Computer Science and Information Systems, M.S.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in computer science and information systems are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. An application for graduate admission.
2. Transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
3. Certificates of training in computer science/information systems if applicable.
4. Three recommendations from individuals in professionally relevant fields.
5. Applicant’s resume and a letter of interest.
6. Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) are optional, but recommended, if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0. Standardized test scores more than five years old at the time of application will not be considered.
7. Additional materials may be required (e.g., English language proficiency test scores for international students). English language proficiency test scores are valid for two years from the date the test is administered.
8. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by deadlines published by the Graduate School.

Each applicant must have a strong overall academic record and have successfully completed the undergraduate level prerequisites in computer science and information systems courses or their equivalent: two programming courses, and a course in each of data structures, database, software engineering or analysis and design, data communications or networking, financial accounting, marketing, finance, and management. Deficiencies in a student’s undergraduate preparation will be ascertained by the MSCSIS Advisory Committee. Placement tests may be administered to incoming students at the discretion of the advisory committee to assist with the evaluation of deficiencies.

Persons entering the program must have completed a basic core of computer science and information system courses. Professional experience may be accepted for some of the prerequisite coursework. Professional experience and/or coursework from other institutions must be approved by the MSCSIS Advisory Committee. Professional experience and/or technical certifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for any prerequisite substitution.

Admissions decisions are based upon the examination of several factors, and where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the established criteria may still be considered for admission.

Degree Requirements (30 total credit hours)

1. Programs leading to the Master of Science degree require a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate study. This includes six required core courses (18 credit hours) providing a mix of theoretical underpinning, technical skills, and information technology perspectives. Students must also take elective courses (12 credit hours) that provide the opportunity for additional study in a variety of areas to be determined by the student and his/her advisory committee. Students will have the option to complete either a research project or thesis as part of the program which will account for 6 credit hours of electives.
2. No more than 9 credit hours from those courses cross listed as 400/500 may be applied toward the degree. Graduate courses offered by other departments may be approved by the student’s advisory committee. A maximum of six credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to a “B” or better, and courses must be acceptable to the student’s advisory committee. A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate study must be completed in residence.
3. A student must have no less than a 3.0 GPA across all graduate-level courses.
4. The program shall be completed within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study.
5. No more than 6 credit hours from the list CSC 591 , MIS 591 , CSC 595 , and MIS 595  may be applied toward the degree.