Texas Tech University

M.S. in Computer Science Curriculum & Courses

Curriculum

General Requirements

Students pursuing the MS (thesis) degree require a total of 31 credits to graduate while students pursuing the MS (non-thesis) degree require a total of 37 credits to graduate. The credit hour breakup of these degree plans is as specified below. The Graduate School requires students to maintain a minimum of cumulative 3.0 GPA every semester. Students should not take any non-CS courses without departmental approval in advance.

Thesis−Based Plan (in addition to General Requirements)

In the thesis−based option, students are required to:

  • Take at least 6−hours of CS 6000 (Master's Thesis).
  • Take 12−hours of CS elective courses (3−hours of CS 7000 may be substituted for 3−hours of CS electives)
  • Complete and defend a master's thesis successfully.
  • Take 1-hour of  Seminar courses CS 5120

Non−Thesis−Based Plan (in addition to General Requirements)

In the non−thesis plan, the student may choose from the project/report− or exam−based options. The project option is application−oriented and includes the development of a software system. In the report option, a theoretical investigation is performed, such as proof of concept, algorithm development and/or analysis, a study to gather and analyze data, and logic proofs. Both are documented by a report. The exam−based option requires passing a written comprehensive examination.

In the project/report−based option, students are required to:

  • Take 7 computer science electives (3−hours of CS 7000 may be substituted for 3−hours of CS electives).
  • Take at least 3−hours of CS 6001 (Project) or CS 6002 (Report).
  • Complete, for the project, a software system with report or must complete, for the report, an investigation with report.
  • Complete an oral examination at the completion of the project or report.
  • Take 1-hour of Seminar courses CS5120 
  • The project will be solely evaluated by the project advisor.

In the exam−based option, students are required to:

  • Take 8 computer science electives.
  • Take 1-hour of Seminar courses CS5120.
  • NOT take CS 6000 or CS 7000 for credit towards his/her degree.
  • Pass a written, comprehensive examination near the end of his/her studies.

Leveling Requirements

Students who do not hold a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field may be required to complete undergraduate leveling work.

Without mathematics background

  • Statistics
  • Calculus I
  • Discrete Math
  • Data Structures
  • Algorithm Analysis
  • Operating Systems OR Computer Architecture

With mathematics background

  • Data Structures
  • Algorithm Analysis
  • Operating Systems OR Computer Architecture

Example Plan of Full−Time Study (Thesis−Based)

  • Fall Semester
    • Graduate Core Course
    • Graduate Core Course
    • Graduate Core Course
  • Spring Semester
    • Graduate Core Course
    • Graduate Elective Course
    • CS 7000 with Thesis Advisor
  • Summer Semester
    • CS 6000 with Thesis Advisor (Thesis Proposal defense at the end of the semester)
  • Fall Semester
    • Graduate Elective Course
    • Graduate Elective Course
    • CS 6000 with Thesis Advisor (Interview for jobs & Final Examination during this semester)

Example Plan of Full−Time Study (Non−Thesis−Based)

  • Fall Semester
    • Graduate Core Course
    • Graduate Core Course
    • Graduate Elective Course
  • Spring Semester
    • Graduate Core Course
    • Graduate Elective Course (Interview for internships at the College of Engineering job fair)
  • Summer Semester
    • Possible internship
  • Fall Semester
    • Graduate Core Course
    • Graduate Elective Course
    • Graduate Elective Course or CS 7000 with Project/Report Advisor
  • Spring Semester
    • Graduate Elective Course
    • Graduate Elective Course
    • Graduate Elective Course or CS 6001/6002 with Project/Report Advisor (Interview for jobs & Final Examination during this semester)

Department of Computer Science