Computer Science (M.S.)

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

Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science Building 125

Adolfo S. Coronado, Chair
260-481-6181 or 481-0663

Seula Daily, Graduate Program Director
260-481-5777

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

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:

ACS 56000 - Software Engineering Cr. 3.
CS 58000 - Algorithm Design Analysis And Implementation Cr. 3.
CS 50300 - Operating Systems Cr. 3.
ACS 57400 - Advanced Computer Networks Cr. 3.
The completion of ACS560 or CS580 will be required for the curriculum.

Remaining Requirements

Non-thesis Option

The remaining 24 credit hour minimum will be chosen from the CS/ACS 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

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. If you cannot complete all program requirements by your stated graduation date but fail to remove those from your plan of study, the Registrar’s Office in consultation with your academic advisor will remove unmet pursuits from your plan of study. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the Graduate Director.