Master of Science in Computer Science

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Master of Science in Computer Science will provide individuals with the opportunity to acquire an excellent graduate level education in Computer Science that prepares them to work in a variety of computer related fields, including education, industry, research, business, and government.

The M.S. in Computer Science is designed for individuals with a B.S. in Computer Science who are looking to expand their knowledge and opportunities. Students with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline may also apply for the M.S. in Computer Science after meeting certain eligibility criteria. This degree can be completed as a full-time or part-time student. Most classes are offered in the evening to enable students to complete their degree while working.

Rowan University undergraduates majoring in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program may apply to the Advanced Dual Degree (4+1) program which allows them to earn both the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in five years instead of six.

The M.S. in Computer Science is a 31 credit-hour program with an optional thesis track. Ten distinct courses must be taken to fulfill the Master’s Degree. Any course taken that belongs in multiple categories cannot double count. Up to two courses may be taken from other, appropriate graduate programs subject to advisor approval, provided all requirements for this M.S. degree are fulfilled.

Tracks

The program includes two tracks - a thesis track and a non-thesis track.

Non-Thesis Track: Students choosing the non-thesis track take 31 credits of traditional (non-thesis) courses.
Thesis Track: Students choosing the thesis track will also take 31 credits, but they will substitute between 6 to 9 credits of thesis courses for traditional (non-thesis) courses.

Program Requirements

Required Courses: 4 s.h.

CS 00500 - Computer Science Graduate Seminar Credits: 1
CS 07540 - Advanced Design And Analysis Of Algorithms Credits: 3

Core Courses: 9 s.h.

Students are required to complete at least one course from any three Common Core areas listed below.

*Please Note:

Course may count for one of two core areas, but cannot count for both core areas.

Advanced Electives: 9 s.h.

In addition to the 9 s.h. in the Core Courses areas above, students must complete three 600-level courses. These courses can be selected from the Core Courses areas above, or the Non-These Track Electives below.

Thesis Track Courses: 6 - 9 s.h.

Thesis Track students may take either six credits of thesis and one additional elective, or they may take nine credits of thesis.

CS 07530 - Computer Science Thesis I Credits: 3
CS 07631 - Computer Science Thesis II Credits: 3
CS 07632 - Computer Science Thesis III Credits: 3

Non-Thesis Track Electives: 9 s.h.

Non-Thesis Track students must take nine credits of additional electives; they may not take any thesis courses. These additional electives can be chosen from the list below or the Common Core areas above.

CS 01541 - Bioinformatics - Advanced Computational Aspects Credits: 3
CS 02570 - Information Visualization Credits: 3
CS 04548 - Programming Languages: Theory, Implementation & Application Credits: 3
CS 04564 - Compiler Design Theory Credits: 3
CS 04565 - Systems Programming Credits: 3
CS 04571 - Advanced Topics in Mobile Programming Credits: 3
CS 04590 - Computer Game Design And Development Credits: 3
CS 04605 - Advanced Web Programming Credits: 3
CS 06520 - Topics In Computer Architecture Credits: 3
CS 06560 - Design/Implement Operatng Systems Credits: 3
CS 07565 - Computer Vision Credits: 3
CS 07645 - Advanced Robotics Credits: 3
CS 07655 - Natural Language Processing Credits: 3
CS 08560 - Computer Graphics Credits: 3
CS 08680 - Computer Animation Credits: 3

Total Required Credits for the Program: 31 s.h.

Foundation Courses

Students accepted into the program are expected to be well versed in programming, discrete mathematics, computer organization/architecture, direct interactions with operating systems, data structures, and algorithmic thinking either through undergraduate course work or work experience. At the discretion of the Program Coordinator, students not meeting all of these criteria may be accepted into this master’s program but will be required to complete one or two computer science bridge courses before enrolling into other computer science graduate courses. These courses are:

*CS 01501 and CS 01502 will not count toward the 31 graduate credits needed for degree completion.

Graduation/Exit, Benchmark, and/or Thesis Requirements

If thesis track is chosen, students must successfully complete and defend Master’s Thesis.

Minimum Required Grades and Cumulative GPA

The Master of Science in Computer Science is a Category 3 program.

For details regarding satisfactory academic progress and graduation requirements, please visit Academic Program Policy Categories

Program Coordinator/Advisor Contact Information
Shen-Shyang Ho
Robinson Hall, Room 328Q
856.256.4805
hos@rowan.edu

Master of Science in Computer Science

Tracks

Program Requirements

Required Courses: 4 s.h.

Core Courses: 9 s.h.

Algorithms & Theory

Computer Networks

Cybersecurity

Data Management & Analytics

Software Design

*Please Note:

Advanced Electives: 9 s.h.

Thesis Track Courses: 6 - 9 s.h.

Non-Thesis Track Electives: 9 s.h.

Total Required Credits for the Program: 31 s.h.