Master of Science in Computer Science Accelerated Graduate Degree Pathway

Program Requirements: This program provides an accelerated pathway for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) to complete the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) by sharing up to 12 credit hours of 5000- or 6000-level electives between the BSCS and MSCS degrees.
Grade Requirements:
- Undergraduate: A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all required CS courses (a grade of “C-” is not acceptable). A grade of “C-” or better must be earned in all required support courses. In addition, a BSCS degree requires an overall GPA of 2.70 or higher. Students desiring to enter the accelerated pathway are strongly recommended to maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher.
- Graduate: A grade of “B-” or better must be earned in all courses. In addition, the overall program GPA must be 3.0 or higher.
Credit Hour Requirements: A total of 139 credit hours is required for graduation with both degrees. The BSCS requires 120 credit hours and the MSCS requires 31 credit hours. A maximum of 12 credit hours of 5000- or 6000-level coursework can be shared.
Program Codes: 8023BS, 8023MS
CIPC: 110701

Conditional Acceptance

Students may apply if they have completed at least 60 credit hours. An overall GPA of 3.25 is strongly recommended for acceptance into this program.

Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours before being conditionally accepted into the accelerated degree pathway.

Admissions Requirements

Students in the accelerated degree pathway must apply for acceptance into the Master of Science in Computer Science program. All details regarding this process are found in the Master of Science of Computer Science catalog.

Advisement

For questions related to registration and registration errors, academic planning, university policies, or general program support, contact a graduate academic advisor. For questions related to pre-admissions contact a graduate enrollment advisor. For guidance on technical course content, future course offerings, thesis or project ideas, or program or course exceptions, contact the program director.

BSCS Learning Outcomes

An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the program’s student outcomes and to the discipline.
An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

MSCS Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of math, science and engineering.
Demonstrate the ability to design a system, component or process.
Demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve computer science problems.
Demonstrate the ability to apply master’s level knowledge to the specialized area of computer science.

Major Course Requirements for BS Degree

To be taken in addition to the requirements for the AAS degree in Computer Science.

Required Courses (26 credit hours)

CS 3100 - Operating Systems Credits: (4)
CS 3230 - Object Oriented User Interface Development with Java Credits: (4) or
CS 3280 - Object Oriented Windows Application Development Credits: (4)
CS 3550 - Advanced Database Programming Credits: (4)
CS 3750 CEL - Software Engineering II Credits: (4)
CS 4110 - Concepts of Formal Languages and Algorithms for Computing Credits: (4)
CS 4760 - CS Capstone Credits: (4)
CS 4890 INT - Cooperative Work Experience Credits: (1-4) (2 credits)
CS 4899 - Computer Science Exit Experience Credits: (0)

Support Courses Required (4-6 credit hours)

Either choose one of the following 4 credit courses:

MATH 1216 - Integral Calculus Credits: (4)
MATH 1220 - Calculus II Credits: (4)
MATH 3040 - Applied Statistical Computing Credits: (4)

Or choose any two of the following 3 credit courses:

MATH 2210 - Calculus III Credits: (4)
MATH 3110 - Foundations of Algebra Credits: (3)
MATH 3160 - Number Theory Credits: (3)
MATH 3310 - Statistical Data Mining and Text Analytics Credits: (3)

CS Electives (6-8 credit hours)

Choose 2 CS courses in the 3000-, 4000-, 5000-, or 6000-level. Disallowed courses for these electives are CS 4800 , CS 4850 , CS 4890 , CS 6000 , CS 6010 , and CS 6011 .

Accelerated pathway students should choose 5000- or 6000-level courses to maximize credit sharing between bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Other Electives (3 credit hours)

Choose 3 credits of any approved courses in the 3000-, 4000-, 5000-, or 6000-level from CS, CYBR, WEB, ECE, EET, MIS, PHYS, AND MATH. This may include up to 3 credits maximum in any one of the following courses: CS 4800 , CS 4850 , or an additional 2 credits from the required CS 4890 . CS 6000 , CS 6010 , and CS 6011 cannot be used for this elective.

Writing or CS Elective (3 credit hours)

Choose one of the following three options:

3 credits of any approved CS course at the 5000- or 6000-level. CS 6000, CS 6010, and CS 6011 cannot be used for this requirement. Accelerated pathway students should choose this option to maximize credit sharing between bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
ENGL 3100 - Professional and Technical Writing Credits: (3)
PS 3250 - Business Communication Credits: (3)

Additional Elective Credits (0-3 credit hours)

Students can complete all AAS and BS prior requirements in a minimum of 117 credits and 38 upper division credit hours, which is short of the required 120 total credits and 40 total upper division credits. If so, take any elective credits as needed to reach these totals.