The Master of Science degree has a strong emphasis on research with a resulting thesis and defense. There is coursework involved, but you should be prepared to focus your efforts in a specific area of Computer Science. If you would prefer to do just course work, you would work toward a Master of Computer Science degree.
GRADUATE STUDENT MANUAL (GSM)
Information and program requirements for all graduate degrees can be found in the Graduate Student Manual (GSM). This is a good starting point for anyone looking for a graduate program in the Computer Science Department. The GSM was recently updated, and students starting in 2020 will follow the new requirements. Current students have the option of following either the earlier or the new requirements.
The Master of Science (MS) Plan A – Thesis consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours to graduate.
- (2) credits of CS 501 – Introduction to Computer Science Research taken in the first two semesters
- (24) credits of the Core/breadth requirements
- (4) credits from Group 1, AI & Theory
- (4) credits from Group 2, Systems
- (4) credits from Group 3, Software Engineering & Information Assurance
- (4) credits of CS 500 level coursework
- (8) credits of CS 400-500 level coursework
- (4) credits of CS 793 – Research Seminar with your advisor
- (6) credits of CS 699 – Thesis under your advisor
MS plan A student will need to find an advisor and committee by the middle of their second semester. If no advisor or committee is found, the student should explore the other MS tracks.
Additional Requirements:
- Thesis Defense before the middle of final semester
- GS6, Program of Study due middle of 2nd semester
- GS25, Application for Graduation due at the beginning of final semester
- GS24, Report of Final Exam due after the thesis defense
- GS30, Thesis/Dissertation upload due after the GS24
The Master of Science (MS) Plan B – Research Project consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours to graduate.
- (2) credits of CS 501 – Introduction to Computer Science Research taken in the first two semesters
- (24) credits of the Core/breadth requirements
- (4) credits from Group 1, AI & Theory
- (4) credits from Group 2, Systems
- (4) credits from Group 3, Software Engineering & Information Assurance
- (4) credits of CS 500 level coursework
- (8) credits of CS 400-500 level coursework
- (4) credits of additional CS 500 level coursework
- (6) credits of CS 695* – Independent Study under your advisor
*CS 799 and 699 can count if student began doing a thesis/dissertation.
MS plan B Project students will need to find an advisor and committee by the middle of their second semester. If no advisor or committee is found, the student should explore the other MS – Plan B RI track.
Additional Requirements:
- Research poster presentation in the middle of the final semester
- GS6, Program of Study due middle of 2nd semester
- GS25, Application for Graduation due at the beginning of final semester
- GS24, Report of Final Exam due after the poster presentation (typically mid semester)
- GS40, MS plan B – Non-Thesis, select project
The Master of Science (MS) Plan B – Research Initiation consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours to graduate.
- (1) credit of CS 501 – Introduction to Computer Science Research taken in the first semester
- (24) credits of the Core/breadth requirements
- (4) credits from Group 1, AI & Theory
- (4) credits from Group 2, Systems
- (4) credits from Group 3, Software Engineering & Information Assurance
- (4) credits of CS 500 level coursework
- (8) credits of CS 400-500 level coursework
- (8) credits of additional CS 500 level coursework
- (3) “flex” credits*; typically achieved by one more (4) credit CS 500 level course
*Students may also count an additional credit of (1) CS 501. Students may count research credits (695, 699, 793, or 799) with prior approval from a faculty supervisor.
MS plan B RI students have a default committee, ask the graduate advisor for details.
Additional Requirements:
- Final exam consists of completing CS 501 with a passing grade.
- GS6, Program of Study due middle of 2nd semester
- GS25, Application for Graduation due at the beginning of final semester
- GS24, Report of Final Exam due after the poster presentation (typically mid semester)
- GS40, MS plan B – Non-Thesis, select portfolio
RESEARCH
The Computer Science Department at Colorado State University offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science degree in Computer Science. Possible areas of emphasis are detailed on our Research page.
ADMISSION PROCEDURES
Once the Department receives a complete application, the admissions committee reviews the application and promptly notifies the applicant of their decision.
Students may be admitted for fall or spring semesters.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT & FEES
All admissible applicants will be considered for a teaching or research assistantship on a competitive basis. Assistantships carry a monthly stipend for half-time duties. Summer support may be available. Visit our Graduate Support page for more information.
