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The Master of Science in Computer Science requires completion of at least 37 semester credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. The full-time program typically spans four semesters of 15 weeks each and an additional semester to complete a thesis or comprehensive examination, for a total of two calendar years. The part-time program typically spans twelve semesters (including summer semesters) for a total of four calendar years. Students may choose to complete the program in less time by following an alternative three-year course sequence. For candidates with a lack of experience in computer graphics or mathematics, some articulation classes may be required.

This is a sample sequence of courses for a student in the 2023-2024 academic cohort. This sequence should not be used for advising purposes. Instead, contact your Student Success Advisor for assistance.

Full-Time MS in Computer Science Sample Course Sequence

SemesterCourseRequired or RecommendedCredits
Semester 1CS 525
Object-Oriented Design and Programming
R3
CS 529
Fundamentals of Game Development
R3
Elective
Any CS, MAT, or PHY course.*
E3
Semester Total9
Semester 2GAM 541
Game Project
R3
CS 541
Advanced Computer Graphics
R3
Elective
Any CS, MAT, or PHY course.*
E3
Semester Total9
Semester 3Concentration Elective
See Degree Requirements for more information.
R3
GAM 550
Advanced Game Project
R3
CS 601 or Elective
Master’s Thesis or CS, MAT, or PHY course.*
R/E3
CS 598
Computer Science Seminar†
R1
Semester Total10
Semester 4Concentration Elective
See Degree Requirements for more information.
R3
GAM 551
Advanced Game Project
R3
CS 602 or Elective
Master’s Thesis II or CS, MAT, or PHY course.*
R/E3
Semester Total9
Semester 5Thesis Defense or Comprehensive Examination‡
Degree Total (minimum credits required)37

Part-Time MS in Computer Science (4-Year Plan) Sample Course Sequence

SemesterCourseRequired or RecommendedCredits
Semester 1CS 525
Object-Oriented Design and Programming
R3
Semester 2CS 541
Advanced Computer Graphics
R3
Semester 3Elective
Any CS, MAT, or PHY course.*
E3
Semester 4CS 529
Fundamentals of Game Development
R3
Semester 5GAM 541
Master’s Game Project
R3
Semester 6Elective
Any CS, MAT, or PHY course.*
E3
Semester 7Concentration Elective
See Degree Requirements for more information.
R3
Semester 8Concentration Elective
See Degree Requirements for more information.
R3
Semester 9CS Elective or CS 601
CS Elective or Master’s Thesis I
R3
Semester 10GAM 550
Advanced Game Project
R3
CS 598
Computer Science Seminar†
R1
Semester 11GAM 551
Advanced Game Project
R3
Semester 12CS Elective or CS 502
CS Elective or Master’s Thesis II
R3
Thesis Defense or Comprehensive Examination‡
Degree Total (minimum credits required)37

*At least one math elective must be selected.

†CS 598 - Computer Science Seminar (1 credit) is required and can be taken during any semester.

‡If the thesis defense or comprehensive examination is scheduled to take place during a fall or spring semester and all other coursework has already been completed, then the student must register for MCM 600 in order to meet the continuous matriculation requirement. See the course description for MCM 600 for additional information.

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