MS in Computer Science (Non-Thesis Option)

Overview of Degree

The Master’s of Science degree in Computer Science (Non-Thesis Option) at The University of Georgia is a comprehensive program of study intended to give qualified and motivated students a thorough foundation in the theory, methodology, and techniques of Computer Science. Students who successfully complete this program of study will have a grasp of the principles and foundations of Computer Science. This degree program is designed for graduate students seeking careers in industry or government after graduation. The students will obtain skills and experience in up-to-date approaches to analysis, design, implementation, validation, and documentation of computer software and hardware. With these skills they will be well qualified for technical, professional, or managerial positions in government, business, industry, and education.

Prospective students are advised to consult The University of Georgia Graduate Bulletin for institutional information and requirements.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general University of Georgia policies set forth in the Graduate Bulletin, the following school policies apply to all applicants:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree is required, preferably with a major in Computer Science or an allied discipline. Students with insufficient background in Computer Science must take undergraduate Computer Science courses to remedy any deficiencies (in addition to their graduate program). A sufficient background in Computer Science must include at least the following courses (or their equivalent):

Course Name	Description
MATH 2250	Calculus I (Differential Calculus)
MATH 2260	Calculus II (Integral Calculus)
CSCI 1301	Introduction to Computing and Programming
CSCI 1302	Software Development
CSCI 1730	Systems Programming
CSCI/MATH 2610	Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
CSCI 2670	Introduction to Theory of Computing
CSCI 2720	Data Structures

 

2. Admission to this program is selective; students with a record of academic excellence have a better chance of acceptance. Students with exceptionally strong undergraduate records may apply for admission to the graduate program prior to fulfilling all of the above requirements.  

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores are required for admission consideration. International applicants also need TOEFL or IELTS official test scores.

4. Three letters of recommendation are required, preferably written by university professors familiar with the student's academic work and potential. If the student has work experience, one letter may be from his/her supervisor. Letters should be sent directly from the letter writer.

5. A one- or two-page personal statement outlining the student's background, achievements, and future goals is required.

6. A student may include a recent copy of his/her resume as part of the application packet; however, this is not required.

Graduate School Requirements

Additional requirements are specified by the Graduate School (application fee, general application forms, all transcripts, etc.). Please see the University of Georgia Bulletin for further information. Detailed admissions information may be found at Graduate School Admissions. Printed information may be obtained by contacting the

University of Georgia Graduate School
Brooks Hall
310 Herty Drive
Athens, GA 30602

phone: 706-542-1739
fax: 706-425-3094
e-mail: gradadm@uga.edu

Applications are processed on a year round basis. Students can be admitted for either semester (Fall or Spring). Please visit the Graduate School for application submission deadlines.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of at least 32 credit hours of resident graduate coursework. This includes the following three items:

1. at least 12 credit hours of Core CSCI graduate coursework at the 6000-level (see “Core Curriculum” below); 
2. at least 16 credit hours of Advanced CSCI graduate coursework at the 6000/8000-level (see “Advanced Coursework” below); this includes at least 8 credit hours at the 8000 level. The above (items 1 & 2) must include 12 credit hours of coursework open only to graduate students, exclusive of 6950 and 8990, as per Graduate School policy; 

3. at least 4 credit hours of MS CSCI NT Project coursework (CSCI 7200), spread over two semesters.

   *8000 level CSCI courses are 'graduate student only'. 6000 level CSCI courses as split level are 'graduate student only'. 

Typically, full-time students will take 9 to 15 hours per semester. See the CSCI section of the University of Georgia Bulletin for course descriptions. A program of study should be a coherent and logical whole; it requires the approval of the student’s Major Professor/Project Advisor (see below) and the school's Graduate Coordinator.

Note: no course with a grade of C+ or lower may be included on the student’s Program of Study (see the Graduate Bulletin for other GPA constraints). All CSCI courses for the Program of Study must be B- or better. 

Core Curriculum (Item #1)

At least one course from each of the following three groups must be taken:

Group 1: Theory

CSCI 6470 Algorithms
CSCI 6480 Approximation Algorithms
CSCI 6610 Automata and Formal Languages

Group 2: Software Design

CSCI 6050 Software Engineering
CSCI 6370 Database Management
CSCI 6570 Compilers

Group 3: System Design

CSCI 6720 Computer Systems Architecture
CSCI 6730 Operating Systems
CSCI 6760 Computer Networks: Technology and Application
CSCI 6780 Distributed Computing Systems

The core curriculum consists of a total of 12 credit hours.

Core Competency

Foundational computer science knowledge (core competency) in the core areas (Groups 1, 2, and 3, above) must be exhibited by each student and certified by the school. This takes the form of achievement in core curriculum. A grade average of at least 3.30 (e.g., B+, B+, B+) must be achieved for the three core courses. Students below this average may take an additional core course and achieve a grade average of at least 3.15 (e.g., B+, B+, B, B).

Core competency is certified by the student’s Major Professor/Project Advisor (see below) with the approval of the Graduate Coordinator. The student’s Major Professor/Project Advisor manages the core competency in cooperation with the student. Students are expected to meet the core competency requirement within their first two enrolled academic semesters (excluding summer semester). Core Competency Certification must be completed before approval of the Program of Study.

Advanced Coursework (Item #2)

In addition to the courses that satisfy the Core Competency ( in Item#1), students must take at least 16 credit hours of CSCI graduate-level coursework (including at least 8 credit hours of 8000-level courses). These courses, together with those in Item #1 (and possibly other elected CS courses), should contain at least 12 credit hours of 8000-level or 6000-level graduate only CSCI courses.  

Master’s Project and Report (Item #3)

To satisfy this requirement, minimum 4 credit hours of CSCI 7200 (2-6 credit hours; repeatable up to 12 credit hours) Master’s Project must be taken, spread over the student’s two semesters. The CSCI 7200 course involves an applied research project under the direction of the student’s Major Professor/Project Advisor and 2nd Professor to guide the student through two semesters. The professors for the MS Project can be: two tenured track professors, or one tenure track professor and one lecturer, from School of Computing only. School of Computing courtesy faculty are acceptable.  As part of the requirements, a comprehensive report must be prepared detailing the student's procedures and findings regarding the completed project work. The completed final MS project comprehensive report and the final MS project form with signatures of both professors, with project grade will be both uploaded into eLearning Commons (eLC) by the second semester of the MS project.  The final project grade is S/U.  

Non-Departmental Requirements

Non-departmental requirements are set forth by the Graduate School (see the Graduate Bulletin). They concern residence, time limits, programs of study, acceptance of transfer credits, minimum GPAs, thesis, and final examination.

Graduation Requirements

Before the end of the second semester in residence, a student must begin submitting forms to the Graduate School, through the Graduate Coordinator, including a Program of Study Form. The Major Professor/Project Advisor must come from the Computer Science Faculty (Professors/Lecturers). The Program of Study Form indicates how and when degree requirements will be met and must be formulated in consultation with the student's Major Professor/Project Advisor. An Application for Graduation Form must also be submitted directly to the Graduate School.

Forms and Timing must be submitted as follows:

1. Core Competency Form (Departmental) - beginning of third semester 
2. Program of Study Form (G138) - semester before the student’s last semester
3. Application for Graduation Form ( in Athena) - beginning of last semester
4. MS Project Form-end of final semester of CSCI 7200 4 credit completion (effective, spring 2023 and onward)
5. MS Project due at end of final semester of CSCI 7200 4 credit completion
6. Graduate Advisory Committee-(Enrolled Student Progress Portal)- to assign your Major professor

See “Important Dates and Deadlines” on the Graduate School’s website