Computer Science (MS)
The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science provides students a strong foundation in the core computer science areas, together with advanced study of specialized topics in computing. Students work closely with faculty members and may select to complete either a thesis or project. The thesis option entails three semesters' study under the direction of a faculty member in which the student gains an understanding of an area of current research and contributes to the state of the art in that area. The thesis option is chosen by students seeking to be involved in the Department's research efforts. The project option provides an application-oriented experience completed in a single semester and is typically a software project supervised by the department's faculty members.
Many successful students enter the program with Bachelor's degrees in other disciplines. The department offers a series of graduate courses designed to facilitate students' transition to graduate study in computer science from undergraduate study in other disciplines. The exact sequence of courses is determined individually by the department after review of the student's undergraduate transcript and relevant work experience.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in computer science, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley), as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a bachelor’s degree in another field and courses and/or experience that prepare the applicant for graduate work in computer science.
- GRE General Test. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years. A waiver of the GRE requirement will be granted to applicants who show proof of completing a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral).
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours.
- Letter of Intent detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree.
- Resume.
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Program Requirements
Master of Science in Computer Science students complete 36 semester hours, including 12 semester hours of required computer science lecture and seminar courses with a grade of B or higher, 15 or more semester hours of computer science prescribed elective courses with an optional master’s thesis or project. Students may also complete up to six hours of other computer science courses. For the project and coursework options, a final written examination is required.
Required Courses (12 Credits)
Choose one of the following options:
Coursework Option:
Designated Electives (18-24 Credits)
Free Electives (0-6 Credits)
| CSCI 6180 | Problems in Computer Science | 1 |
| CSCI 6303 | Principles of Information Technology Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 6307 | Foundations of Systems in Computer Science | 3 |
| CSCI 6312 | Advanced Internet Applications Programming | 3 |
| CSCI 6314 | E-Commerce Systems and Implementation | 3 |
| CSCI 6315 | Applied Database Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 6316 | Design for Information Technology Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 6318 | Cybersecurity and Forensics | 3 |
| CSCI 6381 | Independent Research and Study | 3 |
Capstone Requirement
| | Written Comprehensive Exam | |
Project Option:
Designated Electives (15-21 Credits)
Free Electives (0-6 Credits)
| CSCI 6180 | Problems in Computer Science | 1 |
| CSCI 6303 | Principles of Information Technology Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 6307 | Foundations of Systems in Computer Science | 3 |
| CSCI 6312 | Advanced Internet Applications Programming | 3 |
| CSCI 6314 | E-Commerce Systems and Implementation | 3 |
| CSCI 6315 | Applied Database Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 6316 | Design for Information Technology Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 6318 | Cybersecurity and Forensics | 3 |
| CSCI 6381 | Independent Research and Study | 3 |
Capstone Requirement
| CSCI 6390 | Master?s Project | 3 |
| | Written Comprehensive Exam | |
Thesis Option:
Designated Electives (15-18 Credits)
Free Electives (0-3 Credits)
| CSCI 6180 | Problems in Computer Science | 1 |
| CSCI 6303 | Principles of Information Technology Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 6307 | Foundations of Systems in Computer Science | 3 |
| CSCI 6312 | Advanced Internet Applications Programming | 3 |
| CSCI 6314 | E-Commerce Systems and Implementation | 3 |
| CSCI 6315 | Applied Database Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 6316 | Design for Information Technology Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 6318 | Cybersecurity and Forensics | 3 |
| CSCI 6381 | Independent Research and Study | 3 |
Capstone Requirement (6 Credits)
Thesis
Total Credit Hours: 36