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.
- Two different theory−based core courses chosen from:
- Two different system−based core courses chosen from:
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
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Address
Texas Tech University, Box 43104 | Lubbock, TX 79409-3104 -
Phone
806.742.3527 -
Email
webmaster.coe@ttu.edu