Computer Science

Degree Plans

PhD Degree Plan

The PhD student must complete:

  • An approved MS program in computer science,
  • A PhD credit requirement, and
  • A graduate-level breadth requirement.
  • Learn more about PhD Plans.

Accelerated MS

Undergraduate students can complete both their bachelor's and master's degrees on an accelerated timeline.

MS Degree Plans

Thesis Option

The CS Department allows up to 6 of the 30 hours of credit required for graduation to be in CS5990. In addition to completing the 30 hours of credit in approved courses (including CS5990 and up to 3 hours of CS5999 credit though not more than 9 total hours may be taken in CS5990 and CS5999), a student following the thesis option is expected to:

  • Prepare a written plan describing the thesis research.
  • Defend the research plan in an oral seminar presentation or meet with the advisory committee to discuss the research plan.
  • Prepare a final thesis.
  • Defend the thesis in an oral seminar presentation.
  • Learn more about the Thesis Plan.

Project Option

The project option allows up to 6 of the 30 hours of credit required for graduation to be in CS5990. In addition to completing the 30 hours of credit in approved courses (including CS5990 and up to 3 hours of CS5999 credit), a student following the project option is expected to: present written and oral project reports at the conclusion of the project. Thus, the student should:

  • Prepare a written project plan that describes any background work necessary for completion of the project.
  • Present the project plan to the advisory committee.
  • Prepare a final report at the conclusion of the project.
  • Defend the project report in a public oral seminar presentation.
  • Learn more about the Project Option.

Coursework Option

The course work option requires 30 hours of graded course work.

None of the 30 hours of credit required for graduation may be in CS5990 and no more than 3 hours of CS5999 credit may be applied to the 30-hour requirement.

Course work option students have the graduate director as their advisor.

Learn more about the Coursework Option.