Computer Science, MS

Plan A (Thesis) Requirements

1. At least six ICS graduate courses, i.e. courses with numbers between ICS 600 and ICS 691 , with the exception of ICS 690 ;
2. Two additional elective 600-level courses must be taken either from the ICS department or some related discipline on a topic related to computer science. Elective courses must have prior approval from the ICS graduate chair as to the suitability prior to enrollment in the courses;
3. Up to two of the graduate courses may be replaced by regular ICS 400-level courses (not ICS 499 ), taken after enrolling in the ICS graduate program;
4. Thesis research taken as 6 credits of ICS 700  is required for the degree. These credits are typically taken close to or during the final semester in the program;
5. ICS 690  (taken for CR/NC) in the first year of the program.

Plan B (Non-thesis) Requirements

1. At least six ICS graduate courses, i.e. courses with numbers between ICS 600 and ICS 691 , with the exception of ICS 690 ; 
2. Two additional elective 600-level courses must be taken either from the ICS department or some related discipline on a topic related to computer science. Elective courses must have prior approval from the ICS graduate chair as to the suitability prior to enrollment in the courses;
3. Up to two of the graduate courses may be replaced by regular ICS 400-level courses (not ICS 499 ), taken after enrolling in the ICS graduate program;
4. A final project ending with a required written report, taken as ICS 699  (a maximum of six credits is counted toward the degree) under the supervision of a faculty member;
5. ICS 690  (taken for CR/NC) in the first year of the program.

The administrative procedures for the program include the following:

1. The student must meet with the graduate program chair during the first semester;
2. Upon completion of at least 12 credit hours of courses applicable to the degree, students are encouraged to propose a degree plan by selecting Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (NonThesis) options;
3. Plan A students are encouraged to choose a thesis topic and committee upon completion of 18 credit hours of applicable courses; and
4. All requests for changes in degree plan must be submitted in writing by the student and approved by the graduate program chair before the diploma application is filed.