all graduate degrees offered at MSU, visit the Programs and Degree portal.

Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

Pair knowledge of computer science with social sciences, the humanities or business to be a creative problem-solver with a variety of impactful, in-demand career paths including social media, health care and data analytics.

This bachelor's program is intended for students who have never attended college, who have attended some college but did not complete a degree and want to transfer, or who already have a degree in another field and want a second degree in computer science (in which case the master's degree may also be appropriate). 

The new degree eliminates roughly a year’s worth of credits in engineering, math and science that are required by the department’s bachelor of science degree. Instead, students select from dozens of paired majors, paired minors or paired plans in thearts, the humanities, business or other non-STEM areas.  ESOF 423, Software Engineering Applications, serves as the capstone for this option.

See the MSU catalogue for more details.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Learn the fundamentals of computing while diving into diverse and exciting fields like artificial intelligence, multimedia and computational biology.Right now is the perfect time to pursue a degree in computer science: Each year there are more jobs involving computing and computers.

The bachelor's program is intended for students who have never attended college, who have attended some college but did not complete a degree and want to transfer, or who already have a degree in another field and want a second degree in computer science (in which case the master's degree may also be appropriate). 

Students can pursue either the professional option or the interdisciplinary option.

The professional option allows a student to delve more deeply into both computer science and related technical areas. The compilers course,CSCI 468, serves as the capstone for this option.

See the MSU catalogue for more details.

Many opportunities and challenges lie at the intersection of technology and other fields. The interdisciplinary option allows a student to pursue a minor of choice such as Entrepreneurship or Japanese Studies. During a student's senior year, the minor area must be connected back to computer science through a senior project. CSCI 482RandCSCI 483R serve as the capstone sequence for this option.

See the MSU catalogue for more details.


Minors

Minor in Computer Science

Because computing is pervasive in today's society, a computer science minorcomplements any major and provides additional marketable skills.  Catalog information.

Teaching Minor in Computer Science

A teaching minor in computer science is an increasingly valuable credential for education majors who plan to be future K-12 teachers.  Catalog Information.

Minor in Data Science

Students pursuing a data science minor learn how to combine knowledge from computer science, mathematics and statistics to extract meaningful insights from data.  The interdisciplinary minor draws on courses from Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. It is administed by the Gianforte School of Computing, in close conjunction with the Department of Mathematical Sciences.  Catalog information.


Graduate Degrees and Certificates

Ph.D. in Computer Science

The rigorous program of study leading to a PhD degree prepares a student to be able to extend the base of knowledge about computer science through independent research. Positions for Ph.D.s exist in both institutions of higher education and in industry.

The doctoral program is generally intended for students who have a bachelor's or master's in computer science, who want to pursue a career in academia as a faculty member in computer science, or who intend to pursue a career in research at research laboratories or in private industry. This excellent article by Mor Harchol-Balter of Carnegie-Mellon University describes the PhD process.

Learn more.  Catalog information.

Master of Science in Computer Science

With the industry embracing new technologies such as machine learning, blockchains, and augmented reality, now is a great time to pursue an advanced degree in computer science. We encourage computer science students as well as those who have degree in other disciplines to explore the option of a master's. 

The master's degree prepares students for careers as software engineers and computing specialists in companies of all sizes. Some of the leading technical companies prefer to hire master's students. Generally, master's degree holders receive a starting salary that is substantially higher than that for Bachelor's degree holders and are hired to work on more technically advanced projects.

Fellowships and teaching assistanceships provide funding opportunities. Our master's program offers a thesis track, courses-only track, and an option to earn a master's while earning a Ph.D.

Students on the thesis track must complete a Program of Study of at least 30 credits which includes at least 20 credits of coursework and exactly 10 credits of thesis. The Program of Study is to be filled out during a student's first semester of graduate school in consultation with his or her advisor. More details about the master's thesis track.

Students on the courses-only track must complete a Program of Study of at least 30 credits. The Program of Study is to be filled out during a student's first semester of graduate school in consultation with his or her advisor. More details about the master's courses-only track.

The Accelerated BS/MS track allows students to obtain the Bachelor of Science and Master's degrees in Computer Science within five years. It is an accelerated study plan for students interested in pursuing graduate level coursework, or research.

In some cases, graduate students enroll directly in the PhD program with just a Bachelor's degree in computer science. There are various reasons why such students may later desire to obtain a Master's degree along the way to the Ph.D. More details about the en route to Ph.D. option.

Master of Science in Data Science

The Master of Science in Data Science degree at Montana State University is an interdisciplinary program that draws on courses in three programs: Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. The broad goal is to provide students with foundational training in data analysis, with equal emphasis on the principles of computer science, mathematics, and statistics, and the ability to apply these principles to a range of data-driven problems.  The degree is administered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences, in close conjunction with our School of Computing. Learn more.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The M.S. in Cybersecurity prepares students to support the information security needs of businesses. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career fields.  Catalog Information.  (Requirements Still Under Development).

Learn more about MSU's cybersecurity research, people and programs at the Software Engineering and Cybersecurity Laboratory website.

Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence

The 12-credit Artificial Intelligence graduate certificate prepares students to incorporate artificial intelligence techniques when solving problems with computers. The certificate provides flexible course options and can be undertaken a graduate student who has an appropriate background.  Catalog information.