Graduate Education

Computer Science Degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.)

The program of study of a Master of Science in Computer Science (M.S. CS) degree includes advanced courses in computer science that are selected according to the goals of the student.  The program of study includes a thesis option, a professional project option, or courses-only option. The program of study of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science degree includes advanced courses in computer science and significant scholarly research in computer science, presented in a dissertation.

The department’s core research areas include the following:

• Artificial intelligence
• Computational science
• Computer Graphics
• Human-centered computing
• Software engineering
• Systems & Security

These core competencies support research applications in areas such as bioinformatics, visualization & data science, computer security & forensics, human-computer interactions, robotics, and high performance computing.  Faculty, research assistants, thesis students, and dissertation students participate in a wide variety of research projects.  Many research projects are multi-disciplinary or multi-specialty in nature.

Cyber Security and Operation Degrees (MS)

The Master of Science in Cyber Security and Operations (MS CYSO) is designed for students who wish to help meet the challenges posed by increasing cyber-threats. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the program is designed to provide students with a focused education within a broad analytical framework for evaluating, understanding, and solving cyber security problems. The program allows either a thesis or non-thesis option.

Data Science (MS)

The interdisciplinary Master of Science in Data Science degree program will provide students with broad training in managing, processing, and extracting value from large and diverse data sets and allow them to communicate their findings. The program will prepare students for professional employment in industry, government, and NGOs and at the same time allow them to obtain sufficient skills to continue into more advanced degree programs.

Online Degrees

All of the CSE degrees are offered online; see the admissions page for any specific requirements for online students. CSE courses are generally offered synchronously during the same time at their on-campus equivalent; asynchronous classes are indicated during registration.

Other Graduate Programs

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering participates in the graduate programs administered in other departments. These degrees relate to areas adjacent to CSE (such as Computer Engineering) or focus more in-depth on research being done in CSE in collaboration with others (such as Data Science).

• M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, administered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• M.S. and Ph.D. in Computational Engineering, an interdisciplinary program administered through the High Performance Computing Collaboratory, which is a research center on campus.
• Ph.D. in Engineering Education, an interdisciplinary program administered through the College of Engineering.
• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, an interdisciplinary program administered by the Office of Academic Affairs.