Computer Science, M.S.
A bachelor’s degree equivalent to the B.S. in computer science at Baylor or the B.A. in computer science at Baylor with calculus II and linear algebra is the standard requirement for admission. The submission of GRE score is required for admission. For those applying with less than the standard preparation, the quality and adequacy of the admissions record will be evaluated by the Graduate Committee of the Department of Computer Science after reviewing the application for admission. Requirements which must be met before admission will be determined by that committee. These requirements will be in addition to requirements for the M.S. degree.
All work presented to meet the requirements for this degree must be approved by the student’s Advisory Committee or thesis Committee.
The Graduate Committee will appoint a graduate Advisory Committee for each student to monitor the progress of the student. The Master of Science program in computer science has two options, a thesis option and a project option.
Requirements for a MS in Computer Science
Thesis Option
The thesis option is designed for students who are interested in eventually obtaining a PhD in computer science or for well-qualified students who wish to complete a master’s degree in the shortest time possible.
An oral examination will be required of every student in the thesis option. There is no foreign language requirement for graduation.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CSI 5010 | Graduate Seminar (2 semesters) | 0 |
| CSI 5310 | Introduction to Computation Theory | 3 |
| CSI 5321 | Advanced Data Communications | 3 |
| CSI 5324 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSI 5335 | Advanced Database | 3 |
| CSI 5350 | Advanced Algorithms | 3 |
| CSI 5V92 | Master's Research | 3 |
| CSI 5V99 | Thesis | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select nine semster hours from the following: | 9 | |
Any other 5000-level CSI graduate courses, excluding 5199, 5v95, 5v96, and CSI foundation courses with the course number 530x. | ||
Up to one 5000-level course outside CSI, with approval 2 | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Project Option
The project option is designed for students interested in a terminal master’s degree. It is also appropriate for students who continue to work while obtaining the degree. This option is designed for a fall entry. The program is intended to be completed in two years by a full-time student, but it is structured so that additional time may be taken to complete the degree.
No oral examination is required for students in the project option. There is no foreign language requirement for graduation.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CSI 5010 | Graduate Seminar (2 semesters) | 0 |
| CSI 5310 | Introduction to Computation Theory | 3 |
| CSI 5350 | Advanced Algorithms | 3 |
| CSI 5324 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSI 5321 | Advanced Data Communications | 3 |
| CSI 5335 | Advanced Database | 3 |
| CSI 5V96 | Master's Project | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select twelve semester hours from the following: | 12 | |
Any other 5000-level CSI graduate courses, excluding 5199, 5v92, 5v95, 5v99, and CSI foundation courses with the course number 530x. | ||
Up to one 5000-level course outside CSI, with approval 2 | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
A student’s undergraduate preparation will normally include courses in Data Communications and Operating Systems. For students without prior course work in these areas, one of the following two courses may be taken for graduate credit:
Students should note that only one of these courses may count toward the master’s degree requirements.
- 2
With the approval of the graduate program director, the student may take one 5000-level course from outside the department. No more than one course from outside the department may count toward the master’s degree requirements.