The Master of Science (M.S.) 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.

M.S., Plan A – Thesis

The Master of Science in Computer Science (Plan A) is a thesis-based degree that combines advanced coursework with original research culminating in a formal thesis, representing the most research-intensive of the three MS pathways. Students develop expertise across a broad range of computer science disciplines, including algorithm design, artificial intelligence and machine learning, bioinformatics, computer security, cyber-physical systems, databases, distributed systems, graphics, human-computer interaction, networking, programming languages, and software engineering. Working closely with a faculty advisor and thesis committee, students make an original contribution to their chosen area of computer science. This degree prepares graduates for research-oriented careers in industry and government and is the recommended pathway for students intending to pursue doctoral study.

Degree Requirements

 Minimum of 37 credit hours total as follows:

• 2 credits of CS 501
• 4 credits from Group 1, AI & Theory
• 4 credits from Group 2, Systems
• 4 credits from Group 3, Software Engineering & Information Assurance
• 12 credits of regular CS graduate level coursework
  • May be from any of the groups
  • Up to 8 credits may be at the 400 level
• 4 credits of CS 793
• 3-7 credits of CS 699 or similar

The MS plan A requires a minimum of 37 credits. Covering the breadth and depth areas of Computer Science, 24 credits are required. Plan A students will take 2 credits of an intro to CS research seminar, a 4 credit research seminar with their faculty advisor, and 7 credits of thesis. Students are required to organize and present a thesis defense with their advisor and committee.

M.S., Plan B – Research Project

The Master of Science in Computer Science (Plan B) is a project-based degree that combines advanced coursework with a culminating research project, offering students the opportunity to develop both technical depth and research experience without the full commitment of a thesis. Students develop expertise across a broad range of computer science disciplines, including algorithm design, artificial intelligence and machine learning, bioinformatics, computer security, cyber-physical systems, databases, distributed systems, high-performance computing, human-computer interaction, networking, quantum computing, and software engineering. The project provides experience in problem formulation, original research, and technical communication. This degree prepares graduates for technical and leadership roles in industry and government, and serves as an effective pathway for students considering doctoral study.

Degree Requirements

Minimum of 36 credit hours total

• 2 credits of CS 501
• 4 credits from Group 1, AI & Theory
• 4 credits from Group 2, Systems
• 4 credits from Group 3, Software Engineering & Information Assurance
• 16 credits of regular CS graduate level coursework
  • May be from any of the groups
  • Up to 8 credits may be at the 400 level
• 6 credits of CS 695 or similar

Students are required to present their research in the form of a poster with their advisor and committee present.

M.S., Plan B – Research Initiation

NOTICE: Students entering Spring 2027 and later will no longer be able to choose this option.

Degree Requirements

Minimum of 36 credit hours total as follows:

• 1 credit of CS 501 – Introduction to Computer Science Research taken in the first semester
• 12 credits of the Group requirements
  • 4 credits from Group 1, AI & Theory
  • 4 credits from Group 2, Systems
  • 4 credits from Group 3, Software Engineering & Information Assurance
• 20 credits of CS 500 level coursework
  • Up to 8 credits of CS 400 level coursework may count towards this requirement
• 3 “flex” credits*; typically achieved by one more 4 credit CS 500 level course or research credits.

*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.

M.S. 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

Need help planning for the M.S. program? Download the MS Advising Checksheet (Word document).

Accelerated Master of Science (AMP)

Accelerated master’s programs (AMP) partner an undergraduate and a master’s degree graduate program within or between departments, in a streamlined path that reduces the time to earn a master’s degree. Undergraduate students are admitted internally by the participating programs and are guaranteed conditional admission to the partnering graduate program during their undergraduate career. Final admission to the graduate program and Graduate School is granted when students meet the minimum graduate program and Graduate School admissions criteria upon completion of the bachelor’s degrees.

What are the benefits of AMP?

Students accepted to this program are allowed to apply up to 13 credits of 500-level regular CS coursework to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees, provided they earn at least a B grade in those courses. At the graduate level, students must satisfy all the requirements of the M.S. degree as outlined in the department Graduate Student Manual (GSM).

Applicants must plan early, meet with undergraduate and graduate advisors, and submit an application to be reviewed by the Graduate Recruitment Committee (GRC). Applicants have the GRE requirement waived. Undergraduate and graduate units that partner to build an AMP will create a graduate admission policy for the undergraduate students that guarantees them contingent admission to the partnering graduate program at any point during the student’s undergraduate career. Final admission is conferred when the students meet the minimum AMP and Graduate School admissions criteria upon completion of their bachelor’s degrees. Students must complete the Graduate Admissions Application for the semester they plan to enter the Master’s Program.

Who can apply?

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.000 is required for entrance into an AMP. Students apply by the end of the semester during which they complete core 300-level courses (for example CS 320, CS370 and CS 314). Late applications are accepted but may delay the student’s progression through the program.

To be eligible for the AMP applicants must be enrolled in the computer science B.S. program and:

• Show promise and/or evidence of high accomplishment through research or scholarly activity
• Have their application supported by (3) letters of recommendation
• Have a high GPA (3.0 minimum), especially in CS courses
• Either have, or currently taking, 3 or more of the following:
  • CS 314
  • CS 320
  • CS 345
  • CS 356
  • CS 370
  • Regular 400 level courses (excluding 480-499)

The CS Graduate Recruiting Committee (GRC) evaluates each individual application and responds before the start of the next semester.

What courses can I expect to take as a CS AMP student?

AMP students may take any 500-level regular CS courses (most CS courses are 4 credits each) for which they have the background to support success (any required prerequisites, etc.) and which may also contribute to a graduate plan program of study. Specific courses are determined in consultation with a faculty advisor. These courses also fulfill the senior electives requirements for the undergraduate degree.

AMP students will be required to take CS 501 during the duration of concurrent enrollment.

What else do I need to consider before applying?

There may be implications for federal student aid. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for details. Undergraduate students enrolled in graduate level coursework should contact the Office of Financial Aid for information about the availability of financial aid for such coursework.

Students must complete the Graduate School application and pay the application fee during their final year as undergraduates. Graduate applications will not be accepted earlier than one year prior to starting the graduate program.

What is the difference between AMP and RAMp UP?

Students admitted into the AMP will pay undergraduate tuition on the graduate level courses and are allowed to double count 1 more course (4 more credits) than RAMp UP.

RAMp UP does not have an application process. It allows undergraduate students to try out graduate level coursework in a low commitment environment. Students are able to double count up to 9 credits of CS 500 level regular courses towards both their bachelors and masters degrees and students are permitted to double count those courses up to ten years after the completion of their bachelor’s degree. Students planning to utilize RAMp UP will still need to apply and be admitted to the graduate program in order to count the credits. Learn more about RAMp UP.

Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.): Coursework Only

The Master of Computer Science (Plan C) is a professional program that includes advanced coursework to acquire knowledge in diverse areas such as but not limited to the study of algorithm design, artificial intelligence/machine learning, bioinformatics, computer security, cyber-physical systems, databases, distributed systems, graphics, human computer interaction, networking, programming languages, and software engineering. This degree prepares the student for a career in the Computer Science industry and education. It can be completed in-person, online, or hybrid format. 

Degree Requirements

Minimum of 36 credit hours as follows:

• 12 credits of CS group requirements
  • 4 credits from Group 1, AI & Theory
  • 4 credits from Group 2, Systems
  • 4 credits from Group 3, Software Engineering and Information Assurance
• 12 credits of CS 500 level regular coursework
  • Up to 8 credits of CS 400 level regular coursework may count towards this requirement
• 12 credits of additional CS 500 level regular coursework

Required Forms

M.C.S. students must file these forms:

• GS6 Program of Study by the middle of their second semester
• GS25 Application for Graduation at the beginning of their final semester.

Advisor for M.C.S. Students

The M.C.S. does not require that the student find an advisor or committee. The default advisor for M.C.S. is the graduate program director.

What is the difference between the M.C.S. and M.S.?

The MCS is a coursework-only degree requiring 9 courses of CS 500 level regular courses (see the degree requirements listed above for details) for a total of 36 credits. No research credits will count. There is no research project or exam that students need to complete in order to graduate.

M.C.S. Program Admission Procedures

• Follow the instructions for applying to the graduate program.
• Do M.C.S. applicants need to take the GRE?
  • Domestic Applicants: The GRE is strongly recommended for domestic applicants but not required. High GRE scores, especially on the quantitative section, may help a student obtain a more favorable admission recommendation.
  • International Applicants: If you do not have a transcript from a university located in the U.S., you must submit GRE scores. A minimum of 75th percentile on the quantitative section is required for your application to be considered.
• 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.

Need help planning for the M.C.S. program? Download the MCS Advising Checksheet (Word document)

The Master of Computer Science (Plan C) is a professional program that includes advanced coursework to acquire knowledge in diverse areas such as but not limited to the study of algorithm design, artificial intelligence/machine learning, bioinformatics, computer security, cyber-physical systems, databases, distributed systems, graphics, human computer interaction, networking, programming languages, and software engineering. This degree prepares the student for a career in the Computer Science industry and education. Can be completed online, in-person, or hybrid format. Visit CSU Online to learn more about our MCS online program.

Degree Requirements: Minimum 36 credits total

• 4 credits from Group 1
• 4 credits from Group 2
• 4 credits from Group 3
• 24 credits of additional CS graduate level coursework
  • Up to 8 credits may be at the 400 level

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. program in Computer Science allows students to further their knowledge of computer science through advanced coursework and to conduct cutting-edge research in diverse areas such as algorithm design, artificial intelligence/machine learning, bioinformatics, computer security, cyber-physical systems, databases, distributed systems, high performance computing, human computer interaction, networking, quantum computing and software engineering. Students find their personal research passion and learn to become researchers who can independently and collaboratively initiate and lead cutting-edge research careers in academia, government, or industry.

Degree requirements: Minimum of 72 credit hours total

• 2 credits of CS 501
• 4 credits from Group 1
• 4 credits from Group 2
• 4 credits from Group 3
• 12 credits of regular CS graduate level coursework
  • Up to 8 credits may be at the 400 level
• 8 credits of CS 793
• 3 credits of outside CS 500 level coursework
• 35 credits of CS 799 or similar

PhD students are expected to make timely progress towards degree milestones. These include the departmental research exam, the preliminary (proposal) exam, and the dissertation defense.

Group 1 (AI and Theory), Minimum 4 credits

CS 510 Image Computation

CS 520 Analysis of Algorithms

CS 522 Foundations of Cyber-Physical Systems

CS 523 Foundations of Computation

CS 525 Bioinformatics Algorithms

CS 540 Artificial Intelligence

CS 542 Natural Language Processing

CS 545 Machine Learning

Group 2 (Systems), Minimum 4 credits

CS 530 Fault-Tolerant Computing

CS 535 Big Data

CS 553 Algorithmic Language Compilers

CS 555 Distributed Systems

CS 557 Advanced Networking

CS 560/ECE 560 Foundations of Fine-Grain Parallelism

CS 570 Advanced Computer Architecture

CS 575 Parallel Processing

Group 3 (Software Engineering & Information Assurance), Minimum 4 credits

CS 514 Software Product and Process Evaluation

CS 515 Software Maintenance & Evolution Not currently offered

CS 517 Software Specification and Design Not currently offered

CS 518 Distributed Software System Development Not currently offered

CS 533 Database Management Systems

CS 556 Computer Security

CS 559 Quantitative Security

CS 567 3D User Interfaces

Comprehensive information and program requirements for all graduate degrees can be found on the Graduate Student Manual (GSM) webpage. 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 old requirements (pre-fall 2020) or the new requirements.

In addition to the department’s Graduate School Manual (GSM), please visit the CSU Graduate School webpage Completing your Program for comprehensive information on University degree requirements for all graduate programs.

The GRE exam is recommended, but not required, for all domestic M.C.S. applicants. International students without a transcript from a university located in the U.S. must submit GRE scores showing a minimum of 75th percentile on the quantitative section of the exam.

All applicants coming from countries in which English is not the official language, and who do not have an undergraduate degree from a country in which the official language is English (Canada, U.K., Australia, USA, New Zealand, etc.) must take the TOEFL or IELTS and earn at least a 92 on the internet-base exam or a minimum of 6.5 on the IELTS. The TOEFL may be waived for applicants who have been living in the U.S. for at least three years if they request a waiver. Please contact us for details.

As a practical matter the only deadlines are very close to the start of the term in which you plan to officially become a degree-seeking graduate student (perhaps six weeks before the start of the term). Since students can take up to three courses prior to admission and count them later in the degree, application deadlines should not be much of a concern for anyone.

Yes, up to three courses may be taken prior to admission and still be counted towards the degree.

Students entering the masters program are expected to be fluent in an object-oriented language (e.g., Java or C++). You should also have coursework in:

• Discrete Mathematics
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Computer Organization/Architecture
• Software Engineering
• Operating Systems

We do not offer these courses online, though other schools may. These are very common undergraduate computer science courses and are widely available.

The Graduate School makes these decisions. Contact the Graduate School.

Only persons with degrees equivalent to U.S. bachelors degrees are qualified to apply for admission. A 3-year degree is not equivalent to the U.S. bachelor degree. (Nor is the 3-year degree plus 1 year of a second degree).

Probably. Please check the course web page CS414 about the course. Also check the CS314 web page CS314 (the prerequisite for CS414). You may want to review the CS314 text to determine if your background is sufficient.

Applicants who show exceptional promise for success may be admitted to the program with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. You may want to consider taking two or three CS courses before applying for admission. If your grades in these courses are good (A’s and B’s), we can more easily admit you to the Masters program.

Applicants with graduate work in computer science from another university may petition to apply up to 12 hours towards their Masters in CS at CSU. Credit cannot be given officially until a student is admitted. However, students having prior coursework covering topics similar to those found in 500- and 600-level CS courses at CSU from accredited institutions, and passed with a grade of B or better, are very likely to have such requests granted.

No. Courses used to complete one degree may not be used towards another.

Yes. In collaboration with CSU Online we offer students the option of completing online some of the course requirements of the on-campus M.S., the M.C.S., or even the Ph.D. In consultation with your advisor, you may start online and finish on-campus, vice-versa, or a hybrid combination thereof.