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Degree Program ending 2023

Students choose one of the following options.

  1. Traditional Computer Science option
  2. Certificate option
  3. Professional Emphasis option

Based on the option, students must complete the common requirements and then additional specific requirements for each option.

Common Core Requirements

Candidates for the M.S. degree in Computer Science must complete 30 credit hours of course work in CMP SCI, subject to the Graduate School regulations (all must be 4000-level and above). Up to 6 hours can be completed outside CMP SCI in a related field, based on student’s interests with permission of the Graduate Director. Up to 9 credit hours can be transferred into the program.

At least 18 credit hours must be numbered 5000 and above, and at least 3 credit hours must be at the 6000-level (research courses or thesis). All courses numbered below 5000 must be completed with a grade of at least B-.

All students must complete the following core courses

  1. Programming Languages: CMP SCI 4250
  2. Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms: CMP SCI 5130
  3. Software Engineering: CMP SCI 5500

Students having prior similar courses may apply for a waiver if the course was passed at the undergraduate level (students will replace the core course with another) or credit if the course was passed at the graduate level. Students may also request a waiver based on demonstrated similar experience or a combination of courses and experience.

Students may choose to write an M.S. thesis under the direction of a graduate faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (CMP SCI 6900). A student writing an M.S. thesis must defend the thesis in an oral exam administered by a committee of three department members which includes the thesis director.

Additionally, students must attend at least five different seminars or colloquium presentations in the department prior to applying for graduation.


Traditional Computer Science Option

This option allows students to complete a traditional computer science graduate program. In addition to the common core requirements, students must also complete the following courses as part of the minimum 30 hours.

  1. Operating Systems: CMP SCI 4760
  2. Computer Systems: CMP SCI 5700

Certificate Option

This option is for students interested in a very specific area of study as indicated by a certificate. In addition to the common core requirements, students must complete any of the graduate certificates in the department as part of the minimum 30 hours.

For a list of current certificates visit http://umsl.edu/cs/certificates.

Professional Option

This option is for professionals already having a bachelor's degree and working in a computing/technology field for minimum of three years beyond graduation, and it allows them to return to school for an advanced degree while utilizing some professional experience. Potential applicants should contact the program director for guidance on the assessment process and can get up to 6 credit hours for their experience. Each case will be reviewed separately but in general one can expect up to one credit for each one year of related and documented experience.

Applicants must still satisfy all entry and graduation requirements.

More Information

For further information about our graduate degrees and certificates in Computer Science, financial aid, and the regulations of the Graduate School, see our page on graduate degrees.