Master's Degree Tracks
There are two tracks to a Master's degree:
- Thesis track for students who demonstrate exceptional aptitude for critical thinking, are interested in learning about research, and/or want to explore the possibility of pursuing a PhD degree (but aren't sure yet).
- Courses-only track for students who desire the most coursework possible in preparation for a career, would be better served by more coursework as a result of lack of computer science preparation in their undergraduate degree, and/or are pursuing a PhD but who also want the Master's degree along the way.
The following table summarizes the requirements for the two tracks. To understand all the requirements for the Master's degree, you need to read the individual degree track pages.
Thesis track | Courses-only track | |
Total credits on program of study | 30 | 30 |
Total course credits on the program of study | 20 | 20 |
500-level course credits on the program of study | at least 11, not counting CSCI 590 (formerly CS 590) | at least 21 |
400-Level Course Credits on Program of Study | at most 9 | at most 9 |
CSCI 590 Thesis Credits on Program of Study | exactly 10 | not allowed |
CSCI 580 Project Credits on Program of Study | not allowed | not allowed |
Special Notes |
Requires invitation from a faculty member, |
NA |