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Computer Science M.S.

The Master of Science in Computer Science offers individuals an opportunity to become more competent and productive in a variety of computing environments as computer science professionals and to prepare for further graduate study. The program is oriented toward the design, implementation and application of computer software. The program includes study in various areas of computing such as compilers, operating systems, database systems, data analytics and cybersecurity.

The program is designed for graduates of computer science programs as well as baccalaureate graduates in other related disciplines. Preparation in computer science will determine the point at which the student will enter this program.

Program Outcomes

Computer science students at the time of graduation are expected to attain:

  1. possess an enhanced breadth of knowledge in computer science, combined with a depth of knowledge in critical core areas of computing;
  2. possess the skills and knowledge for lifelong learning in computer science;
  3. possess and demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge of the theoretical foundations of computing and have strong practical application experience;
  4. possess and demonstrate oral and written communication skills;
  5. understand and respect the professional standards of ethics expected of a computer scientist and be knowledgeable concerning the history of the computing field;
  6. possess a knowledge of computer security and computer security management;
  7. analyze and compare relative merits of alternative software design, algorithmic approaches, and computer system organization, with respect to a variety of criteria relevant to the task (e. g. efficiency, scalability, security);
  8. implement algorithms in multiple programming languages, on multiple hardware platforms, and in multiple operating system environments.

Admission Requirements

  1. A satisfactory score on the General Test (verbal, analytical, and quantitative) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  2. A satisfactory grade point average on all prior advanced-level (junior, senior, and graduate) work taken
  3. A demonstrated proficiency in the use of the English language. If a student’s verbal score on the General Test of the GRE is below an acceptable minimum, the student must pass an English proficiency test.
  4. An undergraduate major in computer science or course work in computer science including the content of COSC 1337, COSC 2315 and COSC 2336 or equivalent.
  5. No more than nine semester credit hours of graduate credit earned prior to acceptance into the program, including transfer credit, may be applied to the MS degree.
  6. Approval by the departmental chair.

Consideration is also given to one or more of the following: the applicant's demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, first generation college graduate, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence, and level of responsibility in other matters including extracurricular activities, employment, community service, and family responsibilities.

Prerequisites

In order to take graduate computer science courses applicable to the MSCS program, a student must have satisfactorily completed six hours of calculus, COSC 1337, COSC 2315 and COSC 2336 or equivalent.

Transfer of Credit

A student may transfer a maximum of 9 semester hours of graduate credit in which a grade of “B” or better has been earned from approved institutions. Transfer credit is subject to the approval of the student’s advisor and departmental chair.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the Master of Science in Computer Science must satisfactorily complete one of the following options:

Option 1—Thesis (30 SCH): This option requires 30 hours of graduate level course work in computer science including 15 semester hours of core courses and 6 hours of thesis COSC 5395/ COSC 5396.

Option 2 - Professional (36 SCH): This option requires 36 hours of graduate-level course work in computer science including 15 semester hours of core courses. At least 30 hours must be in Computer Science. Up to 6 hours of approved non-Computer Science courses may be permitted.

Core Requirements (15 hours)

The 15-semester-hour core requirement for the Master of Science in Computer Science is as follows:

COSC 5330Operating Systems
COSC 5340Programming Languages
COSC 5350Data Communication and Networks
COSC 5360Database Design
COSC 5393Graduate Seminar

All candidates for the computer science degree must also meet the following requirements:

  1. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on all graduate level work taken at UT Tyler and on all graduate level courses applied to the degree. No course with a grade below "C" may be applied toward this degree.
  2. Students must complete each core course (COSC 5330, COSC 5340, COSC 5350, COSC 5360 and COSC 5393) with a grade of “B” or better.
  3. Students must have completed all of the core courses (COSC 5330, COSC 5340, COSC 5350, COSC 5360, and COSC 5393) with a grade of “B” or better in order to register for COSC 5395/ COSC 5396.
  4. All COSC 5395/COSC 5396 students will have a committee composed of their advisor plus two additional graduate faculty members; at least one of which must be from the Department of Computer Science.