M.S. in Computer Science Curriculum & Courses

Required Coursework

All students are required to earn the following credit:

• 6 (six) credit hours of theory-based coursework. Students will pick TWO (2) classes from:
  • • CS 5381 - Analysis of Algorithms (AOA)
    • CS 5383 - Theory of Automata (TOA)
    • CS 5384 - Logic for Computer Scientists (LCS)
•  6 (six) credit hours of systems-based coursework. Students will pick TWO (2) classes from: 
  • • CS 5352 - Advanced Operating Systems Design (AOS)
    • CS 5375 - Computer Systems Organization & Architecture (COA)
    • CS 5368 - Intelligent Systems
•  1 (one) credit hour of graduate seminar. 
  • • CS 5120 - Graduate Seminar
      • Students are required to enroll in this course during their first semester in the program.

In addition to the above requirements, students will be required to earn elective credit.

Students may complete coursework from other departments at the discretion of the student's graduate advisor and/or thesis advisor (if applicable). 

Effective Fall 2025, the MSCS is 31 credit hours. This is only for students starting the program in Fall 2025. Students enrolled in prior semesters must complete the 37 credit hour program. 

Students can review concepts found in the above courses, by searching for them in the TTU Course Catalog. 

Search the Course Catalog Here

Distance Coursework

Our program offers coursework which can be completed 100% virtually (distance)*, meaning that students can earn a MSCS from anywhere. 

*Distance courses may have some synchronous, virtual components at the discretion of the instructor. CS faculty do their best to provide any synchronous requirements (e.g. exam scheduling, presentations) to students in advance so that they may plan accordingly. Distance students will NOT be required to come to the Lubbock campus* 

The MSCS diploma will not indicate that the degree was completed virtually. 

Thesis

In addition to the above requirements, students following the thesis-plan, must:

• Take at least 6 (six) credit hours of CS 6000 - Master's Thesis.
• Take 12−hours of Computer Science elective courses. 
• Complete and defend a master's thesis successfully.
• This option can only be selected with approval from Computer Science faculty. 

Master's Report 

The project option is application−oriented and includes the development of a software system. In the project/report−based options, students are required to:

• Earn 15 credit hours (5 classes) of Computer Science electives.
• Earn at least 3 (three) credit hours of CS 6001 - Master's Project, which can be taken at any time. 
• Complete an oral examination at the completion of the project or report.
• This option can only be selected with approval from Computer Science faculty. 
• This satisfies the comprehensive evaluation requirement. 

Master's Project

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. Students are required to:

• Earn 15 credit hours (5 classes) of Computer Science electives.
• Earn at least 3 (three) credit hours of CS 6002 - Master's Report, which can be taken at any time. 
• Complete an oral examination at the completion of the project or report.
• This option can only be selected with approval from Computer Science faculty. 
• This serves to satisfy the comprehensive evaluation requirement.

Non-Thesis

Students following the non-thesis plan may also opt to complete an internship CS 5000 - Practicum, or complete an Industry Career Certificate (ICC) to satisfy their comprehensive evaluation requirements. Distance students who work full-time in a relevant field may apply work experience to their comprehensive evaluation requirement.