M.S. in Computer Science Overview

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is designed to strengthen knowledge in advanced computer science areas, including hardware systems, software systems, computer networks and applied computing. 

Effective Fall 2025, the MSCS is 31 credit hours. 

Participation in the thesis, project, or report options requires approval by faculty. 

Click here to for more information about Curriculum and Courses. 

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 in computer science and/or mathematics. 

Required Courses: 

• Statistics
• Calculus I
• Discrete Math
• Data Structures (CS 2413)
• Algorithm Analysis (CS 3364) 
• Operating Systems (CS 4352) OR Computer Architecture (CS 3375)

The Department of Computer Science's Graduate Admissions Committee will review your transcript during the application process to determine if you have satisfied the leveling requirements. Generally, courses on your transcript with titles similar to the courses listed above will be considered satisfactory. 

How to Satisfy Leveling Requirements

Option 1: Post Graduate Non-Degree Student (PGRD)

Applicants seeking nondegree admission in any category must:

1. Submit a formal application as far in advance of intended enrollment as possible. The application is available through the Office of Graduate Admissions.
2. Submit an official transcript showing the awarding of a bachelor's or higher degree. The degree must be substantially equivalent to one from Texas Tech. Transcripts for all other college level study must also be submitted. The applicant must have been in good standing in the school last attended.
3. Submit official, in good standing, transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.

After you have completed your leveling requirements, you will submit transcripts detailing leveling coursework with your application for the MSCS program. The Dept. of Computer Science Admissions Committee will review your application to determine if you have met the leveling requirements. 

Admission to a non-degree program is not a guarantee of admission to the MSCS program at a later date.

Additional questions on how to apply as a Post-Graduate Non-Degree Student should be forwarded to graduate.admissions@ttu.edu. 

Option 2: completion of approved professional certificates in coursera 

If your leveling courses are CS, you can consider the following options from Coursera:

• Data Structures (CS 2413) Data Structures and Performance certificate (UCSD)
• Design and Analysis of Algorithms (CS 3364)
  • Students can complete one of two options:
    • Algorithms Specialization certificate (Stanford), or
    • Algorithmic Toolbox certificate (UCSD)
• As of November 2024, the CS Dept. has not approved a Coursera equivalent to Computer Architecture (CS 3375) or Operating Systems (CS 4352). 

Coursera is an online platform that offers professional certificates at your own pace. 

Degree Plans

Degree plans for the MSCS (thesis, non-thesis, project and report) can be found here. 

Comprehensive Evaluation/Comprehensive Examination

All TTU graduate students MUST complete a comprehensive evaluation in order to graduate. There are five (5) different options for students in the CS Dept. to complete this:

1. Master's Thesis - Students must publicly defend their completed thesis to satisfy this requirement. Six (6) hours of CS 6000 - Master's Thesis AND CS faculty approval is required.
2. Complete an approved Industry Career Certificate through Coursera. Can begin as early as first semester in the program.
3. Work Experience - Students can participate in an approved internship/CPT (see grad advisor). The internship/CPT requires co-enrollment in CS 5000 - Practicum in Computer Science. Or professional students may ask that their full-time job be considered to satisfy this requirement (see grad advisor). 
4. Master's Project - Students will complete an oral examination wherein they present publicly on project results. Requires three (3) credit hours of CS 6001 - Master's Project AND CS faculty approval.
5. Master's Report - Students will complete an oral examination wherein they present publicly on project results. Requires three (3) credit hours of CS 6002 - Master's Report AND CS faculty approval.

The CS Dept. no longer offers an exam option. 

Transfer Coursework

Transfer credit may be accepted from another university as long as the following conditions are met:

• A final grade of 'B' or higher was earned in the course. Students are required to submit an official transcript submitted to the Graduate School. 
• The course was not taken by correspondence.
• The inclusion of the course satisfies degree plan requirements.
• The course is approved by the Graduate Advisor, Graduate Coordinator, and (if applicable) the student's thesis advisor.
• A Texas Tech University course corresponds to the transferred course.
• The course is from a computer science or similar program.
• A MS student may only transfer up to 6 hours (two classes). 

Application Deadlines

The preferred application deadlines for those interested in the MSCS program are as follows:

• Fall 2025 - 6/1/2025
• Summer 2025 - 2/1/2025

Please note that international applicants may have different recommended deadlines. We will continue to accept applications beyond the above deadlines. 

Have questions? Contact our CS Grad Advising Team! We're here to help! 

• General inquiries can be sent to cs.grad_advisor@ttu.edu. 
• Prospective students are welcome to schedule an appointment with advisors using Calendly.
  • Erin Engelhardt, last names A-L
  • Jessica Woodard, last names M-Z