Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, M.S.


Return to: 3210 Department of Computer Science  

For the M.S. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics concentration and Security and Privacy concentration are available. The M.S. degree program in computer science provides students with advanced training in the fundamental principles and processes of computation. Graduate laboratory, research, and teaching assistantships are available to graduate students.

The computer science department accepts applications for the M.S. program each semester with the general deadlines applying. However, in order to be considered for graduate assistantships, applicants must have all application materials in by February 15 for fall semester and by August 15 for spring semester.

Applicants may obtain additional information about the Department of Computer Science by contacting csgrad@gsu.edu.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Computer Science has the following requirements:

  1. A baccalaureate degree in computer science, or equivalent. While we welcome capable students with non-computer-science degrees, they may need some foundation courses.
  2. A supplemental application for computer science.
  3. A statement of background and goals.
  4. Three letters of recommendations from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate work in computer science.
  5. GRE (General) score.

Degree Requirements


A grade of B must be earned for all courses counting toward Computer Science graduate degrees.

Foundation Coursework


If any of the following foundation courses in Computer Science or Mathematics have not been taken in another program, these must be completed at the earliest. 4000-level foundation courses must be taken as their 6000-level counterparts by graduate students.

Computer Science


Foundation coursework in computer science with a grade of B or higher in each.

Mathematics


Foundation coursework in mathematics that includes a standard elementary calculus sequence (MATH 2211 and MATH 2212) with a grade of B or higher in each.

Research Training Course


A research training course which must be taken in the first semester.

Graduate-Level Coursework (24 Hours)


To be taken in consultation with an academic adviser, and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies, with a grade of B or higher in each course.

  • Sixteen hours of computer science courses at the 8000-level, exclusive of Research, Thesis Research, and Independent Study courses.
  • An additional eight hours of graduate-level coursework, exclusive of Research, Thesis Research and Independent Study courses.

Thesis/Project/Course Only (Minimum of 6-8 Hours)


Thesis Option


Minimum of six hours of Thesis Research (CSC 8999). A thesis committee must be set up no later than two semesters after completing any foundation courses. This work should culminate in the writing of a thesis. The thesis must be defended successfully in an oral examination. This examination will pertain to, but is not limited to, the subject matter of the thesis.

Project Option


Minimum of four hours of CSC 8930 in which the student completes a project and an additional four hours of graduate-level coursework in computer science at the 6000 level or above exclusive of Foundation Research, Thesis Research, and Independent Study courses. Students may substitute one hour of CSC 8930 with one hour of Internship CSC 8940. The project must be supervised by a computer science graduate faculty adviser. The student must write a report on the project and pass an oral final examination given by an ad hoc faculty committee headed by the project adviser. This examination will pertain to, but is not limited to, the subject matter of the project.

Course Only Option


One credit hour of CSC 8901 in which the student covers the topics in core areas of computer science, recent developments, and future directions. In addition, two additional courses, one at the 6000-level or above in computer science exclusive of Foundation courses, Research, Thesis Research, and Independent Study courses and the other at the 8000-level exclusive of Research, Thesis Research, and Independent Study courses.

Graduate Assistants Requirements


Graduate assistants are required to register for a minimum of 20 credit hours per semester. These hours will consist of the required courses outlined in the prescribed program of study, as well as one hour of CSC 8920 (if necessary), and additional hours of CSC 8981 and/or CSC 8982.