Nov 09, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Computer Science, M.S. - 32 units


(Offered through CI ‘s Extended University)

The M.S. in Computer Science (MSCS) Degree prepares students for advanced careers in high-tech, computer-driven industries, including applications to business, aerospace, education, military, and government where interdisciplinary, dynamic, and innovative professionals trained in the latest technologies are increasingly sought. Students develop a strong background in computer theory, software and hardware, as well as skills to conduct applied research. The program stresses interdisciplinary applications, while preparing students for a wide range of industry, academic, and research positions. The program offers two pathways to completion of the MSCS Degree through either a project or a thesis option.

Admission

Students seeking admission are expected to have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science. Applicants will be evaluated according to the program guidelines, which will consider the applicants in the context of the total applicant pool using our general admission standards, including all academic work, GPA, standardized test scores (such as GRE), personal statement of purpose, reference letters, relevant work experience, and other factors that may have a bearing on the individual’s potential for success.

Candidates with undergraduate degrees from other disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be provisionally accepted. The conditions will usually include a selection of foundation Computer Science and Math courses, as determined by the admission committee.

The current guidelines and admission procedures are described in detail on the program web pages at: http://compsci.csuci.edu.

Graduation

To obtain the MSCS Degree, a student must complete each course with a minimum grade of B. A student must also successfully complete 3 units of COMP 596 (Master Project) plus one additional COMP elective for 3 units, or complete 6 units of COMP 597 (Master Thesis). A student choosing the thesis option must successfully defend the thesis before an examination committee.

Note: Any remedial courses are in addition to the following graduation requirements

Required Courses - 5-8 units


Select Master Project or Master Thesis:

Master Project - 5 units


Complete 3 units of COMP 596 and 2 units of COMP 599

Master Thesis - 8 units


Complete 6 units of COMP 597 and 2 units of COMP 599

Note(s)


  1. To accommodate the need to acquire multidisciplinary experience and knowledge beneficial to their research, MSCS students may take up to six units of courses outside the COMP prefix upon obtaining authorization from the MSCS program director in consultation with the Master Thesis advisor.
  2. Graduate students may also receive credit for taking 400-level courses under some exceptional circumstances. Permission to take such courses has to be granted by the program director, in consultation with the Master Thesis advisor and the course instructor, prior to enrolling in the courses. No more than nine units may be earned in this way.

Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)


Prior to the awarding of the degree, writing proficiency must be demonstrated by successful completion of COMP 596 - Master Project   or  COMP 597 - Master Thesis  (dependent on the chosen track) with a grade of B or higher.

Continuous Registration Requirement


A student, who is not on an Academic Leave of Absence, must register every semester until graduating. If all other course requirements have been satisfied, a student should register in one unit of COMP 596  or COMP 597   (dependent on the chosen track) to satisfy the requirement.