Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Computer Science (M.S.)


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Purdue University
Master of Science (M.S.)
Department of Computer Science  
College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science

Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science Building 125

Beomjin Kim, Chair
260-481-6180 or 481-6803

Jin Soung Yoo, Graduate Program Director
260-481-6946


The Master of Science with a major in computer science (CS) is designed to meet the objectives of students with a professional interest in computer-related fields and to help meet the computing expertise needs of their employers. Our curriculum covers the major traditional areas of computer science: algorithms and theory, software engineering, database systems, computer security and networks, and computer systems, and reflects current trends in the computing and information discipline.  Courses of the program stress a hands-on approach, applying theory to the practical problems of developing computing and information systems with large software content. To meet the needs of working professionals, courses are primarily offered in the evening.

Graduates of the program will be in a position to assume leadership roles in:

  • Formulating and assessing requirements for complex software-based systems;
  • Using the principles of systems analysis and software engineering to design, implement, and test complex software-based systems
  • Providing technological and managerial perspectives on information management and data analytics; and
  • Keeping abreast of technological advancements in various areas including software engineering, network and information security, big data, machine learning, and data visualization.

Financial Aid

  • There are a limited number of graduate teaching assistantships available that include a stipend and substantial fee remission. Generally these are not available to first-term students.

Program Delivery

  • On-campus

Declaring This Major

General Requirements

Admission Requirements


Applicants to the program should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, information systems, technology, engineering, mathematics, or another undergraduate degree in relevant areas such as business, and significant experience in professional computer practice. Program entrance requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, proficiency in a high-level computer language equivalent to a two-semester college course, a course in data structures, a course in statistics or probability based on two semesters of calculus, and a course in finite or discrete mathematics. 

As an example, the following PFW courses satisfy the admissions requirements for the computer science graduate program:

  • CS 26000 - Data Structures Cr. 3.
  • MA 17500 - Discrete Mathematics Cr. 3.
  • STAT 51100 - Statistical Methods Cr. 3.

The admission process is selective and meeting the above minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. No Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score is required for the admission.

These requirements are in addition to the standard admission requirements of the Purdue Graduate School.

Degree Requirements


Curriculum Requirements


The curriculum requires 30 credit hours of approved graduate credit chosen with the guidance of a graduate advisor. Six of the 30 credit hours will be chosen from the following courses:

Remaining Requirements


  • Non-thesis Option

The remaining 24 credit hour minimum will be chosen from the CS courses listed in the Graduate Catalog. All of these courses have CS 26000 and STAT 51100 or equivalents as prerequisites unless stated otherwise. Many have additional undergraduate prerequisites. A limited number of other graduate courses in mathematics, engineering, and occasionally business may be approved on an individual basis.

  • Thesis Option

ACS 69800  - Research M.S. Thesis (6 credits) is requested.  The thesis topic should be substantial, spanning through two semesters. The remaining 18 credit hours will be chosen from the CS/ACS courses listed in the Graduate Catalog.

Total Credits Required: 30


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies and procedures governing your academic career.  All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the Graduate Director.

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