Computer Science, MS

Program Description

The MS in Computer Science offers both a thesis and a non-thesis option.

To receive full admission to graduate study in computer science, a student must have taken intermediate-level undergraduate computer science, including computer organization, data structures, operating systems, either algorithms or theory of computation, and either compilers or survey of programming languages; and basic mathematics including discrete mathematics. An applicant with minimal deficiencies may be admitted with prerequisites, while one with several deficiencies may be required to satisfactorily complete prerequisite work as a non-degree student prior to admission as a graduate student.

For more information, please visit https://www.clemson.edu/cecas/departments/computing/academics/graduates/programsofstudy/msincs.html.

Combined BS/MS in Computer Science

Clemson Computer Science students may begin a Master of Science degree program while completing the Bachelor of Science degree and use a limited number of courses to satisfy the requirements of both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Students interested in this combined degree program should discuss it with the Computer Science graduate program coordinator and undergraduate program advisor. Students pursuing Senior Departmental Honors should also meet with the Computer Science Honors Coordinator. Application to this program should be made by the end of the junior year but may be made at any time from the junior year until one semester prior to the expected BS graduation. Application details are available in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Summary of Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

The thesis option includes a minimum of 24 hours of graduate credit and a minimum of six hours of master’s thesis research (CPSC 8910 ).

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option includes a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit, none of which may be master’s thesis research.

Coursework

There are no specific required courses. Students take three courses in one of the core areas defined in the graduate program handbook as an area of concentration and courses in at least two other core areas for breadth. For the thesis option, at least 21 of the 30 credits must be at the 8000 level or above, which includes the CPSC 8910 credits. For the non-thesis option, at least 18 of the 30 credits must be at the 8000 level or above. Students in the thesis option may include up to nine credits of approved courses from outside the School of Computing. Students in the non-thesis option may include up to 12 credits of approved courses from outside the School of Computing.

Outcomes, Learning Objectives, and Graduation Requirements

The MS in Computer Science has three Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students can frame a real-world problem such that it can be addressed computationally.
2. Students can evaluate multiple computational approaches to a problem and choose the most effective one. The different approaches may involve different algorithms and/or different software tools.
3. Students can apply reasoning and technical skills to solve a computational problem with minimal guidance.