The Masters program is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of two kinds of students: those who have just completed an undergraduate degree in computer science and want to further their studies, and those with degrees in areas other than CS who seek to broaden their education in the discipline. For admission to the program, however, even those with non-CS degrees must have a strong enough background in CS courses that the admissions committee can make educated judgments about their potential for success in a graduate program. The extent of the background coursework that is required is a decision made by the admissions committee.
The department offers two Masters degrees: the MA, which requires a thesis, and the MSCS, which does not require a thesis but which does require additional classes. Students who are admitted to the Masters program do not need to declare which degree they intend to pursue. Students may apply to receive either degree whenever they have completed the requirements for the degree they seek.
Students who first enrolled prior to 2006 may elect to graduate under the requirements of the old program.
