Computer Science (M.S.)

Purdue University
Master of Science (M.S.)
Computer Science
College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science Building 125

Master of Computer Science Graduate Office, NF 366

Adolfo S. Coronado, Chair
260-481-6181

Seula Daily, Graduate Program Director
260-481-5777 or 260-481-6098

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.

College Scorecard

The U.S. Department of Education has created a scorecard for each university and its programs. The scorecard shows data for the university such as graduation rate, average annual cost, and median earnings. Then, when certain minimum standards have been met, data are available for a specific program. That data could include median earnings, median total debt, and number of graduates. The link below will help you learn more:

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?151102-Purdue-University-Fort-Wayne&fos_code=1107&fos_credential=5

Degree Requirements

Core Requirements: Credits 9

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

ACS 56000 - Software Engineering Cr. 3.
ACS 57400 - Advanced Computer Networks Cr. 3.
ACS 57500 - Database Systems Cr. 3.
CS 50300 - Operating Systems Cr. 3.
CS 57600 - Machine Learning Cr. 3.
CS 58000 - Algorithm Design Analysis And Implementation Cr. 3.

Thesis/Non-Thesis and Elective Requirements: Credits 21

Non-thesis Option
- Electives (21 credits): Choose from any CS/ACS graduate courses listed in the current Graduate Catalog (all generally require CS 26000 and STAT 51100 unless otherwise indicated, with additional prerequisites possible).
- Non-CS Graduate Course: Up to 3 credits may be from a graduate-level course outside CS (e.g., mathematics, engineering, technology, business) if approved in advance by your primary advisor.
- CS 59000 and CS 59300 Limits:
  - A combined total of 12 credits may be taken in CS 59000 (Independent Study) and CS 59300 (Topics).
  - Of those 12 credits, no more than 3 credits may be in CS 59000.
Thesis Option
- ACS 69800 - Research M.S. Thesis (6 credits): Required. This thesis spans two semesters and should involve a substantial research project.
- Electives (15 credits): Choose from any CS/ACS graduate courses listed in the current Graduate Catalog (all generally require CS 26000 and STAT 51100 unless otherwise indicated, with additional prerequisites possible).
- Non-CS Graduate Course: Up to 3 credits outside CS, with advisor approval.
- CS 59000 and CS 59300 Limits:
  - A combined total of 12 credits may be taken in CS 59000 (Independent Study) and CS 59300 (Topics).
  - Of those 12 credits, no more than 3 credits may be in CS 59000.

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.